Hello everyone,
I have a somewhat unconventional idea.
Here, the usual minimum costs for a small, new house are generally quoted at around 300,000 to 350,000 (for a fully furnished, though basic, home).
That’s fine, but for me, a complete, finished new house is currently out of the question. My budget is more in the range of half that amount (for house and land).
However, I don’t need a full house right away – as a single person, I’ve been managing well in a 35m² (375 sq ft) rental apartment, but it’s starting to feel like time for something of my own with a garden, creative freedom, and potential for expansion to accommodate future family plans.
So here’s my theoretical idea:
Buy a plot of land (about 70,000 in a suitable location – though only on a hillside), build a basement (approximately 9x9m (30x30 ft), daylight basement due to slope), install heating, electrical wiring, bathroom, and set up bedroom/living space, and be done for now.
Over the next few years, expand the remaining basement rooms as needed.
In 5 to 10 years, build a shell house on top of the basement.
In the following years, gradually complete the expansion house, room by room.
Complete nonsense? Feasible? Has anyone here done something like this?
(and yes, I’m aware that buying a used house or continuing to rent are alternatives)
Will a bare basement ceiling last 10 years without damage?
Is a building with an uninsulated concrete ceiling uninhabitable in winter?
Can this be done within such a budget?
Thanks,
Andy
I have a somewhat unconventional idea.
Here, the usual minimum costs for a small, new house are generally quoted at around 300,000 to 350,000 (for a fully furnished, though basic, home).
That’s fine, but for me, a complete, finished new house is currently out of the question. My budget is more in the range of half that amount (for house and land).
However, I don’t need a full house right away – as a single person, I’ve been managing well in a 35m² (375 sq ft) rental apartment, but it’s starting to feel like time for something of my own with a garden, creative freedom, and potential for expansion to accommodate future family plans.
So here’s my theoretical idea:
Buy a plot of land (about 70,000 in a suitable location – though only on a hillside), build a basement (approximately 9x9m (30x30 ft), daylight basement due to slope), install heating, electrical wiring, bathroom, and set up bedroom/living space, and be done for now.
Over the next few years, expand the remaining basement rooms as needed.
In 5 to 10 years, build a shell house on top of the basement.
In the following years, gradually complete the expansion house, room by room.
Complete nonsense? Feasible? Has anyone here done something like this?
(and yes, I’m aware that buying a used house or continuing to rent are alternatives)
Will a bare basement ceiling last 10 years without damage?
Is a building with an uninsulated concrete ceiling uninhabitable in winter?
Can this be done within such a budget?
Thanks,
Andy
Layperson's opinion:
You probably won’t be allowed to do this. The zoning plan will likely prohibit it. But I have yet to meet anyone who said, “Hey, look, I built a basement living area.”
But one more thing: How do you plan to finance an extension on top in 5 years? Are you planning to find a wealthy partner? Expecting an inheritance?
Usually, such statements like "I’ll do it in 5 years" are nonsense, because people generally try to pay off as much as possible on their existing loans.
You probably won’t be allowed to do this. The zoning plan will likely prohibit it. But I have yet to meet anyone who said, “Hey, look, I built a basement living area.”
But one more thing: How do you plan to finance an extension on top in 5 years? Are you planning to find a wealthy partner? Expecting an inheritance?
Usually, such statements like "I’ll do it in 5 years" are nonsense, because people generally try to pay off as much as possible on their existing loans.
I won’t go into the financing details here, but don’t worry, it is realistic.
As far as I’ve read, only some zoning plans require a construction time frame. Does a building project need to be completed within a specific period? In the past, it was apparently common to have the foundation poured first, and then spend weekends over the next few years placing a few bricks yourself... good old days, right?
Otherwise, it would be necessary to ensure that the zoning plan allows flat-roof bungalows 🙂
As far as I’ve read, only some zoning plans require a construction time frame. Does a building project need to be completed within a specific period? In the past, it was apparently common to have the foundation poured first, and then spend weekends over the next few years placing a few bricks yourself... good old days, right?
Otherwise, it would be necessary to ensure that the zoning plan allows flat-roof bungalows 🙂
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