How To Build A Cheap House – Handy Solutions

by Paul Ciocoiu · August 18, 2015

The small and cheap, yet practical houses fever is spreading day by day. The classic ample space is now old fashioned, a real waste at the expense of the natural environment. More and more people are looking for and finally find the absolute freedom, whether spiritual or financial, in the micro-homes built from different materials that in the end make a healthier living environment. How to build a cheap house is now a question on everybody’s mind. We see the answer below transposed in several examples of homes built with little money, but much satisfaction.

There are several standard ingredients you need in order to build a cheap house. First of all, use salvaged materials – wood, iron, bricks, stone etc. or materials easy to secure, such as clay for cob homes, for instance. Secondly, turn to self and volunteer labor, so basic construction knowledge is crucial in this regard. Last, but not least, convert anything that can take the shape of a house, such as an old trailer.

Considered to be one of the most economical green construction method, the earth bag house building is based on military techniques of using stacked sand bags to quickly build efficient, blast-resistant, earthquake-resistant structures. Once stacked, the bags are plastered with an earth mixture. Such a house spreading on 11 square meters, along other 5 meters in the loft, costs only 300 USD, according to Webecoist.com

How to build a cheap house but practical

How to build a cheap house – earth bag house

Another example of a cheap house is this wooden cabin, spreading on 37 square meters. It costs 2,000 USD and gets its energy solely from the solar panels placed on the roof. Despite the small proportions, the off-grid cabin has a full loft and packs a living room, kitchen, bathroom, dining area and bedroom.

How to build a cheap house – spacious wooden cabin

Since we mentioned earth, let’s now look at cob, another construction material in hand, cheap and very environmentally friendly. Let’s remember the former arts teacher in England who built such a cob house for merely 150 pounds. He followed all the recommendations above and built the home with salvaged materials.

How to build a cheap house – the 150 pounds cob house

Some people renovate old trailers, another option for those seeking cheap homes. For instance, this couple spent 5,700 USD for a final chic and practical living space (3,700 for an old trailer and 2,000 to renovate it). Another advantage is the mobility of the home!

How to build a cheap house – renovated airstream

You may also consider building a straw bale house and pay about 20,000 USD for one sitting on 71 square meters. Last, but not least on our list, for a higher price, but way lower than the value of classic homes, an old shipping container makes a fine choice for a living place featuring a cool design. The price for a 92 square meter place is 40,000 USD.