J Kimmerling

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since Aug 27, 2018
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North-East Alabama
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Recent posts by J Kimmerling

Burl Smith wrote:Apparently bulk pumice comes from Georgia, so some investigation might uncover a reasonable vendor.



Oh, very nice. I'll look into that, thank you!

S Bengi wrote:https://www.earthbagbuilding.com/images/plans/solar-pit-house-plan.jpg


Assuming you will be building a bermed structure vaguely similar to this, (maybe even with a green roof).
With the insulation on the outside, a vapor barrier (esp if paired with radiant floor heating) you don't need insulation under the floor.



Awesome, thanks for this :) That is quite helpful.
1 year ago

S Bengi wrote:Are you using a water/vapor/radon barrier under the house?
Do you plan on using any insulation along the foundation wall?
Will your earthen floor be 12inch above the the ground level or will it be 24inches above the ground level?




I am unsure how high it would be compared to the ground level, as a large chunk of the house would be underground/bermed.

And since a large part of it is bermed, I would not have foundation insulation exactly, but insulation between the berm and the walls/foundation.

And yes I would be using vapor barriers (probably billboard vinyls taped together)
1 year ago
Hello, I am starting to plan my home build, and we plan to install earthen floors.

I have seen tons of videos on this, and it seems people tend to use perlite or pumice as the insulation layer.

I live in NE Alabama, and neither of those seems to be readily available in bulk.  Does anyone else have other suggestions on what type of natural insulation could be used that is readily available in bulk in the SE United states?
1 year ago
Hello all. I am looking to buy some land to buy and self build on. I am trying to find towns/areas that meet two specific criteria:

1.) Land owners can self build without having to deal with inspections to build their own primary home. I am fine with plumbing, electrical, and septic inspections, but I would like to be able to "self inspect" the rest, and not have to jump through tons of hoops to get the occupancy certificate.


2.) The area/town has to have access to decent internet. I work from home so I need to be able to use Teams without issues.

Feel free to PM me if you do not want to advertise any "hidden gems".
3 years ago
A secluded, off-grid "glamper" situated within 22.3 acres of old growth forest in the North Georgia Appalachian foothills.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/338-Dally-Cove-Rd-NE-Ranger,-GA-30734_rb/243771082_zpid/?fbclid=IwAR0wZiED8jDntjyomCkJ-o_MVZFzMx_AmoaE3tw4TOs1K3JSpCY5HIbuqm8

Contact for a showing or even a virtual tour:
Jenny Smith (Realtor)
Jenny Smith and Associates
678-431-0731
Jenny@jsateam.com

---
This property is perfect for:
🍃the hunter who doesn't want to sacrifice creature comforts
🍃the couple or small family hoping to start an off grid /homesteading adventure
🍃the prepper looking for a "bug out" property
🍃the remote worker wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city
---
Specs:
CAMPER
⌂1993 Newmar Kountry Air, 36'
⌂Fitted out for 120 Volt Power
⌂Renovated interior
⌂laminate "wood" flooring
⌂bespoke wooden kitchen countertops
⌂double kitchen sink
⌂2 yo Whirlpool full sized residential fridge
⌂Propane stovetop/oven
⌂Propane-powered on-demand water heater
⌂2 propane furnaces (NEW 40k BTU furnace, Backup 20K BTU furnace)
⌂Kitchen & Bedroom windows fitted for window unit air conditioners
⌂Kitchen Shelving
⌂new PEX plumbing
⌂Lots of storage throughout
⌂Bedroom book nook and space for Queen size bed
⌂Composting toilet which can easily be changed back to black water tank toilet if desired
⌂programmable (Johnson Controls) smart AC/furnace controller
⌂2 100-lb propane tanks with hookups to camper
---
EXTERIOR
🌳24'x42'x12' pole barn which provides shade and shelter
🌳Converted Conex shipping container serves as a storage space and utility shed
    *5 stage water filtration system
    *Lithium solar battery setup
    *clothes washer with propane hookup
🌳2100 gallon water storage tank with rainwater collection system (on polebarn roof)
🌳2 raised garden beds
🌳scenic driveway with remote control solar/battery-powered gate
🌳12'x24' front porch - great for relaxing and bird-watching
 --------
AMENITIES
🌿great hunting and foraging property
      *deer, black bears, turkey
      *choice mushrooms, blackberries, muscadines, Blue Ridge blueberries
🌿adjacent to a seasonal stream which can be heard from the ridgetops during most seasons.
🌿beautiful panoramic forest views
🌿mountain views after leaves drop in fall
🌿Trash pickup at the main road
🌿Carters Lake (fishing and swimming) and hiking trails within minutes
🌿cellular wifi available through AT&T (cell towers nearby)
🌿remote work capabilities
🌿nonsmoking owners
🌿within 30-45 minute drives to Cartersville, Jasper, Ellijay, Calhoun, Dalton, and Chatsworth. Just under an hour to both Chattanooga and Marietta.
Thanks for the tip, I was probably going to use galvanized pipe, but now I will not. The off gassing would have really messed with my wife (she is quite sensitive to chemicals)
6 years ago
Hello all, me and my wife are about to take the plunge into an off-grid life, and we will be living in a 36' fifth wheel, a '93 Newmar Kountry Star, until we build our house (probably 2-3 years). We have decided to go the wood stove/oven route for our heating, and a good deal of our cooking. We will have propane as a back-up. We have ~22acres of oak/hickory/pine forest (mainly hardwood), so wood will not be an issue .

After a lot of searching I came across the Dwarf 5kw Cookstove Combo, and found it very interesting, and seemingly a perfect fit. It is compact, but still quite feature rich.

The only downside is that I have been unable to find reviews about the dwarf line, and would like to hear/read some experiences from owners of a Dwarf stove before I "pull the trigger" and buy one.
6 years ago