I could. No inspections or permits. I could also provide probably 80% of my own lumber from cutting the trees and sawing the lumber on my band sawmill. I would likely buy manufactured trusses. Would also do all dirt work, install utility lines (water and electric). There would be mistakes made but it would be structurally sound. I can’t think of a tool I don’t already have to do all the above.

Not a chance. I designed and had our house built 8 years ago and it took a professional crew 9 months to do it. I could build a basic structure but the electricity and plumbing would fail and the drywall would be embarrasing.

Anyone that says they can are building a very basic house and I still doubt they could do it themselves in 8 months. I helped my brother in law 40 years ago when I was in prime physical condition and after 4 months of that I knew I didn’t want to get into construction. He subbed out all electrical, plumbing, drywall and concrete and not only does he know how to do everything he had a lot of people come in and help him. He worked 4-6 hours a day after his regular job and 10-12 on Saturday and Sunday for 10 months straight.

Not in 9 months. Maybe 35 years ago I could…..except for foundation and flat work. Even then, 9 months by myself? Maybe a small rambler slab on grade. But I wouldn’t want that.

9 months is not realistic but otherwise I could do it.

Except I’m too lazy. I’d rather just outsource it.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
I could, but I don't know why I would want to. I'm passable at all the skills needed, but would be very slow compared to those that do it for a living. Additionally I would need someone to consult on code (except electrical). I would happily build a cabin in the woods at my own pace.

this,


my Father and Grandfather were carpenters in the past,

both taught me the basics,

having nothing to do but build the house, and would need at least one laborer, then, maybe,
but would probably need ot soak in a tub of ben gay or similar each night for a few weeks, or take a bottle of advil,,,

I could. I've built houses, done framing, wiring, plumbing, roofing, flooring, cabinetry, and finish work. I'd have to learn how to tile, and do masonry if I wanted a chimney, but I could learn that.

It would take me more than 9 months for anything more than a basic ranch.

quote:

I designed and had our house built 8 years ago and it took a professional crew 9 months to do it.

9 Months is insane. My wife is the realtor for a builder and construction is 60 days from mortgage commitment. That is usually assuming he already has septic and well put in on the lot.

When clients ask, "How can he build so fast?" his answer is always, "Why can't everyone else?"

But in his case he has a meticulous schedule and rapport with the subs. They get it done on his schedule.

Me, I could build a box to live in and I would be confident it wouldn't fall down. It would not be to code and time would depend on size.

quote:

Originally posted by SpinZone:
9 months is not realistic but otherwise I could do it.

Except I’m too lazy. I’d rather just outsource it.

Me.

Plus I’d spend a bunch of time reading current codes.

No I couldn't. Heck I'm wanting an outbuilding, probably 24' x 24', plus a lean-to on either end for firewood and tractor implements and I'll hire that done. Can't sink posts for a pole building so it'll likely be a metal building sitting on crushed stone.
Thankfully no permits needed around here.

My grandfather built his house. I’ll never forget when he showed me black and white pictures of the build.

My grandfather’s house sits on property that backs onto the Elizabeth River. With deep water access to the Chesapeake bay my grandfather’s house will remain in the family for as long as I am on this planet and hopefully for decades after I am gone. It is one of my favorite places on earth.

Yes, I think I could build my own house if I wanted to. With the internet and the vast info it provides for free I feel confident I could build my own house.

I built my garden shed, but that's about the limit of my expertise.

I think you guys proved my point. Those that have a lot experience or training are very confident in it.

A lot of us could figure it out with help/assistance.

I'd say 90% of the vids I watch, there's so much in the background they don't tell you about.

I believe I can do everything except the drywall and countertops.

To be fair, I'd more or less be buying my chiropractor a 2nd house at the same time so it's probably cheaper to hire pros to build the house.

No. I consider myself a capable homeowner/DIYer when it comes to basic repairs, maintenance, and remodeling, but I couldn't build a house from scratch. Certainly not to code.

I'm currently helping a friend turn a 12x24 prefab shed into a tiny house, and that's only been possible with the help and guidance of her relative who is an experienced and knowledgeable handyman/contractor. So even with some DIY experience and starting way ahead with a watertight structure, roof, and foundation, I'd be fairly lost without him to guide us on the trickier parts of running electrical and plumbing, building interior walls and doorways, installing HVAC, etc.

I have, along with my brother and father. Not in 9 months, though. 40 years ago we built a house on the eastern end of Lake Ontario, just south of Westcott Beach State Park. It was originally just going to be a small cottage for the guys to fish out of, but through my mom's influence it became a year-round house. My parents spent 5 months out of the year there in their retirement years. Mom was smart!

We three boys did everything except the basement floor, masonry basement walls and setting the roof trusses (we hired a crane operator for that). Also the exterior work - septic and electric service. All the rest we did on our own.

It took us a little over 2 years working mostly part time (dad was full time as he was retired) to complete it. The goal of the first year (which started for us in April) was to get it up and sealed weather tight before winter; we accomplished that.

We had many good years there.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: chbibc,

quote:

Originally posted by Shaql:
I think you guys proved my point. Those that have a lot experience or training are very confident in it.

A lot of us could figure it out with help/assistance.

I'd say 90% of the vids I watch, there's so much in the background they don't tell you about.

Ego’s a helluva drug.

A shack? Sure. Full size house? No way. I don't own a crane and there's no way I could get trusses placed. I really don't see how any individual could do it without a crew. Too many steps that can't be accomplished without extra help.

I tried to replace a screen in May. It didn't go all that well, but if I took a class and bought my own hammer...no, probably not. Crap.

In 9 months? Not a chance in hell. I have this thing called a job. Then I have a current home to look after. I cook all my own food. I wash all the clothes, as well as the dishes. I cut the grass. I maintain my pool. I also have vehicles to maintain, and have to have some kind of life outside the career. Then add in the gym 4-6 days a week. So hell no and I would never even contemplate it under any circumstance.

I bought raw land last year and all be damned if I’m going to ever bother with a traditional home again. I’m going high rib steel. I’ve already got a contractor to get the pad site done. Another who is going to put the building on the ground. And I’m held up there for the time being. Don’t have the next step $ I need so I have to make the $ first.

Like several others, I could but with no inspections or permits. I have built a couple of garages and a pole barn or two. So, I could pour the foundation and build a simple one story structure that you could live in with the basic pleasures.

Having said all that, I couldn't do it now, at my age, without having a good year or more.