Re: Re: 360 reasons to build with SB

["John Dittli" <dittli@earthlink.net>]

Hi Straw Wolf
 you wrote

snip
> why do we have to cost everything when it can be
> done with help from friends relations and neighbours or workshop
participants.
>4 buildings with a total
>living area of 2,000 square feet of which 500 square feet will be office
>space etc.  This home is still too big IMHO but then I am married!  We
>estimate that the total cost will be less than $20,000 Aus or $11,000 USA.
>This includes electricity which will eventually be solar power back into
the
>grid, self composting toilets and a grey water system.

I commend you on your costs, the componants for my grid tie PV system are
$7,000 US alone! We need to cost things out so people out there that are
less resourceful have an idea what the financial costs are, just as we need
to let folks know what the environmental costs are. While what the owner
builder can accomplish is very inspiring, to promote building with straw we
need to have real numbers.

For instance our home has been built with the help of many friends and
family but I have been unable to convince them to PAY ME!!! Consequently our
out of pocket costs will be the sum of the materials, permits etc.

I agree with you that building big is expensive our home (2000 sq/ft 25%
office) is heavily engineered and timbered. However, building 4 - 500 sq/ft
buildings would have a much bigger footprint, require more roofing,
foundation, wall, electrical and possibly plumbing. One would need to weigh
these "costs" against those of an "over built " single structure.

John
John Dittli Photography
www.johndittli.com
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