SB: for newbies

[Jo Wilhelm <home_place@juno.com>]

The lady strawboss asked me to keep an eye out for newbies and forward
the following message to all whom chimed in. (She is in Africa having fun
and promoting straw!) Well, I promised, and promptly got involved in
three or four new fires on my plate-- and forgot. So, my apologies to my
list-friend for forgetting, and here's the word for all you "new kids" on
the list. Good rereading for you oldtimers!

JoMaMa

   25 Steps to Newbie SB  Ver. 14
     'Simple Small Rectangular Loadbearing SB '
 
1.  Research, research, research. Read all you can find, talk to folks   
     who have done it,  attend workshops and/or bale raisings. Yes       
 it takes $, time, sacrifice. Still, it is your shelter. Commit all of   
     the above.
        Investigate/begin scrounging materials.
 
2. Choose location and siteing. Off grid?         permits?
         Work w/ your topography, flora and sun. 
 
3.  Design or have designed a building layout.  Remember small is 
        good so do multipurpose areas.  Optimum size seems         to be 
       below 1000 sq. ft. for cost         effectives, usability, first
time         owner/builder and somewhat eco friendly. Maybe build model  
      from large Leggo blocks. This also helps estimating bale        
count. Interior wall is best for plumbing and shower/tub.
 
4.  Run some numbers. Prepare a co$t estimate. 
        (See attached sample list.)
        Consider plan of funding. (pay as you go vs  loan). 
        Consider amount of sweat equity you  are willing/able to        
invest then line up people to help with the rest.
 
5.   Secure approval/support of family up front.
        Be VERRRRRY  generous with your time line. 
 
6.  Verify bale source, co$t, type, harvest time,  delivery, terms, etc. 
        Examine some bales and check the size. No, they  will not        
likely be uniform in length. Be prepared to retie custom bales        
and use "flakes."  Still, lay out walls based on max. number of        
full bales. 
 
7.   If necessary get permits and power pole. 
 
8.   On newbie list of priorities move 'Joy of the 
              Process' up the list ABOVE any tendency  
              toward 'Product Perfection'. 
 
9.  Take deep breath and Commit to DOING it. 
             Take responsibility.  You CAN do it! 
 
10.  Order trusses early if using prefab as they  sometimes take        
several weeks or more. 
        HIGHLY recommend 12" hopped up trusses. 
 
11. Do site preparation and formwork: level land, prepare footings.      
  Chose from among         RTF (rubble trench footing), std. poured      
  concrete w/rebar, off grade, or other. 
        Incorporate tie down system and plans for  wiring/plumbing       
 access later if these are to be underground.

12.  Concrete finishing and detailing: pour, screed, trowel, etc. 
        Set anchor bolts for         door bucks or framing if needed, tie
down         system, etc.
         If using full slab, address finish... color? smooth? stamped?   
     concave shower base? etc.
 
13.  Wood framing: build window/door frames according to structure       
 type - load bearing,         hybrid (is that is what the floor to
ceiling         bucks would be called in other wise load        
bearing?,  my         personal favorite)  or  structural wall supports if
loadbearing.         Build roof plate for load bearing.
 
14.  Strawbale raising and some type of stabilizing method so the        
bales don't fall over.  Have on hand 20x100' roll/s of 6mil poly to      
  lay over wall. Will cover both sides to protect from rain. Leave in    
    place until ready to plaster/stucco then cut off.
 
15.  Install roof plate, trusses, do truss blocking, decking, install    
    roofing felt and metal or shingle roofing. Remember, you can        
place         roof plate directly on protective poly covering bales,     
   wait until stucco time to cut off. 
 
16.  Install wiring if putting it inside straw walls. 
 
17.  Install Windows and Doors.
        Consider whether to use wire/mesh over all bales and        
proceed         accordingly.        
 
18.  Address wall surface change (where wood meets straw) with        
expanded metal lathe. Defluff walls (weed eater?) and         consider
whether to use wire/mesh over entire bale wall.          Proceed
accordingly.
        Apply stucco/plaster, coat #1.
        Don't forget to allow for Truth Window.
 
19.  Apply stucco/plaster coat #2 (one week later?) and seal top of      
  wall after pulling wiring thru into attic. This is where hopped up     
   trusses are great. Be careful detailing.
 
20.   Apply stucco/plaster coat #3.
 
21.   Build any partition walls, closets.
 
22.   Install plumbing/wiring inside partition 
        walls as needed.
 
23.   Enclose wiring/plumbing in partition 
        walls and do ceiling  (sheetrock?), install  cabinets and lights.

 
24.   Finish plaster and painting. 
 
25.   Drop on floor and sleep 24 hours straight  
       then get electricity on the house and throw  a party!  
 
Remember...you CAN do it.
Been there. DONE that!
lady strawboss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jo Wilhelm 
home_place@juno.com   830/868-7077 www.the-home-place.com
Tours, workshops, seminars and speakers are all available from THE HOME
PLACE-
A sustainable living demonstration center in the hill country of central
Texas.

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