Please note: This information is subject to our Terms of Use, including a specific disclaimer. It may also be subject to a Creative Commons license that you should read and understand before making use of information you find here or posting to this area.
Brief: Make use of so called "metal buildings" to create an envelope structure. Interior architecture would be an open, "loft" style with a focus on holding down the overall cost while creating a clean, modern environment. A typical 50 foot by 60 foot w/ 12 foot ceilings runs about 10,000 USD to 15,000 depending on vendor, materials and fittings. History: One of the biggest challenges is financing the construction of a home. Home loans have gone through a predatory phase which forced me to look for alternatives. I had an idea, inspired by a story about a rookie pro baseball pitcher who moved his family into a metal building outfitted with basic comforts and a batting / pitching cage. This allowed him to develop his skills without the typical expense of using public facilities and also live w/ his family at the teams training location during a period of financial challenge for his family. I was given over to the idea that I could do something similar to allow my family to live on our land, rent and mortgage free while we dedicate a large part of our finances to building a permanent home. The idea fits well with my desire to locate in a rural area and has the benefit of a guest home / office space in addition to the perm. home. We also considered making use of an RV, a tent or similar temporary housing but the possible variants in a metal building shell w/ loft interior won us over. It's our hope to eventually build the first model home of whichever design becomes the project challenge winner. Step 1: Find and acquire land, 2-4 acres preferably with basic service available, well or spring water and sustainable fauna. Step 2: Draft interior design plans for temp housing "loft" Step 3: Save enough to finance the purchase and construction of the metal building shell. Step 4: Finish interior "basics" enough to be livable. Step 5: Move in and complete loft w money previously dedicated to rent. Step 6: Save enough to begin perm house - design plan which allows purchases over scheduled construction term. Step 7: Begin construction of perm house.