Building an off grid cabin: What would you scrimp and splurge on?
by
JillC83
+3
I'm looking to build a 20x40-60ft max off-grid cabin to live in. I have the land, which edges a riverbank with fishing/mooring rights. So an underground root cellar isn't easy/affordable, although I would love large food storage facilities. So I could grow and store as much food as possible.
I have a limited budget but plan to keep on improving once it's livable. I'd love a log cabin, but that's way out of my skill level/affordability. So, for the basic build, a twin unit mobile home seems the best option for a watertight building. I could use the empty space underneath, for water storage, get a wood stove, and extra insulation, then solar panels, wind turbine etc later.
I want old school heat and cooking options, like a wood stove, if the SHTF, as well as modern options to make life comfortable.
So, What would you do in my situation? what would you save and splurge on?
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
This sounds like an amazing project - wow! I'm really excited for you and I hope that you'll share the finished product with us
I'm excited to see what everyone suggests....
I don't much about this topic but maybe a composting toilet would be an option to explore .
Buy the best wood stove you can. The good ones will not only put out more heat, but burn the logs more slowly, which means you don't have to chop as much wood. The next thing you do really need to consider is how to deal with human waste. This article is helpful http://www.offthegridnews.com/how-to-2/off-grid-toilets-your-options-for-lifes-necessity/
Also, this website has tons of info, and may give you ideas https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/
SOLAR POWER. INSULATION. WATER AVAILABILITY. WOOD STOVE. I am planning a similar project - and was planning on building - but found a marvelous solution - strong enough to avoid breakins when I'm not there, fully insulated to be warm in winter and cool in summer, complete with everything you need - even a wood stove. Check http://customcontainerliving.com/floor-plans/ and choose your favorite. The lake house and one other show a wood stove, and the family version has a HUUUUUGE loft for kids and storage. I've seen a lot of tiny houses and container houses, but this company is heads and shoulders over all of them for the value and inexpensive prices. Good luck.
Living off the grid,to me means where do you get fresh water, electricity, sewers for waste water?......those things I would splurge on.
Do NOT purchase a 'SANTERRA GREEN COMPOSTING TOILET'. They are expensive and do not work. We have $3000 into one with about 10 times usage. The company scrubs the internet for negative remarks So it looks like they are wonderful. I tried several times for assistance to our problem and was just told to by more accessories. A plain old sawdust toilet works better. A wood cook stove combination wood stove would be perfect. We have both in a 720sq.ft. Area. But would prefer a Pioneer Pricess Wood Cookstove.