Anyone used a 'kit' for self build house?

Question

Anyone got any words of wisdom/advice regarding costs etc to buy a wooden framed house kit for self build. I realise that there must be hundreds of various styles to choose from but just for an idea on costs say a reasonable looking 4/5 bed house. How much to buy the kit & how much is possible for an average keen handy diy'er to do?

Answer 1

With no offense to 1 and 2, I have some suggestions. Too bad though that you didn't state where you are?

First of all to build a house (wood Frame) much like a usually frame built house, is going to be difficult to find. I disagree that KITS/Prefabs are a bad idea, and I've found DOZENS of online links designed for just that purpose. One in particulra isn't PRETTY, and isn't strictly wood, but it's functional, inexpensive, and can be embellished.
In many states Log cabin or similar KIT houses are sold and delivered to the Site.

SEARS no longer makes KIT HOMES. I've worked for them, and worked on a few, and THEY were excellent, but not very cost effective for Sears, who BTW is now under the really flimsy "K mart" Blanket.

In Washington state there were dozens of KIT house sellers, and they kits, even shown in exploded views at various plants were great, and had instrcutions as well as warantees, and site help as well as Tech help.

I have no real clue regarding cost, and it may be that in the end, you'd be better off buying a pre built FIXER? Obviously a house that comes to you in railroad box cars will be less than the outrageous costs this country now endures for some of the worst trash I've ever seen under construction.

If ya wanna move to FIJI,,,smiles. I suggest you can but an acre and a kit house for less than 75 K.

Another issue is where to live in the meantime. How much help might you get. What in fact is your budget ability beyond the shell? If you check JIM WALTERS and their locations, they still do a great project house to various chosen stages.

On site delivery will likely cost as much as the kit. AND the initial PREP is extremely valid.

Since you took the time to come here, and might enjoy "WINDOW shopping" for housing, why not just do a WWW/Browser/keyword search, and define it to where you want the KIT?

Lots more could be said, but hopefully you get the point. Good luck

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Kit timber frame homes are great, but they are a not job for a diyer you need to be a good carpenter and the panels are usually positioned with a crane.

They tend to cost a little more for materials but you save loads on labour. A good bunch of chippies will have a building watertight in a week (from DPM to roof felt).

look at this website to get a better idea of prices and designs

http://www.mapletimberframe.com/

Answer 3

I have heard bad things about prefabricated home kits. The walls tilt and warp and leave no room for variables. But the home kit from sears for example I haven't heard anything bad about. From what I understand you buy one of the blue-prints and they ship you every piece needed to build that home.

Answer 4

Kit for a self build house..?
Must come in a very big box..

I wish my house was self build...cost me a fortune having someone build it for me.

Answer 5

I asked this question in Ireland last year and was told £150.000 would buy the land , kit house and labour to build it. Good luck

Answer 6

prefab is not the way to go, man. get some prints made up for what you want. and stick build it. i learned a long ime ago that when building a house, that tab A does not always fit into slot B.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

JUST BUY LEGO--ITS MILES CHEAPER