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I am looking to build a tiny house, 10' x 22', lanai on 3 sides, off the ground, surrounded by trees, on a budget in Puna area. I'm in the beginning stages of finding land and a builder. I have had a really hard time with companies not getting back to me. I have contacted several builders and no one has gotten back to me, I don't get it...? So I am hoping this forum can help. I am looking for builder recommendations in Puna area. Should I go with a contractor or builder? The research has me confused... I don't want to risk building unpermitted, so I wish to do this all legal. I would love someone who can help me with the whole process (drafting plans, building, solar power, rain catchment, septic, inside construction, flooring, tile, windows, everything!) as I will not be able to be around full time during the build. I have the ideas, just no one to help me. Ideally I would like to use alot of recycled materials if possible, maybe not... looking at options. I want someone with a creative mind - and who understands my vision, has ideas of their own and can follow through. Any and all information you can help me with is appreciated.
Mahalo
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Hi, your house is smaller than allowed by the county, which is 240sq. Ft. However you can build a structure of 120 sq. ft. Without permit, But cannot have plumbing or a kitchen. There are not too many recycleled materials here other than some roofing and window glass, most wood is rotten or busted up.
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Thank you leilaniguy for the info. So lanai doesn't count for sqft? I could add to the dimensions to make my tiny house at least 240 b/c I want bathroom and kitchen. Thanks for confirming my findings of little recycled materials available on BI.
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A lanai is just a porch (well, historically more, but you get the idea) and is only ever included in the square feet when a realtor is trying to make a place bigger than it is.
You could be getting ignored by contractors and builders because... well let's face it, there are tons of dreamers. If you don't already have the land or are at least on-island, then they could just see you as another mainland flake just kicking tires and not really vested in the work - so why should they waste their time. You have no idea how 'common' that type of scenario is.
There is a guy on Craigslist here who sells his services as a shack builder in that area, looks like he does decent work too.
https://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/grd/6066925495.html
Maybe contact him and see if he'd be interested in your project.
Looking at his post, at least you can get an idea of the cost... if only a rough idea.
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included in the square feet when a realtor is trying to make a place bigger
The phrase "under roof" is often applied, as in "1200 square feet under roof".
you can get an idea of the cost
At that size, permits and infrastructure will cost more than the structure.
contacted several builders and no one has gotten back to me
It's often faster/cheaper to just do it yourself.
don't want to risk building unpermitted
That "risk" is relative and can be mitigated.
will not be able to be around full time during the build
Unsupervised project? Be prepared to get ripped off one way or another, either materials or labor costs.
use alot of recycled materials
Permitted construction requires all new materials.
I almost hate to suggest it, but: buy something that's already built, on a big enough lot to create the "tiny house" as a permit-exempt accessory use. Otherwise, be ready to spend 2-3 years homesteading.
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You need to have the land and be pre- approved for a construction loan before anyone is going to jump at it. If you buy an HPM package they will help you find someone to build it
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Thanks everyone for your information and words of advice. I understand dreamers, but I am a serious dreamer. Been saving, researching and only attempt what I know I can follow through with. I hate my time wasted, so I'm not here to waste anyone elses. I have cash, so no loans. Land-check. Can be there for the build if better, totally understand being ripped off. Can't trust too many people. My dad was a builder and I wish he could built it, but recently had back surgery. I would love to do myself, but am not capable. Haven't even really been able to tell builders my idea, they just don't get back to me when I inquire initially. Well, no one or nothing will hold me down. I'm not in a hurry, the right thing will come at the right time.
Mahalo
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Find a real contractor and offer him some real cash. Otherwise you will get nowhere. Nobody lives on hot air and promises, there is too much B.S. here.
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Go to Walmart and buy a $15 Tracfone and activate it with an 808 area code. When I was off-island nobody would return a message from an out of state area code.
Also, don't bother with emails or trying to submit information via a web page under any circumstance.
ETA: You're not the first dreamer. Many have come and gone. It is usually cheaper to buy something from somebody who is leaving or already left that already has a structure on it, rather than starting from scratch.
There are a lot of homes being built right now. Many more than I've seen in about 6 years. It could just be that the builders are all busy.
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Thanks terracore, nice idea on the tracfone. And yes, perhaps many are busy right now. I'll just keep checking around. Maybe if I bug them enough, they'll figure I'm serious, lol. Shack guy from craigslist got back to me right away, but it's out of his area of interest. Yes, lots of dreamers, I know, I've worked in a field with similarities, I know it all too well. And I have something particular in mind, I'm very particular when it comes to a home and would probably have to put alot of money into redoing something already built, so I am only pursuing MY dream, even if it means waiting to make it happen. I also have a background in interior design, so I am wishing to completely design the inside and all of it's components - from flooring to walls to fixtures and decor, I've already got it all planned!... well almost.
Anyway, blah, blah... Thanks again everyone!
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