09-09-2010, 05:16 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Nancy Fryhover......why build a 400sf, (which is pretty tight and no room for a guest), cabin with plans to build a bigger one in the future...when we could just build one 800sf and be done. 800sf is all we need. And in the realm of costs, not that much more than 400sf...
You are exactly right. The costs do not increase at the same rate for an increase of SF. A 400 SF vs 800 SF goes (simplistically) like this: you take a 20 x 20 = 400 SF, and make it 40 x 20 for 800 SF. You are only adding 40 lf of exterior walls, although adding 400 SF of roof and floor. So the cost per SF drops in theory.
And if you can try to stay within the 8,10,12,16,20,24 board lengths - you waste less. So a gable roof with a 4/12 pitch that is 20 ft is uses 10 ft + pitch + overhang per side... its good if that isnt 14 1/2 ft!