How to Build a House in Animal Crossing: And Why It’s Like Baking a Cake Without an Oven

Building a house in Animal Crossing is one of the most rewarding experiences in the game, but it’s also a process that requires patience, creativity, and a little bit of Tom Nook’s relentless encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the series, constructing your dream home is a journey that mirrors real-life homeownership—except with fewer mortgages and more anthropomorphic raccoons. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to building your perfect abode, while also diving into the philosophical question: Why does Tom Nook charge so many Bells for a second floor?

Step 1: Start with a Tent (Because Even Tom Nook Knows You’re Broke)

When you first arrive on your island, you’ll be given a humble tent. This is your starting point, and while it may not look like much, it’s the foundation of your future mansion. Think of it as the starter dough for your home-baked cake. You’ll need to pay off your initial loan of 5,000 Nook Miles to upgrade to a house, which is surprisingly affordable compared to real-world housing prices.

Pro Tip: Use this time to gather resources like wood, stone, and iron nuggets. These will come in handy later when you’re crafting furniture and decorations.

Step 2: Upgrade to a House (and Enter the Debt Cycle)

Once you’ve paid off your tent loan, Tom Nook will upgrade your tent to a small house. Congratulations! You’re now a homeowner. But don’t get too comfortable—Tom Nook will immediately offer you a new loan to expand your house. This is where the real fun begins. Each upgrade increases the size of your home, adding rooms, storage space, and customization options.

Fun Fact: The first upgrade costs 98,000 Bells, which is roughly the equivalent of selling 200 coconuts. Time to get farming!

Step 3: Customize Your Home (Because Beige Walls Are So Last Season)

One of the best parts of building a house in Animal Crossing is the ability to customize it to your heart’s content. You can change the exterior design, roof color, door style, and even add a mailbox. Inside, you can decorate with furniture, wallpaper, and flooring. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination (and your Bell balance).

Pro Tip: Visit other players’ islands for inspiration. You might stumble upon a living room design that makes you question your entire life choices.

Step 4: Expand Your Storage (Because Hoarding Is a Lifestyle)

As you upgrade your house, you’ll also gain access to more storage space. This is crucial for storing all the items you’ve collected, from rare fish to seasonal decorations. By the time you’ve fully upgraded your house, you’ll have enough storage to rival a small warehouse.

Fun Fact: The final storage upgrade allows you to store up to 5,000 items. That’s enough space for every piece of clothing, furniture, and DIY recipe in the game—plus a few extra turnips for good measure.

Step 5: Add a Second Floor and Basement (Because Why Stop at One Level?)

Once you’ve paid off your initial loans, Tom Nook will offer you the option to add a second floor and a basement. These upgrades are the most expensive, but they’re also the most rewarding. A second floor gives you an additional room to decorate, while a basement provides a cozy space for a home theater, gym, or secret lair.

Philosophical Question: Why does Tom Nook charge 2.5 million Bells for a basement? Is it because digging underground is harder, or is he just trying to fund his next vacation home?

Step 6: Decorate Like a Pro (Because Your House Should Reflect Your Soul)

The final step in building your dream home is decorating it. This is where you can really let your creativity shine. Mix and match furniture sets, create themed rooms, and experiment with different layouts. Don’t forget to add personal touches like photos of your villagers, custom designs, and rare items.

Pro Tip: Use the Happy Home Paradise DLC to practice your decorating skills. It’s like a crash course in interior design, but with more llamas.

Why Building a House in Animal Crossing Is Like Baking a Cake Without an Oven

At first glance, building a house in Animal Crossing seems straightforward, but it’s actually a complex process that requires planning, resource management, and a willingness to embrace debt. It’s like baking a cake without an oven—you have all the ingredients, but you need to figure out how to put them together in a way that makes sense. And just like baking, the end result is always worth the effort.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to fully upgrade your house in Animal Crossing?
A: It depends on how quickly you can earn Bells, but most players can fully upgrade their house within a few weeks of regular play.

Q: Can I change the layout of my house after it’s built?
A: Yes! You can rearrange rooms, change the exterior design, and even move your entire house to a different location on the island.

Q: What’s the best way to earn Bells for house upgrades?
A: Selling rare fish, bugs, and fossils is a great way to earn Bells quickly. You can also invest in the Stalk Market by buying and selling turnips.

Q: Is it worth paying off the final loan for the basement?
A: Absolutely! The basement adds a significant amount of storage space and gives you another room to decorate. Plus, it’s a great flex to show off to your friends.

Q: Why does Tom Nook charge so much for house upgrades?
A: That’s the million-Bell question. Some say it’s because he’s a shrewd businessman, while others believe he’s secretly funding a raccoon utopia. We may never know for sure.