Could you build a house for $20,000?

Question

I'm just looking for some fun and creative ideas to build a vacation home for three or four weeks out of the year. Anything considered.

Answer 1

Try to find a stash of old Mother Earth News magazines. They frequently contain articles about people who have been very creative about building homes on tight budgets, most of the articles are quite detailed and contain a lot of good information and good ideas. You also might want to look into yurts (http://www.yurts.com/), small geodesic domes (http://www.pacificdomes.com/shelter_domes.html), straw bale construction (http://www.epsea.org/straw.html), and Katrina cottages (http://www.cusatocottages.com/index_content.html). You might find something that interests you.

Good luck!

Edit:

Here's an example of one of the articles from Mother Earth News:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/DIY/2006-06-01/Build-this-Cozy-Cabin.aspx

Answer 2

it kind of depends on what all you want. If you are open to alternative building methods, such as rammed earth, you can build the basic building rather cheaply. It's hard work, but doesn't cost a lot unless the materials needed are not available on site. You could also use stone if the site has stones on it. If you use what is readily available, you save much of the cost. You will be trading hard work for using cash. How you finish it out will determine the overall cost. Jacuzzi or whatever gets expensive. also your energy source can be troublesome. If power and water are not readily available, you can eat up the 20 grand just getting them in.

Answer 3

Yes you can.... if; you are very handy with tools and have extensive building knowledge, or know lots of good knowledgeable friends. 2nd. you will have to use used , salvaged lumber, its do-able. You would have to already own the land ( helps to store "found" material. Another option is a Quonset metal , insulated building. There are many that you can erect on a weekend with a half-dozen friends. You can then adapt the inside as you go. make plans before you build for either installed septic or a composting toilet. Start by making sure what the local code REQUIRES for your building area/spot... Good luck!