Thinking of Building Your Own Strawbale House? Read This First.
So You Want to Build a Strawbale House? Let’s get you started right!
Building your own strawbale house is an exciting, empowering decision, but it can also feel overwhelming. We know this from hundreds of workshop participants asking the same question and from years of consulting.
It’s common for eager DIY builders to hit a “freeze point” just as they’re about to dive in. That hesitation is normal and even healthy. Let’s get started, at well, the beginning! So, where do you even begin?
Before jumping into one of the most rewarding (and demanding) projects of your life, let’s ask the most important question:
Why Do You Want to Build a Strawbale House?
There’s no one-size-fits-all reason. People often tell us:
💰 “I want to save money.”
🛠️ “I want the experience.”
💪 “I want the pride of doing it myself.”
These are all valid motivations, but before you grab a shovel, it’s important to make sure your expectations match reality.
Will You Actually Save Money?
Yes—but only if you plan carefully.
Saving money through DIY building requires time, skill, and focus. If you plan to work your day job and build on weekends, you may discover the project drags out for years, and delays almost always increase costs.
On the other hand, if you take time off or leave your job, you’ll lose that income during construction. That’s a cost you must factor in.
✅ Acting as your own contractor can save you tens of thousands, but only if you know what you’re getting into.
Are You Ready for the Learning Curve?
If you’re managing the build yourself, be prepared to:
Make many decisions daily
Navigate subcontractor schedules
Solve problems under pressure
Learn to live with minor imperfections
Pro Tip: When you’re the builder, you’ll see every blemish. Be kind to yourself. You’re building a home, not perfection!
Nuts & Bolts: The Practical Starting Point
Here’s a high-level roadmap to begin your strawbale home journey.
✅ Step 1: Financing
Banks sometimes don’t love owner-builders. You might:
Pay higher interest rates
Face larger down payments
Struggle to qualify for the loan you need
💡 Solution: Work with a licensed general contractor as a consultant.
They’re listed on your loan application
You retain control of the build
They offer guidance and support
Their fee is lower than hiring a full-service GC
Pro Tip: Have a contract in place outlining their role clearly for everyone to reference over the time of the build.
✅ Step 2: Plans & Budget
Any lender (and building department) will require:
A detailed construction plan
An accurate budget
Material specs (if applicable)
Skimping here will cost you later. Invest in a professional designer or architect to:
Draft quality plans, either strawbale house stock plans, modified stock plans, or work with a designer familiar with strawbale construction (reach out to us if you need help locating a design professional)
Help select materials
Avoid costly design changes mid-project
Use your GC-consultant or subs to validate budget accuracy or hire an estimator to help you through the details.
✅ Step 3: The Build Schedule
Map out a timeline for each phase of construction.
Start with excavation and foundation
Move into framing, bale stacking, plastering
Schedule around weather and local conditions
Ask around locally to see what the timelines are in your area. For example, in our area the well drillers are out 12-18 months at present, but in the next county over they are much quicker.
✅ Step 4: Permitting & City Relations
Visit your local building department early in the process.
Ask about permit fees (some can exceed $20,000)
Clarify expectations for inspection, setbacks, and systems
Start building a friendly, respectful relationship—it goes a long way
Check out our blog posts on how to work with inspectors and permit offices with confidence.
Final Thoughts Before You Begin
Building a strawbale house yourself is a big decision that will challenge and reward you at every stage. The more knowledge, support, and planning you bring in up front, the better your odds of staying on track, on budget, and on purpose.
Know that many have successfully gone before you, even those with zero building experience! Everyone’s path will be different - Go slow to go fast.
🙌 Ready to Get Practial Experience for Your Build?
Join us at one of our hands-on workshops to build skills, meet like-minded builders, and bring your strawbale house dream to life.
Want to get started TODAY? Learn more about strawbale houses and how to build one by signing up for our totally free 16 Day Straw Bale eCourse! Find out more HERE.
Updated: July 25, 2025
