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We may have the opportunity to move to a new state in 2022. Looking at real estate in the area where we would move, nothing has us excited - and we're sick of living in suburbs - so we're considering buying land and building. We wouldn't be able to afford a true homestead, but could get at least 1-2 acres.

Has anyone here bought a plot and built a house before? Any pitfalls to look out for? Would you build again or buy in the future?

We may have the opportunity to move to a new state in 2022. Looking at real estate in the area where we would move, nothing has us excited - and we're sick of living in suburbs - so we're considering buying land and building. We wouldn't be able to afford a true homestead, but could get at least 1-2 acres. Has anyone here bought a plot and built a house before? Any pitfalls to look out for? Would you build again or buy in the future?

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[–] • 3 pts

We would definitely do a custom build.

Have you seen steel customs having the same shit quality as traditional wood and brick? We're interested in steel, but the quality of that can vary.

[–] • 7 pts

I don't work with steel, just stick built homes. If you can I'd avoid Chinese steel.

[–] [deleted] • 7 pts (edited )

Avoid Chinese everything….

Edit - stupid spelling muhstakes

[–] • 1 pt

That also. Barndominium perhaps?

[–] • 4 pts

Steel framed houses are usually 50% higher in material price than wood framing. If you're willing to afford it, it's probably worth it, but that same spic will be building it. We considered steel framing, but we decided the extra cost was better spent on other things.

[–] • 5 pts

If you live where termites are a thing this might be a good investment.

[–] [deleted] • 4 pts

Steel framed houses are usually 50% higher in material price than wood framing

Talking to one of my employees who just started his remodel, this isn’t the case right now with lumber prices where they are.

[–] • 2 pts

Right now, in my area, at home depot.

A 10' steal 2x4 is $9.78. In prime whitewood, it's $5.98. Pressure treated, it's $11.17.

The 50% material hike for steel framing was quoted to me just over a year ago, so, you're probably right. It's not 50%, but it's a bit.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Go steel. Especially if you are in the US Midwest. Due to current prices you could even go concrete, for about the same as lumber depending on your area. ICF blocks have come a long way and it's gotten easier to find builders that know it. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete/paving/buildings-structures/concrete-homes/building-systems-for-every-need/insulating-concrete-forms-(ICFs)

If you're cool with something more unconventional then look into monolithic domes. Things are actually price equivalent per square footage to framed/conventional and as close as you can get to disaster proof without actually being a bunker. https://www.monolithic.org/domes

[–] • 0 pt

Fuckin rad. We had a tornado touch down about a mile from our current house relatively recently, which prompted our interest in steel. Definitely need to do some research on the monolithic domes.

[–] • 1 pt

M. Domes have survived 5 ton bunker buster bombs intact. Tornadoes/high winds flow right past their round shapes while resisting debris perfectly. The steel reinforced concrete won't burn in a wildfire, and the insides stay cool. Won't float away in a flood and can be waterproofed. They surf over earthquakes as self contained uniform units. I don't see zombies clawing their way in either,lol.

[–] • 1 pt

Consider a pole-barn builder over a conventional build, you can make some awesome shit and it can be cheaper and have other benefits like a better roofing system.