How I did it: I built a small 10' diameter geodesic dome using materials from the Rebuilding Center, industrial packing crates, and recycled packing materials (bubble wrap, pallet wrap). Using the goodwill of a lot of my friends, and making trips to the Rebuilding Center and North Portland Tool Library as often as four times a day, it took me longer than I would have liked to finish the dome,  but a very realistic number (my original estimate was far too great).
Someday I hope to build a more permanent strawbale house, but for now, I'm renting.

Lessons & tips: Always build smaller than you think you need. You definitely won't need all that room and it will make you happier and less broke in the end.
Call out all your favors from your friends, but make sure you make it worth their while: teach them a new skill or feed them a great meal or offer to trade them work on one of their projects.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Measure twice, cut once.
Learn your zoning (my house was not subject to zoning regulations because I  built it to be less than 10 by 10 by 10 feet). Expect to spend more money than you budgeted. If you can, avoid a mortgage by paying-as-you-go and building small.

Resources: Books: Little House on a Small Planet, Shelter, Shelter II, Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Repair, Your Money or Your Life

Yahoo Group: Small House Society

Organizations: The Rebuilding Center, The North Portland Tool Library

Dec 09, 2008, 10:15AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer