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Have you ever dreamt of building your own home but felt intimidated by the cost and complexity? A recent video by a determined DIYer, who built a 14×36 cabin shell in just 30 days, shows that it’s more achievable than you might think.
This blog post breaks down the project, giving you a detailed look at the costs and process, all based on the fantastic video from The Crockers YouTube Channel, “1 Man Built This TINY HOUSE In Just 30 Days! – Start To Finish.”
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Building a Dream on a Budget: How One Man Built a 14×36 Cabin Shell in 30 Days for $10,800.44
Images via The Crockers/YouTube
The Foundation of the Project
The builder kicks things off with a solid foundation, both literally and financially. With a focus on transparency, he shares that almost all materials were sourced from Lowe’s, and he took advantage of their Pro Rewards program to cut costs [00:51].
The foundation itself was constructed with 12 cinder blocks, treated lumber, and 16 sheets of treated plywood, all secured with construction adhesive and screws. To ensure stability, 16 bags of 80 lb cement were used. The total cost for this crucial first step came to $2,310.20 [04:17].
Images via The Crockers/YouTube
Raising the Walls and Roof
With the foundation in place, the project moved on to the walls and roof. The builder opted for 2×4 construction to keep costs down, and the total for the wall framing was $967.92 [06:44].
For the roof, a mono-slope design was chosen, with a 10-foot height in the front and an 8-foot height in the back. The roof framing, including rafters and screws, cost $678.28 [08:34].
Images via The Crockers/YouTube
Sheathing, Siding, and a Weather-Tight Shell
To protect the structure from the elements, the builder used the Zip System for sheathing, which provides strength, insulation, and a moisture barrier. This, along with the necessary nails and tape, came to $1,610.32 [10:22].
The exterior was given a modern board and batten look with LP smart siding. Including the siding, trim, and additional materials, this stage cost $1,891 [15:37]. The fascia and eaves were also finished with LP smart siding and proper ventilation for a total of $431.58 [17:24].
The final roofing layer consisted of a metal roof installed over a wooden skeleton to create an air gap. This, along with all the necessary components, brought the final roof cost to $1,493 [19:54].
Images via The Crockers/YouTube
Windows, Doors, and the Grand Total
No house is complete without windows and doors. The builder installed four windows and a modern front door, with the total for these features coming to $1,418.34 [13:03].
After 30 days of hard work, the exterior of the tiny house was complete. The grand total for this impressive one-man project was $10,800.44 [21:47]. The builder notes that by forgoing the Zip System, it would be possible to bring the cost under $10,000 [23:27].
Images via The Crockers/YouTube
The Takeaway
This project is a testament to what can be accomplished with careful planning, hard work, and a DIY spirit. The builder, now a new father, plans to finish the interior with an overall budget of $20,000 [22:21]. This is a fraction of the cost of a pre-built shed or a professionally constructed tiny house, which could cost upwards of $80,000 [20:36].
For a complete visual guide and to follow the builder’s journey, be sure to watch the full video:
“DIY TINY HOUSE | One Man, 30 Days, Cost Breakdown.”
Highlights
- A DIY enthusiast built a 14×36 tiny house in just 30 days, demonstrating that home construction can be affordable and manageable.
- The project began with a solid foundation using cinder blocks, treated lumber, and cement, totaling $2,310.20.
- Cost-effective 2×4 construction was used for walls, and a mono-slope roof design was chosen, keeping framing costs to $967.92 and $678.28, respectively.
- The builder used the Zip System for sheathing, providing insulation and moisture protection, costing $1,610.32.
- Modern board and batten LP smart siding was installed, with siding, trim, and other materials totaling $1,891.
- Windows and a modern front door were added for $1,418.34, leading to a total project cost of $10,800.44.
- The builder’s experience highlights that with careful planning, DIY building can save significant costs compared to professional construction.
Learn more
Our big thanks to The Crockers for sharing their journey!🙏
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Alex
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