What is the best way to build my own home?

Question

What is the best way to build my own home? I want to build a home that inexpensive to build, materials are easy to come by, cheap, efficient, etc.

Assume I have purchased a plot of land somewhere. 2 acres of land. The land is flat, soil is slightly rocky. Weather is moderate.

I have considered building using concrete, or even trash/rubbish. The goal here is not necessarily to be all Eco friendly and "green".

How much would it cost?

I there any way to only build part of the house at a time? and add rooms/floors later?

Are basements a bad idea?

(can't think of more stuff. feel free to comment what your dream home would be.)

Answer 1

Your 1st sentence easy, (because you know little about building)if you want to build it yourself, contract with a pre-fab manufacturers. They will shop build all your walls and floor and roof framing and deliver to your site. They will have a layout plan that numbers all sections, making assembly easy.There is nothing inexpensive, easy to come by, cheap, efficient.

Depending on the part of the country you plan to build, there are Building Codes that may have to be followed to build. The codes are for YOUR protection. Building with your pocket in mind, insulate to the max. is a must. It will pay for its self in a short time saving you in utilities for the life of the home. Use a minimum of windows and try to have them on the North and South sides, with the front and rear facing the North and South.

Basements are NOT practical on flat land. No problem to build in phases, just remember the 1st part would have to include your kitchen and 1 bath room. Most careful consideration should be used in the planning before ya buy nails!

Answer 2

Great post!  I completely understand your question.  Money is hard for a lot of people right now since the enconomy is going down.  My friend told me about this website of an organization that gives people up to $1500 towards their rent or mortgage.  It's available in most areas, so I think you should check it out.

http://www.renters-mortgage-assistance.o...

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

check out straw bale housing, cheap energy efficient.  the exterior walls are make of straw bales covered with a natural or cement stucco. in terior walls can be straw bale or common framing.  

No matter what kind of unconventional building you want, the hardest part is getting the permists which involves educating the people in charge of it and reassuring them your house won't fall down or randomly burst into flame.

good luck!

A basement depends on your location, type of soil, depth or the water table, etc.