Today is the 4th installment of 26 in our year-long series called “The Simple House Project.” Every 2 weeks, we publish an article or video covering the process from start to finish. From permits, plans, and construction of the exterior, to the complete interior finish – we hope to document the challenges, trials and tribulations of creating a simple house that is extremely cost-effective, energy-efficient and earth-friendly – using only the space we truly need to live comfortably.
One of the most exciting aspects of our “Simple House Project” is that so much of it will be created with our own four hands. For Mary and myself, it’s not only critical to keeping the house affordable and on budget – but a way for us to do what we love together – create and build!
Although the complete timeline and budget of the project will be covered in a future update – today’s article is all about separating the tasks we can complete, and those we can’t.
Drilling our well will be one of the things we can’t do! Shutterstock / Steve Heap
The real key to success in any large project is knowing what you can do – and making sure you have great people doing what you can’t. There are four major areas of the house that we are leaving to experienced professionals: the grading / foundation, the septic system, digging and installing the water well, and the building of the exterior house shell.
Luckily for us, when it comes to the four things we can’t do – we have some great relationships with some experienced professionals to rely on.
What we can’t do:
The Foundation
We will use radiant heat installed in the foundation to heat the entire house. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock / Studio Vin
Our slab foundation will be unique in that it will also hold the heat source for our home. By eliminating a basement (space we truly don’t need), we can have radiant heat installed when the floor is poured.
Not only is it an extremely efficient way to heat the house, but Mary will love having the floors always warm during the cold Ohio winters!
We will also stamp and stain the concrete surface to double as our kitchen, hallway and bathroom floors – not only a cool look – but a huge savings in finishing costs and easy to maintain!
Septic System and Digging a Well
With the farm situated outside of any accessible sewer or water hook-ups – digging a well and installing a septic system are a must. Septic systems are designed based on the number of bedrooms credited to the house – so with the small floor plan, at least we will be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. When it comes to the well, our garden shovels won’t quite get it done – so hiring a drill rig is the only option.
The House Shell
Enter Weaver Barns. Upon completion of the foundation, Weaver’s crew will construct the entire shell of our house based upon our modifications to their Sugar Creek model.
The Simple House Project plans
We have been so incredibly impressed with the entire Weaver Barns company and with the quality of the materials they use. We are really looking forward to seeing the shell of our home come together next year.
When the Weaver crew completes their portion, it’s go time for us!
What we can do:
If you had to put the entire house in perspective – it sort of comes down to this: The exterior and shell of the house will be completed by others – and the entire interior along with the landscaping is ours to finish!
One of the exciting projects we will tackle will be to create our own concrete counter tops for the kitchen. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock / Kruess
What is the old saying – we know enough to be dangerous? Well, when it comes to the interior tasks – Mary and I have a lot of combined experience in completing much of what will need to be done. However, we are also very fortunate to have a great set of friends and family with professional experience and accreditations that can help us along the way. (you know who you are 🙂 )
With that said – here is the short list of what we will be responsible for completing at the house. It is our goal to have many of the projects listed below completed, stored, and ready for install by the time the shell of the house is finished.
Projects We Will Tackle
Design, build and installation of all interior sliding barn doors
Design and install of all kitchen cabinets
Design, build and installation of the kitchen island
Design, build and installation of concrete counter tops for kitchen, island and bathroom vanity
All interior trim work installation
All interior painting
Design and installation of the cable stairway and loft banister system
Design and build of electrical system – *with professional help
Design and installation of all interior lighting
Design and installation of rough plumbing system – *with professional help
Installation of all final plumbing fixtures – sinks, faucets, toilet, etc.
Acid staining of the usable concrete floors throughout house.
Custom build out of all closets
Custom build out of knee wall storage system in loft
Landscaping / outdoor patio installation w/ pergola
Installation of solar panel system
Installation of rainwater collection system
I am sure the list will grow as we go along – but for now – its long enough! Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas!
Happy Building! – Jim and Mary
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