How to Build An Affordable Modern Home: House Within A House 74K

"Everybody wants the same thing, rich or poor . . . not only a warm, dry room, but a shelter for the soul." - Samuel Mockbee

House Within a House is a 1200 SF home that was built for 74K. The features include:

• 1 bedroom

• 1 bath

• 2X4 and 2X6 construction

• slab on grade

• passive solar

• radiant infloor heat

• stained concrete floors

• creative use of salvaged items

• universal design principles

This home makes a great small house or cabin. I want to share some of the tips and savings strategies used to keep this home under 100K.

SAVINGS STRATEGY #1

Eco-logical and -nomical footprint. A small home saves in the amount of materials used and is generally less expensive to heat and cool. The owner built the minimum township requirement - exactly 1200 SF.

SAVINGS STRATEGY #2

Efficient shape, simple box, and easy to build.

SAVINGS STRATEGY #3

Slab on grade saved significantly vs. full concrete basement cost.

SAVINGS: $10,000

SAVINGS STRATEGY #4

The owner salvaged materials from a fallen farm house for $50. He creatively used the materials to build his pantry and mechanical room a.k.a. "House Within A House."

COST: $50

SAVINGS: few hundred

SAVINGS STRATEGY #5

Timbers and metal from a fallen barn were salvaged and crafted into a custom kitchen island. Kitchens are normally one of the biggest expenses in a house. In this case it was FREE!!! Why use expensive mass produced cabinets when you can have something unique and often free or low cost.

Not crafty with your hands? Here are some other ideas for upcycled cabinets:

• repurposed vintage / antique furniture
• used metal office cabinets
• school or business cabinets from a remodel project or salvage yard

COST: FREE

SAVINGS: $3,000 - $15,000

SAVINGS STRATEGY #6

Eliminated the need for a lot of drywall by utilizing an open floor plan and unique materials to section areas off. A stunning glass block wall was commissioned to create a unique bath sanctuary. Reclaimed brick pavers were used to cover the walkway to the bathroom.

This is an owner built small, affordable, and creative home. The cost of your project will depend on your location and how you approach your project.

I hope you're inspired in some way! If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to enter below or email me. Thank you for visiting!

What do you think of incorporating salvaged or reclaimed items in your home or build project?