When I built my first house I did it for three excellent reasons.
But it turned out, there was a surprising fourth benefit to undertaking this challenge that proved even more life changing for me.
1) I wanted to live in a home that I built… one that was built exactly the way I wanted it to be, not like someone else felt like doing it.
2) I wanted high quality, but I wanted my cost to be as low as possible… the only way to get that was to do a lot of the work myself. I can’t expect others to work for low, or no, pay.
3) I wanted the lifestyle, and the freedom, that comes from having a dream home with minimal mortgage that would be paid off in just a few years.
4) This is the one that surprised me… I thought that building my own home was going to be a long labor-intensive ordeal to go through. But it turned out to be one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Trust me, if you have any inkling to build your own home, don’t go through life and miss out on this experience.
Originally posted 2016-05-04 16:17:53.
I agree that you can rest easier with a house you have built. You know the ins and outs and that is done the right way, not just the cheapest way. Great information!
Gaz
https://thetoolboss.com
Thanks Gary!
A lot of people have their dream home and rarely ever find it in a pre-existing house. Deciding to build your own house would be great because you can decide which lot or location to build on and make sure it is exactly where you want it. I also like that by building your own house, you can choose whatever you want to put it in and it gives you the freedom to pay off you mortgage in just a few years.
Well said Kate. I couldn’t agree more! Noah
You are one of the first people I have met who has encouraged the building of ones own home. My husband and I (both in our mid 20’s) have been discouraged to build our own cabin from the time we first thought of it 7 years ago. I have always loved the look of the old dovetailed houses of the settlers with the heavy chinking. We have an opportunity this summer to undertake the project if we so choose but the unknown is a bit scary. We have no idea on the amount of time it takes to build a cabin by hand and the cheap (in all ways) cabin kits on line keep catching our eye. Truth is, I hate the look of them, but we could be mortgage free and have a roof over our heads by fall! I guess time will tell. I love your site and agree wholeheartedly with much of your views on craftsmanship. Keep up the good work!