Need input in regards to shop living

[LandLover]

Hello

Im just going to jump right in, hope this is okay to post here. I stumbled across these forums after looking online about shop plans involving living qusrters.

Currently my girlfriend and I are committed and ready to either buy our first home or buy acreage and then build a shop, drill a well, etc...

Its a prettt intimidating task but one thats been a dream for a while now. We are trying to stay under 200k$ and honestly a shop with living quarters seems viable and cheaper than a traditional house.

We have been looking at property and homes and really nothing has really cut it.. This whole thing has been kind of stressful and I really appreciate any input.

Is this a viable route or should we continue our search for a small house? Really all we would need is 1 bed 1 bath with kitchen + washer and dryer. Well water would be likely and electricity and internet are big concerns. Too many rural areas out here require solar and we would rather save the solar for our eventual homestead in the future.

Is anyone willing to share prices, ideas, information, experiences? If we were to build a shop all we would really need is a small shop, even just a small rollup door would work and then living quarters in the corner or something in its own enclosed space. Ive seen several designs in person but have yet to find good estimates on what it would take to do this.

We are tired of our living situation and ready to make it happen.. just its kind of a big task it feels like. Contractors are a whole different thing too.. my dad may be able to help with that but I do appreciate any advice.

Thank you and I look forward to discussion

 

[HOTFR8]

Welcome to the GJ.

May I suggest you update your profile with a location (I have no idea what is meant by Formulative Phase) as in future you may find that helps. Specially given this is a very global forum. Often you will find subjects may get different answers depending on locations and regulations.

In your case this question will require a location for a decent answer.

 

[MushCreek]

Your general location would help. Your $200K will go a lot further in rural TN than it will in San Francisco.

We built our barn first, and then built the house while living in the barn. We did about 90% of the work ourselves, which is how we afforded it. Living in a barn isn't for everyone. There are a lot of costs involved with developing raw land. Clearing, driveway, septic, well, electricity, grading, permits, etc. Building a shop/house (shouse or barndominium) is certainly a possibility, but do a lot of research and be honest with yourself about cost and effort. Hint- everything takes longer and costs more than anticipated.

 

[LandLover]

Welcome to the GJ.

May I suggest you update your profile with a location (I have no idea what is meant by Formulative Phase) as in future you may find that helps. Specially given this is a very global forum. Often you will find subjects may get different answers depending on locations and regulations.

In your case this question will require a location for a decent answer.

Your general location would help. Your $200K will go a lot further in rural TN than it will in San Francisco.

We built our barn first, and then built the house while living in the barn. We did about 90% of the work ourselves, which is how we afforded it. Living in a barn isn't for everyone. There are a lot of costs involved with developing raw land. Clearing, driveway, septic, well, electricity, grading, permits, etc. Building a shop/house (shouse or barndominium) is certainly a possibility, but do a lot of research and be honest with yourself about cost and effort. Hint- everything takes longer and costs more than anticipated.

Hello again.

We are located in washington state. Land here is pretty cheap but once we start favtoring in a well, septic, permits, etc im sure it would add up fast..

Maybe we are better off buying a small house for starters?

would love a shop to live in for the time being but it woild be a lot of work.. we are just eager to make something haplen

 

[Old Man Roger]

A lot less complicated to buy a house and add a shop. IMHO

 

[Copymutt]

Regardless of all other reasoning, be sure your woman is on board with it, many would soon be pressuring you to get the house done.
If she's agreeable, she can change her mind. If you enjoy working under a lot of mental pressure then it may make some sense.
Jim

 

[FJ 432]

My biggest question is...what is your skill level? Are you a carpenter, electrician, plumber, etc?

If you're mechanically inclined or have building knowledge you would be happier doing it yourself. If not, buy a small home.

 

[LandLover]

Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate it.

My girlfriend is on board 100%, she is aware of every step of the way we are a feam so no one decides something on their own. We are both doing this together and she is more than willing which is great.

I have basic knowledge of application but am always eager to learn. Would make sense I guess to buy a small house and then learn and build the shop as we go. My dad is prrtty construction oriented but hes made some bad drinking choices and wont be able to see him for a good few years.

In the mean time we have been viewing properties and acreage and the really only good choices weve found are away from power lines and require solar. Not really an issue but id prefer power for now until solar is more capable and in the realm for us.

 

[HOTFR8]

Thank you for the update on your location. I can see that has helped.