Do you want to build a home, but you don’t know where to start? Back a couple years ago our family wondered the same thing, and wondered whether or not we could. We were naive to think we could go it alone but we did do just that. We learned how with-

· No previous experience

· No special tools

· No mortgage- debt free

· No build a home plans

How did we do it? The truth is we worked very hard, we stuck together and we searched for creative (no money!) solutions to every problem.

It really was a lot of work learning how- actually doing the work was not that difficult. We didn’t know where to turn for accurate information or building plans or where we would get help and advice to finish the project.

Contractors didn’t want to share their ‘build a home trade secrets’ with us, even when we worked for them. It is hard earned knowledge that is for sure and it is their business so we do understand their point.

What does the family who really wants to build a home do? They just go ahead and do it anyways, that’s what they do.

You will want to start by finding a piece of property that suits your family’s needs to build a home. Decide on your priorities- how big a property, rural or urban? access to services, price etc. Tell a competent real estate agent (or tell a few of them) what it is that you are looking for. Yes, finding a competent real estate agent who will give you professional advice is a must. Just ask around they seem to be everywhere, but one name will keep coming back to you, that’s the one to listen to.

Next, you will need some house plans and design help. You can readily find this kind of help depending on what you want to pay for it. Just dig around.

Hire a contractor, dig your footings and get started.

Our family has helped many other families in the area do just this. It has been our experience, depending on how much help they have that the average family can in under a year- completely debt free, with no special tools, and no previous experience if they are willing to work hard at it.

Some families take longer, but most can get the job done with proper directions in that amount of time. It really has been a family project for us. Our whole family was involved in laying blocks, putting up walls, even putting the roof on too. It was a lot of work to build a home for each and every one of us but well worth it.