Off Grid Living , Renewable Energy
I am an independent contractor building an off grid home in the national forest. This group is for folks interested in knowing more about the project, but also a place to share your own construction related stories. This group is not only for construction professionals, I would love to hear from everyone who has tried to build something naked, from a bird house in the garage and up. Lets have...
- created by MickeyH
To start things off
Return to DiscussionsI've had lots of requests about my off grid home that I am building.
I hope to be able to answer questions, Please ask questions.
So I'll start with the specs.
Land: 30 acres
Where: Roosevelt National Forest (The original deed has F. Roosevelt s signature)
House: 1800 sq', two story + a shop and garage. 2nd floor has only 2 bdrms w/ a bth inbetween. They both have 270* views
Electric: 24 Photo Voltaic panels=5.4Kw, 48v battery bank and duel inverters. I have 220v available
Well: 5+gal/min (after I fractured it, .18 before)
Septic system that I tied my Out House to;
So if you got through all the boring stuff, please ask questions, this is my favorite subject and will try to update often, if it gets a response (Will begin again work again in May 2012, lots of snow now)
Hi Mickey, thanks for starting this group. I've been living off grid for over 14 years now on a remote island off the Canadian west coast. As soon as I saw your group I figured I had better join up right away!
Back later this evening when I get some more time to chat.
Ill be using standard Low-E windows but the heat is exciting.
First is Passive Solar- Large windows on the South
2nd- A Thermal Mass, Basicaly my crawl space will have water lines, like a radiant floor, threw out, covered with 2' of sand, then 4" of concrete. This is tied to 2 Hydro Thermal Panels on the roof. It heats up all Summer and releases heat all winter. I conservatively guess about 40-50% of my heat will come from that.
3rd 2 more Hydro Thermal panels for domestic hot water and base board heat.
4th- I will have an on demand propane heater that can accept pre-heated water so it will only have to raise the temp a few degrees if at all.
5th- A wood stove that will be tied in to air vents and to the hot water holding tank
Hi Mickey, thanks for starting this group. I've been living off grid for over 14 years now on a remote island off the Canadian west coast. As soon as I saw your group I figured I had better join up right away!Back later this evening when I get some more time to chat.
Out Standing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome, love to talk to ya
I live in a community on flat ground with all the ordinary utilities, slab foundation, etc.but I'm in the process of turning a 24 X 40 carport into a garage so this group will certainly be a help and a good go to guy for some suggestions and answers. I'll ask some stupid questions. Please don't consider me dumb, just uninformed, lol. Be good to see other people's projects too. George
I live in a community on flat ground with all the ordinary utilities, slab foundation, etc.but I'm in the process of turning a 24 X 40 carport into a garage so this group will certainly be a help and a good go to guy for some suggestions and answers. I'll ask some stupid questions. Please don't consider me dumb, just uninformed, lol. Be good to see other people's projects too. George
No such thing as Stupid questions, Always willing to help George. Looks like we got a great start with some fantastic people
I live in a community on flat ground with all the ordinary utilities, slab foundation, etc.but I'm in the process of turning a 24 X 40 carport into a garage so this group will certainly be a help and a good go to guy for some suggestions and answers. I'll ask some stupid questions. Please don't consider me dumb, just uninformed, lol. Be good to see other people's projects too. George
Mickey already beat me to it George, but the only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked. Believe me, you aren't the only person who thinks that, but there are NO stupid questions.
I'm better than 40 years in the construction game, and there isn't a lot I haven't seen over the years. Most of the worst mistakes have been made by homeowners who were afraid to ASK everyday questions. I'm doing a job right now for a log cabin owner. He builds roads but knows nothing about building houses. So I said, well that makes us even then, because I know nothing about road building.
He got a chuckle out of that one.
I have to say I'm more than just a little impressed with Mickey's place. One big difference between his and mine...he obviously has a decent budget, something which we lacked here. So I had to replace the lack of cash with my labor.
Hi Mickey,
I have just joined a few minutes ago your group "Off Grid Living, Renewable Energy and Nude Construction". I must say that you have created a great site.
You were writing that you are remodelling your current home in the hope of turning it into a Bed and Breakfast. When are you planning to be in operation! I do hope that it will be a nude B&B!!!
Stay Nude Mickey! The only way to be!
A proud true smooth nudist,
Gilles(toutnu)
Hi Mickey,I have just joined a few minutes ago your group "Off Grid Living, Renewable Energy and Nude Construction". I must say that you have created a great site.You were writing that you are remodelling your current home in the hope of turning it into a Bed and Breakfast. When are you planning to be in operation! I do hope that it will be a nude B&B!!!Stay Nude Mickey! The only way to be!A proud true smooth nudist,Gilles(toutnu)
Hope to open this Spring (Ours arrives about mid June) if I can build a tiny cabin out at my other place to stay in. A camp ground is also a project but that will be in a different topic when I figure it out. Mickey
Hi Mickey,
You are a great moderator Mickey and I say that because you take the time and efforts to answer everyone who sends you a message or comments. Your personal touch is greatly appreciated. In regards to your upcoming B&B, would it be a nude B&B! I do hope so because it would be a great place to stayfor all of us true nudists who would like to visit your beautiful state of Colorado! Have a great NUDE day Mickey! Sending you my best nude regards from B.C. Gilles