Regraded backyard soil.

What kind of soils do you have?

Is it waterfront on piers or just sunken piers on land instead of foundation because soil is rocky?  

In your case the soil type and how common foundation problems are will make a big difference. 

I hear those can be a nightmare as you never know what you will uncover underneath.

yes, steel cutters and welders are a special trade but the structure can arrive pre-built and potentially just sit on concrete pier foundations if the soil and zoning allows.   

Checking with the departments one by one for each land listing that looks promising seems very inefficient.Regarding costs, i hear build costs of containers vs stick built being similar, but I had wondered if that is taking all aspects into consideration like build time, foundation and site prep requirements, etc. yes, steel cutters and welders are a special trade but the structure can arrive pre-built and potentially just sit on concrete pier foundations if the soil and zoning allows.

$45,000 sounds about right just for raising and block foundation  Other major costs to considerstructural engineer and soil bore test to determine if you can use block or have to use helical pilingsdemo and rebuild/raise of deckshow you will update the siding disconnect/reconnect utils

The wood underneath is a composite so when you sand it down you will  get wood but not get a solid wood with a grain. 

Could almost buy a mattress and put it underneath his work for 2 hours!