What's it like when you finish building your log home, mortgage free?

[Camhart73]

For those who've conquered a mortgage free build (small mortgage on the land still okay), whats it like when you finish?
If you're comfortable sharing, how much did the total build end up costing you?
And when did you start/completed the build?

[mudflap]

I can only imagine....

But, when we're done, we are looking forward to the security that if something happens to me, she won't have to worry about a monthly house payment.



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[Shark]

We had our lot loan paid off in a couple years after completing the house (with cash as we went along).

Awesome feeling.

[loghousenut]

We had our land paid off in 8 years, then 8 years later we finally broke ground. We are not typical because we only work on the place when we want to and see no dire rush. You'll be done before we are, but this thing is art and therapy for us. We'll have $70,000 or so in ours including appliances and landscaping. It'll be worth every nickel and every minute. Currently we are making the coolest Blue Pine kitchen countertops that the World has ever seen.

If you are in a hurry, you could easily do it a lot faster than we are. If you are thrifty, you could do it a lot cheaper.

Just do it... You know you want to and we all know you'll succeed.

[gepper]

Got me a divorce...


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[r5t0ut21]

I guess you can say I'm mortgage free. The land is paid for and I have no debt. Presently living in an off grid, 140 sf (yes the numbers are correct) "tiny cabin" while I build my main cabin. I only work 3 or 4 days a month just to say I do something. I do have other income from my VA disability and my wife's survivor benefits. My biggest fear is not having enough money to complete the cabin or the county raising the taxes to a point where I either have to give it up or work more hours. I get up when I feel like it and go to bed when I've had enough for the day. If my aches and pains would leave me alone, I'd probably have this thing built already. My girlfriend likes to complain about work and how she's going to walk out and quit one day. She refuses to live with me in my "tiny cabin". Can't blame her as the dog take up too much bed ). She has a 2000 sf paycheck eater in the city, so I don't see her quitting anytime soon.

Disclaimer: I do go stay with my girlfriend frequently. I was out here 3 months straight and it was nice once I got the hang of it. You have to think ahead a lot. Simple things like drawing water for a bath, drinking water, gas for the generator, making sure the batteries are topped off each day.....things you take for granted living on grid.

[loghousenut]

I guess you can say I'm mortgage free. The land is paid for and I have no debt. Presently living in an off grid, 140 sf (yes the numbers are correct) "tiny cabin" while I build my main cabin. I only work 3 or 4 days a month just to say I do something. I do have other income from my VA disability and my wife's survivor benefits. My biggest fear is not having enough money to complete the cabin or the county raising the taxes to a point where I either have to give it up or work more hours. I get up when I feel like it and go to bed when I've had enough for the day. If my aches and pains would leave me alone, I'd probably have this thing built already. My girlfriend likes to complain about work and how she's going to walk out and quit one day. She refuses to live with me in my "tiny cabin". Can't blame her as the dog take up too much bed ). She has a 2000 sf paycheck eater in the city, so I don't see her quitting anytime soon.

Disclaimer: I do go stay with my girlfriend frequently. I was out here 3 months straight and it was nice once I got the hang of it. You have to think ahead a lot. Simple things like drawing water for a bath, drinking water, gas for the generator, making sure the batteries are topped off each day.....things you take for granted living on grid.

It almost sounds like you are bragging that you are lazier than I am. I call that simply a hollow boast until I see it in person.

One thing for certain... It could never happen with a debt load to pay each month.

[r5t0ut21]

It almost sounds like you are bragging that you are lazier than I am. I call that simply a hollow boast until I see it in person.

One thing for certain... It could never happen with a debt load to pay each month.

Actually, I don't think I have ever worked harder. It's just different when you are working for yourself and even more so when don't have to work to pay the bank.

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[loghousenut]

Actually, I don't think I have ever worked harder. It's just different when you are working for yourself and even more so when don't have to work to pay the bank.

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I knew it! I shall retain the title.

[rocklock]

I have never borrowed during my build.... I live in Hawaii, (also debt free, and it feels great) so it was not necessary to live in it during the winter. I did not need to rush.

The best thing about living in a log home is when there is some kind of weather or wind going on outside... To hot, go down stairs.. The hottest its ever been in my basement is 69 degrees. To cold, go up stairs or bake some cookies or start a fire... My rather primitive fire place (it will be replaced this year) will heat the entire upper two stories very fast and can get overbearing.

house1.jpg

[allen84]

I'm well on the way to mortgage free. I was nearly there but took a detour. I cannot wait for the day I can say I'm completely mortgage and debt free. Shouldn't be too far off.

[blane]

The best feeling ever! Cash is king. Finished our place 5 years ago and put 6000 on a credit card that we paid off the following month interest free just because I couldn’t wait one more month��

[twh4]

Rocklock, you're house is gorgeous....

[twh4]

Camhart, don't think it will be a walk in the park. It takes A LOT of planning to make sure you know your capabilities and budget and timeframe if you don't want to get yourself stuck in a rut. It's not just a project, it's a lifestyle. You have to live like you want the house done debt free. No fancy vacations for a few years, or new cars, or steak dinners at the steak house twice a week. It takes true dedication to living frugal while you prepare to build and build. To be honest, it's not for everyone, so be prepared for the stress. It has been so stressful for me between working full time, going to school to get a masters degree, I was planning a wedding with my fiance, I am building the house, I tried to have a social life with friends... It was too much for me. I broke things off with my fiance because I couldn't handle the stress. I was depressed for a few months wondering if it was even worth finishing. This is after having almost $100k in the home.

I have since over the last few months realized all this (or more realized it). I put myself on a strict budgeting system where I only allow myself $60/week for personal needs (dinner with friends, online purchases, etc.). I have come to terms with this new lifestyle until the house is finished. I wanted this, I started it, I need to finish. I think sometimes "It would have been way easier if I just took out a mortgage and payed someone to build a stick house. I would be living in it already." Then I remember the freedom I will have when I am done. I can't wait!

This was not a pity party for me. I just want to let you know IT WILL be a struggle. It will put strain on all parts of your life. But gosh darn, it will be worth it. This is the real American Dream. Good luck and cheers.

-Tyler

[More corners]

I have never borrowed during my build.... I live in Hawaii, (also debt free, and it feels great) so it was not necessary to live in it during the winter. I did not need to rush.

The best thing about living in a log home is when there is some kind of weather or wind going on outside... To hot, go down stairs.. The hottest its ever been in my basement is 69 degrees. To cold, go up stairs or bake some cookies or start a fire... My rather primitive fire place (it will be replaced this year) will heat the entire upper two stories very fast and can get overbearing.

house1.jpg

Love hearing about how easy it is to stay cool or warm in your log home! Hoping that is the case here too!