“As we’ve made our transition from city life to an off-grid homestead over the last three and a half years, we’ve done some things right and we’ve done some things wrong. In the spirit of encouraging others and hoping that YOU have the easiest time of all, we’re sharing the three best decisions we’ve made homesteading.”
DIY
Primitive Pole Barn for $93
“Paul Wheaton has shown us the goods again! This enormous pole barn is made with tree, earthworks and a few old ad canvases. What do you think? Isn’t it great! Find him here at http://www.permies.com and also http://www.richsoil.com
Family of 7 Living Completely Off-Grid in Northern Canada!
“In this video, we meet Jeff, Rose, and their 5 girls who are living completely off grid on a 40-acre piece of land in Northern British Columbia, Canada. They built their own off-grid house for less than $25,000 with cedar posts sunk into the ground like a pole barn, log rafters, plywood, foam insulation, and a living roof. The house was so affordable to build because they didn’t have to excavate or pour a concrete foundation, dig a well, or install a septic system.”
Tour a Spacious Open Concept Tiny House Parked in a Legal Community
“Tour this stunning 360 square foot tiny house in the tiny house community in Lantier, Quebec, Canada. The interior was built using reclaimed wood from a nearby home that was torn down and features a vaulted ceiling, retractable staircase, full-sized bathroom, and a loft bedroom with Japanese-inspired in-floor storage. The exterior has beautiful hemlock siding and a bright red roof.
Incredible 200+ Fruit Tree & Urban Garden in Phoenix Arizona
This may be the best forest garden in Phoenix. It’s an amazing accomplishment for a desert environment. Jake uses wood chips and leaves that are delivered free instead of going to the landfill.
Areas With Few or No Codes: East Tennessee
Message from a reader: “Just wanted to add my experience as an example if it helps someone (not selling anything). I bought 75 acres in Blaine, Tennessee (20 minutes east of Knoxville) back in 2014 for $146K. Rural, forest and hills, 4 seasons, but close enough to bigger cities. No building codes. TN has no state income tax. I pay around $100 a year for property tax because it is designated as “greenbelt.” The surrounding counties are the same and are very open to alternative building.