DIY Home Building: 4 Ways to Build a House Yourself

Container homes

Homes made from shipping containers are increasingly popular these days, and with good reason. With an average price of $1,800 to $8,300 per container, they can be one of the most affordable housing options on the market, especially if you are able to do most of the finish work yourself.

Many cargo facilities keep a backstock of containers that they can no longer use, and there are several online resources for container purchases. Reusing old containers not only saves money but also supports eco-friendly building practices, helping homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint.

You have the option to purchase refrigerated containers, which are insulated, or regular containers, which you’d need to insulate yourself. Containers can also be easily combined, going from the standard 8-by-40-foot container to a full-sized home, all at a fraction of the cost of a traditional build.

You can do the interior framing and finish work yourself, or hire subcontractors, which is still less expensive than building a house from the ground up. Container homes can be built relatively quickly, they have an ideal shape for building, and they are made of durable steel.

For DIY builders who want to purchase a container home, you’ll first want to make sure you have land and space for it prior to purchase, and you’ll need to figure out the logistics of getting the container delivered to your property.

While most states now allow container homes, double-check your state and county for any potential restrictions.

Tiny homes

The tiny home movement doesn’t appear to be slowing down, and if you already own a piece of land, building your own tiny house is an affordable way to create a space to call your own. Tiny homes usually cost between $30,000 to $60,000 on average, depending on design and amenities.

There are myriad online sites that offer plans for tiny houses, complete with supply lists and the costs of various finishes and custom work. Some people build their tiny homes directly onto trailers, making them more portable, or you can put in a foundation and build a permanent structure.

“Tiny homes can be a good choice for some people,” says Stewart, “Especially if you’re the type of person who likes to be outdoors a lot and doesn’t need much inside space.”

Stewart says that while traditional mortgage financing isn’t usually available for tiny homes, buyers can consider consumer loans if they need to finance their purchase. “Most people pay out-of-pocket,” she says.

If you decide to go tiny, make sure you have your building plan sorted out before you start, in addition to all the supplies and tools you’ll need. And for those builders wanting to put their tiny home on a trailer, be sure to get a trailer that is specifically made for tiny houses; otherwise, you’ll end up with problems with the building flexing and potentially getting damaged every time you move it.

Home kits

With DIY home kits, your new home is delivered directly to your door, ready for assembly.

A kit home can be a good choice if you aren’t quite sure about how to gather everything you might need to build on your own, or if you just want to be able to construct your new home quickly. Prices vary depending on the size of the home, but they cost less than traditional builds with a contractor — sometimes much less if you’re able to do all the work yourself.

Kits can be purchased from builders, many of whom offer custom planning and a wide range of sizes, or even from online retailers like Amazon. The price range fits just about any budget, as well, with some kits available to purchase for under $10,000.

Construction can be completed fairly quickly, with some builders getting the home up in a matter of weeks as opposed to the months-long timeline of traditional builds.

If a home kit sounds appealing, be sure to thoroughly research what the kit you purchase includes, as plans between kits can vary greatly. Some kits do not include foundation or roof materials, so you will want to verify everything that’s included in a kit before buying it. If you aren’t experienced with things like plumbing or electrical, you’ll also need to factor in additional costs for subcontractors, as well as make sure your kit home meets any zoning requirements in your area.

Save big with a DIY home

No matter what route you decide on for building your own home, you’re likely to spend a lot less than if you purchased an existing house or hired a contractor to build for you. A DIY home means you can build within your budget, customize the house to fit your lifestyle, and have the satisfaction of knowing that you put in the work yourself. “There are so many variables,” adds Van Camp. “It really just depends on what you want and what you can afford.”

Frequently asked questions about building a house

Where do I start when building a house myself? 

Site preparation and surveying are crucial first steps in building a house. They lay the groundwork — literally and figuratively — for a safe, stable, and well-constructed home. Neglecting these steps can lead to costly mistakes, structural issues, and environmental concerns down the road.

Is site preparation important? Can I skip it?

Site preparation matters. There are several problems that might arise if you fail to prepare your site properly. Site preparation helps with the following:

1. Ensures Stability: Preparing the site helps eliminate potential risks like soil instability or uneven ground, which can cause foundation problems.
2. Improves Drainage: Grading the land prevents water from pooling around the foundation, reducing the risk of water damage and mold.
3. Facilitates Construction: Clearing debris, vegetation, and rocks creates a clean, accessible space for construction teams and equipment.
4. Prevents Legal Issues: Proper site preparation ensures compliance with zoning laws, setback requirements, and environmental regulations.

What is surveying when building a house yourself?

Surveying defines property boundaries, ensures structures are positioned correctly, and identifies geographical or topographical challenges. It also helps locate utility lines and potential hazards, saving time and money during construction.

How much would it cost to prepare and survey the construction site?

Costs can vary based on location, property size, and the complexity of the site. Here’s a general breakdown:

1. Land Clearing

• Tree and vegetation removal: $200 – $2,000 (depending on density and tree size)
• Stump removal: $100 – $150 per stump
• Debris hauling: $70 – $95 per tree

2. Grading and Excavation

• Land grading: $1,023 – $3,338 (based on slope and area size)
• Excavation for foundation: $1,662 – $6,728

3. Surveying

• Property survey: $800 – $5,500 (depends on lot size and location)
• Topographical survey: $2,000 – $6,500 (optional but helpful for uneven terrain)

4. Soil Testing

• Basic soil test: $672 – $2,155 (to determine soil composition and load-bearing capacity)

5. Drainage Solutions

• Installing drainage systems: $2,118 – $7,099 (depends on water flow needs)

Total Estimated Costs

On average, homeowners can expect to spend $5,000 to $15,000 on site preparation and surveying for a standard home build. For complex sites, costs can rise significantly.

Header Image Source: (Trong Nguyen / Shutterstock)