Have you considered building your own home with your own two hands?

Question

I'm thinking about it myself. I've got the time, (some of) the money and some of the skills, I plus i'd like to be able to achieve something I can be proud of. Have you ever thought about it, attempted it or actually achieved it? I'd be interested in hearing about it....

Answer 1

Yes, my family tried doing this. Don't try to build your own house unless you have a good place to stay for several months/years! It took us over two years to build our house, and we lived in a small camp trailer during that time. Depending on where you live, there will also be various inspections and permits that will need to take place before and during the time you build the house. If you are really set on building the house, make sure you have adequate time and money or your half-finished home will rot in the weather if you cannot complete it.

Answer 2

Some of the skills is a more important issue than "some" or even ALL of the money.

Beyond that fact that it's a daunting task, that should never be considered "alone", it is as involved a project as you can imagine. No offense, but having "some" of the skills might suggest you will only complete "some" of the project, and will very likely have to consult with, and hire, professionals for certain areas you are without skills or knowledge in. Even an educated, talented Architect, may not have the skills beyond designing to actually implement and complete a quality construction.

Certainly it's a great thought and goal, and I have suggestions. Without knowing your age, skill levels, financial situation, access to materials, having a design in mind, You can begin very subtly by learning all you can, doing as much research as you can, and rationally engage in any project slowly, intelligently, and safely.

Start by building a yard shed, a patio, a raised deck where you currently live. Those beginnings will give you some basic knowledge of rough contsruction, often applied to a house.

Another suggestion, perhaps more valid, is take your skills, contact your local "Habitat for Humanity" agency, and get involved with them. Not only might you be able to apply what skills you have, but can learn from others on a job site,,,as well as doing a great service for someone in need.

Rev. Steven

Answer 3

I started building the shop of my dreams six months ago. I work in the construction industry and have all of the skills. Some things are a lot easier to accomplish when you have a "crew". My shop will be completed "soon"; however; It is taking much longer than my wife would like. I've been "dried in" for quite some time, and feel some things are best done right not quickly.
My point is ...If you don't have a knowledge of how to schedule a project of that size , you should leave it to a professional. Hire a general contractor, and act as a sub-contractor in the areas of which you are knowledgeable. This will keep the project moving at a steady pace, and give you the satisfaction of having completed parts of it yourself. It'll save you time and money.

Answer 4

Dribble,

My husband and I just achieved this goal. My husband is a builder, so he had all of the skills, and I was the sidekick. We worked side by side for 16 months--he took almost a year off work, and we worked every night and weekend.

We subbed out the concrete, the plumbing and the heating, and the drywall. Everything else, we did on our own. We are very proud of the work, and our sons were part of the project, too.

You'll need to carefully evaluate what your skills are, and know what portions to hire done. You don't want to end up living in a house where you constantly think, "If only I would have..."

Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

Building your own home is a dream that most people have. However, actually taking on the job is of monumental proportion. I have been in the construction industry for 20 yrs. and have seen many people tend to the task themselves and most of those people said they just wish they would have hired someone to do it for them. If you do it yourself, at some point you will have to hire someone to do something that you don't have the knowledge to do. BE CAREFUL, there are alot of people out there that will take advantage of you or perform substandard work. Also never pay anyone anything until the job is done or has been inspected and passed on areas that have to be inspected. But my best advice to you would be to hire a qualified contractor to build the home for you.

Answer 6

It's one of my life dreams... that 'thing I want to do before I die'. I don't know if it's more about leaving my mark on the world, be it ever so temporary... or if it's just because I want to have a home that is completely refined in every way to meet my specific requirements... not some structure that I chose to live in because it was 'close enough'.

Answer 7

As davy crocket as the venture sounds, you could pay a CONSTRUCTION COMPANY to build a house for you. That way, the job will get done properly, and you can MAKE MONEY while they're busy, instead of HAMMERING YOUR THUMBS.

Sorry to be the monsoon on your harvest parade

Answer 8

I've often thought about straw bale construction...cheaper, more earth friendly and excellent insulation.

I personally don't have the strength to do it (disabled upper body) but If I could, I would...it would be so gratifying.

More power to you.

Answer 9

Yes , I'm right there with you and I will do just that before I get too old. But some things I'll leave to the pros

Answer 10

yes.. it sound fun and its something to do
go ahead and try it! what are u waiting for.. next thing u know u can sale the homes u make and make a load of mone off of that.. Try It..