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Posted by Jack on May 11, 2007, 10:01 pm
First off the lot is in Nova Scotia Canada. The Southwest part. On the
Digby Neck.
It has southwestern exposure. Lots of sun. It is moderately to heavily
treed and largely Basalt rock.
Ocean Frontage on St Mary's bay. (salt water air). Site is large. No
concerns about neighbors or encroachments.
There is a seasonal spring which runs down the center of the lot which
might be best diverted via culvert.
It is a steep slope. (18% grade).
I know most of you are in the US, so BAR HARBOR Maine, would be the
most similar, climate and topography.
I need to plan this out from square one.
The driveway is already approved, the septic has approval, (but is
bloody expensive). Approved for well, and theres reportedly plenty of
water to be had.(well)
I need to decide on a house-plan that would take advantage of a
pretty miraculous view, and still be designed on a steeply sloped
lot. Its a retirement place so budget and size are considerations. I
can't see needing more than 1500 square feet, plus walkout basement. I
think I'd like to design the basement to have a couple of hotel like
suites so I can do the BnB thing, as there is apparently a big demand
in the summer months.
I'd like to have solar panels and because its windy, maybe even a
turbine or more to get me less needy of living on the grid. Power is
there but again, expensive, so if I could put some money into thinking
this out, I may be able to survive in the long haul by keeping my
bills as low as possible.
Looked at something called a Charmaster furnace which worked of wood
and heating oil, and could be hooked up to in floor heating system
which I really want. (Warm floor warm house) I just don't know enough
about this stuff to make an informed decision.
I've looked at the styrofoam block/concrete (ICF?) system and that
looks really good to me, but again, I know nothing about it other than
it seems the extra insulation, and bug resistance would be a big plus,
not to mention a sturdy house, but don't know if a concrete pumper
could get down to where the house would be, or if it could reach.
Anyway, I better stop, before this turns into a novel.
I have tons of questions that I hope to put up as additions to this
thread and am hoping any of the experts will grab any peice of it they
know a lot about and answer away. I'm not even going to be there till
September, so construction wouldn't begin till after then. I'd like to
do as much as I can myself to both "feel" like its my house, and to
save bucks. But I clearly will need lots of subs and help.
Maybe this thread can end up being a help to others too. I'm sure it
would.
Would appreciate any positive , knowlegeable comments, links, advice,
etc.
Thanks in advance, group
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Posted by MIke Hammer on May 11, 2007, 11:46 pm
>
>First off the lot is in Nova Scotia Canada. The Southwest part. On the
>Digby Neck.
>It has southwestern exposure. Lots of sun. It is moderately to heavily
>treed and largely Basalt rock.
>Ocean Frontage on St Mary's bay. (salt water air). Site is large. No
>concerns about neighbors or encroachments.
>There is a seasonal spring which runs down the center of the lot which
>might be best diverted via culvert.
>It is a steep slope. (18% grade).
>
> I know most of you are in the US, so BAR HARBOR Maine, would be the
>most similar, climate and topography.
>I need to plan this out from square one.
>The driveway is already approved, the septic has approval, (but is
>bloody expensive). Approved for well, and theres reportedly plenty of
>water to be had.(well)
>
> I need to decide on a house-plan that would take advantage of a
>pretty miraculous view, and still be designed on a steeply sloped
>lot. Its a retirement place so budget and size are considerations. I
>can't see needing more than 1500 square feet, plus walkout basement. I
>think I'd like to design the basement to have a couple of hotel like
>suites so I can do the BnB thing, as there is apparently a big demand
>in the summer months.
>
> I'd like to have solar panels and because its windy, maybe even a
>turbine or more to get me less needy of living on the grid. Power is
>there but again, expensive, so if I could put some money into thinking
>this out, I may be able to survive in the long haul by keeping my
>bills as low as possible.
>
>Looked at something called a Charmaster furnace which worked of wood
>and heating oil, and could be hooked up to in floor heating system
>which I really want. (Warm floor warm house) I just don't know enough
>about this stuff to make an informed decision.
> I've looked at the styrofoam block/concrete (ICF?) system and that
>looks really good to me, but again, I know nothing about it other than
>it seems the extra insulation, and bug resistance would be a big plus,
>not to mention a sturdy house, but don't know if a concrete pumper
>could get down to where the house would be, or if it could reach.
>
>Anyway, I better stop, before this turns into a novel.
>I have tons of questions that I hope to put up as additions to this
>thread and am hoping any of the experts will grab any peice of it they
>know a lot about and answer away. I'm not even going to be there till
>September, so construction wouldn't begin till after then. I'd like to
>do as much as I can myself to both "feel" like its my house, and to
>save bucks. But I clearly will need lots of subs and help.
> Maybe this thread can end up being a help to others too. I'm sure it
>would.
>
>Would appreciate any positive , knowlegeable comments, links, advice,
>etc.
>
>Thanks in advance, group
Appears to me that you're well on your way. I would suggest that you talk to as
many folks in your area who have built their own houses or those who build
houses. If you're trying to save money, construct your house the way it is
normally done in your area. Talk, talk, talk: Read, read, read. Some of the
advice will be crap but you will just have to figure it out. Tight budgets
induce stress. Things will go wrong so be prepared.
Sounds like a nice place; maybe you can show us a pic?
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Posted by Jack on May 12, 2007, 12:28 am
says...
>
>
>
>
>
> >First off the lot is in Nova Scotia Canada. The Southwest part. On the
> >Digby Neck.
> >It has southwestern exposure. Lots of sun. It is moderately to heavily
> >treed and largely Basalt rock.
> >Ocean Frontage on St Mary's bay. (salt water air). Site is large. No
> >concerns about neighbors or encroachments.
> >There is a seasonal spring which runs down the center of the lot which
> >might be best diverted via culvert.
> >It is a steep slope. (18% grade).
>
> > I know most of you are in the US, so BAR HARBOR Maine, would be the
> >most similar, climate and topography.
> >I need to plan this out from square one.
> >The driveway is already approved, the septic has approval, (but is
> >bloody expensive). Approved for well, and theres reportedly plenty of
> >water to be had.(well)
>
> > I need to decide on a house-plan that would take advantage of a
> >pretty miraculous view, and still be designed on a steeply sloped
> >lot. Its a retirement place so budget and size are considerations. I
> >can't see needing more than 1500 square feet, plus walkout basement. I
> >think I'd like to design the basement to have a couple of hotel like
> >suites so I can do the BnB thing, as there is apparently a big demand
> >in the summer months.
>
> > I'd like to have solar panels and because its windy, maybe even a
> >turbine or more to get me less needy of living on the grid. Power is
> >there but again, expensive, so if I could put some money into thinking
> >this out, I may be able to survive in the long haul by keeping my
> >bills as low as possible.
>
> >Looked at something called a Charmaster furnace which worked of wood
> >and heating oil, and could be hooked up to in floor heating system
> >which I really want. (Warm floor warm house) I just don't know enough
> >about this stuff to make an informed decision.
> > I've looked at the styrofoam block/concrete (ICF?) system and that
> >looks really good to me, but again, I know nothing about it other than
> >it seems the extra insulation, and bug resistance would be a big plus,
> >not to mention a sturdy house, but don't know if a concrete pumper
> >could get down to where the house would be, or if it could reach.
>
> >Anyway, I better stop, before this turns into a novel.
> >I have tons of questions that I hope to put up as additions to this
> >thread and am hoping any of the experts will grab any peice of it they
> >know a lot about and answer away. I'm not even going to be there till
> >September, so construction wouldn't begin till after then. I'd like to
> >do as much as I can myself to both "feel" like its my house, and to
> >save bucks. But I clearly will need lots of subs and help.
> > Maybe this thread can end up being a help to others too. I'm sure it
> >would.
>
> >Would appreciate any positive , knowlegeable comments, links, advice,
> >etc.
>
> >Thanks in advance, group
>
> Appears to me that you're well on your way. I would suggest that you talk to
as
> many folks in your area who have built their own houses or those who build
> houses. If you're trying to save money, construct your house the way it is
> normally done in your area. Talk, talk, talk: Read, read, read. Some of the
> advice will be crap but you will just have to figure it out. Tight budgets
> induce stress. Things will go wrong so be prepared.
> Sounds like a nice place; maybe you can show us a pic?
Thanks Mike.
Appreciate the advice. I don't know about well on my way, but "on my
way" at least. I guess. :)
You are probably right about doing the house the way its normally
done, but this is in a recreational area.
Many people just come out for the summer, and I want to live there
year around.
So some of the things that are acceptable to cottage owners or second
residence owners won't be to me.
I do plan on taking my time, so as to eliminate as much stress as
possible. I have a Motorhome in which to live
comfortably, while I do this thing. So I can live on site, and work
it every day till I drop.
I don't work so timing is good.
I'll see about posting a pic. Do you have a quick instructions link on
how to do that?
Do you or any of the guys know if stucco is feasible in a seaside
climate? I have it here in BC where I live now, and love it.
Imasco not acrylic,so the woodpeckers bend their beaks when they try
to assault my house. :)
If you have any bettter links for the "read read read" advice, please
post 'em. I'd love to read stuff you guys consider worthy advice.
Dean
|
|
Posted by Dave on May 12, 2007, 12:31 am
> First off the lot is in Nova Scotia Canada. The Southwest part. On the
> Digby Neck.
> It has southwestern exposure. Lots of sun. It is moderately to heavily
> treed and largely Basalt rock.
> Ocean Frontage on St Mary's bay. (salt water air). Site is large. No
> concerns about neighbors or encroachments.
> There is a seasonal spring which runs down the center of the lot which
> might be best diverted via culvert.
> It is a steep slope. (18% grade).
>
> I know most of you are in the US, so BAR HARBOR Maine, would be the
> most similar, climate and topography.
> I need to plan this out from square one.
> The driveway is already approved, the septic has approval, (but is
> bloody expensive). Approved for well, and theres reportedly plenty of
> water to be had.(well)
>
> I need to decide on a house-plan that would take advantage of a
> pretty miraculous view, and still be designed on a steeply sloped
> lot. Its a retirement place so budget and size are considerations. I
> can't see needing more than 1500 square feet, plus walkout basement. I
> think I'd like to design the basement to have a couple of hotel like
> suites so I can do the BnB thing, as there is apparently a big demand
> in the summer months.
>
> I'd like to have solar panels and because its windy, maybe even a
> turbine or more to get me less needy of living on the grid. Power is
> there but again, expensive, so if I could put some money into thinking
> this out, I may be able to survive in the long haul by keeping my
> bills as low as possible.
>
> Looked at something called a Charmaster furnace which worked of wood
> and heating oil, and could be hooked up to in floor heating system
> which I really want. (Warm floor warm house) I just don't know enough
> about this stuff to make an informed decision.
> I've looked at the styrofoam block/concrete (ICF?) system and that
> looks really good to me, but again, I know nothing about it other than
> it seems the extra insulation, and bug resistance would be a big plus,
> not to mention a sturdy house, but don't know if a concrete pumper
> could get down to where the house would be, or if it could reach.
>
> Anyway, I better stop, before this turns into a novel.
> I have tons of questions that I hope to put up as additions to this
> thread and am hoping any of the experts will grab any peice of it they
> know a lot about and answer away. I'm not even going to be there till
> September, so construction wouldn't begin till after then. I'd like to
> do as much as I can myself to both "feel" like its my house, and to
> save bucks. But I clearly will need lots of subs and help.
> Maybe this thread can end up being a help to others too. I'm sure it
> would.
>
> Would appreciate any positive , knowlegeable comments, links, advice,
> etc.
>
> Thanks in advance, group
>
If the place is sitting on rock, where's the effluent gonna go? That's why
its so expensive, above ground effluent field. Bet that's interesting to
put in place on such steep grade. And a challenge to build a home there for
the same reason. Standing water should be not a problem.
Dave
|
|
Posted by Jack on May 13, 2007, 12:20 am
>
>
>
>
> > First off the lot is in Nova Scotia Canada. The Southwest part. On the
> > Digby Neck.
> > It has southwestern exposure. Lots of sun. It is moderately to heavily
> > treed and largely Basalt rock.
> > Ocean Frontage on St Mary's bay. (salt water air). Site is large. No
> > concerns about neighbors or encroachments.
> > There is a seasonal spring which runs down the center of the lot which
> > might be best diverted via culvert.
> > It is a steep slope. (18% grade).
>
> > I know most of you are in the US, so BAR HARBOR Maine, would be the
> > most similar, climate and topography.
> > I need to plan this out from square one.
> > The driveway is already approved, the septic has approval, (but is
> > bloody expensive). Approved for well, and theres reportedly plenty of
> > water to be had.(well)
>
> > I need to decide on a house-plan that would take advantage of a
> > pretty miraculous view, and still be designed on a steeply sloped
> > lot. Its a retirement place so budget and size are considerations. I
> > can't see needing more than 1500 square feet, plus walkout basement. I
> > think I'd like to design the basement to have a couple of hotel like
> > suites so I can do the BnB thing, as there is apparently a big demand
> > in the summer months.
>
> > I'd like to have solar panels and because its windy, maybe even a
> > turbine or more to get me less needy of living on the grid. Power is
> > there but again, expensive, so if I could put some money into thinking
> > this out, I may be able to survive in the long haul by keeping my
> > bills as low as possible.
>
> > Looked at something called a Charmaster furnace which worked of wood
> > and heating oil, and could be hooked up to in floor heating system
> > which I really want. (Warm floor warm house) I just don't know enough
> > about this stuff to make an informed decision.
> > I've looked at the styrofoam block/concrete (ICF?) system and that
> > looks really good to me, but again, I know nothing about it other than
> > it seems the extra insulation, and bug resistance would be a big plus,
> > not to mention a sturdy house, but don't know if a concrete pumper
> > could get down to where the house would be, or if it could reach.
>
> > Anyway, I better stop, before this turns into a novel.
> > I have tons of questions that I hope to put up as additions to this
> > thread and am hoping any of the experts will grab any peice of it they
> > know a lot about and answer away. I'm not even going to be there till
> > September, so construction wouldn't begin till after then. I'd like to
> > do as much as I can myself to both "feel" like its my house, and to
> > save bucks. But I clearly will need lots of subs and help.
> > Maybe this thread can end up being a help to others too. I'm sure it
> > would.
>
> > Would appreciate any positive , knowlegeable comments, links, advice,
> > etc.
>
> > Thanks in advance, group
>
> If the place is sitting on rock, where's the effluent gonna go? That's why
> its so expensive, above ground effluent field. Bet that's interesting to
> put in place on such steep grade. And a challenge to build a home there for
> the same reason. Standing water should be not a problem.
> Dave
Yup Right you are Dave. There is a mix of soil as well as rock, so
the tank and feild will be below ground, but environmental concerns,
being oceanfront, place some major restrictions. The septic plans must
be engineered for example, and depending on where I place the house, I
might have to pump sewage uphill into the tank.
I have an early estimate of 25K for the septic system alone. Might be
worse.
The challenge part is correct too. I'm hoping some guys can send me
links to houseplans that would suit such a site.
I'm thinking of using solar panels and wind turbine and need sources
and recommendations for that too.
Should be quite the journey.
Thanks for the post.
Dean
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