Planning to build your own house but can't seem to make your mind on what materials to use? Improvement Web has put out some suggestions for alternative housing materials to help you out. You may want to check them, since you may have the following materials in abundance.

Why not build a house made of beer cans? John Milkovisch built what could probably be Homer Simpson's ideal home, built with over 39,000 beer cans. Milkovisch's home was once made out of conventional materials more than 18 years ago. However, his once-ordinary home had its aluminum siding replaced with beer cans, and has since then evolved into a full-fledged beer can house.

If beer isn't your thing, you can skimp on the cans altogether and create a house made of cardboard. Our friends in the land down under managed to build a chic minimalist cardboard house that they dubbed as the Home of the Future. It is fully recyclable, and the cardboard home also has reinforced walls and insulation. This house uses a 12 volt battery or a small photovoltaic cell for a power generator, so you can be assured that you can skimp on your power bills as well. The only downside about this home is that it doesn't have the usual plumbing and water supply, with only a composting system to cover your toilet needs. At least your plants will be happy after you do the Number Two.

How about using car tires for your home? Mike Reynolds, an architect hailing from New Mexico is currently in a project of building a car tire home. The house is nowhere near completion as of this writing, however, but the completed structure will be sold for US$ 55,000. The car tire home will cover 1,025 feet and will sport a circular shape. Any gaps between the tires will be filled with bottles and cans - Homer Simpson will also approve of this house, providing that said bottles and cans are beer-related.

Using the above materials for building houses is not only a great way to save as well as show support for Mother Nature, but also presents an opportunity to show your individuality. Better start saving your beer cans, tires and cardboard; you may set aside enough for building a home.