A $500 Home From Recycled Materials Is Possible

When we talk about the crazy rentals in cities like San Francisco, as well as the cost of having a roof over your own head in metropolises, here is a counter culture idea – is it possible to build a home from scratch for just $500? The answer is yes, although one cannot take land cost into consideration as the half grand will all be invested into the building materials alone. Not only that, this home was built using recycled and salvaged materials, as well as gifted items in order to keep things as cheap as possible, with Pacific Northwest resident Scott Brooks claiming his humble abode was built for “well below” USD $500.

Granted, there is only 83 square feet of space to move around in, which should be good enough for a single person, while sitting on a 20-acre piece of land owned by a friend. Brooks came up with this idea after trekking around Africa for two years, in addition to the likes of Thailand, India, Nepal, Montana and Alaska. He started an organic farm after returning home, as well as the idea of the “Transforming Tiny Home” being brought to life.

Do take note that this is a bare bones home, and there are also no alternative energy options such as photovoltaics, plumbing, a refrigerator, and cladding (yet) on the exterior. If you’re cold, heating is available through a gifted woodstove, while keeping oneself clean would require the use of a nearby outdoor shower and outhouse.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Green, Home
Tags: DYI