[Construction] Starter cost for a small cabin type building (insulated, sink, living room)

[ivanalbright]

I have no knowledge about construction or costs and am just starting to think about this idea so am looking for some basic info.

I own an empty lot in a small town (under 10k pop.), zoned residential. I am thinking of building a small cabin/workshop type building on it. I am wondering if anybody has any idea what something like this would cost?

(I would be using this as a studio, a guest house, or would rent it out as a small efficiency cabin by the week/weekend to vacationers. This is a tourist area and the lot is only a block from the lake and is very close to other local touristy stuff.)

General plan so far:
•SMALL -efficiency size. not really a house. think one large living room total. something like 300-400 square feet?
•2 Rooms -
#1 Small bathroom with shower (no tub), sink, toilet
#2 Main room, kitchen/living area combination
•Hookups to cable, electric, sewer, water
•Cost-saving materials. Function is the only concern.
•Insulated well enough for winter in Iowa

Any rough thoughts on what this might cost overall?

[dedratermi]

You're probably looking at $70-$100 per sqft for a basic cabin. Just a wild guess really. I have no idea what labor costs in Iowa (which will be your biggest expense).

[Barking Spider]

Buy a used trailer.