Unless you're a licensed contractor in the state where you're building, don't do this. There are far too many codes and standards and much expertise that you should leave to professionals, unless you are currently out of work and have no other profession providing you income, in which case you could possibly apprentice yourself to help reduce the cost of getting the work done.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't or can't shop around, but if you try to do major construction on your own you will likely incur more costs in the long run and/or end up with a house that won't pass inspection and could incur much greater costs for you in the long run. Plus experienced professionals tend to get things done right more often and faster than you could just trying to learn it on your own for the first time.

This is one area I highly recommend you shop around to find people who do good work and trust them. I guess my secondary recommendation is to see if you can apprentice yourself to your builders and get a reduction in price based on that.

If you do go for "alternative construction methods" just make sure it will pass state and local building codes and inspections, otherwise they could force you to tear down your structure and you lose everything at your cost.
Permalink | Report

I would pretend to be Amish, and move into their community. Play it cool for a while, and then... BAM! "Hey brother, would you mind organizing a house raising for me this week? I sure is getting cold 'round these here parts without electricity and all." Then the whole community with gather at your plot and build a house for you in a day. THAT, is the most cost-effective way to build your own house. You did not specify...
Permalink | Report