Budget & Financial Tracking
Total Project Budget: $106,500 (DIY with strategic contractor help)
Cost per Square Foot: $60/ft² (1,776 sq ft total)
DIY Labor Savings: ~$85,000 (vs. full contractor build at $250k+)
Budget Breakdown by Category
| Category | Budgeted | Spent | Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arched Cabin Kits (4 buildings) | $36,000 | $0 | $36,000 |
| Foundation Systems | $15,300 | $0 | $15,300 |
| Interior Finishing | $16,000 | $0 | $16,000 |
| Water Well (200ft) | $10,500 | $0 | $10,500 |
| Solar Power System (5kW) | $12,500 | $0 | $12,500 |
| Septic System | $5,000 | $0 | $5,000 |
| Wood Stoves (4) | $3,200 | $0 | $3,200 |
| Tools & Equipment | $2,000 | $0 | $2,000 |
| Contingency (15%) | $6,000 | $0 | $6,000 |
| TOTAL | $106,500 | $0 | $106,500 |
Phased Budget by Year
| Year | Scope | Budget | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Foundation + Main House + Well | $38,500 | $38,500 |
| Year 2 | Infrastructure + Cabin 1 + Solar | $39,000 | $77,500 |
| Year 3 | Cabins 2 & 3 + Octagonal Deck | $29,000 | $106,500 |
Major Components Detail
Arched Cabin Kits - $36,000
- Main House (24'x32'): $15,000
- Cabin 1 (14'x24'): $7,000
- Cabin 2 (14'x24'): $7,000
- Cabin 3 (14'x24'): $7,000
- Includes: Steel ribs, metal roofing, insulation, all hardware
Foundation Systems - $15,300
- Concrete piers (44 total): $2,700
- Pressure-treated beams: $2,250
- Floor joists & subfloor: $6,020
- Octagonal deck materials: $4,276
- Hardware and connectors: $660
Infrastructure - $28,000
- Water well (200ft depth): $10,500
- Septic system (1,500 gal): $5,000
- Solar power (5kW): $12,500
Cost-Saving Strategies
Currently Implemented
- DIY Foundation Work: Saves $19,700 vs. contractor
- DIY Kit Assembly: Saves $18,000 (just pay for 2-3 helpers)
- DIY Interior Finishing: Saves $29,000
- Phased Construction: No interest on loans, pay-as-you-go
- Off-season Material Buying: 15-20% savings on lumber
Optional Budget Reductions
- Start with just main house + 1 cabin: -$14,000
- Composting toilets vs. septic: -$5,000
- Generator initially vs. solar: -$10,700 (defer)
- Concrete blocks vs. poured piers: -$6,400
- Skip octagonal deck initially: -$4,276 (defer)
- Rainwater collection vs. well: -$7,000
Extreme Budget Version: $68,000 (includes all above reductions)
Hidden Costs to Consider
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Travel Expenses (8 trips from NYC) | $4,000 |
| Tool Purchases/Rentals | $2,000 |
| Permits & Inspections | $1,500 |
| Delivery Fees (remote location) | $1,000 |
| Weather Delays/Extended Trips | $1,000 |
| Total Hidden Costs | ~$10,000 |
Funding Strategy
- Cash savings from NYC income (primary funding)
- Phased approach: pay for each year as I go
- No construction loans or debt
- Materials purchased in winter when prices lowest
- Contingency fund for unexpected costs
Material Sourcing Tips
- Alamosa Lumber & Supply: Best local prices on treated lumber
- Wholesale Solar: DIY solar packages, quality components
- Habitat ReStore: Windows/doors at 60-80% off retail
- BuildDirect: Bulk flooring materials
- Winter Purchases: Lumber prices drop 15-20% Jan-Feb
- Contractor Accounts: Can save 25% at some suppliers
Recent Expenses
No expenses yet - project in planning phase. Will update as purchases are made.
Budget based on 2024 prices in San Luis Valley, Colorado. All figures will be updated as project progresses.