Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- getting_started_and_best_practices [2024/11/28 22:21] – vtclz
+++ getting_started_and_best_practices [2024/12/01 13:51] (current) – grammar vtclz
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 ===== Housing Options =====
-==== Tent Housing for Homesteaders ====
+==== Tent Housing ====
 === Introduction ===
-Tents offer a simple and affordable housing solution for homesteaders, especially during the initial stages of establishing a homestead. They are lightweight, easy to set up, and can be an excellent temporary shelter while you develop your land.
+Tents offer a simple and affordable housing solution for homesteaders, especially during the initial stages of establishing a homestead. They are lightweight, easy to set up, and can be an excellent temporary shelter while you develop your land. We strongly advise against tents for any stays longer than 1 month.
 === Advantages ===
-  * **Affordability**: Tents are generally the most cost-effective housing option. They require minimal upfront investment compared to other housing types.
+  * **Affordability**: Tents are generally the most cost-effective housing option.
   * **Mobility**: Tents are portable, allowing you to relocate them easily if needed. This is beneficial if you're still deciding on the perfect spot on your property.
   * **Quick Setup**: Most tents can be set up within hours, providing immediate shelter.
-  * **Minimal Impact**: Tents have a low environmental footprint. They don't require foundations or significant land alteration.
+  * **Minimal Impact**: They don't require foundations or significant land alteration.
-  * **Immersive Experience**: Living in a tent can provide a closer connection to nature, which many homesteaders value.
+  * **Immersive Experience**: Living in a tent can provide a closer connection to nature.
 === Disadvantages ===
@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
   * **Comfort**: Temperature regulation is difficult. Tents can be too hot in summer and too cold in winter.
   * **Amenities**: Lack of basic amenities such as plumbing, electricity, and insulation.
+  * **Ground Stakes**: Ground stakes have almost no strength in the clay soil at community one.
 === Considerations ===
-  * **Climate**: Consider the local climate. Extended tent living is more feasible in mild climates.
+  * **Duration**: Suitable for short-term or seasonal use rather than permanent residence. If a local expert does not properly anchor your Tent, it will blow away while you are gone.
-  * **Duration**: Suitable for short-term or seasonal use rather than permanent residence.
-  * **Local Regulations**: Some areas have zoning laws or regulations against long-term tent dwellings.
-  * **Health and Safety**: Ensure proper sanitation and be cautious of pests.
 === Conclusion ===
@@ Line 45: / Line 43: @@
 === Introduction ===
-Overmans is a manufacturer of portable buildings designed to provide flexible housing solutions. These structures can be an excellent option for homesteaders seeking a balance between affordability and permanence.
+Overmans manufactures cheap, good-enough buildings. These structures can be an excellent option for homesteaders seeking a balance between affordability and permanence.
 === Advantages ===
-  * **Affordability**: Portable buildings are generally less expensive than traditional homes or modular homes.
+  * **Affordability**: Portable buildings do not require concrete foundations which will cost $6,000+
-  * **Quick Installation**: They can be delivered and set up relatively quickly compared to building a house from scratch.
+  * **Quick Installation**: They can be delivered and set up in less than a week.
-  * **Customization**: Overmans offers various models that can be customized to meet specific needs, including size, layout, and features.
   * **Durability**: Constructed with sturdy materials, these buildings are designed to withstand weather conditions better than tents or RVs.
   * **Portability**: Although more substantial than tents or RVs, these buildings can be moved if necessary.
@@ Line 59: / Line 56: @@
   * **Limited Space**: While larger than tents, portable buildings may still offer limited living space compared to traditional homes.
-  * **Utility Connections**: Setting up utilities (water, sewage, electricity) may require additional effort and expense.
+  * **Utility Connections**: Setting up utilities (water and sewage) will require additional effort and expense to keep them from freezing.
-  * **Permitting and Zoning**: May require building permits and must comply with local zoning laws, which can add complexity.
+  * **Resale Value**: Portable buildings may not appreciate in value like traditional homes, potentially affecting long-term investment. Their value will be much greater than a tent.
-  * **Resale Value**: Portable buildings may not appreciate in value like traditional homes, potentially affecting long-term investment.
-  * **Foundation Requirements**: Some models may require a foundation or level surface, adding to setup costs.
 === Considerations ===
@@ Line 68: / Line 63: @@
   * **Customization Options**: Explore Overmans' offerings to select features that best suit your needs.
   * **Long-Term Use**: Consider how the building will serve your needs over time; can it be expanded or modified?
-  * **Local Regulations**: Ensure compliance with building codes and obtain necessary permits.
   * **Utilities Setup**: Plan for the installation of utilities and the associated costs.
@@ Line 184: / Line 178: @@
 ----
-===== Final Thoughts =====
+===== Regulations =====
-Selecting the right housing option for your homestead is a personal decision that depends on your budget, lifestyle, long-term plans, and the specifics of your property. Tents and RVs offer mobility and lower costs but come with limitations in comfort and durability. Portable buildings from Overmans present a middle ground, providing more permanence than tents or RVs at a lower cost than modular homes. Modular homes, while more expensive, offer a permanent, comfortable, and customizable living space that can grow with your homestead.
+Always ensure compliance with state building codes and regulations when selecting and setting up your housing option.
-Consider all factors carefully, consult with local authorities regarding regulations, and assess your personal needs to make the best choice for your homesteading journey.
+====== Power Options for Homesteaders ======
-<note important>
+==== Solar, Batteries, and Generators ====
-Always ensure compliance with local building codes, zoning laws, and regulations when selecting and setting up your housing option. It may also be beneficial to consult with other homesteaders and professionals to gain insights specific to your situation.
-</note>
+=== Battery Recommendations ===
+  * LifePO4 batteries (last longer, do not erupt into flames)
+=== Generator Tips and Recommended Models ===
+  * Ethanol-free gas is available from the **[[https://g.co/kgs/oLQJXYQ|S & H Quick Shop]]** gas station in Imboden.
+  * Stay away from the low-wattage Harbor Freight inverter generators (the ones less than 2000 watts); we've returned several of them.
+  * **[[https://www.buchheits.com/p/generator-champion-4500-watt|Champion 4500 Watt Inverter]]** SKU: 346981 (Propane+Gas, Tool-less oil changes)
+  * **[[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Honda-2200-Watt-Remote-Stop-Recoil-Start-Bluetooth-Super-Quiet-Gasoline-Powered-Inverter-Generator-with-Advanced-CO-Shutdown-EU2200ITAN/316604378|Honda EU2200i Inverter]]** (Very reliable engine, but annoying to work on. You may eventually want to disconnect the CO2 shutoff switch because they go bad often and cause random shutoffs.)
+  * Although Harbor Freight hasn't been making inverter generators for very long, their **[[https://www.harborfreight.com/generators-engines/generators/9000-watt-gas-powered-portable-generator-with-co-secure-technology-epa-59206.html|open-frame non-inverter generators]]** have been around a long time and are much more reliable.
+==== Solar and Batteries ====
+=== Requirements ===
+  * Inverter
+=== Recomendations ===
+  * [[https://signaturesolar.com/]]
+  * Any EG4 Kit, depending on your requirements
+==== Grid ====
+=== Requirements ===
+For a free installation, you must meet these requirements:
+  * X Miles from the nearest power pole
+  * Foundation for XXX sqft house
+  * Septic System
+  * Well