Return to Aroostook (Fairfield, Fort Kent, Fort Fairfield: house, water heater, construction)

[ssg II]

Hi everybody!

Just found this forum today. Great info.

I'm from Florida and my boyfriend is originally from Aroostook County. He has always wanted to go back, so we are moving there in about 3 years. I'm very excited about moving and am already doing research about building our house, but I do have some concerns:

Any builders using SIPs up there?
Wood v. pellet stoves?
Tankless v. regular water heater?
Are my dogs going to freeze?
Am I going to go bonkers in the winter?

TIA for any and all opinions!

[jimR38]

Originally Posted by sunshinegirl

Hi everybody!

Just found this forum today. Great info.

I'm from Florida and my boyfriend is originally from Aroostook County. He has always wanted to go back, so we are moving there in about 3 years. I'm very excited about moving and am already doing research about building our house, but I do have some concerns:

Any builders using SIPs up there?
Wood v. pellet stoves?
Tankless v. regular water heater?
Are my dogs going to freeze?
Am I going to go bonkers in the winter?

TIA for any and all opinions!

My grandfather came from the Fort Fairfield and Fort Kent area. It will be interesting to see the comments you receive. Love to be able to track the family down but because record keeping was sparse and most places that kept records (churches, etc) burned I haven't had much luck. What part of Aroostook County are you from? I know one thing it's north of Quebec city so it must be cold...

Jim

[ssg II]

His family's from Island Falls. The joke is "drive north on I-95 until it ends and back up 30 miles!"

As you can see, I haven't had any replies regarding construction.

We're leaving Monday to make arrangements for clearing the land we'll build on. Hopefully, this storm will have cleared by then!

[mymaine]

What year did your boyfriend graduate from high school? My husband was raised in Crystal (same school district as Island Falls). We live in central Maine now. Just curious?

[ssg II]

Good question!

I'm guessing '82 or '83. He'll be 42 this month.

[Coaster]

What are SIPs? If you plan on living in Island Falls, well, it's a small town a long ways from nowhere, altho the last time I was there it had a truly outstanding restaurant. If you love the outdoors, snow, and wilderness, you'll be in the right place. Wood versus pellet stoves is personal preference. I like wood myself, but as I get older the pellet stoves are looking more reasonable from a convenience aspect. What kind of dogs do you have? Are they inside or outside dogs? Tankless versus regular water heater: what's the question? Again it's personal preference, although you'll find most existing homes with water heaters in the basement.

[ssg II]

Hi Coaster!

Thanks for the reply!

SIPs are Structural Insulated Panels, similar to ICFs, which are Insulated Concrete Forms. You can easily find info on the net explained much more concisely than I can. We're looking to build a house as energy efficient as possible. We won't have a basement, we're using an isulated monlithic slab on top of compressed gravel.

The tankless water heaters are supposed to use less electricity, but the trade off would be using more water, as it has to run for awhile to get hot. Just wondering if anybody is using them and their opinion.

We've pretty much decided on a "Harmon Accentra" pellet stove insert. It will heat an 1800 SF house, which is more than we need.

We have two terriers, Norfolk mix. The female has very thin, fine fur. They're primarily inside dogs, but like to chase squirrels & lizards. Our vet here in Florida says we could get them booties, which seems ridiculous, but, obviously, they need to go out and ice may form between their toes and salt from the road can irritate their feet.

You're right, it is a long way from anywhere. I've been there twice, the last time a month ago. My boyfriend still has a lot of family there.

What's the name of the restaurant you liked?

[Coaster]

Restaurant: Horn of Plenty, I think.

Depending on the dog, booties in winter aren't all that silly. With some breeds, ice and snow build up between their toes, and the rock salt and sand/gravel used on the roads can also hurt their paws. If that thin-furred dog is going to be outside for any length of time, you might consider a doggie sweater, too.

Can't help you with the SIPs question. Sorry.

[ssg II]

WOW! I'd just about given up on this! I'll check out your website. Thanks! Do you go as far north as Island Falls?

[mainebrokerman]

island falls is a nice small town, ive been there many times,,even had a commercial listing there. heading east on rte 2, just out of island falls you have two lakes, even a golf course,
housing is inexpensive, and people seem very decent!
good luck sunshine!!