Angela Danyluck

Christopher Steen wrote:Ok. Don't want it too easy. If you do this, accept the challenge and don't let it overwhelm you. It can be doable if you hit it hard all day every day. Obviously, framing this with someone experienced will be way quicker and higher success rate. I've seen some projects fly and some drag on. But if you need to hit your deadline:

Find a helper. Some stuff needs two people to lift or position. Two people can bounce ideas. Two people can motivate each other to keep working after the hours drag on.

A square or octagon, with posts in the corner will probably be cheaper, quicker and easier for you to utilize the small space. This considers roof and floorplan usability.

With 8 weeks, no budget or utilities or construction background: I'd consider framing unless you get one badass helper or two average ones. I.e. Conventional framing, post and beam, or pole barn... That way you'll be ready for your son in time. A little 16x24 framed is quick and cheap, just saying. (And I'm an experienced earthbagger. I love the superior construction methods, but the best house is the one you can live in, not camping in, and doubley so if it's finished, even modestly.)

The only issue I have with framing is I would have to barge the wood over at $600 a pop. So if I forgot things (which of course I would) it would be an expensive lesson. I thought about getting a cabin kit but they are delivered by transport and I have no way to get it to my lot from the barge. I have no framing experience and literally no one to really help me lifting walls etc...  Asking someone to come stay with me in a tent for 8 weeks for no pay probably isn't feasible :S I chose this place because of the low taxes, it is an unorganized island so no codes or permits. The other side of that though is that there are no quick fixes to anything. If I am short 3 screws I have to take a water taxi and then drive half an hour to get to a hardware store. I realize it is all alot but I would rather this than the people in my community who are living with whole families in tiny rv's out on logging roads.

Christopher Steen wrote:Depends on the length of the window of opportunity, construction skill and knowledge, endurance, helpers, laborers, budget, motivating drive, tools, resources,  building codes, site issues, utilities, other jobs/commitments, size and complexity of the build, etc.

time is money (for most), and work ethic is probably the biggest factor in owner builder "success"

If it's just a time crunch, you could hire a few hard working college guys with young backs to knock out the bag work and exterior plaster base coat in 2-4 weeks (depending upon size/resources) while they are on summer break. Then use them as laborers for a week under the direction of a carpenter to slap on windows/does/roof/internal walls/etc.

Length of time: I will have approximately 8 weeks until rain begins August 1-October something

Knowledge & skill: Zero except for my research

No helpers, no codes, no utilities (off grid island), no job, no commitments except making a house to live in.

Complexity- 18-24 ft circle, 9 ft high walls. No complexities. Think yurt but with solid walls

Budget max $15,0000

I would have a mini excavator dig out the foundation trench and have a local construction guy frame the roof for me. My son would come from Alberta and do the roofing for me.

In terms of "local college guys" Noone works here for less than $20 an hour and that is out of my budget. I also can't provide accommodations etc...

William Bronson wrote: Will your lot have access to the water?

Depends on what you mean by water lol I am in the middle of the ocean. I can't dig a well till spring but there is a spring a 5 minute walk away where many locals get all their water in addition to water catchment. I would either be wagoning it or by golf cart.


Tiffany I would love to see your photos! I am thinking maybe 18-24 ft round no lofts as the scare the crap out of me lol

Daniel Ray wrote:Hi Angela, you could do a post and beam and build the roof first. Being in such a rainy climate I think that might be smart. Plan as small as you can, and if you want it larger, plan on adding additions later.  Tarps can get expensive, call billboard companies to see if you can get the old roadway billboard signs they take down. These are usually discarded to the landfill and make amazing waterproof tarps that you can get for free or a really low cost. Bales go up fast if you have access to strawbales, but protect them from the rain obviously. Earthbag is a lot of work for a single individual, my wife and I can fill about 50-60 bags in a single day working all day. Lots of work. Good luck

Thank you Daniel! The only issue with billboards and bales is that I would have to barge them over and then get them from the dock to my lot. I am hoping to do one maybe 2 at the most barges with a U-Haul to bring all of my supplies and furniture etc as at $600 for each barge that is money I could use on building!

Thank you Tiffany! Do you mean build the roof first? That is something I was thinking about! The weather is similar to Washington/seattle. So fall, winter and spring are mainly rain with very little sun.

Hello all! I will try to condense this as I have a problem with rambling

I am separating from my husband and looking to buy a lot on one of the islands off of Vancouver Island Canada. The island is off grid and I know no one. I am a 43 yr old female so my athleticism isn't what it used to be. I would take possession of the lot around the end of July. I would really like to build an earth bag house but am concerned that I won't have enough time before the rainy season starts. I am on a limited budget (aren't we all?!) So hiring a crew to help would probably not work for me. I am wondering if anyone has any advice or maybe different alternatives? I don't want a yurt as I want this to be low maintenance for decades. My intention is to build it for me and have a part of it for vacation rentals.

Any advice would be appreciated