Sachem Alums Build Own House While Attending Binghamton University

Two recent Sachem graduates figured out a creative way to deal with off-campus housing while attending Binghamton University this year: they built their own home from scratch just outside the school.

According to local News Channel 34 in Binghamton, Sachem grads Michael Zella and Ashley Haugstatter were looking for an off-campus housing solution when they stumbled upon a small parcel of land available and decided to jump at the opportunity.

"It was vacant at the time," Zella told the news organization. "Only 15 minutes from school. It's out of the flood zone. That's very important to us."

Zella's father, who owns a construction business in New York, helped Zella estimate some of the costs.

"Although, my Dad will kill me if I don't bring this up," Zella said. "At first I estimated the cost to be 20-thousand. He said, 'Mike, this will at least cost you 30.' It ended up costing 35 thousand."

The home is 345 square-feet, and was a labor of love between Zella, Haugstatter, Zella's father and stepfather, who all helped build the home while the two students stayed with the next door neighbor.

Zella graduated from Sachem East in 2010; Haugstatter in 2011.