How I did it: 1. by hiring an excavating team of 2 (with digging machinery) $1,500
2. Purchasing, delivery and installation of a septic tank in accordance with council stipulations. $3,500, also a holding tank(a), plastic rheln trenching(b) and river pebbles(c):
(a) $550 (b) $250 (c) $1550 (inclusive of delivery).
add unexpected cost of heavy duty trench digger hire @$150 per hour for 2.5 hours = $450.
3. By ensuring that the plumbing engineering plans were followed.
4. By ensuring the plumber was suitably licensed, qualified and the plumbing was installed in accordance with council stipulations ($850).
5. By passing Council plumbing regulations inspection ($150) & receiving official Council Plumbing Certification.
= total outlay $8,800 ($800 over budget)
6. By the grateful acceptance of an "on demand" gas hot water heater from my ex hubby after he sold the motel and car hire business we used to own together.
7. With patience and the help of a prioritised list at 43 things :-)

Lessons & tips: never give an $8,000 lone to a partner who may turn out to be a freeloader (or have an undisclosed gambling addiction)- no matter how much you trust them!
Also, if you ever loan money GET A SIGNED RECEIPT and have a witness of the transaction.!
lack of budgeted money slows down progress in any and all endeavours.

Resources: persistence and patience,
being frugal to enable saving of any spare funds.
holding 5 garage sales to raise money.
utilisation of available cheap resources (ie, 44 gallon drums for grey water system).

Apr 20, 2010, 05:38PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer