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Post by alice on Dec 3, 2019 23:56:31 GMT
Some of y'all may remember me from Homesteading Today. In the last couple of years, I left the coastal plain of Texas and moved closer to my roots in Central Texas. Both sons are now in the Austin area, and the opportunity arose for me to purchase about an acre and a half in northwest Travis County. I'm within easy driving distance of their families. I built a 1700 sq ft (1300 on the ground floor) SIPs house. Super insulated. Most of the fall/winter/spring time, I don't have the heat on at all. In July and August, yes, I ran the AC, but my highest bill was only $92. Most folks around here were paying $300 to $400. I have a couple of raised beds in the yard, and the rest is going to be native plants and xeriscaped. This winter (Texas winter, which is different from anything else with the word winter attached) is going to be filled with tiny gardens and working in the yard. Today, I spread free wood chip mulch that was delivered by the Pedernales Electric Co-op. I'm looking forward to posting here and having conversations that don't turn into flame wars.  |
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Post by bluemingidiot on Dec 4, 2019 1:05:27 GMT
Welcome. I'm just west of you. We could use another poster or two.
Travis County population: 1.227 million (2017). Stay safe. Property tax based on an Assessed Home Value of $250,000 - $4,508.
Blanco County population: 11,626 (2017). But things they are a changing. Property tax based on an Assessed Home Value of $250,000 - $2,710.
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Post by solargeek on Dec 4, 2019 1:49:12 GMT
We didn't meet on HT but I am a member there and basically look at times when I'm looking for specific information. But I remember you.
We looked at SIPS, & loved the prices and ease of installation, But for our fierce Wisconsin winters, we went with ICF – insulated concrete forms. I'm with you with the insulation factor! It is amazing how comfortable this house stays year-round. The upside is you don't spend hardly anything on heating or cooling. The downside is once it gets cold it takes a while to warm up. We have a Lopi Liberty wood stove to heat the home as well as standard heat because I need air-conditioning when I'm canning in fall and they come as a package here.
Welcome to Homesteading Families!
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Post by Mr DAVID In Wisconsin on Dec 4, 2019 2:06:11 GMT
Very glad you found this place. I remember you!
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Post by dodgesmammaw on Dec 4, 2019 2:46:49 GMT
Hi Alice Glad to see you here. I am in north Texas. I remember you and look forward to your posts.
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Post by Use Less on Dec 4, 2019 3:07:46 GMT
Nice to see you here!
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Post by mzgarden on Dec 4, 2019 10:45:53 GMT
Glad you're here!
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Post by LauraD on Dec 4, 2019 13:28:58 GMT
I remember you; glad you found us!
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Post by Cabin Fever on Dec 4, 2019 14:11:29 GMT
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Post by Woodpecker on Dec 4, 2019 14:47:34 GMT
alice, Welcome...I don't remember you, but would love to get to know you better!
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Post by stickinthemud on Dec 4, 2019 15:04:44 GMT
Glad to see you again!
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Post by Maura on Dec 4, 2019 17:57:58 GMT
Welcome, Alice. How long did it take for the house to go up? I am thinking along the same line. I would have in-floor radiant heat.
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Post by woodwind77 on Dec 4, 2019 18:16:28 GMT
Welcome, alice ! So glad to have you here ! I left HT when things turned into a mess over there, and never went back. I hope you like it here and stick around.
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Post by ketoriverfarm on Dec 5, 2019 0:29:16 GMT
alice, welcome from NE Washington state. We have snow on the ground which will likely be there till next April.
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Post by Ozarks Tom on Dec 6, 2019 1:10:40 GMT
Welcome alice, looking forward to hearing more from you. A lot of HT expatriates here, you're right at home. Flame wars? They don't happen here. |
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Post by alice on Dec 6, 2019 17:02:14 GMT
The exterior of the house went up in about three days. I have AMAZING pics and video.
The finish inside and out was pretty normal construction time. I wasn't in a terrible hurry, and the Oklahoma boys who were building it lost their father to ALS during the build. That had an effect on our schedule.
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Post by bluemingidiot on Dec 21, 2019 17:15:27 GMT
Would like to see pics of your construction if you want to share.
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Post by mikeinohio on Dec 22, 2019 17:10:09 GMT
Hey Alice, good to see you are still around.
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Post by rick on Dec 24, 2019 16:31:42 GMT
Nice to see you.
I need a small building to retreat to-
Family drives me crazy sometimes in our small, 625 SF CABIN.
I will look into these panels and forms.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2019 22:53:14 GMT
Hey! Good to see you, alice ! You shared a lot of info about what you've been doing, but you forgot the most important information: Do you still have goats? |
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Post by Tim Horton on Dec 28, 2019 1:41:09 GMT
Our old house here in the bush is also super insulated. At the time when that was first available, not cheap at that time. Later it became more popular, cheaper, but to a point less effective. It takes very little to heat this house.
Because of our nature and location, we keep a much cooler house than most people. Even the dead of winter we hover around 15C (60F) in the house... In summer when it gets to 20-22C, (70-75F) we swelter.. During the day we observe siesta time, and make time for the "red neck hot tub" That a 110 gallon stock tank that we use as an individual cooling tub.
It usually cools nicely in evenings.
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Post by bearcreekfarm on Dec 28, 2019 23:09:35 GMT
I remember you from HT. Welcome!
Sounds like you have a great place.
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