Can you build your own home?

Question

If you have no other building experience would it still be possible to build your own home? And do homes HAVE to be to a certain code?

Answer 1

Building codes are not that daunting, certain number of windows of a certain size, plumbing that won't kill you, a roof that won't blow away in a storm...etc. get the CABO book from your town hall and their amendments and rock on! Fear of such things kept me from building the home of my dreams and now I'm too old to do it and get it paid for, so get what you want now and don't try to please the world, some people are not meant to live in rectangles with 95 1/2 inch ceilings and french doors off the family room! Get the advice of a good architect/engineer and do what feels right! OR just build it out of hay bales and dare them to say something about it...off the pigs man!

Answer 2

Going by your second question, I'd say, you have a lot to learn.

I retired from the "business" after 47 years and have built more homes then you have probably walked into.

To build a stick home you have to follow all the rules for safety and comfort. There are codes for everything you put into a home. A inspector told me once "every nail you pound into that house has to be inspected" and in some places, he's right.
Every electrical outlet, every piece of plumbing, all the walls and floors have to be inspected.

It takes an average of two years to four years to go through journey mans carpenter school, then on the job training to be a good carpenter. I said a "good carpenter"

The same goes for all the other trades. Then, you can build your own home.

Answer 3

You have to get the permit to build first. The city/county/state has to inspect every stage of your house as it's being built. (Usually the city inspectors.)
You have to build it according to the codes of the inspecting agency and you have to submit all plans for the house before they give you a permit. The plans have to be up to code.
You have to be able to afford the supplies. While they certainly aren't cheap they are cheaper then buying a ready made house.
You have to know what you are doing when you are building. But everybody who is in building had to start as an amateur somewhere. I suggest that you start working in construction somehow. Even volunteer in "Habitat for Humanity". They build houses for the poor and they take volunteer, amateur help.
If you want to start on your own house then you could hire someone to help/train you as you go. You may even get to the point where you don't need the additional help.

Answer 4

In most cases, yes, you can build your own home. I would not suggest it if you do not have any experience. Contact your local building department and they will explain the process and codes applicable to your area.

Answer 5

If you have no experience I would strongly recommend against trying to build your own home. Yes, homes must meet many codes.

Answer 6

With all due respect I answer a lot of "CAN I" questions here; but you didn't ask that. You asked "CAN YOU"? My answer is usually..."Certainly". In my case the answer is YES.

"Should I" might be a more valid question in your case; and in that case my answer would be, "Probably not."

Certainly there are more factors to consider than can be typed out here. I'm confused about what you mean by NO OTHER.....

Codes, yes. Obviously most people consider zoning and codes to be a govt. plot to gain revenue. The base issue however is, safety/security/liability. I doubt the 3 little Pigs bothered getting permits or inspections.

Answer 7

"If you have no other building experience"

A several year learning curve.

"do homes HAVE to be to a certain code"

Yes.