Design of cabin with intent to move later ??

[955Lincoln]

Here is a low budget option to consider. When I bought my raw property a couple of years ago there were thousands of brand new never lived in FEMA travel trailers and mobile homes floating around the country. An RV company in my area was buying 30 at a time at government auction and flipping them for 5K. They are not built very well but are comfortable to live in. Central A/C and heat, full sized electric fridge, microwave, plus all of the normal trailer stuff. They are "Park" models and don't have any holding tanks but could be easily added if necessary.

 

[trailbuilder]

We have built several cabins in the 10 x 14 and 14 x 20 foot range on skids and they are easy to move, would something this size fit your needs?

 

[jinman]

I don't think you would like living in an RV/trailer without a septic and water system in place. That just isn't any fun, so that is a wash cost-wise.
Dave.

+1 - Wiser words were never spoken.:thumbsup:

EDIT: Here in TX, you have to know what size home you intend to build with the number of bedrooms/square footage. All counties require you to have a septic permit and some are now requiring well permits. The septic permit and plan is approved based on the final structure/home you will build. That's about the only restriction we have.

 

[mikim]

Lots of great ideas here guys. Thanks a million for the suggestions.

Regarding zoning - no problems here. We are very rural and pretty much anything goes within reason

After thinking about it lots, Ive come to the conclusion that the most economical, least permanent, most practical thing I can do is to try to find a good deal on a decent trailer house and live in it while my house is being built and then sell it to be moved after Im done.

Do you guys think its possible to live in a trailer house a year or 2 and be able to recooperate your initial investment? thanks

if you buy a refurbed mobile home they should do the move/setup for you...probably for a fee....but then when you're done with it you may be able to sell it right back. I would however expect a 50% loss...depending on how long you live in it and condition. You could talk to 'em. Never costs to ask.

 

[2manyrocks]

It depends on what you buy and how you tie up in it. Some of those FEMA trailers have been sold for cheaper than $5,000 I think, but I've seen some guys trying to sell them for a lot more than that. You don't want to be the guy who just paid $10k for a FEMA trailer.

 

[buckle97]

Here is a low budget option to consider.

I purchased a FEMA trailer late last year for less than $5k from a guy who was buying five at a time at auction and reselling them. Mine is one that was going down the assembly line as Katrina struck so it is nicer than the ones that were built specifically for FEMA. The only difference from a regular trailer is the full size toilet and fridge. This one had never been lived in and was in great shape. That all being said, it has sat in my yard for eight months and is deteriorating even though it never gets used. I agree with the suggestion that a regular septic system and fresh water supply is mandatory for living long-term in a camper.

 

[jbos333]

Just to chime in here with some info for reference, I stumbled upon a 1993 14x80 singlewide mobile in a park last week. It had been on craigslist and the price was down to $6000.00. The owner had purchased a house and could not afford to pay a mortgage and a $540.00 lot rent each month, so she just needed to get rid of it....it would have been a great deal for me to move to my land, but I probably would have just lived in that permanently! The mover quoted me $7000.00 to tear-down, move, pour 20 piers, and set it back up at my place. So $13000 for 1000 square feet- not too bad! However, I did not have enough time to do what I needed to do on my end- lawyers and such. She had to let it go before the end of the month. Meanwhile, I'm going to get all my ducks in a row so the next time I see one I'm ready to go!
As much as I'd like to build my dream cabin, the mobile makes a lot of sense in terms of initial cost and ongoing property taxes, etc.

 

[jinman]

The mover quoted me $7000.00 to tear-down, move, pour 20 piers, and set it back up at my place.

There's my major beef with mobile homes. You will always have to hire somebody to do the prep work and the move. Once in place, it is there until you pay the big $$$ again. In Texas, the restrictions on travel trailers are basically non-existent. You can move even the biggest travel trailers with a 1-ton pickup. Most are easily moved with a 3/4-ton. You don't have the requirements for setup and tie-downs. Of course you don't have the space either. But, if you need space, a cheap pole-barn can be just the thing to give that kind of shelter. I'm of the opinion that mobile homes are meant to be moved once. Everytime you move a mobile home after the first time, you weaken the structure or some other damage will occur.

 

[jbos333]

jinman, I agree with the "move once" philosophy....it seems every one I've seen that has been moved 2 or more times looks like it has a wavy side or two.....that being said, I'm definitely not going to spend $35000+ for a brand new singlewide, either!

 

[lockhaven]

You could build a garage at a location that would be alongside of the future house. Well and septic would be located garage would be partitioned to make as many rooms as you required. When the house is built remove the partitions and you now have garage to keep your tractor in. No wasted building, even the partitions could be covered with plywood using drywall screws instead of nails. They could then be dismantled and used in the house.