Building a Home With Your Own Two Hands

Getting Started

• Find land that is appropriate. You might want to purchase a lot that is one-third of an acre, for example, in a rural area. Check out all building codes and permits needed. Be sure to enlist the help of a county official in hiring someone to conduct a percolation test. This means you will find out how quickly your soil absorbs liquid. The results will affect how a septic system is installed for the property, because any septic system involves liquid drainage into the soil.

Figuring Costs

• Sketch the basic house plan or purchase one. You will need to assess the amount per square foot you can afford, so that your house plan fits the budget. For example, if you plan to spend $100 per square foot, not counting land, you will need to plan a 1,000 square foot home for $100,000. Figure up the cost of all foundation blocks, framework materials, exterior siding, windows, doors and plumbing. To trim the budget, plan to use some recycled materials.

Building the Foundation

• Construct the basement or crawlspace. It’s much easier to build a four-foot crawlspace than a full basement if you are doing all of the work yourself. If you don’t know how to lay blocks, you can always barter some of your skills with a block mason. You can help to mix mortar for the blocks and or assist the block mason in other physical ways as construction proceeds. You can also help him lay carpet at his own home, for example, to help pay for his services.

Constructing Framework

• A one-story home is easier to frame and finish. You can build the basic skeleton framework of your home by working for a couple of weeks during your vacation time, for instance. Don’t extend the time frame too long, because you don’t want consistent rain on the wood. Mold will grow on moisture-laden wood, so try to get the house under roof and enclosed fully within a few weeks. Plan your time schedule around weekends and hours after work, so that you can pace yourself accordingly.

Scheduling Interior Work

• Finish the interior on your own time table. Once the house is under roof and weather tight with the windows and doors installed, you can finish up the interior over months or years. You will need to finish plumbing and electrical work inside, so you can get a kitchen and bathroom in place quickly. By having a kitchen and bath in place, you will have the conveniences you need to spend more time in the house. You can cook meals and store food in the refrigerator as you work on the house.