This is very encouraging to hear, thank you for sharing this!
I am considering building my house (being my own general contractor and doing as much work myself as possible), but I was discouraged by the extreme number of regulations that seem to forbid anything, with just obtaining permits taking years and costing ~25K. Perhaps I was looking at the wrong state.
The 250K range that you cite is about 5 years of my current income. I honestly think I can build the house myself faster than saving those money and paying a professional.
Mind you, that number predates the crazy surge in lumber prices the past few years. From what I hear, lumber started coming back down, but I don't know how much.
State construction code is generally pretty easy to meet- it is a dense, but not unintelligible read.
Where you will likely have issues will be zoning restrictions in the US, especially in larger cities and suburbs- as you mentioned, getting permits can be spendy.
On the other hand, there are added costs to living in the country as well. Septic systems can end up being expensive if the topography and soil conditions aren't favorable. Likewise, drilling a well for water can also run $10-20k, depending on how far you are above the water table.
You might not have access to natural gas, which means longer term spending more money on propane for heat and cooking (unless you live in the south).
Internet and cell options will be one, maybe two choices, and woe be to you of your only option is satellite internet (except maybe starlink I suppose).
The last thing you want to do is rush into it. Research, research, research. Ask questions, and consider paying a local contractor for consultation before you start.
I am considering building my house (being my own general contractor and doing as much work myself as possible), but I was discouraged by the extreme number of regulations that seem to forbid anything, with just obtaining permits taking years and costing ~25K. Perhaps I was looking at the wrong state.
The 250K range that you cite is about 5 years of my current income. I honestly think I can build the house myself faster than saving those money and paying a professional.