Where to start

[yrafc]

I have 40 acres of land in Texas that I want to put a small cabin on for $20,000. Where do I start?

[loghousenut]

But it is surely the truth. Take the class. Unless you hate everything you hear on this forum, you will love the change that happens to you and your mate during class. If you are a confirmed bachelor you may want to go alone but if you are supported by someone who wants the same thing out of life you should both go together. The price of the class will come back to you many times over as you use what you learn, and the knowledge of the rest of the LHBA members, to accomplish your goals.





PS.... Take the class. I did.

[Blondie]

Hullo,


May I add, read everything on this site AND take the class. There is more than you can ever imagine available here.


Blondie

[ramblinman502]

i have already paid for the class many times over with what i learned n i dont even have the first layer of logs up yet. loghousenut is right, this process will change you.. for the better.

[edkemper]

Just to clarify your question? Did you want to build a single, two or three story for that $20,000? <smile>
Take the class and then decide.
Welcome to the family.

[yrafc]

Two story. but limited upper loft. Not looking for something extravagent. It looks like the class is the key here. I hope it is worth it.
RY

[yrafc]

it sounds like the class will answer all all questions. But at the most basic level..is it practical to spend 20k on a cabin given I already have the land. It seems like this process is fraught with traps and dead ends..if you dont approach it in the right way. I thought about hiring someone, but it seems like the price they charge is unjustified and the gratification I would get from building something would be worth something...

[Shark]

If you already have land, you are a step ahead of alot of members that take the class.

The process is really not that bad, you just have to plan it out & take it a step at a time.

You are right, the more you sub-contract out, the more you will end up paying, & the less satisfaction you will get.


Taking the class was the best thing I ever did (regarding building a house).

[StressMan79]

I'll spend way more than 20k on my cabin, but it will cost much less.

Why? I have bought a forklift, 9k
I bought a work truck, 7k
I bought a camper 1k
I bought logs, 4.5k
I bought materials, 9k
I bought some tools (chainsaws, cement mixer, block and tackle, etc) 5k
I live 7 hrs from my land I spent 2k in gas)
I hired some help, spent 3 k on that
Will spend 3k on my stem wall foundation.
BUT
I'll sell my lift, 15k
I'll sell my truck, 5k
Might sell the camper, 1k
I'll sell some tools (3k)
so I will have spent a total of 38.5, but I'll make 24 back at the end. IT will run me a net of 14.5. Man, when you think of it that is ONE CHEAP HOUSE. If you have a friend with the tools or the truck already you'll have much smaller outlay. Even if the lift/camper/tools don't go for the predicted prices, I think I will come in under 20k.
FWIW.
Peter

[rckclmbr428]

I have built two, one thats 3300 sq.ft, for alot, and one thats a 10x15, which I had around $1000 dollars in for material, it can be done, look at my pics

[edkemper]

Please note that with the exception of Steve and Ellsworth, none of the rest of us make any money off this site or the Association. Wait, we have our architect that designed the stock plans. The rest of us are here because we want to be. There is a very good reason we are the one's that keep telling people you need to take the class. The class is really only the start. After the class, you have earned the right to come to the Member's Only side. We still don't make any money off that side, but that is where the real learning and savings come from.
Can you build a nice place for $20 grand? Yup. Can you also spend $100,000 on that same place? Yup. Do it yourself and you decide what you want. But the Member's Side is where the details are shared and help is always there when you need it. This ain't a normal family that is for sure. But you won't find a better or more helpful group anywhere.