Renovating the Camper

Well, I promised I would have photos up and I still don't. It has been a while since I posted anything, but a lot has happened. We are close to getting the camper liveable and our septic system is in. We built the smallest allowable septic system we could. Dade county had almost no building codes but they require a septic permit and inspection. We plan to build an outdoor sawdust toilet for humanure, but we will use the septic system for the indoor toilets in our house. We will make a greywater trench for washing machine wastewater and showers. We are still designing this system. Some of this "wastewater" may be recycled for irrigating orchard trees.

Our hope is to be moved in to the camper by September 1st, which means finishing the repairs to it and building a small addition for an second bedroom. We also have to trench the water line from the meter at the street. So far, all our improvements have been paid for as our funds have permitted and we will continue with this method of financing as long as we can. Eventually we will need to borrow money for construction. We are investigating ways of alternative financing through individuals, where we could pay 7 or 8 percent apr. These would represent investments from the individuals at a rate they would not likely see on the stock market or most other investments going these days. We are working out what would be the total amount we would be comfortable paying on while we build. We will be saving $500 a month as soon as we move out of the house we are renting and that could all go toward paying loans. Initially it will go towards our savings as we have depleted it with the latest improvements.

We are pleased with the progress. We have over 20 trees laying on the ground soon to be turned into more beams for the timberframe project. I mentioned in the previous post that these have all been recovered from nearby properties that saw a lot of downed trees from a windstorm. The framing system is mostly designed as is the floor plan for the house. It is going to be a great relief to finally be on the land. That's all for now. Until next time. Peace--