Assembly Required: 15 DIY Kit Homes

Big or small, contemporary or traditional, kit homes are an intriguing alternative for homebuyers today. Most kit homes are designed to be swiftly assembled by even novice do-it-yourselfers, and the price per square foot runs as low as $20 (and as high as $400). We've pulled together some of our favorite kit homes, and the tour starts here!

Contemporary design, premium materials, and sustainable building practices characterize modular kit homes from Stillwater Dwellings. They are fabricated with techniques that minimize construction waste, plus their insulation, tight seal, and high-efficiency space- and water-heating systems keep down energy consumption and costs. 

$225 to $300 per square foot

Custom kit homes from New Avenue come in a range of configurations, from small studio cottages to larger two-bedrooms with over 2,000 square feet. Most models use 90% less energy than a traditional home, exceeding the requirements for LEED Gold certification. 

$225 to $400 per square foot

The circular layout plans of Deltec prefabricated kit homes result in distinctive, adaptable, and durable living structures. These unique buildings are shipped in pieces, and their panelized construction system particularly suits first-time homeowner-builders.

$28 to $60 per square foot

According to the company, 85% of the homes purchased from Shelter Kit are built by people who have no prior experience. Standard styles are available, but you can also customize your own design with appealing options like porches and cathedral ceilings.

$20 per square foot and up

Built from a repurposed shipping container, the CargoCottage kit home from ShelterKraft Werks takes inspiration from nautical interiors. Only 160 square feet of living space accommodates amenities, such as a galley kitchen, bathroom with integrated shower, sleeping nook and a combination dining/living area.

Starting at $35,000

Montsweag Brook Corporation's Bungalow in a Box relies on pre-cut, custom-designed small house kit components that are so easy to assemble, completion is possible within a matter of days. Sizes and styles range from the 12-by-16-foot "Studio" to the 16-by-24-foot "Madison Loft."

$75 to $100 per square foot

Available in several easily transportable sizes, the Tiny Green Cabin is a customizable steel- or wood-framed kit home that includes myriad eco-friendly details, from low-VOC paints and locally harvested lumber to recycled denim insulation. Solar panels and composting or sawdust toilets are optional.

Starting at $25,000

These customizable small house kits are available either pre-cut to save money or pre-assembled to save time. Cabins come standard with lovely features like red cedar siding and plenty of door and window options are available a la carte. Buyers can visualize their creations at the Summerwood Custom Design Center.

$49 to $174 per square foot

EZ Logs offers some of the best value in build-it-yourself kits for cabins and one- or two-story homes. The interlocking pieces are great for even novice DIYers. Once assembled, the smooth milled logs are ready for paint

$34 to $65 per square foot

Oregon Dome, Inc offers energy efficient dome kits for DIY builders who want an efficient home that is still airy and open. Built from Douglas fir, these domes can withstand winter storms and even earthquakes. A range of kits in different sizes can be customized to your needs and raised over a weekend.

$100 per square foot

Specializing in kit homes that you can tow wherever you go, Tortoise Shell Home offers green and sustainable homes like this bare Galapagos model, which is composed of 30% recycled materials and boasts an efficient gray water system.

Starting at $4400

The folks at Jamaica Cottage Shop offer a kit for their 16’ x 20’ Vermont cottage, a 'roll your own' residence that takes two people roughly 40 hours to construct. The interior can be outfitted a number of ways; a sleeping loft can be added for maximum efficiency.

$12,999

If you are interested in more about architecture, consider:

10 Cool Shipping Container Homes

12 Unconventional Homes Inspired By Nature

12 Hobbit Houses to Make You Consider Living Underground

Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!