How a Busy Parent and Their Kids Built a 3 Bed, 2 Bath House for Under $50K

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Building a house from scratch can seem daunting, especially for a busy parent, but this incredibly inspiring story shows that it’s possible to create a beautiful, functional home-even on a tight budget. Here’s the journey of how a parent and their kids built a 3 bed, 2 bath house for under $50,000 using a turnkey house kit from American Made House Kits.

The Inspiration Behind the DIY Home Project

The story begins with three kids – Theo (10), Laura (10), and Dean (12) – and their parent discussing their cramped living situation. Renting a small apartment for years had left the kids craving more space to play, explore, and grow. This sparked the idea of building their own home.

With a parent who enjoyed DIY projects and kids eager to get involved, the family started researching different options. This is when they discovered American Made House Kits.

Choosing the Right House Kit

After browsing the wide selection of house kits on the American Made House Kits website, the family settled on Kit #43 – a 3 bed, 2 bath design that perfectly suited their needs. The kit included all the necessary materials, such as pre-cut and pre-drilled lumber, trusses, windows, doors, and even the metal roofing.

The affordability and quality of American Made House Kits were key factors in their decision. The company manufactures all its products on-site, keeping costs down and passing the savings on to customers, which was crucial for the family as they were working with a tight budget.

Assembling the House Kit

With the kit ordered and delivered, it was time to get to work. The kids were thrilled to be part of the process and eagerly jumped in. They started by laying the foundation and framing the walls, helping measure, cut, and assemble the lumber.

• Laying the Foundation: This crucial first step ensured the stability of the entire structure.
• Framing the Walls: Although challenging, the kids proved to be quick learners, helping measure and mark the lumber and holding pieces in place while securing them.
• Installing Windows and Doors: The kids took pride in making sure everything was level and properly aligned.

Throughout the process, they encountered a few challenges but worked together as a team to overcome them. The kids were a constant source of energy and enthusiasm, and their willingness to learn and try new things was truly inspiring.

Bringing in the Professionals

While the family handled a significant portion of the construction themselves, some tasks required professional expertise. They hired contractors for the concrete work, plumbing, electrical, and drywall finishing.

Bringing in professionals was a crucial step to ensure the safety and quality of their home. They wanted to make sure that the foundation was solid, the plumbing and electrical systems were up to code, and the drywall was properly installed and finished.

The kids were fascinated by the work of the contractors, enjoyed watching the various stages of the process unfold, and even helped out where they could, learning valuable skills along the way.

Finishing Touches and Personalization

With the major construction work complete, it was time to add the finishing touches and personalize their new home. The kids were thrilled to choose the paint colors, flooring, and other design elements, making the house truly their own.

They spent countless hours browsing design magazines and websites, discussing ideas, and making decisions together. The kids were particularly excited about designing their own bedrooms and put a lot of thought and creativity into the process.

One of the highlights of this phase was the kids’ involvement in decorating their rooms. They had a blast picking out their favorite colors, patterns, and accessories, taking great pride in making their spaces their own.

The Finished Product: A Dream Home on a Budget

After months of hard work, sweat, and a few tears, the family’s dream home was finally complete. The 3 bed, 2 bath house they built from the ground up was everything they had hoped for and more.

The kids were overjoyed to have their own rooms, plenty of space to play, and a beautiful backyard to explore. They couldn’t believe they played such an integral role in the construction of their new home.

The parent was incredibly proud of their accomplishment. Building a house from a kit may have seemed like a daunting task, but with the help of their kids and the support of the American Made House Kits team, they turned their vision into reality.

The Benefits of Building with a Turnkey House Kit

Using a turnkey house kit from American Made House Kits had several advantages:

• Support and Guidance: The team provided support and guidance throughout the process, from initial planning stages to the final touches.
• Affordability: By manufacturing their own products and buying lumber directly from the mill, American Made House Kits offered a high-quality, customizable home at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction.
• Turnkey Nature: The kit made the entire process more manageable. Instead of sourcing and coordinating all the materials and subcontractors themselves, everything they needed was neatly packaged and ready to go. This saved a significant amount of time and stress, allowing the family to focus on the hands-on work of building the house.

Advice for Others Considering a DIY Home Project

Based on their experience, the family offers the following advice for others considering a DIY home project:

• Involve the Whole Family: Getting the kids involved made the project more fun and engaging, taught them valuable skills, and gave them a sense of ownership over the final product.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: While they handled a lot of the work themselves, bringing in professionals for more complex tasks was essential. Knowing when to call in the experts saved time and headaches.
• Embrace the Learning Process: Building a house from a kit is a steep learning curve, but part of the adventure. Embrace the challenges, be patient, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
• Choose a Reputable Supplier: The quality and support received from the kit provider can make or break the project. Research, read reviews, and choose a company like American Made House Kits with a proven track record of success.

Overall, building a 3 bed, 2 bath house for under $50,000 was an incredibly rewarding experience for this family. It was a true family effort, and the sense of pride and accomplishment they feel is unmatched. If you’re considering a similar project, take the leap – with the right team and resources, you can turn your dream home into a reality.

For more information on American Made House Kits and their wide selection of affordable, customizable home kits, visit their website at www.americanmadehousekits.com. And if you’re in the market for a shop building or other type of prefab structure, explore their Building In A Box line as well.