Agreed, kiln-dried lumber usually pays off in the long run. But if budget's tight, air-drying rough-sawn lumber yourself can work—just gotta plan months ahead and have proper storage space. Learned that building my shed... patience required, but fewer headaches later.
Definitely agree with the lumber drying points above—planning ahead is key. I've seen quite a few DIY projects run into trouble because folks underestimated drying times or didn't have adequate storage. Another thing worth mentioning is that air-dried lumber can sometimes have slight warping or twisting compared to kiln-dried. Not always a deal-breaker, but definitely something to factor into your plans.
On the topic of affordable land, if you're willing to put in some extra legwork, keep an eye out for tax auctions or county surplus sales. Sometimes municipalities auction off parcels they've acquired through unpaid taxes, and you can snag them at a fraction of market value. Just be cautious—these properties often come with quirks like zoning restrictions, access issues, or environmental considerations. A thorough due diligence process will save you from headaches down the road... trust me on that one.
Good points on the tax auctions—I’ve had a few clients go that route, and you're spot-on about the quirks. One project I worked on had an easement issue we didn't catch until late in the game... lesson learned the hard way. Still, if you're thorough and patient, you can definitely find some hidden gems. Just keep your eyes open and don't rush the due diligence.
Tax auctions can definitely be hit or miss... I've seen some people score big, but I've also watched friends get burned by hidden issues like liens or zoning headaches. Personally, I'd rather pay a bit more upfront and avoid the stress. But if you're set on going that route, I'd say double-check everything—twice—and maybe even chat with neighbors beforehand. They often know stuff that doesn't show up on paper.
Good points about tax auctions—definitely a gamble sometimes. Another route you might consider is looking into smaller towns or rural areas just outside growing cities. I've seen clients find affordable plots that way, and zoning tends to be clearer. Plus, local planning offices are usually pretty helpful if you call or drop by. Might take a bit more legwork upfront, but it can save headaches down the road...
