{"id":16786,"date":"2026-03-04T15:37:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:37:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/?p=16786"},"modified":"2026-03-04T15:52:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:52:53","slug":"135000-for-a-new-construction-house-on-one-acre-minutes-from-lake-hartwell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/135000-for-a-new-construction-house-on-one-acre-minutes-from-lake-hartwell\/","title":{"rendered":"$135,000 for a New Construction House on One Acre Minutes from Lake Hartwell"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I was asked to check this Facebook Marketplace listing for a new construction house on one acre for only $135,000.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16785\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16785\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16785\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/FB-pic.jpg?resize=500%2C397&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"397\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16785\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">32&#8242; x 32&#8242; Alpine Cabin featuring a full loft, white farmhouse-style siding, and a metal roof<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Great investment with new home on 1 acre of land. &#8211; $135,000<\/strong><br \/>\nWilliamston, SC<\/p>\n<p>Great investment with new home on 1 acre of land.<\/p>\n<p>Newly constructed 2 bedroom, 1 bath with utilities. Less than 4 minute drive to Lake Hartwell. Use for positive rental income or enjoy quiet peaceful surroundings to get away or vacation. This house is in Westminster South Carolina\u00a0\u00a0 Contact me by text or call number provided.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/1B5BgzXRXg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Great investment with new home on 1 acre of land &#8211; $135,000 &#8211; Williamston, SC on Facebook Marketplace<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>That sure sounds like a great price! Her mortgage payments could be as low as $800 a month, way less than her rent!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16770\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16770\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16770 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_search.jpg?resize=500%2C550&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_search.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image_search.jpg?resize=455%2C500&amp;ssl=1 455w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16770\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alpine Cabin illustration is used across hundreds of sites<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The picture looks like a stock photo or actually illustration or drawing. I searched it. The cabin picture is on a lot of sites.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16783\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16783\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16783 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/32x32.jpg?resize=500%2C575&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/32x32.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/32x32.jpg?resize=435%2C500&amp;ssl=1 435w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16783\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">32&#8242; x 32&#8242; Alpine Cabin Plan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>AI Overview says, \u201cThis image shows architectural plans for a 32&#8242; x 32&#8242; Alpine Cabin featuring a full loft, white farmhouse-style siding, and a metal roof.\u201d These are the plans that go with that illustration.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16784\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16784\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16784 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/32x32-loft.jpg?resize=500%2C525&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/32x32-loft.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/32x32-loft.jpg?resize=476%2C500&amp;ssl=1 476w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16784\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">32&#8242; x 32&#8242; Alpine Cabin Plan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Here it is <a href=\"https:\/\/ebay.us\/Ae5jre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">on eBay as a 32 x 32 Alpine Cabin plan<\/a>. This is similar, but not really much like the cabin listed on Facebook Marketplace.<\/p>\n<p>This is the rest of the information from the Marketplace listing.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Fully functional 2 bedroom, 1 bath, quality built home on permanent foundation with double pane energy efficient windows, insulated exterior doors and very well insulated for low power bills. Home has board and battened siding, vinyl boxing with 30 year metal roof for minimal upkeep.<\/p>\n<p>This home is approximately 700 square feet of heated living space and has a covered porch across the front and turns down one side. This home will have drywall on interior with LP Lifeproof plank flooring.<\/p>\n<p>Setting on a private secluded 1 acre of unrestricted land with no HOA no POA and no monthly or yearly dues. Located right on the South Carolina and Georgia line in Westminster SC. Just a short 4 minute drive to one of Lake Hartwell&#8217;s boating access. See spec sheet for details and particulars.<\/p>\n<p>Home specs<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Interior:\n<ul>\n<li>200 amp Interior service panel<\/li>\n<li>Drywall with slick finish (walls + ceiling)<\/li>\n<li>Interior Masonite or pine door units<\/li>\n<li>1X base boards and 1X trim<\/li>\n<li>5 ton heat pump (18,000 btu)<\/li>\n<li>heat and air conditioning<\/li>\n<li>40 gallon double element electric water heater<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Living\/Dining area:\n<ul>\n<li>LP lifetime warranty wood plank flooring<\/li>\n<li>Wainscoting<\/li>\n<li>Ceiling fan with recessed lighting<\/li>\n<li>Built-in radiant electric fire place<\/li>\n<li>Cased in collar tie<\/li>\n<li>Metal black iron spiral stairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Kitchen:\n<ul>\n<li>Kitchen cabinets Base\/wall with hardware and shaker doors<\/li>\n<li>Electric range top insert<\/li>\n<li>Recessed lighting<\/li>\n<li>Double basin stainless steel sink with fixture<\/li>\n<li>Garbage disposal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Bathroom:\n<ul>\n<li>Shower with texture<\/li>\n<li>Exhaust fan with light and heater<\/li>\n<li>Recessed lighting<\/li>\n<li>Lighted mirror<\/li>\n<li>30&#8243; vanity with sink and faucet<\/li>\n<li>American Standard 1.34 gpf single flush toilet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Laundry area:\n<ul>\n<li>Oatey washing machine outlet box<\/li>\n<li>Dryer vent (vented to outside)<\/li>\n<li>Over washing\/dryer vented shelving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Porch and outside:\n<ul>\n<li>Outdoor LED lighting<\/li>\n<li>Multiple outdoor gfi receptacles<\/li>\n<li>Outside frost proof water spigot<\/li>\n<li>Outdoor waterproof 200 amp power disconnect<\/li>\n<li>Level drive and cover with # 5 clean stone<\/li>\n<li>Install pavers for walkway<\/li>\n<li>LED night light<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Utilities:\n<ul>\n<li>1000 gallon septic system (hooked to home).<\/li>\n<li>City water tap<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>That all sounds good.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16782\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16782\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16782 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/westminster_plan.jpg?resize=500%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/westminster_plan.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/westminster_plan.jpg?resize=313%2C500&amp;ssl=1 313w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16782\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">2BR 1 Bath Cabin Plan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I reached out to the seller. He responded right away and sent more photos and the floor plan.<\/p>\n<p>Evidently that is where he got the stock photo for the listing. The plan looks really practical, but that plan would certainly not make the cabin in the illustration. The doors and windows aren&#8217;t in the same place. And how do you get from the first floor to the loft?<\/p>\n<p>I searched the plan. It has been shared, shared and re-shared, but the earliest mention I found of it is on a <a href=\"https:\/\/share.google\/uTBBdJeiALrfhv3un\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2013 Google Share of \u201cLa Arboleda\u201d retreat cabin from Reclaimed Space<\/a>. It is the plan for a one-level 16&#215;40 cabin.\u00a0 No loft.<\/p>\n<p>Reclaimed Space builds cabins. They do not sell floor plans.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u2026 Reclaimed Space is not about floor plans. What Tracen and his team do is created sustainable homes, hunting lodges, fish camps and more using reclaimed materials such as barn wood, cabinets, doors, sinks, and more. Designs are collaborative efforts between the team and the buyer and choices are nearly infinite.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>You can see photos of the cabin built with this plan at\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/smallhousebliss.com\/2013\/07\/20\/la-arboleda-by-reclaimed-space\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Small House Bliss: \u201cLa Arboleda\u201d retreat cabin | Reclaimed Space July 20, 2013<\/a>.\u00a0 It looks absolutely nothing like the cabin in the Facebook Marketplace listing. Personally, I like the house on Marketplace better.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16772\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16772\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16772\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin.jpg?resize=500%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16772\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The porch is close to the ground<br \/>International Residential Code (IRC), which only mandates railings for surfaces more than 30 inches above the grade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The seller sent me quite a few photos of the actual cabin he is building.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16773\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16773\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16773\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-b.jpg?resize=500%2C375&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16773\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The porch extends across the front and down one side<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The exterior shots show the cabin looking pretty finished. Inside he is hanging the drywall.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16781\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16781\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16781 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-porch-b.jpg?resize=500%2C660&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-porch-b.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-porch-b.jpg?resize=379%2C500&amp;ssl=1 379w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16781\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Covered porch across the front<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The porch makes an L, across the front and down one side of the cabin.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16780\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16780\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16780 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-porch.jpg?resize=500%2C650&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-porch.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-porch.jpg?resize=385%2C500&amp;ssl=1 385w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16780\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Covered porch across the front and turns down one side<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So, it looks like two exterior doors.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16779\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16779\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16779\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-LR-drywall.jpg?resize=500%2C450&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16779\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Living Room<br \/>Decorative ceiling beams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This would be the same door as in the exterior porch photos, since it is in the corner.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16778\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16778\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16778\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-loft.jpg?resize=500%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-loft.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-loft.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16778\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vaulted Ceiling with decorative ceiling beams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is the view from the loft. The ceiling has a high peak, but the side walls start at the loft height, leaving a low ceiling for most of the loft.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16777\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16777\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16777 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-drywall-b.jpg?resize=500%2C647&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-drywall-b.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-drywall-b.jpg?resize=386%2C500&amp;ssl=1 386w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16777\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drywall nearly finished<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I have no idea what part of the house this is. You can see construction though&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16776\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16776\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16776 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-drywall.jpg?resize=500%2C650&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-drywall.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-drywall.jpg?resize=385%2C500&amp;ssl=1 385w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16776\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drywall taped and sanded<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The drywall looks really well finished.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16775\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16775\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16775 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-BR-drywall.jpg?resize=500%2C650&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-BR-drywall.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-BR-drywall.jpg?resize=385%2C500&amp;ssl=1 385w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16775\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drywall finished walls and ceilings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I would guess this is the bedroom?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16774\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16774\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16774 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-bath-drywall.jpg?resize=500%2C655&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-bath-drywall.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Westminster_cabin-bath-drywall.jpg?resize=382%2C500&amp;ssl=1 382w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16774\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bathroom with galvanized and cedar walls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This must be the bathroom. I can&#8217;t see how the plan has anything to do with this space either.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16771\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16771\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16771 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/landsearch-westminster.jpg?resize=500%2C550&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/landsearch-westminster.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/landsearch-westminster.jpg?resize=455%2C500&amp;ssl=1 455w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16771\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Land for sale near Westminster, SC on LandSearch.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>What is land in the area worth? If you are ever interested in looking for land, LandSearch.com is a good place to look. This is what is available in the area now.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.landsearch.com\/cabin\/westminster-sc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.landsearch.com\/cabin\/westminster-sc<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Those are all pretty much pros. Here are the cons.<\/p>\n<p>I asked if the work is permitted and inspected. He responded that the work will be up to code\u2026 I asked, \u201cSo that means no permits or inspections?\u201d He responded that he is a builder and familiar with codes and inspections.<\/p>\n<p>We could not hang drywall until we had passed a lot of inspections for the work that was being covered up. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/building-our-new-schumacher-home-progress-report\/\">Building Our New Home \u2013 Progress Report<\/a>) We could not request a connection to city water until we had passed inspections with the modular cabin and we could not connect to power until we had passed the final inspection. Is it any different where this house is being built?<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Building a house or making structural improvements without a permit in Westminster, SC, and surrounding Oconee County is a violation of local ordinances and carries significant risks, including fines, required demolition, and legal issues.<\/p>\n<p>Permit Requirements in Westminster\/Oconee County<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Permit Necessity: A building permit is required for any new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, or demolition of structures.<\/li>\n<li>Scope: Permits are necessary for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.<\/li>\n<li>Small Structures: While some jurisdictions exempt very small sheds, standard procedures require permits for most permanent structures. In some SC areas, only detached structures under 120 square feet are exempt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What happens if you build a house without a permit?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stop-Work Orders: Officials can force an immediate halt to construction.<\/li>\n<li>Fines and Liens: Local governments may issue fines and place liens on the property for illegal construction.<\/li>\n<li>Demolition or Corrective Action: Unpermitted work that does not meet building codes may have to be removed or demolished at the owner&#8217;s expense.<\/li>\n<li>Insurance and Safety Issues: Unpermitted work might not be covered by homeowners&#8217; insurance and can result in unsafe conditions.<\/li>\n<li>Resale Issues: Future buyers may be hesitant, and the home&#8217;s value could decrease due to unpermitted improvements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>A house we bought in Ft. Lauderdale had a Florida room, sort of like a porch with windows, that was built without permits. Which seemed like no big deal. The mortgage appraiser inspector just didn\u2019t include it in the house report for the mortgage company. (Since the mortgage finance fallout in 2008, you can\u2019t get away with that kind of thing anymore. They are much much more careful.) Later the unpermitted room turned into a problem when we had to replace our roof. We could not get permits to replace the roof on unpermitted work. We found someone to replace the rest of the roof and we repaired the Florida room roof ourselves.<\/p>\n<p>More recently, we found we could not get a mortgage for a house that had an unpermitted addition. It is also harder to get homeowners insurance, too. I&#8217;m skipping those stories for now.<\/p>\n<p>So\u2026 my 2 cents worth? This is a risky buy. Wait and see if the builder is able to get water and power before you do ANYTHING.<\/p>\n<p>It is possible to have it inspected. It may even be possible to get retroactive permits, called legalization. But everything is covered up already, so\u2026 Really, count the cost, take your time.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, a long time ago you could build without a permit. Those houses are still around and you can buy them, sell them, have power and water turned on&#8230; Why is this an issue?<\/p>\n<p>Sure, you can buy a house with &#8220;Grandfathered Code Violations.&#8221;\u00a0 But, do you want a house with obsolete electric and plumbing, plus lead-based paint or asbestos?<\/p>\n<p>Getting insurance for an older home can be a headache. They are considered higher-risk properties because of &#8220;outdated infrastructure, higher repair costs, and potential safety hazards.&#8221; Insurance providers may require specialized policies, higher premiums,\u00a0 or insist on upgrades before the house will be covered.<\/p>\n<p>Why would someone go to the effort and expense of building without permits in 2026?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I was asked to check this Facebook Marketplace listing for a new construction house on one acre for only $135,000. Great investment with new home on 1 acre of land. &#8211; $135,000 Williamston, SC Great investment with new home on 1 acre of land. Newly&nbsp;<a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/135000-for-a-new-construction-house-on-one-acre-minutes-from-lake-hartwell\/\">&hellip;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16769,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[30,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16786","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-house-plans","category-other-small-houses"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/featured-Westminster_cabin.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":11389,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2023\/02\/where-can-i-put-a-tiny-house-and-what-will-it-cost\/","url_meta":{"origin":16786,"position":0},"title":"Where Can I Put a Tiny House and What Will It Cost?","author":"Carla","date":"February 27, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"If you are looking for land to build on, or planning to build on land you or your family already own, you need to be sure of the zoning. Even if you checked before, make sure that the zoning hasn\u2019t changed. There are also costs to have water and sewer.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Research&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Research","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/research\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Zoning: Where Can I Put a Tiny House?","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/featured-tiny_house_zoning-b.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/featured-tiny_house_zoning-b.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/featured-tiny_house_zoning-b.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/featured-tiny_house_zoning-b.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15985,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2025\/05\/where-can-i-live-on-a-boat\/","url_meta":{"origin":16786,"position":1},"title":"Where Can I Live On a Boat?","author":"Carla","date":"May 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"So the last post led to questions about living on a boat. I don\u2019t live on a boat. I have never lived on a boat and I don\u2019t want to live on a boat. When I lived in Ft. Lauderdale, I knew people that lived on boats. Not houseboats, one\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Other Small Houses&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Other Small Houses","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/other-small-houses\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/featured-house_boat_live_aboard.jpg?fit=646%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/featured-house_boat_live_aboard.jpg?fit=646%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/featured-house_boat_live_aboard.jpg?fit=646%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16832,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/step-by-step-buying-land-and-building-our-house\/","url_meta":{"origin":16786,"position":2},"title":"Step-by-Step Buying Land and Building Our House","author":"Carla","date":"April 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"There is more to buying land and building a house than you might think. Financing Be prepared to make a deposit. A land loan may require up to 50% down. The first step is making sure you have access to money. It is a waste of time to shop for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Our New House&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Our New House","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/new-house\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/featured_image-our_house.jpg?fit=1140%2C607&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/featured_image-our_house.jpg?fit=1140%2C607&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/featured_image-our_house.jpg?fit=1140%2C607&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/featured_image-our_house.jpg?fit=1140%2C607&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/featured_image-our_house.jpg?fit=1140%2C607&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":105,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2017\/02\/three-small-houses\/","url_meta":{"origin":16786,"position":3},"title":"About: Three Small Houses","author":"Carla","date":"February 11, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Things have changed a lot since I started this blog. I got married, moved into my husbands duplex, first the 1-bedroom, then the 4-bedroom. Then we moved back to the log cabin. We added a farmhouse next to the log cabin, the Classic Manor New Day Cabin. We sold Cliff's\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Log Cabins&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Log Cabins","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/log-cabin\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/three_houses.jpg?fit=760%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/three_houses.jpg?fit=760%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/three_houses.jpg?fit=760%2C400&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/three_houses.jpg?fit=760%2C400&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10806,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2022\/08\/home-sweet-shipping-container\/","url_meta":{"origin":16786,"position":4},"title":"Home, Sweet Shipping Container","author":"Carla","date":"August 29, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"CBS Sunday Morning presented Home, Sweet Shipping Container, a story about shipping container homes yesterday. It wasn\u2019t my imagination that it sounded familiar. It was originally broadcast May 22, 2022. In 2016 Zack and Brie Smithey built their dream home in St. Charles, Missouri: a 3BR, 2.5 bath, 3,000 sq.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Container Homes&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Container Homes","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/category\/container-homes\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/container.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/container.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/container.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/container.jpg?fit=810%2C431&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15533,"url":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2025\/02\/buy-a-shed-already-converted-into-a-home-for-less\/","url_meta":{"origin":16786,"position":5},"title":"Buy a Shed Already Converted into a Home for Less","author":"Carla","date":"February 18, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Have you considered buying a shed to turn into a home? 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