Long post but going to try to answer all the questions preemptively.

I'm looking at putting a little house on my property that is pretty close to where all three of these counties meet up just north of Lipan. The purpose would be just a little weekend retreat type place. Something like two maybe three bedrooms, 1200-1800 sq feet with a garage/workspace would be ideal.

I have an uncle who builds homes in college station so I've got somebody to run point on this project but wanted to ask about what people think about barndo versus traditional versus prebuilt (like tiny home, container home etc…). Would also like their idea of maybe some good subs for plumbing, electrical and foundations that service that area.

Currently live in Fort Worth and work in west Texas so can't be out there every day.
We have a well on the property 5-6 gpm
Power available at the road but haven't brought it on to my property yet

Budget - would like to stay around $150,000 but I'm probably dreaming. Would consider it a big win if I could stay under $200,000. I have friends with some heavy machinery like bobcat, dozer who have offered to help at no or minimal cost.

I'm fine just doing land clearing, plumbing, foundation and structure and then putting things in as I can afterwards like insulation, indoor framing, drywall cabinets, appliances etc…

Appreciate yalls thoughts or jokes or whatever else yall got

Tagging this one - as we have remarkable similar interests in same areas...and some of the same questions about barndo vs traditional build. Only difference is we are looking at it as potentially a starting point that could develop into our permanent residency in a few years.

OP - hopefully some good input comes along for you, as we are not as far along in the process.

ag0207 said:

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Under 200k you are dreaming unless you do a ton of work yourself. For 1500 sf of living space you are probably looking at 300-400k. The time of 100-150k barndos is unfortunately in the past.

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If I did a steel building, I would try do everything but foundation, electrical and plumbing/septic myself or my contacts. Those three things would be what I would need good reference for contractors in that area. I believe the rest is doable for me and my friends/family.

I've looked at container and tiny homes but they seem overpriced for what they are. It's $60,000-$90,000 for just 320 sq of living space and that doesn't include foundation and septic. Also, the quality seems poor on them.

It just may be as expensive to build a conventional house though. Appreciate your response

I don't have any people in that area. But I think you're on the right track. $200,000 can go a long way if you're willing and able to do all the finishing stuff.

If you do all those things yourself then your budget is definitely doable. Unfortunately everything has become stupid expensive. Barndos used to be a way to save money but they are about the cost of a conventional home these days otherwise. Good luck.

A friend and I built 4 barndo's as a side hobby in 2021 & 2022. We hired all the work out. Just the finish out was $85-90 a foot 3 years ago and that didn't include the foundation, foundation plumbing or the metal building plus erecting the building. We built them for about $150 - $160 a foot and sold them for $250 a foot. The metal building sitting on the ground right off the truck were $40k a piece back then.. I priced one out last year and it was $75k for the metal building sitting on the ground. If someone can do this for $150-$160 per foot now that's pretty dam good. We finished them out very nicely for that price. 4 bedroom 3 bath in POC plus 45x14 boat garage . Have ZERO interest in ever doing that again.. heck no

Our businesses are in Cresson... both are building material suppliers for home and farm and ranch. Lumber and metal.

Send me a PM and I can put you in touch with some good locals that do that kind of stuff.

PS - we sell to all those counties and now Wise County as well.

That 2500 sqr foot shell w doors windows and foundation is an about what we paid in 2021/2022 for 2500 sqr foot. I think ours was closer to 100 k +/- because we used specialty upgraded hurricane impact windows, doors, and garage doors on the coast. Those metal buildings are more expensive now by 20-30k I believe

I am currently in the process of building a Barndo ($2,000sf conditioned space plus 800sf of covered porches) in Atascosa county. Metal building, foundation, windows and doors is right at $100k.

At my age, I don't have the physical ability to do much work myself. I was hoping to do it for ~$250k but looks like we are headed for $300+. This includes $30k to get electricity and water 330' back to the home site.

This will end up in the $150sf range which based on the current housing market isn't to shabby. Competitively quoting all trades and feel like I am getting some quality value bids.