Is Living Offgrid Right For You?

Is Living Offgrid Right For You?-Some Things To Consider Before Moving Offgrid
The following are some things to consider before packing up and moving to an offgrid location.
Cost:
How will you finance your offgrid home? Cash, pay as you go, home mortgage loan, private loan? The answer to this question effects how your plans will progress.
If you have cash to pay for your offgrid home, do you have enough? Conservatively speaking, building the home yourself will cost between $80.00 to $100.00 per sq. ft. That's if you userecycled materials where possible and depending on your own your own skill level, cut labor costs. Research home mortgage loans for offgrid, they are not as easy to get as a conventional loan.If you are relocating the mortgage company is going to need to know how you will pay for the loan.
Building permits:
Check with your local city, county and state codes. Laws for your state may supercede local laws. Be sure that you understand the building codes and their cost. Your local office may or may notbe very helpful with this information. You will need to talk with building inspectors to insure that you both understand what is needed to pass inspections. In rural areas this may be up tothe interpretation and the discretion of the inspector.
Where to purchase land:
Are you relocating? How far away is the property you want to develop from your current location?Will you live on the property while it is being built? What permits do you need? Does the landhave any improvements like well (shared or private) or septic? Be sure that the land is ratedfor it's intended use as there may be restrictions on the type of home that you are able to build. Modern conveniences you cannot live without:
If you cannot live without an air conditioner, you may want to rethink living offgrid unless youhave unlimited funds. Large energy consuming appliances are unrealistic for offgrid applications.
Type of home construction:
The type of construction for your offgrid home should reflect your climate and region. Assess the climate were your home will be located. If it is a cold climate, heating and weatherizingyour offgrid home may be your main concern. If it is a hot arid climate, keeping your home coolfrom the scorching hot sun may be the prime issue. If it is hot and humid, cooling and moisturemay be relevent. There are many factors to consider when chosing the type of construction of your offgrid home. Personal style, environment, pests, insects, weather, type of soil and land elevation are also to be considered.
Who will build:
Owner/builder, contractor, some subcontractors. Owner/builders need to assess their skill levelsto insure they are capable of building the type of home chosen. Chose your contractor and subcontractors wisely. Just because someone you know had a good experience does not mean thatyou will. Research local contractors and get to know them to see if you communicate well.Communication is the key with contractors. Be sure you both understand what you are receivingfor the services rendered. You cannot assume everything is included. Ultimately it is the owner'sresponsibility to insure all is done right and on time. If there is a building boom in your areayou can expect delays.
Life style:
Does your personal life style mesh well with offgrid living? If you have no experience with livingoffgrid, read articles of other people's life styles to see if feels right for you. Depending onyour location and building choices, life can be fairly rugged.
Environment:
Is the natural environment where you choose to build your offgird home compatable with your visonof how you want to live?
Usually, but not always, offgrid homes are off the beaten path. This means that you will be living in a natural habitat with animals, reptiles, insects where you or your pets could be the prey. Learn all that you can about the area in which you would like to build. If there arepotentially dangerous animals, learn about their behavior and habitats. Sometimes we createand invite animals close to our homes because we are unaware of their habits. They need food, shelter and sometimes water. If we provide these, they will come.
Employment/how to make money:
If you do not have a home based business in mind, look for one. Or check the local newspapersfor employment before you build. Now what types of industries that may be nearby.

Written and submitted by Jeanne Patera
http://www.offgrid-desert-living.com