In a recent video by the YouTube channel Dude We Can Build It, the host detailed how he constructed a 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom barndominium for an astonishingly low cost of $87,000. This comprehensive breakdown offers valuable insights for anyone looking to embark on a DIY home-building project without breaking the bank.
Site Preparation
The first step in the construction process was preparing the site. The host explained that he had to dig a pond and use the dirt for the house pad and driveways. Additionally, he buried the utilities over 600 feet to the house. This extensive site preparation was more time-consuming and costly than typical but was essential for the project’s success.
Foundation and Plumbing
For the foundation, the host reused lumber from previous projects to build the concrete forms and used vegetable oil to ease the removal process. He hired a professional plumber to handle the plumbing rough-in, which cost $2,800, including materials and labor. The concrete slab, reinforced with fiberglass, cost $6,219, and professional finishers charged $1,050 for their labor.
Structural Build
The house itself is a tubular steel building from Safeguard Metal Buildings, costing $15,500, including shipping and installation. The installation crew efficiently assembled the entire building in one day. The host provided custom residential doors costing $971, adding electronic deadbolts for $226, and energy-efficient vinyl windows from Lowe’s for $1,389.
Framing and Insulation
Framing the interior walls cost $2,120 in lumber, and with the help of friends, the host completed this in a few days. For insulation, he used closed cell foam for the exterior and additional fiberglass insulation for noise reduction, totaling $10,454. This provided excellent thermal and noise insulation for the home.
Electrical and HVAC
The host, who owns an air conditioning company, installed the HVAC system himself, costing just under $7,000. His electrician friend helped with the electrical rough-in, with the total cost for materials and labor amounting to $8,000. These installations were crucial for ensuring the home’s comfort and functionality.
Interior Finishes
Interior finishes included using primed ply bead for the ceiling, costing $595, and LP SmartSide for the living room walls at $640. The guest bedroom was finished with 3/8 plywood, costing $326. Exterior grade sheetrock was used for the remaining rooms, costing $135, and the entire house was painted for under $1,000.
Doors, Trim, and Cabinets
Custom interior doors cost $850, and the trim for windows and doors cost $619. Crown molding was added for $125. Custom alderwood cabinets, matching throughout the house, cost $8,545. The host saved money by staining and sealing the cabinets himself with the help of friends, costing $200.
Plumbing Fixtures and Final Touches
The host opted for an instant water heater costing $459, modern faucets for the kitchen at $199, and brushed bronze faucets for the bathrooms at $180. The custom tile shower cost $483 for materials and labor, and he installed shelving in the closets for $200. Final touches included shower curtain rods costing $90.
“This Is The Way”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “Thank you for proving that when you build your own, you don’t have to accept the ridiculous prices of builders. This is the way.”
Another commenter added: “Very affordable and super nice. A 500-100 square foot condo where I live is easily 200k. Your place looks great! I think it’s cool you spent extra on a couple things that mattered to you”
One person said: “Must be nice able to handle the most expensive part of the project yourself thanks to your company. You saved a hecking fortune.”
Remarkably Affordable
The total cost of the project was $88,200, slightly above the initially mentioned $87,000 but still remarkably affordable for a home of this size and quality. The host’s strategic approach to budgeting, combined with DIY efforts and selective professional help, made this ambitious project possible. This video offers a roadmap for others looking to build their own cost-effective, high-quality barndominiums.
Creative Ways to Save Money
What are your thoughts? What are some creative ways you can save money on your home-building project without compromising on quality? How can DIY efforts and selective professional hiring balance the cost and efficiency of a home construction project? In what ways can you repurpose materials from previous projects to save costs in new builds?
Watch the entire video on Dude We Can Build It’s YouTube channel for more information here.
