cheap recycled building

[mejunkhound]

Finished building a shop/studio/MIL apt 1600 sq ft building for son.

Not including own labor, Total cost (less permits) about $5 per sq ft! OF the total, $1k was oak flooring, $1K for mini split, about $1.5K for concrete and rebar, $1.2K for roofing, and $1.1K for insulation. < $1K for plumbing and electrical.

Most everything else salvage/surplus/craigslist free stuff.

Will post more as interest evolves if there is any. DO not recall how many photos can be attached prior to filling allocations?

[AC_Hacker]

Originally Posted by mejunkhound

...DO not recall how many photos can be attached prior to filling allocations?

I'm very interested!!

You can do 10 images per post... then do subsequent posts for more images.

Also, it is a very easy thing to put your images in-line... once you have "chosen" and "uploaded" your images, the list of image files will be available to you.

Just 'right-click' on the image file name and choose 'copy address'...

Then put your cursor in the text file where you want your image to appear, and clock the 'mountain & sun' icon, and right-click 'paste' your file name into the little dialog box.

If you want to go full-boat, you can click & drag to highlight what you just did, and click the 'center' icon, which is normally used for text, but also works for images. This will align your images in the center of your page.

Like so many things in life, it is much harder to explain than it is to do.

I really want to know all about how you performed this miracle!

-AC

[mejunkhound]

Since AC_H asked, I'll try to put together a complete thread as I get time.

To start with, I did have to get permits (another $1800 or so!!!) for the building.

I'll start with posting the plans. There is NO copyright on these, were my own, so anyone that wants to use any part or all is welcome.

Note that the evaluation spreadsheet in the plans was for permit cost purposes, the city jacked up the valuation to about 30K. I was able to get a LOT of the materials lower price or off Craigslist or Habitat reuse store, etc..

Example: The half moon window I the front - was originally going to use a 5 ft by 8 ft insulated glass picture window I got at a garage sale for $10. I Saw the fancy divided half moon window at Lowes marked down to $600 from $1600 as a special order that original buyer backed out on. Still too high. Watched it, and one morning I was in there, it got marked down to under $200 so snapped it up. Makes the whole front of the building a lot nicer.

All photos and files courtesy of building owner:
KevsCartoons.com

One pleasant surprise was the cooperation of building officials for the use of surplus materials - note the extensive background I gave on the building plans, that may have helped quite a bit. Also, the inspectors gave me hints on saving big $$, such as attaching the sewer to the existing building vs separate connection, another savings. Also the ability to use the 'crawl space' as a shop, but if ceiling under dwelling legal limit, did not count as square feet against the 800 sw ft limit for additional habitable structures on the property.

[mejunkhound]

The files:

Only 2 attached to start, when I try to attach all 10 at once, I get a security error 'contact admin'

[AC_Hacker]

Originally Posted by mejunkhound

...when I try to attach all 10 at once, I get a security error 'contact admin'

Upload a file or two at a time (in the same post)... otherwise the robot gets afraid.

-AC

[gtojohn]

Nice! I do the Lowes returned special order windows and doors stuff all the time. Its a great deal as long as you can adjust your framing to match what they have. Currently looking for a nice casement window or 2.

[MishaB]

Hey mejunkhound,

Congratulations on your new home!

I can't believe you built it so cheap, unless I misread it !? $5 per sq ft ??

Does this include the cost of buying the original home?

[mejunkhound]

Originally Posted by MishaB

Hey mejunkhound,

$5 per sq ft ??

Does this include the cost of buying the original home?

Lots more pricey out here, a half ace lot (if you can find a 1/2 acre) is $500,000! Building as built in the 'backyard', aka ADU (alternate dwelling unit) hereabouts.

Most new houses here are in the $800K and up range, typically 35000 sq ft on 4000 sq ft lot. Too many Microsoft, amazon, boeing high paid folks about. The lot plus fees are abut $200,000 of that.

[Russell A. Roy]

Originally Posted by mejunkhound

Finished building a shop/studio/MIL apt 1600 sq ft building for son.

Not including own labor, Total cost (less permits) about $5 per sq ft! OF the total, $1k was oak flooring, $1K for mini split, about $1.5K for concrete and rebar, $1.2K for roofing, and $1.1K for insulation. < $1K for plumbing and electrical.

Most everything else salvage/surplus/craigslist free stuff.

Will post more as interest evolves if there is any. DO not recall how many photos can be attached prior to filling allocations?

I'm interested.

[Russell A. Roy]

I'm too interested.