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jbouton
Member
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# Posted: 20 Mar 2012 20:44
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I am currently active duty Air Force, and am looking for a huge rehaul of my life. I am planning on building a small off the grid cabin for permanent living. I have a lot of general ideas of what I need, but am looking for guidance considering everyone in my social circle thinks I am crazy. So any wisdom, ideas, support, etc.?
Thanks!
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Martian
Member
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# Posted: 20 Mar 2012 20:56
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The nice thing about making a decision is, if you don't like the outcome, you get to make the decision to go another direction. If you want to pursue this "crazy" idea, go for it.
Now, tell us more about where you're thinking of building your home and if you're going to need to make a living.
We're all a little crazy, but it sure is fun.
Tom
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sabiggs
Member
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# Posted: 20 Mar 2012 21:07
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Thank you for your service.
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jbouton
Member
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# Posted: 20 Mar 2012 21:10
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Well I plan on building a modest 14x14 cabin with a loft to start. I am going to build it so I could possibly build on. I am just trying to stay out of the shadows of any bank. I am going to stay completely off the grid, but am not going to a remote area. I just worry about the basics. Water collection and storage, and a warm shower in the winter, toilet.
My pot is handed down from family, and the trees will be harvested from the plot to cover framing and siding.
I would like to scavange doors, windows, and RV appliances.
Once its all built I am going to worry about solar for refridgeration, and lighting.
Nothing outrageous. Just economical, and am trying to stay away from fossil fuels because the outlook on the costs for them.
This is my "plan" at least.
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trollbridge
Member
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# Posted: 20 Mar 2012 21:16
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Quoting: Martian We're all a little crazy, but it sure is fun.
Hey....who you calling crazy??? 
Welcome jbouton! 1st piece of advice....don't listen to your friends! 2nd piece of advice....don't listen to your friends!! 3rd piece of advice......don't listen to your friends!!!
after that you may do whatever you'd like!!!!!! Congratulations...now you are in the right frame of mind (just like the rest of us!)
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vandersysml
Member
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# Posted: 20 Mar 2012 22:05
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Hey! I'm also active-duty Air Force, and I wish I had the guts to do what you are talking about doing. Maybe after retirement when I have a nice cushy pension to fall back on. Good luck to you!
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jbouton
Member
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# Posted: 20 Mar 2012 22:12
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Yeah I'm only on 8 years so have a while before pension.
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Hick
Member
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# Posted: 21 Mar 2012 00:25
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jbouton
I'm also Active duty. Where are you thinking of building? I would check on craigslist for some of the building materials that you might need. You can find RV parts like pumps, sinks, holding tanks and black water tanks.
My wife and I would love to do what you are about to set out and do. I wish you the best of luck.
This web site has a wealth knowledge!
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Martian
Member
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# Posted: 21 Mar 2012 09:30
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In my experience, the cost of utilities is minimal in a small place. My home is 20X24 w/an added utility room. I use a 10gal electric water heater, woodstove, and 8000btu window A/C. At $.17/kw, it cost me less then $25/mo. for electricity, and the guage on the propane tank hasn't moved since being filled back in October. This time I built with 8' ceilings instead of 12' cathedral w/loft. That should cut down on A/C cost this Summer, but even my old place was pretty cheap to cool; I spent an average of $50/mo over the 5 month A/C season.
I understand the desire to be grid-free, but its hard to justify the cost of doing so. I would suggest building with the goal of going off grid in mind, but initially, use available utilities to get yourself into the cabin. Then you can use the money you are not spending on housing to put in your off-grid systems. The price of going off grid is coming down as technology improves; so waiting could save you a substantial amount.
BTW, consider staying in the AF until retirement. I spent 9 years in the Marines and kicked my self in the ass when I turned 38 for getting out. I would be sitting a lot prettier if I had a steady income stream from military retirement benefits. Just saying.....
Tom
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rayyy
Member
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# Posted: 22 Mar 2012 16:28
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!!!NOT CRAZY !!!I'm having the time of my life doing this.Sometimes I feel like a kid in a candy store.Every project I complete is just adding to my well being and comfort.Life is to short to sit back and say "Maybe someday I'll get to it"So set your mind on it and go for it.
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Bzzzzzt
Member
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# Posted: 22 Mar 2012 21:15
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If there is a habitat for humanity restore nearby they have loads of good used doors and windows for really cheap.
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Aqua
Member
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2012 15:45
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Go for it!
If you are land hunting, you may want to read a book like this: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Buying-Your-Place-Country/dp/0793141095
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countryred
Member
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# Posted: 14 Apr 2012 22:44
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1st, thank you for your service to our country. We really appreciate it!
Next, find an area that you really love. For me, its the Ozarks. Spend some time looking around and things will fall into place.
Don't worry too much about what other people think, its about your happiness.
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cabingal3
Member
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# Posted: 15 Apr 2012 12:45
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i think u are smart to do this.it will be wonderful.and good luck.and yes...thank u so much for protecting us and our country.
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