If you are looking for a cheap house, you can opt for new construction. This is an ideal option in competitive markets, as new constructions come with little up-front renovation costs and offer customization. The most affordable type of homes are ranch style homes, which are rectangular in shape. They may also be designed as “T” or “L” shaped. These homes are also very simple in design and have low construction costs.
Log cabins

If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider purchasing an existing log home or building your own log cabin. However, you should keep in mind that the cost of log homes can vary widely, and it will depend on the region you live in. For example, in a rural area, it will be more affordable to buy an existing home and re-decorate it yourself.

Log cabins are cheaper to build than houses in many areas of the country, but the cost of labor and materials will vary widely. You should also consider the terrain in your area, as mountainous terrain will have higher material and labor costs than flat land. Furthermore, you may need to arrange for alternative utilities to run your new home.

While a log home may be cheaper to build, there are some downsides. For example, logs will settle within a year or two, affecting the shape of doors and windows. Furthermore, logs will need to be pressure washed, stained, and re-chinked. All of these factors can add up to considerable maintenance costs.
Steel-framed houses

When compared to a traditional build, steel-framed houses are much cheaper to build. This is due to the fact that the steel panels can be pre-fabricated, or you can have them custom-made to your specifications. The cost to build a steel-framed house can be 50% less than a traditional build.

One drawback of steel-framed houses is their lack of energy efficiency and poor insulation. This is because steel conducts heat better than wood. This causes a problem known as thermal bridging, which can lead to higher energy bills. However, homeowners can counteract this by adding insulation around steel beams. Alternatively, they can choose a hybrid steel/wood frame design, which takes advantage of the benefits of both materials.

One of the biggest costs in home building is the framing. Steel frames are typically nine to 11 dollars per square foot, compared to one to five dollars per square foot for a wooden structure. The larger the home, the more expensive it will be to frame it. The following table shows the average labor costs of framing a house using wood and steel. For a 2,000-square-foot home, the cost of framing a steel-framed house is $19,500 while the same size wooden house costs between $11,500 and $12,000.
Modular homes

Many people have dreamed of building their own house for years. But when the time comes for the actual construction, the excitement starts to wane. If you’ve never considered building a modular home, read on to discover the benefits of this popular building method. It may surprise you to learn how much cheaper it is to build a modular home.

A modular home can save you 10-20% on construction costs, and you get the same quality materials. Moreover, you’ll get an energy-efficient home that will cut your monthly bills. There are various financing options available for modular homes, including FHA loans and USDA construction loans. You can also talk to a reputable modular home builder about financing options.

The cost of a modular home is less than half the cost of a stick-built home. A two-bedroom modular home will cost you around $55,000, while a four-bedroom modular home will cost between $75,000 and $160,000. The prices vary based on the floor plan and location, but typically, modular homes cost between $30-$60 per square foot.