Daniel Edwards

I suppose your right. But if the above mentioned price of 15,000 for a permit is accurate then I cannot proceed. That would be adding a huge percentage to the cost. And for what? I am not receiving anything of value...except permission to build on my land. Which just sounds stupid even as I type it. I will look into the cost of a permit and engineering, but if they are that high....it maybe worth the gamble.

Thank you for that advice. I know this isnt the smart way, but I think we are far enough away we maybe unnoticed. So if the building inspector finds us out we will deal with permits then. As for digging the well, no I won't hand dig. Sorry I will live green as possible, but I havent dug a well myself, but the plumber above mentioned has done this a few times and claims its easy. So I guess he finds it easy. I will definitely makes sure funding is there before beginning (minus the ridiculous building permit and engineering fees).

Sorry if I came off "abbrassive" I had some things going on in my life at the time I read this. And yes I suppose shack and mansion are relative terms. Unfortunately I live in america and we have a govt that is extremely invasive. And due a divorce there are certain space requirements. We could Get by on a three bedroom house. But I like to shoot for the stars, that way if I fall short I still hit the moon. And I imagine I will end up with more like a 1200 sqft but wouldnt 2000 be nice. Anyway again sorry if I was snippy. I do appreciate the advice I have some books ordered as well as going to watch ALOT of videos. Again I am doing it 1 story as I am no carpenter or architect. So I am hoping that will decrease the skill set needed. And yes I plan to involve the kids as this is a way of life very few people here in america understand...let alone follow. It is almost completely commercialized here...and if the celebrities aren't doing it, no one else seems to.

Thank you everyone for your input. First I will stay out of debt by not paying a mortgage and no utilities. I have means of building solar power and a wind turbine. Also planning to convert a generator over to biodiesel which I work for fast food so have an abundance of greese to use for that. Now as for camping no. She prefers we live somewhere (prolly a trailer) while building it. And a 5bd and 2bth is no mansion. I have seen many examples of even 2 story cobs. So to say you must do it small is not accurate. I simply want to be able to do it ourselves and be self sufficient. As for running electrics very few things will need electricity as we have alternatives for most. Plumbing isn't an issue as wells are easily dug and I have friends who run plumbing for a living. I will document my progress as I have seen many do (above mentioned). But do not make people think they must live in a shack to have a cob...if you want I can provided many sources of vobs that are very elegant and quite large. Although I do get that is the norm. I just like the versatility of cob versus other means of building.

Ok I am a husband and father of 3. I was very dumb up till recently and squandered all my money. However the last 3-4 years have been spent escaping debt. I live in Georgia just south of Atlanta. I am acquiring some land this year. And want to begin build my cob house there. The question I have are ones I have while waiting for a couple books to arrive.

1. Is a building permit required? If that depends on my area, where can I find that info?

2. What would I be expecting realistically to pay per square foot for a 1 story house with 5 bedrooms and 2 baths? (I make minimum wage 7.25/hr at both jobs so money is tight)

3. How much time would it take 2 men to build a house, as my friend is moving with me on the land and we each want to build a house.