Hi Russ,
I haven't personally been involved in permitted builds in Michigan yet, but I know there's
local interest.
I emailed this to you already, but for others in the region:
Deanne Bednar of the Strawbale Studio in Oxford, MI is a great resource for all things earthen building, and might be able to find a local expert with her friendly mailing list.
Eric Moshier of Solid Rock Construction recently contacted us about being a resource for Midwest masonry
heaters in general. He is a third-generation stonemason with both masonry heater and
rocket mass heater experience.
There are other heater masons who operate in the region, as well as plenty of engineers who may be interested. (If you are one, feel free to speak up!)
Our plans are designed to help move the conversation along, and be potentially stampable by a local building professional to save you their valuable time.
A local, licensed building professional (architect, engineer, certified masonry heater builder) will be able to take you through the process a lot smoother and faster than a DIY owner-builder can hope to accomplish alone in most cases. Among other things, they know the field and the players, plus their license reassures the building officials by providing some CYA shielding for their delicate
liabilities sensibilities.
Yours,
Erica W