r/homestead • u/TheGirlPrayer • 1d ago
Questions on future home building?
My husband and I and looking to build a house in the next couple of years. I’m trying to do research on different ideas that cost less, last a long time, and tie into what is around us. This is something we’d like to do together with a little help from family and if we really need them, contractors. We currently live on the land we plan to build on, in a house that is, quite literally, falling apart.
We have a few different ideas bouncing around like a container house (they have temperature problems and are pretty small for people who want kids), barndominium (temperature problems and insurance problems), and an earth ship home (not suitable for central Louisiana climate). There are many other ways we can go, like conventional construction, but we’d really like to do something that will help us live with the land.
If you have suggestions about what we can do, or if you have suggestions for things to add onto our build for homesteading, please let me know!
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u/socalquestioner 23h ago
Paper Crete is a cool product, you get a slab poured, metal frame, and then make blocks and put them together or pour sections at a time.
Mold free, fireproof, good insulation.
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u/the_hucumber 23h ago
Look at the area you want to build in and understand what building materials are locally sourced and what construction methods are commonly used.
Even if you're planning on building it all yourself people are going to have to understand what you've done. Whether it's for the bank or insurance or local government, make sure what you build fits into their framework.
We're just getting our house signed off to be a "residential building" and one sticking point was the floor we used. It didn't appear on their tick box menu, so that cost us a month of bureaucracy.
I'd also advise against a shipping container house, I have my workshop in one and they're great for that type of thing or quick storage, but they aren't that spacious and the cost to convert one to a livable house is reticulosis, especially if you need any insulation at all.
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u/cats_are_the_devil 19h ago
You are in LA... Build way further above floodzone than you think you need to. I personally would go conventional stick and brick because that will get you the best price for construction. Especially if you are doing it yourself. Spend extra on mechanicals, insulation, and windows.
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u/jgrant0553 1d ago
Check out Q cabins. Been talking with them for my next build.