The very nice aspect of this game is that if you change your mind, deconstruction returns 100% of resources, as long as you are careful.

I'd say the biggest tip for atarting out, don't think about anything as "permanent" too early. IMO for a central base you want to be near/on a coast with easy access to the ocean, and by the time you beat the Elder, you'll want to have a nearby defensive position to welcome raids. (rather than trying to defend a base until you have materials to layout something effective) I use the hoe and stone to raise and level a modest plateau with a trench around it, then build a sheltered defensive fort on top with ladders up. When I get a raid alert, I be-line for the fort which is equipped with extra stacks of arrows. My outpost bases are similar structures with a bigger moated area for smelters. I keep a bench at one end to construct/destruct a drawbridge floor when I need cart access for ores.

Dunno, most people get a craving to build big elaborate bases that serve no function. Building for what you need is far easier to move/adapt. Same goes for "farming" materials. Better to uave and not need than need and not have, but it's easy to get caught up investing a lot of effort and getting "stuck" somewhere not ideal because of commitments like farms/stores. Much like R/L. :)