Homesteading is a broad term that involves living a lifestyle of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. It is a way of life that is slowly becoming more favorable thanks to its frugal nature, weaning off the reliance on overpriced and overproduced supermarket goods so that you can fully sustain yourself without outside help, house payments, and spending small fortunes on electricity and food.
Off the Grid by LaMar Alexander is an incredibly useful book with step-by-step guides and instructions to help you spark off and maintain this simpler lifestyle. Alexander has been a homesteader himself for a number of years, so his own experiences combined with his knowledge as a health education specialist offers a wealth of information. After a divorce and sudden illness claimed nearly all of Alexander’s money and assets, he decided to build his own home on a small piece of land that he inherited from his family’s old homestead. He’s been living there for over 15 years now, so he truly is an expert on the subject.
Alexanders’ General Project Overview Video
The book will teach you how to:
- build a 14×14-foot cabin for under $2000 (which can be done in two weeks), and other building design styles (e.g. straw bale homes, yurts, and shipping containers)
- install a solar and wind power system
- install a wood stove
- build a solar compost toilet, a hand power washing machine, pullet hot tub, outdoor wood furnace, solar water heaters and over 20 other projects
- harvest rainwater and drill a water well
- plant and raise a garden and animals (and their pens)
- make a living from your homestead
If you feel like building this little cabin Alexander’s detailed book – Off the Grid costs 19.99$ on Amazon.com and you can read the reviews here.
Collage photos from Lamar Alexander the book author reach out to him directly at http://www.simplesolarhomesteading.com.
JEANMARIE missale says
I’m interested in these homes,can someone build one for me?
Robert says
Where do you live where do you live
Connie s says
Just a thought if this was built 15 years ago plus. The cost of living and the price of everything has increased so naturally it will cost more than $2000. If a contractor is building it, the cost will go up more because it has to be built to code. To expand on the contractor it will take more than 2 weeks. He will tell you that but his 2 weeks will turn into more time. I think that’s a contractors rule I think. I do like the idea of living off the grid. I be leave it’s harder to do than some would have you beleave.
Teddy says
If your off the grid then obviously there’s no code you need to follow. The cost that he mentions is with you building it yourself not a contractor. Seems you need to brush up on what his book and plans is all about. Also the 2K was over 15 years ago when he built it so it goes without saying that it’s more today.
Mich says
My shed builder in Lancaster PA built me a beautiful shed 12 x 14 with cedar shake roof. About 1200.00 delivered unless l’m forgetting the delivery cost but well made and cheaper than those fake type ones from box stores. He only delivers in PA, possibly close by VA but you might find someone in your state.
My painter coated the wood exterior in white stain that i first had tinted to the color of my choice from home depot.
I had him cut extra doors and windows and added an antique door on one end.
I cant say it would be winter ready but a nice shed made of real materials. Solar power of course would add more cost.
Don says
Love this house.