building or buying?

[broncosguy711]

so I see some on here looking and showing builds of there ice houses and such with the crank down system. in the long run is it more cost effective to buid or purchase one?

yes I know you get to build to your liking, and design. but I am guessing there are some out there that are close to a person's liking and can be modified to some points. Yes I know I am probably in the "buy" area as some of the building/wiring are out of my talents, but I figure I would be able to build the majority of it. just the wiring would be my issue,

just curious on the prices as I know there are mark ups on the ones we would buy. but is the time spent building yourself worth it in the long run?

[Iambjm]

For me it was a no brainer, I managed to get a Yetti that had some hail damage at a great price. I have a friend who is going to do the wiring in exchange for use privileges this winter. I have a really limited budget and will add things over the next year. Plus I needed a wheelhouse that was lighter so I can tow it with my Ford Escape. We looked for one to buy finished and a pretty sparse one was around $6000, I am confident that we can finish this one well under that. I am pretty handy with a hammer and saw so I think I can do it.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I think it'll depend a lot on what materials you use, and your desired outcome of the finished product. You can certainly build a shack with a cobbled together plywood exterior, plexiglass windows, and a homemade door for well under what a Lodge or Ice Castle will run you.

If you are comparing similar materials, fixtures, and features the savings won't be all that significant. Maybe 15-20% of the final cost. My reason for building is to get exactly what I want.

[broncosguy711]

totally understandable and I am looking for something to last longer of course and good for travle and such. so that is why I am figureing the good siding and insides and such. so lip ripper thanks.

[Iambjm]

There is another answer to this question, it is the pride of saying I did this myself. Everytime I tackle a project that seems bigger than me and I complete I feel good about myself. Sure they don't always turn out perfect, but the boo-boo's are mine not something I paid for.