Library · Articles
Everything it takes
Plain, sourced articles on every part of building a different life, from reading a soil map to caring for a septic tank. Each one is written in our words from public sources, and lists them. 7 articles so far. To see what open government data says about a specific piece of land, try Your land.
The dream
Ways of living on less, and what each one really takes
Articles coming soon.
Land
Finding, reading and judging a piece of ground
Articles coming soon.
Rules
Codes, zoning and permits, and the paths through them
- Tiny houses and the building code What the IRC's tiny house appendix allows, the 400 square foot limit, and why your town has to adopt it before it applies. Code path exists
The house
Building methods, materials and building science
Articles coming soon.
Money
Loans, land trusts and keeping the budget honest
Articles coming soon.
Building it
Sequencing the work, tools, help and safety
Articles coming soon.
Energy
Heat and power: sun, wood, batteries and the grid
- Heating with a wood stove How modern EPA-certified stoves differ from old ones, how to size and choose one, and how to burn cleanly. Established
- Passive solar design Using windows, mass and shade to heat a house with winter sun and keep summer sun out, without pumps or fans. The five elements, explained. Established
Water & waste
Wells, rain, septic, composting toilets and greywater
- Composting toilets Waterless toilets that turn human waste into a humus-like material. Well suited to remote sites, but they still need greywater handling and a permit. Case by case
- Septic systems How a conventional septic tank and drainfield treat household wastewater, and the upkeep that keeps one working for decades. Established
- Testing a private well Private wells aren't covered by federal drinking water rules, so the owner tests them. What to test for each year, and when to test again. Established
Food
Growing, keeping and raising food where you live
- Plant hardiness zones What the USDA zone map measures, how to find your zone, and why it's a starting point rather than a guarantee for perennials.
Resilience
Fire, flood, storms and backup plans
Articles coming soon.
Livelihood
Earning a living from home and land
Articles coming soon.
Community
Co-ops, land trusts, cohousing and shared work
Articles coming soon.
Living there
Upkeep, insurance and the years after the build
Articles coming soon.