Well, we’re officially on the path to starting construction on our new house in the spring. I’ve talking about it here and there, but I’ve been getting some questions about the process, so I’m going to try to get us up to date on our process for the three of you who care.
If you remember, we are planning to do the vast majority of the work ourselves.
And as we are going through this process, we’re learning that not many people actually build their own houses anymore. Lots of people are general contractor, but few people do the majority of the work themselves. (Check out my friend Mandy at Sugar Bee Crafts to follow along on her own build-your-own-house journey.)
We are dealing with a lot of conflicting emotions – mostly we are excited and anxious to get started. But there are also some nerves and fear. (I’m the one with these feelings, by the way. Ryan is mostly just anxious, I think.)
There are a few reasons why we plan to do the bulk of the work ourselves.
We can do it.
Do you ever want to do something just because you can?
I think that’s a small part of it.
Ryan has learned a lot in the past seven years of renovating and can truly do almost any project. It may take a little longer, because he’s working full time and we have a two-year-old.
But we have two whole-house renovations (plus a few rental renovations) under our belts. Much of the work is work we’ve already done.
The other advantage we have is that we live in a rural area and qualify for an agricultural building exemption. Because we live on over ten acres, very few building permits will be necessary. (Note: building permits were required for the well and septic.) We will still be required to stick to code, but the lack of permits means we can cut out some of the red tape.
We can save money doing it.
I written about this a little bit before, but the goal is to build this house without going into debt.
There aren’t really conventional lending options for building your own house anyhow. (And this is especially the case after the economic downturn.) Banks want you to work with a builder (which is a whole other opinion piece from me for a different day).
But, the bottom line is a mortgage isn’t part of this equation. So it was key for us to sell our last house before building.
The proceeds from our last house (remember – we purchased the house as a foreclosure and paid for the renovations in cash) will go toward the build.
But even with cash on hand and savings, we’ll need to be watching costs to make sure we can afford it and we don’t drain our savings or become “house poor.”
So building ourselves was a logical way to save money.
There are some things we cannot or will not do ourselves. Things like digging and pouring the foundation take machinery that would be cost-prohibitive for us to do. We’re also planning to install geothermal, so we’ll be using a geothermal company for that.
There are also several investments we already finished in 2014 – paid in cash and done with the help of experts.
- Digging the well.
- Running the system.
- Installing the LP tank.
The fact that much of these big-ticket items are complete gives us a little financial wiggle room this year.
We can be a bit nostalgic.
Both of us come from a bit of a tradition of house-building.
Both of our parents’ have built their own houses. Some was done with builders and much was completed on their own.
And both of our grandparents built their own houses after World War II – with their own hands. (Ryan’s grandpa below.)
By the way, all of those houses are still going strong.
So that’s a little bit of the thinking going into our build.
And for right now, we are spending our time on those first huge steps of the build, and most of those mean outside help, ironically:
Building materials
A big step in building is finding the right partners.
We have been working with four local lumberyards to get estimates for building materials. If you haven’t done this before, the lumberyards basically take our house plans and give us an estimate of what it would cost to build.
The tricky part – none of the estimates are apples to apples. Different places have different quality of wood and different window and door brands. Some of them include (small) allowances for fixtures. And none of them include things like plumbing, heating/cooling, etc.
Right now, we think we have our lumberyard chosen (great quality and very affordable prices). We’re still quoting windows and doors.
Foundation
The digging and pouring of the foundation is obviously a key component of building.
There are only a few places locally who do this work, so we’ve been getting estimates and are pretty sure which we’ll be going with.
We would like to get started in the spring as early as possible. But because we are in a rural area, there are restrictions on large trucks in the spring when the roads are too soft. So, we’ll be at the liberty of the weather and schedules.
Heating/cooling
After some extensive research (including the expert advice from Nate of Decor and the Dog fame), we decided to go with geothermal heating and cooling.
The investment can be a lot more expensive up front, but the efficiency is high and there are a great number of rebates.
Once you factor in the rebates, it’s nearly neck-in-neck with a high efficiency forced air system.
And the efficiency over time will pay dividends since we intend to stay in this house as long as possible.
We are getting ready to start the process of building our own home. We are having a hard time deciding on what we want to build. 1 1/2 or 2 story, where does everything go, is it functional, …. I hope that makes sense. Any advice would be wonderful!
I am so looking forward to following along on this journey of yours Kim. I am so excited for you guys.
As for windows, I learned that in California, if you buy your windows directly from the manufacturer there is no sales tax. I don’t know if that applies in your state, but just wanted to throw that out there 🙂
Interesting about the windows! I’ll have to look into this. We are actually meeting with our window person on Wednesday.
So excited about this!! My Dad built the house I grew up in; he and my mom borrowed the money from my grandmother’s friend, Jane. Just throwing that out there for anyone who does need a loan to build their own house…..see if your mother has a friend named Jane who can help out ;). But paying cash is even better–you guys rock!
Do you have an address for Jane? I’m asking for a friend.
Love, love, love the house posts, keep them coming, even if it is only about cement drying, would love to see and read about the whole process 🙂
The post about cement drying is going to be a DOOZY.
I am VERY excited to read and watch you guys do this. I have no doubts about your abilities to do so. You are both very talented and skilled people. I think there will be a pride like none other when you look at that house and know that it’s all your work. My dad built the house I grew up in, and there was definitely a sense a pride there. I hope Henry can remember this process so that when he’s grown, he’ll be able to tell his own kids about how he lived in the coolest barn ever and watched you two labor and sacrifice to make this dream a reality. Go get em tiger!
Awww … that’s very sweet. I have a feeling that building a house will be sort of like childbirth. Very painful but something that is worth it in the end.
yall are amazing and i know you can do it!!!! i look forward to seeing the end-project (i know yall look forward to this too :))
Oh my gosh this is amazing. You guys totally rock and I cannot wait to see how everything turns out. But I’m also wondering if I can just move into the barn and be your full time nanny during this whole process. 😉 I am so excited for you three.
Best wishes as you move forward! And, praying for extended great weather , whenever Old Man Winter decides to move on!
I can’t wait to see more of your progress moving forward!!
yes, build your own house just because you can! just because you can say you did it – – I think that’s more of a factor than we probably want to admit 😉
=) I love following your progress!
Congratulations on building your new home. I love what you have done with the barn. My Dad built both of his houses. It is not something that my husband and I would attempt. We are not handy that way. I am sure a strong wind would take our house down if we built it. Looking forward to seeing it.
I love reading these posts! Don’t stop with them. 😉 I’m so excited to continue following your journey… your new house is going to be amazing.
Excited to follow this!
I’m one of those who asked about your progress so I’m thrilled to see this post! I so wish we could do this. My hubby is handy but this would be out of our comfort zone I believe.
I’m wondering – how did you choose your plans? Did you draw them up or work with an architect or ???? Can’t wait to hear all the progress in the coming months!
I loved following your renovation on the barn so I can’t wait to follow you on your building-a-house project!
Fascinating! How fantastic to keep the family history of building your own house going. Henry will be the next generation! Can’t wait to watch the process. I just know y’all will do a bang-up job.
Thanks so much, Daisy.
Love every tiny detail about all this process. You’re one of a kind, a true gem and I applaud you and Ryan for sticking to your guns. Can’t wait to watch the process through my screen!
My hubs and I just finished building our house ourselves (and by that I mean he basically built it himself), while living in a 29-foot camper on our lot and maintaining our full-time jobs. Let me tell you – you are in for a stressful but incredibly rewarding few months! I had a few breakdowns along the way, but after seven grueling months of construction we now have a beautiful home that we designed and built ourselves, and all the pride (and savings) that goes along with that.
I’m looking forward to following along with your building journey – and I have a feeling you’ll handle it better than I did, haha. Best of luck!
Wow! I love hearing about this. We’re in a small space right now, too, and some days, I feel like it’s taking FOREVER just to get started. I’m totally amazed that you finished in 7 months. You guys are speedy. I’m so happy it was rewarding for you. I know we’ll run into stress, but I hope (maybe) that maybe our renovations in the past will get us a little prepared for all the work and stress and decisions. But that may just be wishful thinking.
I’m excited for you! And- I’ve got 2 friends who installed geothermal heat in their homes a few years ago. They couldn’t be happier with the efficiency (and bills!) 🙂
Glad to hear it! I am most looking forward to in-floor heat in the basement. =)
Building a home is a stressful and fun experience. Sounds like you guys will even be more hands on than we were…go for it! Make sure you listen to everyone’s advice, but make your OWN decisions! Don’t forget to double check you have enough closets! (we missed a linen closet upstairs and I’m still kicking myself LOL)
Thanks for the tips, Trina! We’ve already run into the trap of what others tell us over what we actually want. Ugh. So many decisions.
Kim,
I am one of the readers that is guilty of reading and not responding. I love reading your blog. I just feel I can’t contribute much. I love all of your projects and have great respect for your financial decisions in saving and doing for yourself. Your son will be raised with good values that are greatly needed in this world. It seems as though you and your husband have a good family foundation from which learn. Please continue to post all your updates,especially the house building. Very interested. I may not always comment but I am reading. Many Blessings and Take care.
Karen – thank you SO much for the kind comment. Truly made my day. I appreciate your support and encouragement. I need that most days. And I sure hope that Henry ends up with a more innate sensibility than I have most days. Let’s just hope he takes after dad. =)
I love the house updates! Both my parents and my husbands parents built their houses with their own two hands and we would love to follow in the tradition. City living just does jive with that. Maybe one day!
High five!
Can wait to see this journey happen!!! We have discussed the as an option for when we near retirement and want to downside to a one story smaller home.
It’s definitely a lot of coordinating, but I think it will all be worth it. =)
Great post!! 🙂 Very excited for ya’ll!!
Very exciting! We built 1 1/2 years ago (but went with a builder) and are very happy with our home. We also installed geothermal and it was the best idea ever! Our builder still can’t believe how low our heating bills are. And a bonus it comes with built in AC (if you’re connecting to forced air). I’m excited to follow along in your build!
Good to hear you love geothermal. We’ve only heard great things. =)
I love that you’re doing as much as you can yourself. Can’t wait to follow along with progress. It’s been so cool to see Mandy’s place coming along too.
I know! Mandy’s house is amazing.
This is so cool Kim! I love hearing about all the choices and steps that go into building your own home and I’m beyond impressed that it’s something you guys are able to tackle! So excited to follow along!
Thanks, Brynne. It’s crazy how it’s all coming together. (Kind of.) Looking forward to getting started.
I’m completely fascinated by the whole process and really (reeeeeally) hope we’ll be following in your footsteps someday. I’m glad you’re sharing the journey with all of us! I can only imagine the phone calls and emails and record keeping, but what an amazing reward at the end!
Eeeee….. I hope you do.
There are WAY more than 3 of us who care! Can’t wait to follow along…
Love ya. You are sweet.
I applaud your “gumption” (I believe that’s the right word). You see what you need/want and are willing to work hard to get it. You are making your lives what you want them to be. Good luck with the house and God Bless it!
Thanks so much, Jena. Fingers crossed that everything goes (relatively) smoothly.
I also love this stuff! Please share every last detail. 🙂 Very exciting, and I love the financial reasoning. My grandparents built their own house with their own two (four?) hands in the 1960’s and my dad is a carpenter so I get the nostalgia/history too.
I love that, Anne. I think it’s amazing how much has changed in the world (and houses) since mid-century. It was very common then to build your own house.
That makes me #2! 🙂 I was wondering, how you are sourcing your siding and roofing, is that through the lumberyard affiliates as well? In our area we are finding that homes for sale are the same amount as a local builder building a brand new home. There are a lot of homes being built due to our area on the edge of a business filled city and farm land. I am crazy interested and intrigued by your adventure with this home. Unfortunately my husband and I are not as skilled to take this on ourselves, but I will be living vicariously through you!
Good luck!
We actually already have our siding – we bought the whole house of siding when our local Menards moved and it was over half off. It’s just been in my parents’ house for a year+. 😉
Roofing was included in our quotes. We will probably get it from the same place we got the roofing materials for our barn. I’d like them to match.
wow. just wow. i am so impressed. i wouldn’t want to live in a house built by me…. it’s windy here, and i don’t think my house would hold. 😉
Bahahaha… you saw what happened to our wood shed? Let’s just hope the house holds up better.
So I must be one of the three. Hee hee hee! I am so excited for you guys!!! My mister would love to build a home for us some day, so I will be anxiously reading your posts and watching your progress. Thanks for the update!
I love reading and learning about how to build a house! Keep it up!
we just finished building our house ourselves and it was so worth it. We saved a ton of money and love being able to sit back and enjoy all the hard work and loved we poured into it. I know yours will be beautiful. Can’t wait to watch!
Good to know! It’s fun to hear from others who went through a similar process. Most businesses we talked to at the home show looked at us like we had three heads when we told them we were doing it ourselves.