How to Build a Family Compound on Less Than $100,000

### Detailed Plan for Buying Land and Building a Family Compound #### 1. Define Your Vision and Goals - **Vision:** Create a multi-generational family compound, sustainable and expandable, with shared spaces and private living quarters. - **Goals:** Self-sufficiency, community living, economic feasibility, and low maintenance. #### 2. Identifying the Right Location - **Criteria:** - Less restrictive building codes and zoning laws - Affordable land prices - Favorable climate and soil for potential farming/self-sufficiency - Availability of utilities or ease of off-grid solutions - Proximity to necessary services (healthcare, education, shopping) - **Less Restrictive States:** - Texas - Montana - Tennessee - Idaho - Missouri - **Resources for Finding Land:** - Zillow and Realtor.com - LandWatch and Land And Farm for rural properties - County auctions for tax-delinquent properties - Local real estate agents specializing in land #### 3. Financial Planning and Budgeting - **Initial Capital:** - Personal savings - Family contributions - Crowd-funding if applicable (Kickstarter, GoFundMe) - **Grants and Financial Aid:** - USDA Rural Development Grants - Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - Renewable energy grants (DOE, state programs) - Historic preservation grants if the property qualifies - **Mortgages and Loans:** - USDA Rural Home Loans - VA Loans if applicable - FHA Loans for first-time buyers - Traditional mortgages from banks or credit unions - **Creating a Budget:** - Land purchase: $50,000 - $300,000 - Site preparation and utilities: $20,000 - $100,000 - Construction costs: - Traditional homes: $100 - $200 per sq ft - Tiny homes: $20,000 - $50,000 per unit - Shipping containers: $10,000 - $50,000 per unit - Trailers/RVs: $10,000 - $100,000 each - Permits and fees: $5,000 - $20,000 - Miscellaneous (fencing, landscaping, contingencies): $10,000 - $50,000 #### 4. Planning the Property Layout - **Central Shared Spaces:** - Communal kitchen and dining area - Recreation area or common room - Storage facilities (shared tools, equipment) - Garden and/or greenhouse - **Private Living Units:** - **Trailers:** Affordable, mobile, and easily expandable; suitable for flexible living arrangements. - **Shipping Containers:** Durable, customizable, and eco-friendly; ideal for modular construction. - **Tiny Homes:** Cost-effective, minimalistic, and energy-efficient; can be customized to individual needs. - **Brick and Mortar:** Permanent, high-value investment; ideal for main family homes. - **RVs:** Mobile and versatile, excellent for travel-loving family members. #### 5. Legal and Regulatory Considerations - **Zoning Laws and Permits:** - Understand local zoning regulations and land-use rules. - Obtain necessary building permits and plan approvals. - Check for any restrictions regarding mobile homes or alternative housing. - **Utility Connections:** - Connect to municipal water, sewage, and electricity where possible. - Consider off-grid solutions (well water, septic systems, solar panels). #### 6. Sustainable and Cost-effective Practices - **Solar Power:** Install solar panels and battery storage systems. - **Water Collection:** Rainwater harvesting systems. - **Waste Management:** Composting toilets and greywater systems. - **Community Garden:** For shared food production and gardening activities. #### 7. Detailed Construction Timeline - **Phase 1: Planning and Preparation (0-3 months)** - Finalize land purchase. - Secure financing and permits. - Design property layout and living units. - **Phase 2: Site Preparation (3-6 months)** - Clear land, grade, and prepare building sites. - Install utilities (water, electricity, internet). - Set up initial structures (trailers, tents as temporary living). - **Phase 3: Building and Installation (6-18 months)** - Begin construction of central shared spaces. - Start building private living units. - Implement sustainable systems (solar, water collection). - **Phase 4: Finishing Touches and Move-in (18-24 months)** - Finalize landscaping and outdoor spaces. - Conduct inspections and obtain occupancy permits. - Move in and start enjoying the family compound. #### 8. Long-term Sustainability and Maintenance - **Maintenance Schedule:** Regular inspections and proactive maintenance (roofing, plumbing, solar panels). - **Investment in the Community:** Organize family events, establish governance (house rules, shared responsibilities). - **Future Expansion:** Plan for adding units as family expands, reserve land for future generations. #### 9. Resources and Further Reading - **Books:** - "The Big Tiny" by Dee Williams - "Backdoor Revolution: The Definitive Guide to ADU Development" by Kol Peterson - **Websites:** - Tiny House Design and Construction: https://thetinylife.com/ - Container Homes: https://www.discovercontainers.com/ - USDA Rural Development: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ By following this detailed plan, you can thoughtfully approach the creation of a family compound that will serve generations to come while being mindful of costs, sustainability, and practicality.

Plan to Buy Land and Build a Family Compound: 1. Location: Choose the location wisely after factoring in your family's preferences, climate, accessibility, proximity to resources like schools, hospitals, market, and suitability for the desired property structures. 2. Finances: Budgeting is crucial. You need to account for the cost of the land, construction, landscaping, permits, utilities setup, and a buffer for unforeseen expenses. Financial planning applications like Mint, Personal Capital, etc., can aid you in managing your finances. 3. Grants: Look into government or private grants options. The U.S Department of Agriculture offers programs like the Housing Preservation Grant or Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants, that might be beneficial. 4. Mortgage: Identify a suitable mortgage that fits your budget. Lenders like Quicken Loans, Alliant Credit Union, etc., offer a good variety of options. Ensure your credit report is clean and your credit score is high for better loan terms. 5. Choosing the State: States with less restrictive zoning laws and lower property taxes are ideal. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Nevada are known to be relatively less restrictive. 6. Property: Choose a property style based on longevity, cost-effectiveness, and your family needs. Here's a short overview of each: - Trailers: Most cost-effective, but less longevity. - Shipping Containers: Sustainable and relatively cheap. However, insulation and climate control can be a challenge. - Tiny Homes: Economical, sustainable, but might not be suitable for large families. - Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Mobile and economical, but might lack a homey feel. - Brick and Mortar: Traditional, high longevity but costly. To expand the property, consider a mix of shipping containers and brick-and-mortar structures, allowing you room for adjustment. 7. Sustainability is key for long-term savings. You could use solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting techniques for low-cost maintenance. 8. Planning and Design: Use free online tools like SketchUp, HomeStyler for planning and modelling your family compound. 9. Zoning and Permit Regulations: Check in with local authorities about zoning laws, permits, and mandatory inspections for your chosen styles. Ensure the location will allow for a family compound and the specific type of dwellings you’re considering. 10. Construction: You could consider self-building, hire a contractor, or local builders. You might also want to consider services like Habitat for Humanity's Homeownership Program. 11. Utilities and Infrastructure: Set up basic utilities like water, electricity, sewage. For remote areas, consider drilling a well, setting up solar panels, or constructing a septic tank. 12. Landscaping: Based on your budget, consider making the open areas greener or turning them into functional spaces like garages, sport zones, etc. 13. Maintenance: Establish a maintenance plan to ensure longevity of the property. This could involve routine inspections and future renovation plans. Remember, this plan is not exhaustive, and should be adjusted to your specific circumstance and family's needs. It's recommended to consult with experts like real estate brokers, financial advisors, and architecture firms in your process.