Considering Alternatives for a New House

[tirolski]

It's odd because someone I really respect told me that Geo-thermal wasn't practical in the Adks but these guys seem to be doing it:

Groundhogs, bears and other animals have been livin well somewhat underground in cold climates for quite a while.
Have ya thought of a nice man cave cellar?
Ya can have south facin windows init for lightin and view if ya want.

 

[x10003q]

I'm 99% sure that this was not about my cost tolerance but that certain parts of the country were better for GT than others.

Cost matters to me, but it is not the only reason I want to do this.

Someone ( @Ripitz ?) mentioned 16 inch walls wow. (I was told code is now using 2x6 for framing).

Not sure how legit this is but my builder said that at some point if you're house it too tight it becomes an issue and you have to open windows or build in some kind of insulation.

For any size studs, spray foam insulation is an excellent choice. You can also add foam board insulation on the outside of the house under the wrap. A 2" thick foam board is roughly R-10 depending on the type of foam.

 

[Brownski]

Have you considered a basement house?

Basement House | History Colorado

Basement House - The basement or half-house dates predominantly from the period immediately after World War II.

www.historycolorado.org

 

[tirolski]

Have you considered a basement house?

Basement House | History Colorado

Basement House - The basement or half-house dates predominantly from the period immediately after World War II.

www.historycolorado.org

I’m guessing there’s lots of bedrock so there’s that.
Are there any hollows/caves or slopes on yer property?

 

[Milo Maltbie]

Are there any hollows/caves or slopes on yer property?

Is Harvey going full hill billy hermit?

mm

 

[tirolski]

Is Harvey going full hill billy hermit?

mm

Hopefully, why wouldn’t ya?

 

[Harvey]

FWIW more than one person has called our current building a "unibomber cabin."

Yea it's bedrock city. Hoping to do some excavating this summer to see how high the foundation will have to rise. I'm sure we will need some fill.

A lurker sent me email about building an "earthen" house. I want to do be responsible, but not that much.

 

[Campgottagopee]

For any size studs, spray foam insulation is an excellent choice. You can also add foam board insulation on the outside of the house under the wrap. A 2" thick foam board is roughly R-10 depending on the type of foam.

This is exactly what I'm planning on if we do an addition (leaning that way now). The addition will be a post and beam structure on a slab. My BIL will build and set up the frame, my buddy will finish the rest. He's a fan of what you just mentioned. Best bang for the buck.

 

[tirolski]

FWIW more than one person has called our current building a "unibomber cabin."

Yea it's bedrock city. Hoping to do some excavating this summer to see how high the foundation will have to rise. I'm sure we will need some fill.

A lurker sent me email about building an "earthen" house. I want to do be responsible, but not that much.

What makes ya think groundhogs and bears worry about being responsible living somewhat underground?
It’s warmer in the winters and cooler in the summers. Naturally insulated.

 

[Campgottagopee]

This is exactly what I'm planning on if we do an addition (leaning that way now). The addition will be a post and beam structure on a slab. My BIL will build and set up the frame, my buddy will finish the rest. He's a fan of what you just mentioned. Best bang for the buck.

I miss spoke. It will be timber frame construction, not post and beam.