About me
I built my own home in 1998. My total cost was $60,000 for fees and materials. Once the home was completed, it was worth $140,000. Even though I had no carpentry experience, two of my friends were contractors that told me home construction labor is almost two-thirds the cost of the home.
As contractors, they knew how to estimate materials for job costing bids. They taught me how to save money through my own labor or “sweat equity”.
It took almost three years because of unexpected life issues, but once the house was finished, I converted my construction loan over to a home mortgage loan and enjoyed low monthly payments.
Just thinking about the entire home construction process, I felt overwhelmed at times. If we don't have a path to break down achievable steps to the smallest understandable goal, our minds may defeat us. If instead, we understand stage 1 as a time for saving a certain amount, like $15,000 dollars and also obtaining permits before we break ground, the priorities fall in place. Stage 2 is starting the project until dry-in where the rain can't get in. Stage 3 is making the home's value sufficient to get a construction loan by working inside on insulation, electrical, plumbing and sheetrock.
After that, the collateral is substantial from all your hard work. Step by step, as a home builder with a book in one hand and a hammer in the other, I learned that everybody needs a starting first baby step they can comprehend and envision easily, then move on from there.
I’ve also helped others with similar projects for over 20 years." For example, as a homebuilder, I had an informational website from 2004 to 2012 that showed how I made my house. One of the most rewarding things about that site was the letters with photos from readers. One example was a man named Jerry with his testimonial and photo.
"Dear Larry,
I have done exactly what you have said. After two years of mostly weekend labor by myself I have almost completed a 1650 sq ft dutch barn style house on 1.5 acres. I am an accountant, but I am a little handy and did all of the labor myself.
I estimate with land and materials I have spent $50,000 and estimate my house will be worth at least $125,000 or more. I really love working on the house and hope to do it again when this one is complete. I enjoyed your website & story."
Jerry
I would just love it when I saw people like that succeeding at something new to them. I think I understand how they might have felt both before and after they tackled the project. It was a big reward for me.
That approach doesn't work for everyone however. For example, somebody that starts projects, but doesn't finish might not be ideal for this. It can feel like a long project and you need to have the mindset of wanting to be a homeowner more than anything else until the project is done. But for those who are limited on funds, have a reliable job and have the will to take a little from each payday, it can create a way forward that feels possible instead of overwhelming. It makes me happy to help those kinds of people if I can.
To start on this journey, please check out my Getting Started page.
Larry Angell is a journeyman housebuilder who teaches DIY home building, off-grid cabins, small-home planning, and power systems. Over more than 20 years, he has built his own home, several project homes, and hands-on off-grid setups including solar power and wireless internet. He also wrote Sweat Equity, Building a House at Half Cost and has published many articles. Connect with Larry on SelfGrowth. Off-grid home design and living remain part of his everyday life.