FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Most affordable style of house to build?

matthewsutton | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 19, 2019 09:23pm

Long story short I will be selling my home soon and looking to downsize to something 1500 sq ft approx. I have saved diligently and plan to retire in just a few years and will not have a mortgage on this new home. That being said I want to minimize construction cost (not quality) while also keeping to a minimum future upkeep and monthly utility cost with this design. Basically the simpler the better. I will not be in a neighborhood that restricts design aspects and one of my key goals is to have a roof that is suitable/maximize the use of solar panels. I live in upstate SC where we have little issue with cold weather but can have very long hot and humid summers. I once worked in the commercial construction field and do my own flooring, tile, trim, cabinets but the rest will be done by the builder. At first I was looking at a 1.5 story design but I recently came across this shed roof or slanted roof design plan. I have never seen a house constructed in this fashion in person before though so unsure of many of the details such as venting the roof etc. With the flat roof structure though it looks amazingly simple to construct and looks ideal for solar. I did have an Architect tell me though it is simpler to have triangle trusses built that would give you a flat roof inside and more room for mechanicals and insulation etc and would prevent racking than to have a slanted roof inside. Possibly I could compromise and leave the living room kitchen area in the center vaulted as in the picture. The house would be built on a slab and not sure if this design would be best for mini splits or a heat pump. So in the end, would this style of home be less expensive to build than say a comparable 1.5 story house? Any drawbacks to this style of house? Any input is welcome

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. junkhound | Apr 20, 2019 04:55pm | #1

    1. Source materials from surplus areas, e.g HFH ReStore, CL, etc.
    2. DIY ALL of it

  2. DanH | Apr 20, 2019 08:31pm | #2

    Here's just what you need --

  3. User avater
    tfarwell | Apr 20, 2019 11:39pm | #3

    I think the most affordable style to build is a day-light ranch. Simple trusses and framing, easy to insulate well. If you can get a day-light / walk-out basement, you can also have a naturally cool space the home. The shed roof style you show is interesting (our next door neighbors have that style), but not the cheapest. The roof assembly is more complex, and getting good R value up there isn't easy. You likely get all the solar you need mounted on a conventional roof.

  4. florida | Apr 22, 2019 09:21am | #4

    There is no such thing, at least not generally. Every area of the country builds differently. Here in south Florida the most common house is CMU construction with a truss roof. It's the least expensive here but might be the most expensive where you live. Builders and developers are always looking for ways to save a buck on construction costs to stay competitive. If shed roofs were less expensive and appealing you'd see them everywhere.

  5. user-302806 | Apr 22, 2019 04:21pm | #5

    Having one wall higher than the other to support a roof is nothing new and what works very well is to use the space of the higher wall to install windows which is much better than skylights bringing natural light into rooms while have no privacy concerns.
    A heat pump with the right climate can greatly reduce heating and cooling costs.
    Easiest with the solar to have the roof sloped for maximum solar production. Usually it is going to be close to the latitude of the location but there are California websites that provide a great deal of information and help. Cheaper to design in the solar panels then to add later and they can reduce the cost of a roof and greatly extend its life.
    http://csi-epbb.com/
    https://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/tools/calculators.php
    Going with a local builder means working within their comfort zone. In some areas the use of heat pumps is quite common and in other parts of the country they are seldom found as well as people who know how to configure and install them properly.
    Framing with 2x6's and using modern framing methods and creating the right envelope is also important and again the knowledge level of the local builders is going to vary widely.
    As you can see there are a fair number of idiots posting on this forum which as even monkeys can type.

  6. calvin | Jan 24, 2020 09:29am | #6

    “As you can see there are a fair number of idiots posting on this forum which as even monkeys can type.”

    And thank goodness there are people that know everything.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro
  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data