I think the problem is two part, 1) can you take several months off from work? what bank is going to finance you?, 2) can you learn to build from a book? I support myself doing various sorts of carpentry and construction and most of what I know I learned from books or by experimentation. More than once i've gotten a job and then immediately went to the nearest bookstore to figure out how to do it. So it's certainly possible, however, learning how to build things from a book is a skill unto itself. And at this point you aren't even sure you are handy.
Modern stick built houses are designed for the construction trades not someone like yourself, Timberframe houses require considerably more skill and experience. You might look into cob, abode or strawbale. To varying degrees those methods require less skilled labor.
also you didn't say how big of a house you were thinking of building. 400 sq feet is alot different than 1200 sq feet.
I would do a google search on cob and staw bale, not because I think you should build a house that way, but rather because alot of those homes are built by people starting out where you are now. So you can get an idea of what is involved.
good luck
Survival of the Bark Canoe is a great book. Defintely had an impression on me when I read it . Might have to see if I can dig up a copy as it's been years.
I think the problem is two part, 1) can you take several months off from work? what bank is going to finance you?, 2) can you learn to build from a book? I support myself doing various sorts of carpentry and construction and most of what I know I learned from books or by experimentation. More than once i've gotten a job and then immediately went to the nearest bookstore to figure out how to do it. So it's certainly possible, however, learning how to build things from a book is a skill unto itself. And at this point you aren't even sure you are handy. Modern stick built houses are designed for the construction trades not someone like yourself, Timberframe houses require considerably more skill and experience. You might look into cob, abode or strawbale. To varying degrees those methods require less skilled labor. also you didn't say how big of a house you were thinking of building. 400 sq feet is alot different than 1200 sq feet. I would do a google search on cob and staw bale, not because I think you should build a house that way, but rather because alot of those homes are built by people starting out where you are now. So you can get an idea of what is involved. good luck
posted by turnip 19 years ago
In "iqax, iqyak, qayaq, kayak!"
Survival of the Bark Canoe is a great book. Defintely had an impression on me when I read it . Might have to see if I can dig up a copy as it's been years.
posted by turnip 20 years ago
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