Goal: DIY a modest square home with a standard gable or hip roof

Location: Carolinas (hot humid summers/mild winters) A/C-heavy climate

Priorities: ease of DIY, able to piece it out over time, built to last with limited maintenance, cost, well sealed envelope, good insulation

Hello, I wanted to pick your brains on a home building project I'd like to embark on..

I am a strong DIYer and want to take advantage of my free labor to save money on a mortgage and have a modest and simple custom home that just isn't available on the market today.

I've been researching loads of building systems... Stick, ICF, SIP, hempcrete, AAC, etc. Foundation types..

Here is my main question.. What system works best for a DIYer that would piece it together over many weekends solo or with a couple friends. My issue with stick framing is the pressure to have it dried in so quickly.. it just feels like a lot to get done in a short time frame.. although makes the most sense from a cost and DIY ability.

ICF are appealing due to the weather/nature resilience but are intimidating due to complications of pour and the unforgiving nature. But the fortress like quality is awesome.. my last house had a crawl space full of water and termites that haunts my dreams.

SIPs are nice, but to me are not taking advantage of the DIY value since it's a high cost of material and pressure to erect and cover quickly like stick.

What about AAC? It sounds too good to be true, but all in one with no need for siding? Just stucco and even plaster interior?

I'm thinking a slab is best, but are there any suggestions for a DIY foundation that would be easier for me? I would most likely sub out a slab foundation, but could probably do my own crawl?

Roofing: unless I see another system that sounds easier or superior for diy.. off site trusses, standing seam metal roof, and cellulose Attic sound like the way to go?

I would love to hear from you guys as I'm In the early stages of research and want to consider all options! There is so much going on in the world of construction these days

Thanks!

Another priority would be compliance with local codes which are pretty standard stuff here.. there are things like earthbags and rammed earth, etc that sounds cool, but cant do something that is going to turn into a beurocratic nightmare. Another thing to note, South Carolina legalized industrial hemp and have access to farms locally

Hey Tye, I'm embarking on the ICF route. Dunno how much help I can be but for what it's worth.

I selected ICF for the very reasons you mentioned - ability to build over time, reduced stress for dry in, seems more DIY friendly - ie reduced labor.

As for the hurdles you mentioned. I did hire an Engineer to go over the plans which helped provided added peace of mind regarding structural support and I'll bracing everything to the nth degree on pour day with a crew who has ICF experience.

We are a small, family owned ICF patent. If you are still in the market for ICF, please give me a call. You can check out our website at ICF4Less. We sell directly to the homeowner for a fraction of the cost. Thanks!

Kristina
Belco ICF
ICF4Less.com
(260) 367-2121