This is well worth the watch. Houston-based architect Zui Ng used a host of brilliant principles, intelligent design choices and practical money-saving techniques to build a home for himself and his family. From ensuring that he is “a good neighbor,” architecturally speaking, to creating extra living space that’s non-taxable, to knocking $180,000 off of the cost by subcontracting himself, Ng has thought of everything for this “Chameleon Shotgun house.” Watch and learn:
http://www.core77.com/posts/66892/Practical-Architect-Uses-DesignBuild-Skills-to-Erect-Beautiful-Family-Home-for-180000-Less-Than-Quoted-Price