Building your own home is never free, but a growing number of homesteaders and off-gridders are discovering it can be far cheaper than we often envision, simply by using the resources already on the land.
These modern “earthbag” homes cost as little as $1,000, can be built without much skill, and can survive earthquakes, floods and even wildfires when other homes in the surrounding area are destroyed. In other words, they’re less expensive than conventional homes but more durable. They’re even bullet-proof.
Earthbag homes are the subject of this week’s edition of Off The Grid Radio as we talk to Kelly Hart, one of the nation’s foremost experts on earthbag structures who also hosts several earthbag websites dedicated to spreading the word about their usefulness.
He shares with us details about an earthbag home he built in Colorado and he also tells us:
- How the benefits of earthbag homes far outweigh any negatives they bring.
- Which basic materials go into building an earthbag home, and how you can find some of these items for free.
- How long it takes to build an earthbag home, and what you can do to speed up the process.
- Why an earthbag home typically will last far longer than a traditional home.
- How bugs and varmints aren’t a problem in earthbag homes as some people may suspect.
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Earthbag homes are used around the world, including in Nepal, which experienced a 7.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this year that destroyed more than 150,000 traditional homes. Earthbag homes, though, remained standing.
If you’re a homesteader, off-gridder or simply someone fascinated by alternative forms of construction, then this is one show you don’t want to miss!