25 Steps to Newbie SB Ver. 14 'Simple Small Rectangular Loadbearing SB ' 1. Research, research, research. Read all you can find, talk to folks who have done it, attend workshops and/or bale raisings. Yes it takes $, time, sacrifice. Still, it is your shelter. Commit all of the above. Investigate/begin scrounging materials. 2. Choose location and siteing. Off grid? permits? Work w/ your topography, flora and sun. 3. Design or have designed a building layout. Remember small is good so do multipurpose areas. Optimum size seems to be below 1000 sq. ft. for cost effectives, usability, first time owner/builder and somewhat eco friendly. Maybe build model from large Leggo blocks. This also helps estimating bale count. Interior wall is best for plumbing and shower/tub. 4. Run some numbers. Prepare a co$t estimate. (See attached sample list.) Consider plan of funding. (pay as you go vs loan). Consider amount of sweat equity you are willing/able to invest then line up people to help with the rest. 5. Secure approval/support of family up front. Be VERRRRRY generous with your time line. 6. Verify bale source, co$t, type, harvest time, delivery, terms, etc. Examine some bales and check the size. No, they will not likely be uniform in length. Be prepared to retie custom bales and use "flakes." Still, lay out walls based on max. number of full bales. 7. If necessary get permits and power pole. 8. On newbie list of priorities move 'Joy of the Process' up the list ABOVE any tendency toward 'Product Perfection'. 9. Take deep breath and Commit to DOING it. Take responsibility. You CAN do it! 10. Order trusses early if using prefab as they sometimes take several weeks or more. HIGHLY recommend 12" hopped up trusses. 11. Do site preparation and formwork: level land, prepare footings. Chose from among RTF (rubble trench footing), std. poured concrete w/rebar, off grade, or other. Incorporate tie down system and plans for wiring/plumbing access later if these are to be underground. 12. Concrete finishing and detailing: pour, screed, trowel, etc. Set anchor bolts for door bucks or framing if needed, tie down system, etc. If using full slab, address finish... color? smooth? stamped? concave shower base? etc. 13. Wood framing: build window/door frames according to structure type - load bearing, hybrid (is that is what the floor to ceiling bucks would be called in other wise load bearing?, my personal favorite) or structural wall supports if loadbearing. Build roof plate for load bearing. 14. Strawbale raising and some type of stabilizing method so the bales don't fall over. Have on hand 20x100' roll/s of 6mil poly to lay over wall. Will cover both sides to protect from rain. Leave in place until ready to plaster/stucco then cut off. 15. Install roof plate, trusses, do truss blocking, decking, install roofing felt and metal or shingle roofing. Remember, you can place roof plate directly on protective poly covering bales, wait until stucco time to cut off. 16. Install wiring if putting it inside straw walls. 17. Install Windows and Doors. Consider whether to use wire/mesh over all bales and proceed accordingly. 18. Address wall surface change (where wood meets straw) with expanded metal lathe. Defluff walls (weed eater?) and consider whether to use wire/mesh over entire bale wall. Proceed accordingly. Apply stucco/plaster, coat #1. Don't forget to allow for Truth Window. 19. Apply stucco/plaster coat #2 (one week later?) and seal top of wall after pulling wiring thru into attic. This is where hopped up trusses are great. Be careful detailing. 20. Apply stucco/plaster coat #3. 21. Build any partition walls, closets. 22. Install plumbing/wiring inside partition walls as needed. 23. Enclose wiring/plumbing in partition walls and do ceiling (sheetrock?), install cabinets and lights. 24. Finish plaster and painting. 25. Drop on floor and sleep 24 hours straight then get electricity on the house and throw a party! Remember...you CAN do it. Been there. DONE that! lady strawboss