A Need for Environmental Engineering

It’s clear that I must create my own living environment, as most offerings from the real estate market are flimsy constructions that deteriorate faster than one can pay off a mortgage.

Worse still, they are often found in uninspired neighborhoods filled with mass-produced houses that lack consideration for community well-being. While these homes might suffice for some, they fail to meet my standards for comfort and health.

They are made to be cost-effective and sold at a profit, benefiting developers and contractors while leaving many of us struggling to afford decent housing.

I refuse to live in a sealed environment that requires constant cleaning and chemical treatments to manage allergens and pollutants.

The Health Hazards of Poor Housing

Old neighborhoods were crafted with human needs in mind, making them more walkable and featuring integrated green spaces like parks and trails. Well-maintained older homes typically use traditional materials like wood, brick, and stone, allowing for better air circulation and access to established trees and gardens.

While older homes may have issues like lead paint or asbestos, these dangers are well-documented. In contrast, the materials used in new constructions often remain untested until legal challenges arise.

We are left to navigate a landscape where industrial engineers and corporate interests often prioritize profit over safety.

The Challenges of Good Neighborhoods

Quality housing in vibrant cities is scarce, particularly for those who lack connections or sufficient funds. The burden of debt weighs heavily, no matter how appealing a home might be.

Houses with multiple previous owners often require extensive repairs. I am not interested in excessive energy costs just to maintain an outdated mansion as a status symbol.

Better construction equates to improved insulation. Retrofitting an older house can be as costly, if not more so, than building one from scratch, especially when I wish to select non-toxic materials.

The Dilemma of Expert Designs

Expert opinions often stem from well-meaning intentions based on theories that may not align with individual needs. They believe they know the best approach for building homes, treating us as mere subjects in their experiments.

Despite their claims of superiority, the quality of their work often contradicts their assertions. A college degree, in many respects, is just an advanced version of an autocomplete function, lacking real-world applicability.

How can experts acknowledge their shortcomings when they have constructed a system that shields them from accountability?

The Process of Building

Whose process are you following? Unless you have the resources to challenge a whole institution of educated professionals, they remain largely unaccountable for their failures.

Simply because a committee of experts has approved a design doesn’t guarantee that it will function as a home. Their business models thrive on exploiting the affluent, leaving many of us questioning why we should plunge further into debt for fragile innovations.

That’s why I decided to rely on my own judgment and expertise. This article serves as a record of my journey to learn what real homebuilding entails.

The Journey of Building Your Own Home

Constructing your own home is a daunting task. However, in the long run, it can be more economical if you are knowledgeable about the process. This column documents my quest to create healthier and safer living spaces than what the market currently offers.

Gathering the necessary tools for this endeavor is no small feat and can feel overwhelming. Here are some significant obstacles I’ve encountered thus far:

1. Access to Land: Purchasing land can be prohibitively expensive, though creative alternatives exist.
2. Permission to Build: Navigating local regulations can be a major hurdle.
3. Funding for Non-Traditional Structures: Securing financing is challenging.
4. Building a Team: You must develop skills to become your own architect and contractor while educating your team.
5. Materials and Labor Costs: Organizing the logistics of material sourcing requires considerable effort.

I have successfully tackled one of these challenges and ensured that the next steps will not be hindered by significant obstacles. While permits remain a crucial consideration, I am optimistic about moving forward.

The Need for Temporary Solutions

Since my future home won't be ready for some time, I am temporarily living in an apartment, providing a suitable environment for my partner and me as I strategize how to tackle financial hurdles.

Building a Capable Team

Finding reliable skilled workers is proving to be the most time-consuming aspect of this journey. I must also become that skilled worker myself, allowing me time to delve deeper into natural architecture, which I will share in future writings.

The longer I take to plan my next steps, the more likely I am to save money in the long run. Even if it takes years to complete my healthy home, I will ultimately be better off than someone locked into a mortgage for a subpar property.

The Joy of Building vs. Buying

Is constructing a house more affordable and enjoyable than purchasing one? I believe it can be. Black Eagle, the spirit of the turkey vulture guiding me, seems to think this is the easy part, while my human perspective remains skeptical.

Yet, I recognize the wisdom in his perspective. My list of life goals is gaining clarity, particularly regarding establishing a healthy system of food, clothing, and shelter.

To that end, I am relocating closer to the beach, primarily for the health benefits and to maintain a sense of balance in body, mind, and spirit.

Reflection on Proper Shelter

What does proper shelter mean to you? Examine the state of your current living space and consider how it impacts your well-being.

I welcome your comments and questions below.