Carol wrote:
> I just haven't a clue on how to do these things. It all seems
> so complicated. Can anyone tell me how to build an earthquake-resistant
> sustainable house in 10 (or even 25) easy steps? Please!!!! Help!!!!
It sound like you've done quite a bit of learning so far, I doubt you'd
have trouble figuring out this stuff. There is a lot of stuff, so you may
find that at some point it makes sense to hire or get some help and focus
on the stuff you enjoy or do well.
I suppose you have a few options. You can buy an existing sustainable
house, which as you said may be hard to find especially if you restrict
where you are willing to live. You can hire someone to build one for you,
which requires finding someone competent enough (or learning yourself and
instructing someone). You could also learn to build one and do it yourself
if you are able and have the time. Each of these options will require
money, time or both unless you lower your standards of what you'll accept.
>From what I've seen, I don't think learning to build in many of the more
common styles is that overly complicated. Good design however gets quite
involved. From my experience, local codes many be the biggest obstacle.
Where I live it is probably impossible to build a truly sustainable house
legally, certainly not by my definition, but probably not even by most on
this list. The house we just finished building was going to be straw bale,
but ended up stick frame. If you are restricting the area where you are
willing to live, I'd start with the building codes and find out what they
allow.
Carol, you've done quite a bit so far. You should at least be proud of
what you have done. "More than most" is great, and "more than you were
doing before" is the way to go. Keep up the good work.
As for specifics, it sounds like you are in Western Oregon. There is a lot
of sustainable building stuff going on there. Location is a big factor in
the type of building as is personal taste - and of course codes. If you're
aware of straw bale and Permaculture and Rick Valley, then I'd guess you
know about the cobb building activities in your area (assuming that's
Oregon). There are a lot of people in that area who would make great
resources for you. I guess I'm not clear on the trouble you are having.
Are you having trouble deciding what to do? Or do you not know how to do
what you want to do? Or is it that you don't know how to go about learning
how to do what you want to do? You don't seem to be at a loss for what you
could do. (If that makes any sense!)
Not much help, I guess.
Eric Storm
