Building a custom home can be a cost-effective way to create your retirement dream. You may also want to raise your family on plenty of acreages rather than being cramped up in a city. When planning a rural custom home, it’s a good idea to work with local builders; while building codes and requirements may be few, local builders will know what you need to do to stay up to code.
Kentucky
The state of Kentucky has a lower cost of living than most of the United States. While the city of Lexington is a bit higher than the surrounding regions within Kentucky, it also offers the University of Lexington and many other amenities.
Finding affordable acreage across the state will not be a challenge. Be aware that access can be a challenge in some areas of the state. Additionally, make sure you discuss with your builder your plans for power, water, and septic to make sure you stay safely within all requirements to avoid an expensive fix later on.
Wisconsin
It should be stated upfront that your land costs will be higher in Wisconsin. However, the cost of everything else in Wisconsin will be quite a bit cheaper. From building materials to groceries, your living expenses will be lower once you get your house built.
Wisconsin can have some very tough weather in the winter. As possible, keep an eye out for plant life and physical features that will protect your home and your drive from blowing snow. Check-in with local arborists and greenhouses for
- trees that can serve as a windbreak
- deciduous trees to shade your home in summer, especially in the southeast
- soil amendments to improve drainage around your new home
Putting your home high on one of the rolling hills in the Kettle Moraine will give you terrific views, but you will also be exposed to strong, cold winter winds. Working with a local builder can help you find the best way to nestle your property effectively.
Colorado
While the price of land in Colorado can be prohibitive, the views will completely make up for it! There are regions of Colorado that enjoy a fairly low cost of living, and there are regions south of Denver where your entertainment on the weekends can be free thanks to easy access to Pike National Forest and Castlewood Canyon State Park.
New building technologies combined with terrific designs loaded with windows mean that your Colorado home will serve you and your family for years to come. To keep your home weathertight and fire-safe, schedule a consult with a knowledgeable custom home builder in Colorado to check out your options.
Missouri
The topography of Missouri means that you can place your custom home on a flat plain, near a mountain, or beside a lake. Your Missouri custom home can also be near a major city, from Kansas City to St. Louis. You can grow your own veggies or start a winery if you prefer!
Land prices vary across Missouri. Labor costs can be quite low, so once you find your builder and your land, you can be confident that your home will be a fair price by the end of the project. Do be aware that there are regions of Missouri that have few to no building codes; make sure codes in your county are enforced to protect your property values. The climate of Missouri is quite the middle of the road. While summers can be hot and humid come August, the winters are generally mild.
Montana
As with many mountainous states, land prices in Montana can vary widely. However, you can enjoy the perks of rural living in cities that offer a university, such as Missoula. Nestle your custom home within sight of the Bitterroot Mountains and celebrate the changing views as the seasons roll by.
Montana has serious winters. As you discuss your custom home plans with your builder, lay the groundwork for the necessaries. For example, make sure that your snow-clearing tools have indoor storage space. Consider adding an extra-large pantry to make sure you can store enough food to get you through deep snow and extreme cold. Consider setting up an off-grid heating and electrical system to avoid catastrophic damage from power failure.
