I want to build a small, cheap, and relatively Earth-friendly home...?

Question

do you know the best way for me to do this? I don't have much knowledge or experience in terms of building... I am used to being in the office more than construction...

I would appreciate any non-judgemental input!

If the environment impacts the effectiveness or suitability, I live in temperate Southeast U.S.

Answer 1

Hi Trey,
First, get out of the office and look. Check out every building site, every home, even every barn or garage.
Check out the areas that you might like to build. Which suburb, which state? What are the necessities of the building. Is it freezing cold for 9 months of the year, or is it in the middle of the desert with 50 deg C days and 2 deg C nights?
Start making lists of what you require in a small home. 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. List all of your requirements. Also keep a check on what you actually like. From designs and floorplans to building materials, to wall and window styles. EVERYTHING!!!
How much maintenance do you want to do in the future? Minimal maintenance is usually brick whereas mudbrick or strawbale require a reasonable amount of maintenance to keep them up to scratch.
If you want to owner build, start getting some experience. Every time you see someone building ANYTHING ask if you can help. This will also allow you to evaluate your skills that would help you decide if you can or actually want to build it yourself.
Go to your local library and borrow every book you can on architecture, building, self-sufficency, environmentally friendly building.
As you read more and evaluate your own skills you may well find your tastes change.
Surf the net. There is an absolutly incredible amount of info there. More than enough to get you started. If you live in an area (I am in Australia and there isnt anywhere the building code doesnt cover) where your building code doesnt need to be followed or you dont need approval there is enough info on the net to get you started and well and truly finished.
If you want to use recycled materials, find somewhere to start storing them. Be really critical of what you buy. There really isnt any point in collecting 30 beautiful doors if you only need 3.
Build something small. Start with a dog kennel - give it away if you dont have a dog. If you enjoy it great, if you hate it and dont finish then maybe owner building isnt for you.
I should clarify that here, owner building doesnt have to mean doing everything yourself. You can still contract out all of the work, it just means that you are not paying for someone else to organise the work being done.
Check out some of the kit home web sites. There is some fantastic small homes available. You dont have to order one, but its great to be able to see what the floor plan actually looks like in reality. There is some big difference in what is called small.
Given you lack of experience in building I would imagine the task is daunting, but there is a load of help out there, there is also many places that offer hands on training. Many books and websites offer a wealth of practical information. Much is written in basic terms.
Check out secondhand book shops, you may find some really helpful stuff.
Start saving money. You will need it in bucketloads. Small homes dont have to cost a lot, but they still cost.
Dont let your inexperience put you off. There is no reason why enthusiasm, ingenuity and self belief can not see you thru.
Good Luck
Jo

Answer 2

I don't know anything about home building but here's the advice I will give you. My friend's dad built his business, a bakery, from the ground up, no knowledge at all. he did it by taking classes at the local community college and technical school. He started off taking a few classes about construction. When I came time for the bathroom he took at class on plumbing. Wiring, he took a class on electricity etc.
As for making it environmental friendly. mkaesure you have windows that let a minimal of heat get in or out. Propane for water heating is good.
You might want to try windmills and solar panels.

Answer 3

Where do you live? A grade on slab, heat in the floor, 2x6 walls. 24 ft. by 24 ft. will make a nice starter home!