Hi.I just bought a block of land in the bush and want to setup a place to live that is livable and as cheap as possible. I would say between $1000-$5000. It would only need to be the size of a cabin. Perhaps even a dongga. Any suggestions? I am open to anything, even teepees and yurts.
Cheapest Livable Accommodation
BluebirdV on 05/09/2014 - 16:28
Comments
Build a shed, then convert it.
Theres a thread on OCAU about a guy who did something similar. He ended up using an old caravan
Old caravan is a good starting block.
Add a carport off the side and collect rainwater.
Solar setup for lighting, gas for cooking. Heat water on the stove for a camp shower. No fridge.
Dig a privy or try humanurehandbook.comInteresting, you can get a double car port (new) for $1600.
Get yourself a slab wide enough to fit your caravan, open it out over the car port. Grab a cheap rainwater tank and hook it up to the car port. Bingo!
Been thinking about this too for a bush block, caravans, old bus, shed conversion, old weatherboard shed or house relocated, container, hole in the ground covered by a tarpaulin. It all depends on how much you want to spend, how comfy you want to be and how expandable you want it to be. I think the cheapest would be to search gumtree etc for old sheds etc people want to get rid of for free or cheap. Of course you will need to do some work yourself. Let know how you go.
CheersThere are portable buildings in your budget range but I am not sure about the cost to relocate which depends on the distance from your land. Look at ebay/gumtree
caravan is ok but not great for living or upgrading and cost is nearly the same, most cheaper caravans come with leaks included so unless your good with that then be careful. if you can start with a demountable it will be easier to upgrade as you progress.
You don't say where your land is……
If in a warm area where insulation is not important, then maybe buying a 2nd hand shed, setting it up and cutting out one or more windows with an angle grinder and fitting some 2nd hand windows (buy the windows BEFORE cutting the holes to get the size right). A modest gas stove (remember the gas bottle must be outside), a solar panel and battery for lights, charging the mobile and running the computer. Line the shed with 2nd hand materials from garage sales, demolition sites, Gumtree ads, etc. Set up a composting toilet; and a cheap "camp shower". You should be able to do the basic set up for around $1000. Then, in time, add some strawbale or rammed earth rooms at a cost of just a few hundred dollars each. The secrets are;
(a) 2nd hand materials
(b) being alert to opportunity
(c) your own hard labour, with a little help from mates or wooffers.
Good luck
Plenty of people live out of a tent