The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: cameldairy on October 09, 2009, 08:05:22 pm

Title: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 09, 2009, 08:05:22 pm
I was just wondering if anyone would like to see my new house being built? I have been taking photos as it goes up. It's outside walls are being made with concrete, steel and styrofoam. The roof will be metal and it's going to be 2739 Square foot. It will take another 4 months to finish if all goes well. If enough of you want to see this I will be happy to start a thread if you tell me which section to put it in.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: HappyHippy on October 09, 2009, 08:08:55 pm
Yes, yes, yes !  ;D
Coffee lounge for a location or maybe techniques and skills ?
You post it - we'll find it, don't worry  ;)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: MiriMaran on October 09, 2009, 08:11:34 pm
Yes I definitely want a nosey at the piccies!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on October 09, 2009, 08:56:18 pm
Love looking at houses, one of my hobbies so, YES!!!!!! can we see please!!!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 09, 2009, 09:51:36 pm
Okay, but we have just begun, so it won't be as exciting to you guys as it is to me ;) but ask any questions you like. this is the framing of the house and the exercise pool. (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/houseandpoolframing-1.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on October 09, 2009, 10:02:36 pm
In the begining!!! looks like a long way to go yet, I bet you are excited, I would be.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 04:44:28 pm
house slab being poured (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/houseslabbeingpored.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: jameslindsay on October 10, 2009, 04:47:43 pm
I'm more jealous of the gorgeous blue skies than the start of a beautiful new home. I hope all goes smoothly for you. :)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 04:49:44 pm
This one should have been in front of the last one since this is just before the slab was poured (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/housereadytopourconcreteslabDixi-1.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 04:51:07 pm
Hmm, may I ask what color are your skies if not blue? ???
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 04:56:29 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/houseslaband1stcourse.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 04:57:36 pm
pool (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/houseexcersizepool.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 04:58:34 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/housefirstcourseICFbeinglaid.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:02:12 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/housepoolDixieand3courses.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: jameslindsay on October 10, 2009, 05:05:20 pm
Hmm, may I ask what color are your skies if not blue? ???


Grey and overcast at all times, dull and miserable.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:05:29 pm
my favorite, sunset looking over the barn after the slabs been poured  (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/housesunsetlookingoverbarn.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:08:02 pm
Quote
Grey and overcast at all times, dull and miserable.
  Dang James, we got plenty of room, move on over here!!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:10:39 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/house3rdcourse.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:11:34 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/housefront.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:14:16 pm
here's the wall forms before the concrete is poured inside them, they will be doing this the end of next week  (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/houseICFbeforeconcrete.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: jameslindsay on October 10, 2009, 05:14:25 pm
Give me a minute or two. I will go and pack my bag. See you soon.... ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:16:01 pm
cool 8) don't forget your sunglasses and swim wear!!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: jameslindsay on October 10, 2009, 05:17:49 pm
Already in the bag hee hee.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:23:35 pm
Hey, I looked at your beautiful hotel and your pets, didn't look so gray to me, in fact, we may just have to trade each other a vacation someday.  8)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 05:25:29 pm
here is some of the steel braces in the pantry and closet. They will support the walls against any movement while the concrete is being poured in the walls (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/houseICFbracesforpantryandclosets.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: jameslindsay on October 10, 2009, 05:41:39 pm
Hey, I looked at your beautiful hotel and your pets, didn't look so gray to me, in fact, we may just have to trade each other a vacation someday.  8)

A busman's holiday eh? I think I would get the better deal getting to meet your zebras and camels etc. I have just been out feeding my bunch - I enjoy this time of the day with them.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: MiriMaran on October 10, 2009, 07:26:30 pm
Wow its looking fab!  Derbyshire it totally and utterly beautiful - blue skies, never rains, not too hot, not too cold, lush grren grass and bubbeling brooks!  So do you want to swap now, I mean right now?  James and I can look after all your animals!  In fact change that can I wait until the pool is finished!! ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 07:53:44 pm
No, not change for me. You guys can come here though. I would love to "visit" your country some day.  :bouquet:
Title: Re: My house
Post by: MiriMaran on October 10, 2009, 07:59:29 pm
Yes we could have a massive TAS meet up at Dan and Rosemary's!!!!!!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 10, 2009, 08:16:29 pm
GREAT, count me in! 8) I'll be the one in the corner everyone is laughing at because of my accent. (even though I won't be able to understand half of what you guys are saying either ;) :D)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: MiriMaran on October 10, 2009, 08:18:07 pm
I promise we'll only start laughing when you say Fanny!!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on October 10, 2009, 11:53:17 pm
We have a BIG house for meetings and love to provide room for you TAS people, we are having another meeting her this week and the Christmas party here,, you are welcome but no beds as it is our living B&B ;D ;D if we did not need money you could  ALL come for free!! xx
Title: Re: My house
Post by: MiriMaran on October 12, 2009, 07:26:59 pm
You Clacker TASsers are always getting together - wish I could be there with you.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on October 12, 2009, 08:57:35 pm
One of us could post what is discussed on here!!!!! A virtual meeting ;D ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 30, 2009, 08:04:57 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/trussday.jpg) we got the trusses on the house yesterday.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on October 30, 2009, 08:24:54 pm
Begining to take shape then? I suppose there will be a lot of bllod sweat and tears yet!!! Be worth it all in the end, nice to have a special home..
Title: Re: My house
Post by: MiriMaran on October 30, 2009, 08:33:16 pm
Wow that's a big hurdle done when the roof goes on.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on November 12, 2009, 06:02:14 pm
Photo I took this morning, the felt is on the roof. The metal should be going up next week. (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/zorroinfrontofhousebeingbuilt.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on November 12, 2009, 06:14:45 pm
I set up a website when i was building my house in 2005, but I got a temporary habitation certificate when it was almost complete, which meant I could move in, and after that the incentive to keep the website up to date was gone.  I'll try to find the folder - not sure if I can upload it anywhere to let you see it.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: Fluffywelshsheep on November 12, 2009, 06:58:35 pm
looks good :)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on November 12, 2009, 08:36:03 pm
Love the house!! love the Zebra in front...so original..in fact...I don't know anyone else with a Zebra!!!!!! Bet your getting excited!!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on November 20, 2009, 07:51:30 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/windowsputinthenewhouse.jpg) windows and some of the doors installed in the house today. Tubs and showers installed as well as electrical and plumping, heat and air system and dehumidifier. The pool guy can't hardly wait to finish up, but can't until the sheet-rock is done.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: Fluffywelshsheep on November 20, 2009, 08:05:37 pm
:)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on November 20, 2009, 08:20:37 pm
Hey Linz, what month is 30? Where you have when Robin was born in your signature line, I'm cornfused ???
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on November 20, 2009, 08:32:50 pm
Both House and Zebras look great!! Over hear we usualy put the day of the month first 30th, then the month 9th then the year 09...RObin is a real cutie!!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: Fluffywelshsheep on November 20, 2009, 08:42:14 pm
yeah us here in the UK have a different way in which we write the date day/month/year where as in US you write Month/day/year

Linz
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on November 20, 2009, 09:14:21 pm
I learn something new from you guys ALL the time!!!!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on November 20, 2009, 09:27:36 pm
I do too, I love learning and hearing/ listening to others views
Title: Re: My house
Post by: marigold on November 20, 2009, 09:34:15 pm
I am soooooo jealous - only half serious, your house looks great, congrats and well done!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on January 13, 2010, 07:14:06 pm
Ok, the roof is finally going on and the stucco too. (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/roofandstucco.jpg)  (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/stuccobeingapplied.jpg)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: Womble on January 13, 2010, 07:23:53 pm

Looks great!   Can I ask a question?

I heard of a method of construction whereby you build your house out of hollow polystyrene blocks, and then fill them with concrete to make the structure. From the photos on page 1, it looks as though that's what you've done, am I right?    If so, how does it work, and what did you think of the process?  I believe it's still a pretty new idea to the UK, but I've heard of a couple of folks planning to use it.

Cheers!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on January 13, 2010, 07:35:51 pm
Yep, that's exactly what we did. It's called ICU, (I forget what that stands for). They put a LOT of re-bar inside the concrete as well. We were VERY impressed with the process, and it went up in just days. The walls held 45 tons of concrete!! The trucks just kept coming! The polystyrene is 3 inches on each side of the 6 inches of concrete. Storms won't scare ME anymore!!! 
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on January 13, 2010, 09:14:35 pm
I think Kevin McLoud and Grand Designs did a programme on one built like this in the UK.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on January 13, 2010, 09:32:23 pm
That's cool. They're getting pretty common down in Florida and other coastal towns. They're the only structures standing after hurricanes and  tornadoes go through.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: MiriMaran on January 14, 2010, 10:38:26 am
Wow the house is looking fabulous
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on January 14, 2010, 12:42:44 pm
Thanks, seems like it is taking forever though......
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on January 14, 2010, 01:26:16 pm
I used to feel that and mine only took 4 months from foundations to moving in.  Hang on in thre - it looks fantastic.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: HappyHippy on January 14, 2010, 01:30:34 pm
Camel dairy - it looks good, and very sunny (I'm jealous  ;) ;D)

Annie - what happened to the 'I'll not be switching the computer on til later at night'  ;) You just can't keep away  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sandy on January 17, 2010, 11:51:23 am
How exciting for you!! nearly there and then you can do all those finishing touches that I love... I have a thing about getting freebies or bargins.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on January 17, 2010, 05:47:06 pm
Annie - what happened to the 'I'll not be switching the computer on til later at night'  ;) You just can't keep away  ;D ;D ;D
I need it on just now as I'm getting my club books ready for audit at the end of the month.  That's my excuser and I'm sticking to it. ;)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: marigold on January 22, 2010, 12:25:44 am
I used to feel that and mine only took 4 months from foundations to moving in.  Hang on in thre - it looks fantastic.
We have full planning permission for a steel framed house but the mortgage co don't like the construction or the classing and have re- negged on the mortgage so we are stuffed.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: juliag on January 22, 2010, 11:37:30 am
This looks amazing! Why are we all here in the rain and mud when we could all live in Georgia, he said he had plenty of room...........lets go!! Race you to that pool!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on January 22, 2010, 01:54:28 pm
We have full planning permission for a steel framed house but the mortgage co don't like the construction or the classing and have re- negged on the mortgage so we are stuffed.
Have you gone back to the planners and explained about the morgage?  They might be able to offer a solution. Failing that, go to as many mortgage companies and banks as you can and explain what you have planning consent for and play one off against the other till you find one who will lend you the money.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: sausagesandcash on January 22, 2010, 08:50:37 pm
I know that the product your using is called quad lock in Ireland (Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)). Great insulation from them as I understand. Looks great too!

Morgan
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on January 23, 2010, 05:08:22 pm
Thanks guys! I do have plenty of room, so come on out of the mud and muck ;D. The guys are all hard at work today finishing up the roof and stucco, and the guys that are putting up the stone work are starting today. YAY!!! I love it when there are LOTS of men working on my house at once :love:. (I know I'm such a girl ;)) I'll get some photos later today.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: MiriMaran on January 23, 2010, 08:06:55 pm
I hope they've all got their tops of and are nice and sweaty!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on January 23, 2010, 09:03:26 pm
Ha ha ha ha :D Not today, it's only about 60 degrees out there.  ;)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: marigold on January 24, 2010, 12:31:55 am
Have you gone back to the planners and explained about the morgage? 

That is a brilliant idea Doganjo, I will give it a try. I have never thought about asking them for advice but it may just move us forward ............ watch this hole in the ground space
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on January 24, 2010, 11:04:53 am
Good luck, Kirsty.  I've found that if you go to them and ask for help they can be very helpful - they can be tin gods at times, particularly if you try to do something they don't agree with, but they are just people after all and they all respond to a plea for help. And you already have them on side with an unusual form of build.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on January 24, 2010, 04:04:37 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/roofgoingup.jpg) here's the latest photo
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on February 05, 2010, 09:20:26 pm
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/camelinstone.jpg) Here's some of the stone work on the front of the house. Can you see the camel??
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 18, 2010, 08:17:06 pm
We are FINALLY in our new house! We got in here in July. I am just now getting around to looking at some of my favorite sites like this one. So hello everybody! :wave: I'll take some photos in a day or so if anyone wants to see.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: Sandy on October 18, 2010, 08:37:24 pm
Hi, bet you are soooooooooooo glad to be finished and in your new home!!!! Very nice too!!
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on October 18, 2010, 08:44:32 pm
Sandy you are so right, I am very glad to be in here.Next month I am having a big Thanksgiving celebration here for my whole family and friends, about 60 people :o !
Title: Re: My house
Post by: knightquest on October 18, 2010, 09:12:28 pm
I've only just picked this thread up. The house looks great!

As far as I'm concerned, put as many pictures up as you like.

Oh and by the way.....................no, couldn't see the camel  :(

Ian
Title: Re: My house
Post by: Rosemary on October 18, 2010, 09:22:36 pm
Welcome back! Look forward to loads of pics.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: geebee on October 18, 2010, 11:41:58 pm
Hmm, may I ask what color are your skies if not blue? ???


Grey and overcast at all times, dull and miserable.
Not true!! we had beautiful blue skies & sunshine yesterday  8)  even tho' it was freezing cold in the morning
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 18, 2011, 06:25:57 pm
Hi all, just wanted to show you a photo of the house now that we are in it. We moved in last summer and I have been super busy.(http://)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 18, 2011, 06:28:03 pm
here's the barn...
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 18, 2011, 06:28:56 pm
goat hill
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 18, 2011, 06:32:54 pm
Zsa Zsa out in the front pasture enjoying the Spring grass
Title: Re: My house
Post by: kaz on March 18, 2011, 06:40:10 pm
That is some house and spread you've got. I hope you are really enjoying getting it all into shape.I know I would be.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 18, 2011, 06:54:50 pm
Thank you, yes I am having the time of my life.  I just through planting a garden too.  :farmer: Put in some citrus trees last week. Orange, lemons, limes, grapefruit, kumquat, loquat, and a pomegranate too.  Need to find some pecan trees soon.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: Rosemary on March 18, 2011, 07:22:00 pm
Do you do bed and breakfast?  ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 18, 2011, 07:47:03 pm
yep, and lunch and dinner too! I just made blueberry smoothies for our desert tonight. I'm making chicken manicotti for dinner.  :yum:
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 18, 2011, 08:04:07 pm
here's the guest room ;)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: little blue on March 18, 2011, 09:11:20 pm
:wave:
hello CamelDairy, nice to have you back!  ;)  ::D

thought about you the other day when I was trying to explain to one of the kids at work that goats milk is perfectly safe, and people can actually drink it / buffalo / camels milk etc!!  I'm not sure he was convinced ......
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 21, 2011, 08:43:47 pm
Thanks, and yes it's funny trying to explain things like that to Non farm kids;)   
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 21, 2011, 08:45:55 pm
Here's a photo of my precious niece who visited today.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: ellisr on March 22, 2011, 09:12:57 am
What an amazing adventure to build a house that suits your needs perfectly. I so wish I could do something like that but have to keep dreaming and playing the lottery ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on March 22, 2011, 11:47:20 am
I did it too, and loved every second.  Would love to do ti again.  It can be done if you already own a property, but preferably with a low mortgage (or none). 
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 22, 2011, 12:13:02 pm
yes, that was what we did. No mortgage and no debt afterwords. Soon, my hubby will be putting solar panels up so we can REALLY get off the grid;)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 22, 2011, 12:16:16 pm
swing in my backyard that my brother made for me.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: ellisr on March 22, 2011, 12:18:00 pm
Your chickens have it good probably better than my husband. I work in renewable energy and it is definately the way to go
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 22, 2011, 12:21:45 pm
Wow, please tell more about your work in renewable energy.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on March 22, 2011, 12:23:51 pm
As a matter of interest, how do prices compare to here?  I built mine in 2005 - 4 double bedrooms, 2 with ensuite; large lounge, diningroom, family room/kitchen, and large family bathroom, landscaping a mixture of gravel, lawn, fruit beds, shrubs.  My land was already owned by us (at the bottom of the garden and we owned the tracks all round it so no-one else could build on it so we got it cheap)  The total cost including the land was around £150,000. It was worth double that the minute I got turnkey.

I'm interested in renewables too, been thinking of investing in solar production, just waiting for  another two companies to quote.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: ellisr on March 22, 2011, 12:34:33 pm
I work for a large company that has smaller companies within it. Most of my work and time is spent in sales with a product called Solar Slate which is a PV system hidden in the form of roofing slates it is a bit more expensive than our standard PV Systems but you cannot tell the house has solar power so it is great if like me you don't really like the look of standard panels or if you have a listed building or you are in a conservation area. I have only been here a few months since microsoft made me redundant.
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on March 22, 2011, 01:02:09 pm
Any reps in Scotland?
Title: Re: My house
Post by: cameldairy on March 22, 2011, 01:03:04 pm
I'll have to get with my hubby to find out prices....
Title: Re: My house
Post by: ellisr on March 22, 2011, 01:10:35 pm
Any reps in Scotland?

just me and Craig hun and we do prices and quotes via email (but would have loved to come and see you) if you have roof plans or even a pin on google maps for domestic solar slate installations.
Our other part of the business which is traditional 'PV systems' part have just moved to doing only commercial
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on March 22, 2011, 01:43:42 pm
Bit far for you then, Rachel!  But if you fancy a working holiday feel free  ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: ellisr on March 22, 2011, 02:22:01 pm
If you want some details PM me and I'll give you the website address etc
Title: Re: My house
Post by: loosey on March 23, 2011, 10:33:14 am
I've just started working in renewable energy too, having been made redundant from my finance job! It's all going way over my head at the moment!  ??? ;D
Title: Re: My house
Post by: doganjo on March 23, 2011, 11:33:43 am
It's all going way over my head at the moment!  ??? ;D
it will do if it's solar panels  ;)
Title: Re: My house
Post by: loosey on March 23, 2011, 11:51:38 am
It's all going way over my head at the moment!  ??? ;D
it will do if it's solar panels  ;)

Haha! They're ground mounted solar panels!  :P ;)