Small Solar Home Plans

Step 1: Building Code Requirements

Step 2: Materials List and Cost

Step 3: Foundation Deck Blocks

Step 4: Foundation Layout

Step 5: Subfloor Framing

Step 6: Stud Wall Framing

Step 7: Roof Rafter Framing

Step 8: Sheathing and Wrapping

Step 9: Attach Doors and Windows

Step 10: Attach Siding and Shingles

Step 11: Solar Panel Installation

Step 12: Interior Floor Plan

Some building codes are needed to ensure safety while others are just plan annoying and sometimes absurd.

So you will want to make sure you are aware of your local building codes before you start building your own small solar home.

Two important building codes you should be aware of:

1. Building Size:

Most local building codes have different requirements when it comes to building an accessory building (a.k.a. sheds) or a traditional home.

Accessory buildings are usually considered to be less than 180 to 200 square feet in size. Once you get above the 180 to 200 square foot threshold some building codes then consider the structure to be a traditional home; which means the building codes can become extremely complicated. These complex codes may include needing a poured foundation and complete building inspections throughout the entire building process.

2. Building Heights:

Another typical accessory building code requirement is the roof height. Many building codes will require that an accessory building does not have a roof height exceeding 15 feet.

The above two building codes are the most important to keep in mind, but of course you will want to verify what your local building codes are before you begin building your own small solar home.

Continue To Next Step: Materials List and Cost

2″x8″x16′ Pressure Treated (2 x $15.00 = $30.00) Foundation Frame

2″x6″x10′ (30 x $5.00 = $150.00) Roof Rafters

2″x6″x16′ (1 x $12.00 = $12.00) Roof Ridge Board

2″x4″x8′ (60 x $3.00 = $180.00) Wall Framing

4′x8′ (7 x $25.00 = $175.00) 3/4″ Waferboard Subfloor

4′x8′ (35 x $20.00 = $700.00) 1/2″ Roof and Wall Sheathing

Sheathing, Roof, and Tar Paper (4 Rolls = $80.00)

Shingles (12 Bundles x $20.00 = $240.00)

Doors (1 Exterior Door + 1 Interior Bathroom Door = $200.00)

Window (1 = $250.00)

4′x8′ (18 x $25.00 = $450.00) Siding

Insulation (620 feet = $350.00) Floor, Wall, and Roof Insulation

Concrete Foundation Deck Blocks (6 x $10.00 = $60.00)

Minimum 200 Watt Solar Panel Array ($2,000)

=================================================

Approximate Total Costs = $4981.00

=================================================

Continue To Next Step: Foundation Deck Blocks

Continue To Next Step: Foundation Layout

Continue To Next Step: Subfloor Framing

Continue To Next Step: Stud Wall Framing

Continue To Next Step: Roof Rafter Framing

Continue To Next Step: Sheathing and Wrapping

Continue To Next Step: Attach Doors and Windows

Continue To Next Step: Attach Siding and Shingles