to build or to buy?

If I ever get in the market for a crank down ice house I was just wondering, 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.

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?

I purchased a Ice Castle a few years ago. There were a few things I added/changed but over all these houses are very nice, well built and easy to pull.In fact My Ice Castle is for sale if you would like to see some pictures of it? 6.5X14′ V front. Forced air heat, stove/oven, two bunks, 5 lighted holes, rattle reels, 110/12V ready, solar charger…

Biggest advantage to buying is you have your garage. How many guys have you seen get a bright idea to do a project. Get all the material. Work on it a few days and realize they are in far over their head. Now there garage is full of material with no where to go. Now they are begging their buddies to help finish the thing. A few cases later it’s done. Kind of.

Write the check, do some minor mods and go fishing.

that sounds good and probably where I will go eventually. my thing is fishing for 5 technically 4 as my daughter is not to keen on it, but then again she has never been in a castle before just portables. maybe a decent renting on Mille lacs for some hopeful fishing is in line this winter. but i figure eventually mine will have to have room for at least 3 if not 4 to 5.

Buy as close to your liking then re-build/add from there that way you can fish for a year in it and see what you really want to change. There a bigger project then you think and can almost guarantee if you had all the parts to start on it today from scratch you will be scrambling to finish it for this season. I went with a 6.5×14 v front with the door on the V and double doors in the back. Used is a season and the following summer a few add ons turned into a full gut and rebuild to exactly what i wanted/learned form the first year.

If i recall there are a few places which will sell you just the shell on a frame. Can’t remember where though, but I kicked this idea around for awhile also.