Hello ,
Well Eric ...you and I are not far a part on our thought processes. We must
have been reading the same books(BG)
Parts of your post had me smiling in agreement!
<<Most people will open and close a window
as needed; open and close curtains as needed (usually for privacy); put on
a sweater or turn up the thermostat; sit in the sun; etc. So why wouldn't
people close insulating covers on the windows at night, or cold days in
unused rooms? With this simple change in habits you wouldn't need to buy
such high tech windows at undoubtedly outrageous prices.>>
Yes, we must change some of our habits, and ways of thinking. A little effort
, energy expended can go a long way!
<<Heating water is more efficient
than heating air, but air is a lot more forgiving when things go wrong.>>
Yup! But then you have to worry about distribution systems, ducts,noise,
dust, spores, and a whole host of possible air borne problems that might
necessitate filters, air cleaners etc. to make it a healthy house., which is
also one of my goals.
Geez!
<<The masonry stoves that are often incorporated into the interior walls are
also worth thinking about, perhaps even integrated.>> If I could find
someone to design , build a nice one for 5K or so I'd go for it...but I've
had estimates of from 12 to 20K!!! Too much for my blood.
<<I guess it's not much of a priority to use less and use it well.>>
Don't know what gave you that idea....that's what I'm trying to do, and why I
am having such a hard time designing it. he he
However there are certain things that we feel are important( like a spacious
kitchen, plenty of storage, efficient HVAC systems, low maintenance, natural
products) and some of these will definitely add to the cost.
<<Well planned space is the key, not total square footage. Designed well,
even a small room does not feel cramped. >> Exactamente!
<<My biggest conclusion after designing and building our house is to build as
small and as simple as possible.>> Yup...but I want a computer room , and a
library to house all my books on homesteading, gardening, woodworking,
computing etc etc over 2000 books, and that doesn't even count all my
magazines. he he.
I'd prefer not to have a mortgage if possible.
However you can only cut square footage so much...else you will wind up with
cramped, uncomfortable home that you will come to regret every time you
realize you should have made it a little bigger.
Heck if I were single , had no family, had no plans of marriage, and didn't
expect visitors I could probably design and build a very nice one room
cabin(BG).
Just wanted to thank Eric and everyone for their input. I have received much
valuable information, additional insights, and re-affirmation, and
reinforcement that is often so desperately needed when you depart from
conventional building practices. Best to all. Frank
