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DIY is possible, but professional construction ensures structural integrity and proper anchoring.

The national average cost of a building permit is about $1,600, but this number includes extensive renovations. Homeowners typically spend between $150 and $2,000 in general on one or multiple permits for their project. Conversely, permits for simple projects, such as minor electrical renovations, could cost as little as $10.

It’s much less expensive to build a house with wood. This is because wood is relatively inexpensive, strong enough to endure decades or even centuries of weathering and pressure, and is easier to replace if there are issues. The cost of stone houses are incredibly expensive, heavy, time-consuming to build, and difficult to repair. 

Although dependent on the type and size of lumber, most 2-by-4-by-8-foot pieces of lumber cost anywhere from $3 to $6. Softwood lumber like pine falls on the lower end of the spectrum, while hardwood lumber like oak or walnut falls on the higher end. Different retailers and lumber yards can also vary in price, so it helps to shop around to compare prices.