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Dome homes to complex for me. What else?

M

[email protected]

Id like to build a SMALL off grid as much cabin as
possible.

I've looked at domes and they are just way too complex
for me

I'm NOT handy nor do I have any tools to build
anything. SO id have to depend on contract labor to
build it

This would be in north Missouri where we have four
DEFINITE seasons. Hot and HUMID summers but cold and
wet winters

What other small cabin "shapes" should I look at?

What abt small A frames? Couldn't a person have one
built from SIP panels and erected FAST?

I only need abt 500 sq feet living space.
 
A

Anthony Matonak

Id like to build a SMALL off grid as much cabin as
possible.

I've looked at domes and they are just way too complex
for me
Click to expand...

I'm no construction expert but I have gleaned a few bits
of knowledge over the years.

Domes don't have to be complex but for small structures
they don't have any significant advantages either. There
is an outfit called monolithic domes that'll build one
for you out of foam and concrete.

http://www.monolithic.com/
What other small cabin "shapes" should I look at?

What abt small A frames? Couldn't a person have one
built from SIP panels and erected FAST?

I only need abt 500 sq feet living space.
Click to expand...

For something this small, I wouldn't worry too much about
the overall shape as to the amount of insulation and how
well the structure does what you need. It doesn't matter
how energy efficient it is if the windows are in the wrong
places or you can't place objects in the corners.

The most efficient practical shape would be a cube or square.
You're looking at something about the size and shape of a
two car garage. A frames are good at shedding snow but not
a very good shape for keeping heat in or out.

Yes, you can get SIP structures prefabricated (pre-cut)
and then delivered for quick assembly. They require cranes
and while you save on labor and time on-site, you spend
more for the SIPs themselves so it costs about as much as
any other construction method.

You might also look into steel buildings. Some of these
are quite affordable and easily assembled. If you were
interested in alternatives, you could also look at straw
bale construction or papercrete.

Anthony
 
M

Mary Fisher

Id like to build a SMALL off grid as much cabin as
possible.

I've looked at domes and they are just way too complex
for me

I'm NOT handy nor do I have any tools to build
anything. SO id have to depend on contract labor to
build it

This would be in north Missouri where we have four
DEFINITE seasons. Hot and HUMID summers but cold and
wet winters
Click to expand...

That's only two definite seasons.

Mary
 
M

Mary Fisher

Anthony Matonak said:
I'm no construction expert but I have gleaned a few bits
of knowledge over the years.

Domes don't have to be complex but for small structures
they don't have any significant advantages either. There
is an outfit called monolithic domes that'll build one
for you out of foam and concrete.

http://www.monolithic.com/
Click to expand...

That reminds me of the canvas yurt some friends live in (two adults, two
small girls) in Scotland all year round.

Mary
 
E

Eeyore

Id like to build a SMALL off grid as much cabin as
possible.

I've looked at domes and they are just way too complex
for me

I'm NOT handy nor do I have any tools to build
anything. SO id have to depend on contract labor to
build it

This would be in north Missouri where we have four
DEFINITE seasons. Hot and HUMID summers but cold and
wet winters

What other small cabin "shapes" should I look at?

What abt small A frames? Couldn't a person have one
built from SIP panels and erected FAST?

I only need abt 500 sq feet living space.
Click to expand...

What do you want a 'dome' for ? Just built a very well-insulated energy
efficient house !

Graham
 
M

[email protected]

For something this small, I wouldn't worry too much about
the overall shape as to the amount of insulation and how
Click to expand...

Looked at those as well. But I just keep coming back
to the simple A frame. It just LOOKS like it could go
up FAST. Especially if I have four SIPs made...... two
for the "A" part..... and two for the ends

Again..... I'm no builder or architect by ANY stretch
of imagination

I'm just looking for cheap and fast but effecient
housing for poor person..... like me. <g>

Actually I have 'some" monies..... but want to quit
work and go back college full time. And need to quit
rent to do that but have no mortgage.... NONE..zip.
 
M

[email protected]

Eeyore
What do you want a 'dome' for ? Just built a very well-insulated energy
efficient house !
Click to expand...

The thing that attracts me to an A frame is that it
"looks "like something even I could do... or help with

Its a very simple structure

Other thing I like is it's all roof. So no maint as far
as painting and such. Put that roof on and its good for
20 years. Only have to worry abt the ends

I'm talking small now. Again just enough space for one
person. Two people in pinch
 
E

Eeyore

Eeyore


The thing that attracts me to an A frame is that it
"looks "like something even I could do... or help with

Its a very simple structure

Other thing I like is it's all roof. So no maint as far
as painting and such. Put that roof on and its good for
20 years. Only have to worry abt the ends
Click to expand...

You think roofs need no maintenance ?

I'm talking small now. Again just enough space for one
person. Two people in pinch
Click to expand...

Why not build somthing nice and cosy ?

Graham
 
S

sno

If you have a river/lake near you might look for a
large houseboat, with a blown engine....here in Augusta, Ga
you can pick them up for around 10,000. dollars....
people buy them and only use a couple times a year...and
when engine goes they will sell for anything they can get...

Some of them are like real nice apartments....and if you
use it for live aboard you do not need engine....

thank you for listening to my thoughts.....have fun....sno


Id like to build a SMALL off grid as much cabin as
possible.

I've looked at domes and they are just way too complex
for me

I'm NOT handy nor do I have any tools to build
anything. SO id have to depend on contract labor to
build it

This would be in north Missouri where we have four
DEFINITE seasons. Hot and HUMID summers but cold and
wet winters

What other small cabin "shapes" should I look at?

What abt small A frames? Couldn't a person have one
built from SIP panels and erected FAST?

I only need abt 500 sq feet living space.
Click to expand...

--
No matter how dangerous nuclear power may or may
not be, is it any more dangerous than what we are
doing now....??

This tag line is generated by:

SLTG (Silly Little Tag Generator)
 
F

[email protected]

How about buying a 1000 bucks or less trailer (Camper) on ebay. toe that
damn thing to your lot and you are good to go. No hastle no fucking energy
effiecent home like graham (Certified AssHole) suggested in his earlier post
here.

Here is the link for ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Extr...8QQihZ004QQcategoryZ50063QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

selling for 500 bucks.

Another one for 1000 bucks or more and have more room.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOP-...9QQihZ015QQcategoryZ50063QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


..
 
E

Eeyore

[email protected] said:
How about buying a 1000 bucks or less trailer (Camper) on ebay. toe that
damn thing to your lot and you are good to go. No hastle no fucking energy
effiecent home like graham (Certified AssHole) suggested in his earlier post
here.

Here is the link for ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Extr...8QQihZ004QQcategoryZ50063QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

selling for 500 bucks.

Another one for 1000 bucks or more and have more room.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOP-...9QQihZ015QQcategoryZ50063QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Click to expand...

You'll freeze to death in one of those things over winter ! And roast in the summer.

Graham
 
M

[email protected]

How about buying a 1000 bucks or less trailer (Camper) on ebay. toe that
damn thing to your lot and you are good to go. No hastle no fucking energy
effiecent home like graham (Certified AssHole) suggested in his earlier post
here.
Click to expand...

Thought abt that as well

But I was thinking it possible to build a very simple
structure just as cheap as a mobile home is but have a
BETTER dwelling... more efficient, stronger, etc

But in reality I'm not sure. A good 5th wheel might be
better and quicker. But you see I only have a small
Mazda Protege car so how would I move the damn thing?

But do you mean buy my own land than set such a trailer
on said land? Or do you men pay lot rent to set one on?
 
M

[email protected]

He has no money and wanna live cheap . who will pay for ya fucking energy
efficent home that you suggested him ?
Click to expand...

Well yes.... CHEAP is the word here

I want something so cheap that I could in affect walk
away form it if needed. Or not have to worry abt any
resale value

Bottom line.... all I need is a place to sleep, shower,
shit, and eat and will keep me warm in winter and cool
in summer.

It doesn't even have to have any internal rooms except
for the bathroom. Would like privacy there

Anyway.... that's why I "thought abt a very small A
frame. Or... maybe shot crete dome? Or maybe a pier and
beam cabin?
 
A

Anthony Matonak

I want something so cheap that I could in affect walk
away form it if needed. Or not have to worry abt any
resale value
Click to expand...

I wouldn't suggest getting too caught up in going for
the absolute in cheap because you might wind up with
a home that doesn't work for you.

You might want to look at these guys, they specialize
in books about home building.

http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com/

Anthony
 
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