What are you
trying to build here?
Once you understand what your property can accommodate, the next question is what you actually want to build.
Start with the project, not the building system.
Alternative building can mean many different things. A full-time home, a small retreat, an addition, a workspace, or a building that serves more than one purpose. The right approach depends on what the project needs to do.
Home
A primary residence, from a conventional-sized home to a smaller or more unconventional dwelling.
Small Home or Cabin
A compact dwelling, retreat, cottage, or other small-scale residential project.
ADU or Secondary Dwelling
A smaller independent living space located on the same property as another residence.
Addition
Expanding an existing building while considering the structure, site, materials, and regulations already in place.
Studio or Workspace
A dedicated place to work, make, create, practice, or run a small-scale activity.
Agricultural or Rural Building
Barns, shelters, outbuildings, workshops, and other projects connected to rural or agricultural properties.
Community Project
Shared spaces, small community buildings, cooperative projects, and other uses that don’t fit neatly into a single home.
Something Else
Not every project fits a standard category. The important thing is understanding what the building needs to accomplish.
The project type is only the beginning.
Once you know what you’re trying to build, the next questions become more specific: how should it be built, what requirements apply, and who can help you move the project forward?
How should it be built?
Different building systems solve different problems. The next step is understanding the options that make sense for your project, property, budget, and goals.
Explore Building Systems