I am in the middle of reading by Rob Roy and it is fantastic. It guides you step-by-step through what it takes to build a home and live thrive without a mortgage. I have to admit, the ideas in the book are definitely outside-the-box. As I read Roy s words, it slowly sinks in: NO MORE RENT. NO MORE MORTGAGE. What would I do with the money? The possibilities are…
How does a company know what resources should be developed internally versus what should be handled externally? This question teases out all the meaty issues facing a company – past, present and future. It’s not really the answer that matters so much. The important thing is how companies deal with the question. There’s a tendency to answer the question using…
Tired of sub-standard homes and high rents, an increasing number of people are grouping together to build their own housing developments. There has been an explosion in the number of Community Land Trusts (CLTs), with one set up every week in the last year. There are now 225 CLTs, a number which has grown six-fold in the last six years. The schemes buy land…
Move to a more affordable residence while saving for your new home. Building the home of your dreams from the ground up means you ll get to mold the project from beginning to end. But with this also comes the potential for unexpected expenses and going over budget. Saving money before you build will give you financial security to cover all of your design whims…
Time magazine on Thursday published a stunning illustration on its cover for the May 29th issue, depicting the White House mutating into a Kremlin-like building, featuring the distinctive onion domes and red brick of Russia s Saint Basil s Cathedral. The cover accompanies a story detailing White House officials struggles to contain and respond to multiple Russia-related…
Democrats on Capitol Hill may be the minority party searching within for an identity after four consecutive special election losses this year, but that doesn t mean that the party is completely devoid of influence. Democratic lawmakers still have the power of imagination and a sympathetic media environment that they can exploit to get their message out to the…
The government wants to double the number of people building their own homes. But is it wise to encourage the population to take up DIY housebuilding? Programmes like Grand Designs tap into the desire to build your dream home. Now the government - keen to raise the stubbornly low housebuilding rate - wants to start a self build revolution . Housing Minister…
The tiny house movement has been growing in popularity for several years throughout the United States and has started to gain appeal in Canada as a way for people to live a simple, portable, more affordable lifestyle. Robinson Residential joined this movement in 2015 with the design of our Dragonfly-20, a contemporary style take on the tiny house. But we couldn’t…
Cara Brookins is living proof that where there s a will, there s a way (especially if YouTube is around). In this generation of self-starters and self-made women and men, do-it-yourself isn’t just an option, it’s a way of life. And if there’s not an app for that, chances are there’s a YouTube video for it. That was certainly the case for a woman named Cara Brookins…
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. - The North East Community Action Corp. is still looking for contractors to build tiny homes for interested residents in Northeast Missouri. The not-for-profit agency has been encouraging the use of the super-small dwellings because they offer an affordable, energy-efficient solution to housing needs for many people and communities. Brent…
Building Procedures for Building Your Own Home SPARTA TOWNSHIP BUIDLING DEPARTMENT PROCEDURES FOR BUILDING YOUR OWN HOME Click Here for a printable version. Once you have selected the lot on which you plan to construct your new home, the following steps should be taken: 1. CONTACT THE PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT (973) 729-8093 For zoning permit application…
When it s time to sell, can you show that you ve maintained your residence? Beyond fresh coats of paint, buyers want to see that your home s HVAC is fully functional. Ninety percent of home inspections recommend furnace servicing and certification,says Jeff Hebeler, associate broker with FourStar Realty, Inc. in Boulder, Colo. Stay ahead of the curve with a…
Need to build a house quickly? Or build a lot of houses quickly to shelter a growing population? This plastic mold framework is filled with cement and sand, with plumbing, electricity, window, and door frames placed “between the formwork.” The shell of the house is ready overnight. Moladi, from South Africa, is aimed at the huge need for affordable housing in…
Jon and Gemma are building a new home from scratch to thatch in Auckland. Join Jon in his diary of all the action - his experiences may hold some good lessons. Or he may need your guidance This is a PS to my blog about our house build in Three Kings Auckland. If you were one of the readsters of my blog who was keen (and in some cases desperate) to see pictures…
Brick walls and paths offer that sturdy, old-fashioned, classic quality that will never go out of style or look dated. But it looks so simple that it seems like something you want to do yourself - especially after the shock of seeing an estimate from a professional bricklayer. If you re curious as to whether you can lay your own brick, the short answer is yes…
One couple who hired Conley Construction Co. a few years ago to remodel their Colorado home simply gave contractor Tim Conley the keys. “We’re going to Cabo, ” they said to Conley. “Call us when you’re finished.” Sybille Hechtel, on the other hand, has remodeled or built seven homes, including her current house in South Boulder and an Earthship in Silverthorne…
In just about every political constituency in the country, there are things you can’t say and expect to get elected. You can’t endorse gun control in Tennessee. You can’t make light of climate change in Seattle. In Arlington, Va., where I live, you have to watch what you say about affordable housing. To question the suburban county’s ambitious subsidized housing…
The construction cost of a house largely depends on its total area, type, location, and finishes. Moreover, the duration of the construction can increase or decrease the cost. Unless you have a list of all the materials needed and their respective costs, and the service fee of the builder or workers you will hire, you can only come up with a rough estimate of…
LEFT: Forms McMeekin used in constructing the walls. RIGHT: John McMeekin tamping a section of wall. MOTHER EARTH NEWS STAFF Back in the 40 s I was considered an oddball. I wore a beard—revolutionary then—and I started, by myself, to build a house out of (of all things) rammed earth. People wondered about me. Today—as a V.P. and corporation director—I appear…
Architectural Model Building Making a 3D house model can be quite fun. Once you have completed your floor plans it is a fairly simple process. The benefit of having an architectural model of your house design is that you will now be able to visualize how the interior and exterior of the house will really look when finished. It can give you an idea of sight lines…
Collin County: Land battle over retirement home plans Jason Wheeler, WFAA (Photo: WFAA) COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - Looking out from the back porch, Susan Stauffer says the view from her dream home is almost perfect, except that it is not finished and the home really is just a dream. “This was going to be the place where we basically wrapped up life and enjoyed ducks…
FACTOR LOW ↓ HIGH ↑ Roofing Materials A typical dimensional shingle roof costs $22, installed. An upgraded dimensional shingle roof adds anywhere from $10, to $40, depending on selection. Exterior Veneer Typical residential siding averages as low as $8/sq ft, while brick and stucco average $15/sq ft. Stone veneer can cost upwards of $30/sq ft. Flooring Selection…
In 1986 I bought an empty piece of farmland and forest in a quiet corner of rural Canada and began building a full-time country life for myself. I had a clean slate to create whatever house, gardens, water systems and outbuildings I wanted, and the adventure of designing and creating these things with my own hands has become my life’s work. And while I’m thankful…
ARCHITECT DESIGNED KIT HOUSES - DELIVERED AND ERECTED At HEBHOMES we promise you all the simplicity and flexibility of a self-build kit-house together with exquisite contemporary design and the most modern energy-efficient construction. HebHomes portfolio of houses is the culmination of 18 years of award winning architecture fromDualchas Architects Inspired…
