Wanting to build a small house with cash.. Best design?

[Nighthawk]

Some one told me about a Cord house, and it look very interesting, and does not look expensive or hard to build.

 

[NikatKimber]

I wouldn't use OSB in a chicken coop.

I would, but I hate chickens... so take that for whatever it's worth.

 

[Rolando]

Not all OSB is equal. Advantech flooring looks like OSB but has high amount of resin.

 

[djcorrell]

Insulated Concrete............ Better in every way.
http://ichhp.com/

By the time you are done using one of these, the utility savings will pay for the structure!!!
icfweb.com for info too.

The best solutions are not always the absolute cheapest.
If you stack the block yourself, you can offset the extra expense the system ads to normal construction.

 

[turkeyrun]

Cheapest initial expense doesn't necessarily mean cheapest long term expense.

 

[montesa]

Cheapest initial expense doesn't necessarily mean cheapest long term expense.

I agree. That's why I'm not sure what the best option is. Maybe a real but small house on a slab would be better in the long run financially.

 

[turkeyrun]

I would choose pier and beam over the slab. Ground shifts and settles too much. Easier to occasionally level beam. Plus you have the added benefit of water and sewer line access. If you decide you want to move, on your property, elsewhere, or the direction the front door faces; latch on and move it.

 

[montesa]

I would choose pier and beam over the slab. Ground shifts and settles too much. Easier to occasionally level beam. Plus you have the added benefit of water and sewer line access. If you decide you want to move, on your property, elsewhere, or the direction the front door faces; latch on and move it.

Sweet. That's what I had been thinking.

 

[farmer17]

I have owned my own construction company for the last 20 years and built many houses. If you want your house to have good appreciation and resale or the next buyer to be able to get a mortgage, you need to build a house the conventional way. I would recommend a conventional floating slab on 18" deep footings or a post tensioned slab and standard wood framing and a comp roof. If you want more advice you can PM me.

 

[Chief Sapulpa]

If you are open to a non-traditional style home, I like some of these conex shipping container designs; http://www.zigloo.ca/ecocargo-container-house-plans-for-sale/