[VermonterMama]

Hi everyone Looking to build a somewhat passive solar home--on a budget you would surely laugh at (on my own land). Need some help:

1) Latitude of 44degrees 11minutes--how do I plug this into an equation to find the right pitch for a roof (metal) that will have optimum sun exposure if I decide to get solar panels in the future? (and be relatively snow-maintenance free)

2) How much of an overhang do I need on each side of the home?

3) If I were to build a home 20x30 feet, two stories and a walkout basement, how many windows on each side (is it 7%?) and where to place them? --Or a 25'x52' home

4) Where is the cheapest place to get building materials and (I have heard there is a liquidators in Bradford?)

5) Is a 20x30 walkout basement *that* much cheaper than say, a, 25'x52' walkout basement?

6)Any suggestions on how to cut costs is much appreciated--I'm looking for a box-like structure with a porch that will be relatively easy to assemble for my friend (from Landmark Kit homes)

--I'm interested in a large living-room and three bedrooms. I have no idea if two bathrooms are necessary. And if anyone wants to compose a rough sketch--that'd be awesome!

--Any recommendations for clearing 3 acres, septic, dug well, and someone to put in the basement in Central Vermont (and please say why.)

[joe moving]

I missed this but... figured I would reply since I have a few more answers now.

Originally Posted by VermonterMama

Hi everyone Looking to build a somewhat passive solar home--on a budget you would surely laugh at (on my own land). Need some help:


1) Latitude of 44degrees 11minutes--how do I plug this into an equation to find the right pitch for a roof (metal) that will have optimum sun exposure if I decide to get solar panels in the future? (and be relatively snow-maintenance free)

the local solar companies will tell you , probably either 7 or 8/12. I was told 7/12 but I want to check with a few more.

2) How much of an overhang do I need on each side of the home?

It really depends. I do't think you really really need sun shade in VT, so it wouldn't be for sun shading. I think I'd put a decent overhang to keep water away from the building.

3) If I were to build a home 20x30 feet, two stories and a walkout basement, how many windows on each side (is it 7%?) and where to place them? --Or a 25'x52' home

Fewer on the north side and more on the south side with a higher SHGC. I think energy code calls for fewer than 15% total wall area.

4) Where is the cheapest place to get building materials and (I have heard there is a liquidators in Bradford?)

5) Is a 20x30 walkout basement *that* much cheaper than say, a, 25'x52' walkout basement?

I would imagine it is quite a bit cheaper since it's less than half the size.

6)Any suggestions on how to cut costs is much appreciated--I'm looking for a box-like structure with a porch that will be relatively easy to assemble for my friend (from Landmark Kit homes)

--I'm interested in a large living-room and three bedrooms. I have no idea if two bathrooms are necessary. And if anyone wants to compose a rough sketch--that'd be awesome!

Is this a single story? I'd recommend at least 1.5 baths either way.

--Any recommendations for clearing 3 acres, septic, dug well, and someone to put in the basement in Central Vermont (and please say why.)

where in central VT?

[GregW]

Try searching for books/articles on building your own solar home. Follow the plans but leave off the solar collectors.

In a 20 x 30 ft. home you are not going to have any "large" rooms. Period.

Buy some 12 x 18 inch graph paper with 1/4 in squares and a architectural template at Staples along with a mechanical pencil and several erasers. Then draw your plans to scale.

I would figure $50/sq. ft. for a basic insulated box with a (raw guessing) $3,000 for a well and $5,000 for a septic system.