Owning a house was long one of the largest factors in achieving the American dream. While it has somewhat fallen from being a top goal with the younger generations – many of whom still live with their parents – it is still something worth striving to obtain.
Buying a house is the easiest way to obtain one, naturally, but if one is able to find a house that is listed for $20,000 or less, it is unlikely to be livable – it will likely need a lot of work before it is safe to dwell in, and that work will cost money.
Building a house may seem out of reach, as well, as it costs, on average, about $315,000. The cost per square foot is often $100 or more, up to $500 depending on customizations. This makes it seem impossible to build a house for only $20,000, but it can be done!
One of the main factors that will allow an individual to build a house for $20000 or less is labor. Choosing to make the house into a do-it-yourself project will save thousands on labor costs. There are some parts of the building that require professionals – especially if building within city limits –because of building codes that must be followed. However, there are many parts of the house that can be done personally.
A tiny house is one of the types of small homes that is an excellent option for building a house for 20000 dollars or less. Because it takes up less space, it generally costs less to build. It is also somewhat easier to build with minimal people involved. These can be made with a wooden frame, on wheels for portability, by using a shipping container, an arched framework, a converted vehicle, or other ways. Creating a house with these methods may not require a building permit, depending on local regulations.
Another thing to consider when building a tiny house is its exterior. Because it’s the first thing that people see, you want to choose something that will make it look nice and reflect your personality. Aside from keeping your tiny home pretty, a good choice of siding should also help seal your home. It also works to protect your home from pest infestation and moisture damage. The exterior siding of your home will also help insulate it from the very warm to very cold outside temperatures.
In choosing the best siding option for off-grid tiny home, consider both its functionality and appearance. Because you want to choose something that’s lightweight and, at the same time, durable, your best options include vinyl, steel, and wood. Your choice will depend on your style preferences, climate, and budget.
Another factor that increases the cost is electrical wiring. Choosing to build a home off the grid will reduce the costs by a fair amount, especially if it is to be completely non-electric, as this will remove the need to hire an electrician or purchase the parts.
One of the most common expenses is plumbing. Most people prefer to have indoor plumbing, for obvious reasons. If the property on which the house is to be built is off grid, this may increase plumbing expenses because of the added need for a septic tank and a well; however, these are not requirements, even though they are definitely preferable. Many off grid homeowners choose to have an outhouse and a well with a hand pump (which can be in the kitchen but may be outside the kitchen door). Some have a cistern that is filled with caught water such as rain and dew.
Materials are likely to be the biggest cost, especially in a do-it-yourself scenario. Sometimes this cost can be reduced by recycling materials from structures that are being torn down, or by using earth bags. It is necessary to compare costs, because sometimes salvaging materials can end up costing more than purchasing new. However, even if one is able to salvage enough materials to put together a home at a low cost, it is important to remember that salvaged materials are already used and may be weathered, meaning they are likely to need repair or replacement sooner than new materials.
If the property chosen is wooded, it may be possible to create lumber from the trees on the property. While logs are generally an option, it tends to be better to use treated lumber, so it is a good idea to process the trees when possible, or have it done. If enough lumber is available on the land, one may be able to make a deal to have the lumber processed for a portion of the resulting lumber.
Building your own tiny home can be done. You need to sit down and plan how you want your tiny house to look like, what materials you need, and understand the whole process. There’s a good chance that you’ll encounter challenges while you’re on it, especially if it’s your first time with home construction. What’s important is that you’ll learn many things along the way, and, in the end, you’ll be proud and happy with the results.