DIY Builds
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What's the cheapest way to build a house?

The cheapest way to build a home is to design a simple box. Sticking to a square or rectangular floor plan makes the building and design simple. Generally speaking, building up is cheaper than building a sprawling one-story home, so you may want to consider planning for a multiple-story home if you need more space.

Do ramps need handrails on both sides?
Do ramps need handrails on both sides?

Handrails. Handrails are required on both sides of ramps with a rise greater than 6″. The Standards do not require lower handrails serving children...

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Can you make a living off woodworking?
Can you make a living off woodworking?

I often see people ask in online forums and on social media— "Can I make a living from woodworking?". The answer is of course yes. Millions across...

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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Different types of building materials will have different costs. Choosing cost-effective materials can help keep the project affordable. Here are a few to consider.

Reclaimed Materials

While using reclaimed materials like old barn doors or wood in your home build is trendy, there’s a practical reason it’s so popular: it saves money. Look for reclaimed doors, wood floors, windows and decorative items. Not sure where to find reclaimed materials? Check Craigslist, Planet Reuse or a salvage store. You can even find a home that is currently being torn down and see if you can salvage any of its old materials.

Prefab Panels

Prefabricated panels are wall panels that are custom-built inside a factory and shipped to the build site. By having the walls built indoors and shipped to the site ready to install, they can cut down on construction and reduce the time spent on framing and drywalling. This can help you save money because you aren’t paying for the extra labor to build and frame the walls.

Precast Concrete

Just like prefab panels, precast concrete is concrete that’s poured into a reusable mold, cured indoors, then shipped to the build site. On average, precast concrete costs less than on-site pouring because it cuts down on on-site labor and can help prevent delays due to weather.

Shipping Containers

This alternative housing idea uses old shipping containers for the structure of the home. Since the structure is already intact, this type of housing can help you save money on construction costs. Of course, you’ll need to consider the modifications you’ll need to make to the container to turn it into a usable living space, and costs go up if you use more than one container.

Cob

Cob is a mixture of straw, clay and subsoil. This earthen material is so thick that it provides energy-efficient, thermal benefits. And since most of the ingredients for cob can be found on-site for free, you can save a good amount of money on material costs. Cob is also known to last hundreds of years and only requires a new layer when it eventually needs to be fixed, making it a great building material for a cheap house.

How thick can you pour concrete without rebar?
How thick can you pour concrete without rebar?

Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project. The general rule of thumb is that if you are pouring concrete that is more than 5 inches in...

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Is it illegal to garden in Florida?
Is it illegal to garden in Florida?

— As of today, Florida property owners can grow fresh produce in their yards without fear of local government restrictions. Gov. Ron DeSantis...

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

What is the largest shed you can build without planning permission?

Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.

Permitted Development For Outbuildings

New rules regarding whether or not you can extend or add to your home without having to apply for planning permission for an outbuilding came into force on 1 October 2008. The New limits and conditions for what is allowed without the need for planning permission apply largely to the dimensions of the proposed addition, its position in relation to the house and its proximity to the boundaries of the property. Under the new regulations constructing an outbuilding that is not within designated land is considered permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing it meets the following limits and conditions: An outbuilding can not be constructed on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation. Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof. Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres. On designated land buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

What's the calculation for square footage?
What's the calculation for square footage?

Measure the length and width, in feet, of each room. Then, multiply the length by the width to calculate that room's square footage. For example:...

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Are lean-tos safe?
Are lean-tos safe?

Lean-tos are public property and therefore any activity not typically performed in public should be avoided. Nov 30, 2011

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How much does wood carving a tree cost?
How much does wood carving a tree cost?

What does a typical carving cost? Prices vary, depending on the amount of detail, type of wood, diameter of log, height of tree, location, degree...

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What size ramp do I need for 3 steps?
What size ramp do I need for 3 steps?

A ten foot ramp is minimally suitable for most situations where you've got 3 steps to overcome and the rise is 20″ or less. Assistance would be...

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