Does anyone live in a tirehouse/earthship?

[Quiver0f10]

We have the possibility of leasing/owner financing a mini-farm with a tirehouse/earthship and I know nothing about that type of house. Any information would be great!

Thanks!

[Alice In TX/MO]

http://www.makingthishome.com/2009/0...re-house-tour/

[Quiver0f10]

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

http://www.makingthishome.com/2009/0...re-house-tour/

Thank you!

[oregon woodsmok]

I've seen a couple of them and they seem to be lovely to live in.

However, since old tires are considered to be toxic waste I think I might worry about the air quality,

[Quiver0f10]

Originally Posted by oregon woodsmok

I've seen a couple of them and they seem to be lovely to live in.

However, since old tires are considered to be toxic waste I think I might worry about the air quality,

I wondered about this and also mold but I can't seem to find any info by googling.

[Cyngbaeld]

I've been in one. Once the tires are plastered you can't smell anything, though old tires have pretty well outgassed to the point you wouldn't smell much anyhow.

I wouldn't go to all the work to build one, but would probably jump at the chance to buy one if I could afford it.

[Jim-mi]

When you get a chance to inspect it, make sure you have a good flashlight.
Done right they are probably great to live in . . .
But a few "weapage's" could be not so good . . .

[johncotexas]

Another thing to consider.... You may want to check and see if it is insurable, also check to see if a bank would loan on it if you ever decide or have to sell. I think they are a great way to build in today's world but I would look at the possible restrictions or limitations you may run into from those that may not accept it as a livable dwelling ie, getting an improvement loan, etc.

[Quiver0f10]

Originally Posted by Jim-mi

When you get a chance to inspect it, make sure you have a good flashlight.
Done right they are probably great to live in . . .
But a few "weapage's" could be not so good . . .

Thank you. Will do.

Originally Posted by johncotexas

Another thing to consider.... You may want to check and see if it is insurable, also check to see if a bank would loan on it if you ever decide or have to sell. I think they are a great way to build in today's world but I would look at the possible restrictions or limitations you may run into from those that may not accept it as a livable dwelling ie, getting an improvement loan, etc.

These are some of our concerns. Ideally we would retire here but I know that life happens and things change. If we did need to move for some reason I worry about resale value and the ability to sell it.

[Explorer]

Outgassing is not considered a problem according to the Earthship designers WEB site.

http://earthship.com/offgassing

[Quiver0f10]

Originally Posted by Explorer

Outgassing is not considered a problem according to the Earthship designers WEB site.

http://earthship.com/offgassing

Thank you! Very interesting and informative article.

[Cyngbaeld]

Your library might have Reynold's earthship books. There were three volumes. They are out of print right now.

[Quiver0f10]

Thank you everyone. We looked at the house and property today and decided this isn't the right place for us at this time. It would be way too small for our large family. The house was very interesting though!

[texican]

Insurance? What for? There's nothing to burn, their built like bomb shelters.... can imagine they'd survive anything.

As far as saleability... are you building a house, or a home? I despise visiting people at their "house"... as they're trying to maintain it like a museum, so the resale price will be high. A "home" has character, a crack in the wall, dirt on the floor, and you can tell folks are actually living there.

[TedH71]

Most of those buildings are found in the Southwest for a good reason. Climate is most ideal for it plus they blend into the landscape.

[Rusty'sDog]

Just be certain to keep a few cans of "Fix-a-Flat" in your larder. LOL