:Kit vs. Plans? You might save 15-25% with plans, but the plans work if you live in an area where the materials are easily accessible ... if you end up mail ordering sheets of plywood, your shipping costs might eat up your savings.

I can barely build a symmetric birdhouse, but my stitch and glue kayak (from plans) is coming along perfectly ... if you have experience in woodworking, you shouldn't have any problems, and will perhaps have a greater sense of satisfaction from building from scratch? Some of the older messages on this board list inexpensive sources of materials if $$'s are a concern.

Good luck.