MI
MickeyHOriginal Poster
Nov 4, 2011I'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)
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)
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- MIMickeyHOriginal PosterNov 4, 2011So far I have installed the Well, Septic, Cistern, Photo Voltaic Electrical system and the Footers for the House, currently it is on hold due to Snow so I am Remodeling my current home to turn into a B&B to help fund the new place.ReactReply
- CO
Nov 4, 2011Hi 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.ReactReply - MIMickeyHOriginal PosterNov 4, 2011Ill 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 tankReactReply - MIMickeyHOriginal PosterNov 4, 2011[quote]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.
[/quote]Out Standing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome, love to talk to yaReactReply - MIMickeyHOriginal PosterNov 4, 2011[quote]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[/quote]No such thing as Stupid questions, Always willing to help George. Looks like we got a great start with some fantastic peopleReactReply
- CONov 4, 2011[quote]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[/quote]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.ReactReply - MIMickeyHOriginal PosterNov 4, 2011[quote]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)[/quote]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. MickeyReactReply - MIMickeyHOriginal PosterNov 5, 2011[quote]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 stay for 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[/quote]Thanks for the compliment. The B&B will most likely be clothing optional, but it is not the best location. My land where the new place is going to be is another matter, lots of room. I hope to build some decks around a fire pic. Should be able to accommodate 10-14 or more. We shall see
Mickey
ReactReply - CONov 5, 2011Back again Mickey...
I have a question about your 30 acres of land. Are you able to purchase this land, or is there some sort of lease arrangement with the government for that? Are there any specific restrictions as to what you may or may not do there?
Thanks.ReactReply - MIMickeyHOriginal PosterNov 5, 2011[quote]Back again Mickey...
I have a question about your 30 acres of land. Are you able to purchase this land, or is there some sort of lease arrangement with the government for that? Are there any specific restrictions as to what you may or may not do there?
Thanks.
[/quote]I'm in the Roosevelt National Forest and my Deed has F. Roosevelt's signature. It was deeded before it became national. So the land is mine. The road it is on used to be the old wagon trail and there are about a dozen private parcels over the 5.5 miles. but for the most part they are not connected. Mine has NF land to the North and East, a private parcel that is vacant to the West and county Open Space to the South.
I have to deal with the County Restrictions for building. ie: Height of 30', also have to meet RESNET restrictions, although I dont know why. Boulder County is one of the worst, took me 8 months for permits.
MickeyReactReply - CONov 6, 2011Eight months for permits? Good heavens man, there's an efficiently run office for you! Maybe they lost everything for 7 1/2months!ReactReply
- MIMickeyHOriginal PosterNov 6, 2011[quote]Eight months for permits? Good heavens man, there's an efficiently run office for you! Maybe they lost everything for 7 1/2months!
[/quote]Ya, they seem to think that just because it is Off Grid it requires "Special" attention. The County also really does not want any one to build in the mountains so they drag there feet. Ive actually been dealing with the politics of the project for 3 years already. But now I am on my way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MickeyReactReply - FU
Jan 7, 2012Wow quite a list - nice one!
We are embarking on asimilar projectin Montenegro in the hope we can also generate a modest income from tourists looking for clothing optional camping accomodation.
No time right now but I will look forward to sharing our experiences soon. Our off grid problems included no mains or year round water supply. Our focus has been less about electricty generation and more about water sourcing & conservation. I'd be happy to share our experience of waterless urinals, compost toilets and grey water recycling. I've also been very impressed by the performance of our thermo-syphon solar water heating system. Might also enthuse about that in a seperate post in the near future.
In the meantime I will enjoy dipping into your project and others coming to light in this group. Thanks for sharing.ReactReply - MIMickeyHOriginal PosterJan 8, 2012[quote]Wow quite a list - nice one!
We are embarking on asimilar projectin Montenegro in the hope we can also generate a modest income from tourists looking for clothing optional camping accomodation.
No time right now but I will look forward to sharing our experiences soon. Our off grid problems included no mains or year round water supply. Our focus has been less about electricty generation and more about water sourcing & conservation. I'd be happy to share our experience of waterless urinals, compost toilets and grey water recycling. I've also been very impressed by the performance of our thermo-syphon solar water heating system. Might also enthuse about that in a seperate post in the near future.
In the meantime I will enjoy dipping into your project and others coming to light in this group. Thanks for sharing.
[/quote]Would love to hear more about your project, I was able to put in a septic so your views would be a great addition.
MickeyReactReply - PA
Feb 24, 2012[quote]Wow quite a list - nice one!
We are embarking on asimilar projectin Montenegro in the hope we can also generate a modest income from tourists looking for clothing optional camping accomodation.
No time right now but I will look forward to sharing our experiences soon. Our off grid problems included no mains or year round water supply. Our focus has been less about electricty generation and more about water sourcing & conservation. I'd be happy to share our experience of waterless urinals, compost toilets and grey water recycling. I've also been very impressed by the performance of our thermo-syphon solar water heating system. Might also enthuse about that in a seperate post in the near future.
In the meantime I will enjoy dipping into your project and others coming to light in this group. Thanks for sharing.
[/quote]Thanks to everyone for starting and sharing in this group. I am planning to build a straw bale house and am currently looking at land on which to build and raise/grow all our own food, the plan is to become 100% self sufficient in the hope we'll achieve something close and able to barter with 'why' for the remainder. I am particularly interested in feedback of experience or ideas regarding composting toilets and grey-water systems. I have lot to learn before my expectations and wishlist can be matched by my knowledge and abilities. I know it's not going to be easy but then I always did love a challenge! I will also be looking to generate electricity, micro-hydro being my prferred choice but it's a big ask when looking for land/plots. PV is becoming more affordable, it's just all the gizmo gear that goes with it that worries me, quite apart from being on NW France which doesn't break any sunshine records at the higher end of the scale!!
So any advice from users or those who have knowledge of the alternatives in any of these areas would be much appreciated.
Keep up the good work, spread the love and happy naked times to you all, Paul xReactReply - MIMickeyHOriginal PosterFeb 25, 2012[quote] I know it's not going to be easy but then I always did love a challenge! I will also be looking to generate electricity, micro-hydro being my prferred choice but it's a big ask when looking for land/plots. PV is becoming more affordable, it's just all the gizmo gear that goes with it that worries me,
[/quote]Thanks Paul,
My understanding of Micro Hydro is that you still need all the GIZMOS, IE a charge controller, batteries, inverters as well as a diversion load so you dont fry your system.. Dont forget about the distance between the turbine and your site, wire runs can be very costly, go with the highest voltage you can.
Would love to hear other thoughts from our members.
MickeyReactReply