Update: on the SHTF for us

Kenneth in NC · #81 09/14/06, 01:23 PM

Got the NOTICE OF DEFAULT in the mail. Came Certified and I had to sign for it. It says right on it that my account is "Post Bankruptcy Only: No Reaffirmation Signed" That may be a blessing in disguise. At least I have it in writing.

Now there ready to wave some fees and take $506.28 to bring me current or they'll take $8,987.61 and call loan paid in full.

At bottom it says were not trying to collect debt just notifying you that creditor may exercise its rights under NC law and reposses collateral.

KY Guest You must have seen that in my profile. Guess I should have put Dad teaching daughter in homeschool.

In my past I have had my own business, invented several products, served as president of a small marketing company, worked in product development with-in the plastics industry and back in high school worked at a basket shop cutting bottoms on a old B&D bottom cutter.

No teaching credentials, no colllege sheepskin other than a 1-Yr. Certificate in Marketing.

I'll look over the link you sent. Maybe it will spark some ideas.

Kenneth

Ken Scharabok · #82 09/14/06, 02:00 PM

Kenneth:

You have been made what I consider to be an extremely good offer, that being a potential group effort to rehab the cottage to bring it up to code and liveable. However, it requires a decision on your part, essentially right now, on trying to keep the trailer or letting it go.

Personally I am not willing to donate further towards your expenses; however, I would towards a building fund which was managed by a third party and with the understanding the funds would be used towards the cottage only. Anyone want to volunteer to be treasurer?

Letting the trailer go immediately cuts your annual expenses by about $3000, plus likely utilities in the cottage may be a bit less. You still have the trailer spot should your finances allow you to purchase an old, but still liveable, trailer sometime in the future.

I didn't get much of a look at the cottage while there, but suspect it needs insulation in walls and ceilings, and perhaps even under the floor (or at least the underneath be walled off from outside winter air. May require an extensive rewriting for 220v for range and hot water heater. Would require complete bathroom (commode, shower and sink) and kitchen (cabinets, counter and sink). Cabinets are expensive, but you could live with framed opened faced shelves for now anyway. Plywood doors may not be pretty, but they work and I have hinges I can donate. Closet would be relatively easy to build with a pull across sheet for a door. Window is also required.

If there is a Habitat for Humanity recycling center in Kings Mtn. or Charlotte or such most of the above might be picked up there fairly quickly.

On the roof, lots of folks seem to be going with metal roofing over shingles now, but that would seem to be a low priority.

To work inside it would essentially require everything now in it be moved to your cargo box, plus whatever you remove from the trailer. Ideally the rehab would be complete before they come to change the locks so your furniture could be moved directly from the trailer to the cottage.

Would also require someone with home building experience to step up to be construction foreman.

Kenneth, it is time to make a decision!

sancraft · #83 09/14/06, 02:30 PM

Ken, I'm so broke I can't change my mind. My bills are backed up to the roof. But I'm sending at least $50.00 on Friday. I'm already behind. They can wait a little longer. I'm not looking at being outdoors just yet. Come on people. We have to help him. $250. is not that much money. Hey even $750. isn't that much. Ken, I'll commit to sending another $40.00 in 2 weeks when I get paid.

If you decide to renovate the cottage, I can put that money on a Lowe's or Home Depot or Visa Cash card and send it to you. I don't think I can afford the gas to drive up, but if someone is coming through the Athens-Augusta area of GA that we could tag a ride with, we can come up for a weekend of hard work.

Ken Scharabok · #84 09/14/06, 02:37 PM

Frankly nothing short of paying off the trailer loan is going to help his situation, and even then the trailer likely isn't even worth the payoff.

If his bills are caught up in all likelihood, IMHO, three months from now they will be in the same position as they are now.

Remember his wife is the only wage earner and then she doesn't really have a job. When you work through a temporary employment agency you are, just that, a temporary worker. Job might last through the end of the week, for a couple of months, but in all likelihood not for any length of time or the company would hire an employee of their own otherwise. I know folks who work through temporary employment agencies. They sometimes go weeks and even months between placements.

Again, IMHO, a major change in their living situation is their own viable, short-term, at least solution. Giving up the trailer, as noted earlier, reduces their annual expenses by at least $3,000. Nothing to sneeze at.

Arkie1 · #85 09/14/06, 02:41 PM

Ken S, you mentioned rewiring for 220. Does Kenneth or anyone from that area know: Is this area of NC one that requires a licensed electrician to do the wiring? It's just something to know before starting a construction project.

The same question regarding plumbing. I lived in a very remote rural area but the darn rules stated I needed both a licensed plumber & electrician when doing the improvements in a cabin.

frazzlehead · #86 09/14/06, 02:49 PM

Just wanted to pop in and say I'm keeping up with the adventure ... Kenneth, you and your family are being very brave through all this and I'm impressed!

Hang in there, I hope you find a solution!

Shygal · #87 09/14/06, 03:02 PM

I dont know all the details but what about SSI? That gives automatic medicaid, for disabled people. What about disability?

MWG · #88 09/14/06, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkie1

Ken S, you mentioned rewiring for 220. Does Kenneth or anyone from that area know: Is this area of NC one that requires a licensed electrician to do the wiring? It's just something to know before starting a construction project.

The same question regarding plumbing. I lived in a very remote rural area but the darn rules stated I needed both a licensed plumber & electrician when doing the improvements in a cabin.

To be totally legal, you should pull building permits on plumbing and electrical. This costs about $100 bucks a piece. And yes, they have to be licensed. This is if you want to be legal...

MWG · #89 09/14/06, 03:39 PM

Actually if there is not already a live feed to the cottage the power company will not turn it on without a permit....

Arkie1 · #90 09/14/06, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWG

Actually if there is not already a live feed to the cottage the power company will not turn it on without a permit....

I was just getting ready to ask that question.

I was concerned since the Electric Coop in my case wouldn't run power without all the forms & permits.
They also required you to have an Dept of Health approved septic system as well before turning on power.

teresab · #91 09/14/06, 03:57 PM

I agree with Ken Scharabok. Before any kind of thoughts can be put into action Ken in NC must make a decision on what he wants to do. Once that decision is made then ideas can procede....but also I think it only fair that Ken now for sure there are people willing to help. I live in NW Pennsylvania but I and I'm sure DH (haven't had a chance to talk to him about this) would be committed to coming down for a weekend or possible 3 day weekend. We have no special skills but can swing a hammer,paint or what ever. We do have a large trailer which could haul things which might need hauled. If our help would not be needed we would be committed to donating a Lowes/HOmeDepot card to the person(s) in charge. I think the big thing is if Ken would decide to go this way would would definately need a licensed contractor in the picture...is there anyone here that is qualified to do the work and would be willing to donate time and energy? Come on people...pay it forward !!

MaryNY · #92 09/14/06, 04:13 PM

Okay, did any of you see Gideon's post offering to lend Ken and family a 22 ft. travel trailer for the winter?!! (What a nice thing to do!!) BUT that might be a bit cramped for a whole winter, BUT what about putting the travel trailer right up next to and connect it by the doorway of the trailer to the "cottage" -- might have to cut another doorway in the cottage! The drawback to the cottage is that it has not heat, electric or plumbing! I bet the trailer does!!!!! That way there could be few complaints about the "cottage" not having those facilities. In addition, there should be a heater in the camper, something to cook on, and a toilet. Now they probaby will have to think up some way for the toilet to be connect to their septic, but I expect some well-hidden hose/pipe stuff would do the trick! This idea is something I saw in TMEN years ago. I checked for the article and here it is:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/libra...er_s_RV_Chalet

[I edited this URL because I was told it didn't work -- and it didn't work properly in any event. If you can't make it work, go to the TMEN website and put "RV Chalet" into the website search engine at the upper right corner.]

There are a couple of more articles about similar setups on TMEN's website, so I am not so very crazy . . . am I?!!! This would save the crew of volunteers (doesn't Teresab absolutely ROCK?!) a whole bunch of work. They would just need to get Gideon's trailer on there and get both the trailer and the cottage set up at the most appropriate spot, make a connecting doorway between them -- making sure they use a ramp if there is a difference in level rather than stairs so it will be easier for Ken to get to the kitchen/bathroom areas -- find some way to hook up the electric to the trailer and extend it to the cottage (maybe the trailer even has a generator?!), and figure out how to either empty the potty thing in the trailer or to hook up to the septic. A LOT easier than trying to wire and plumb the cottage - in my opinion -- and a lot more do-able in a weekend.

I am in for sending a contribution or a Home Depot card or whatever -- I soooooooooooooooooo wish I could go down there to help out!! I just can't do it! If I figure out a way, though, I'll be there!!

Anyway, I had this idea and it was suggested I share it on this thread. Hope it inspires someone else or helps out or something.

MaryNY

MWG · #93 09/14/06, 04:24 PM

Since we are throwing out ideas....

Maybe you could stay at your mother in laws until you could get back on your feet?

Or you could sell your land outright, take that money and buy something that could be located on the back of her property (if she would let you)? I know it is in a nearby town, but you weren't against relocation...

Just some additional thoughts...

Burbsteader · #94 09/14/06, 05:21 PM

I was not around much in August due to my father's death, so I missed Ken's thread in August about his ongoing financial crisis.
After reading both threads, I am just bowled away yet again by the people on these boards. You are awesome. Really.
I think it is such a strong testament to the character of the HT folks the way they have rallied the troops.

I really think the cottage and esp. the trailer/cottage combo idea is a really good idea.

You all do realize that he still owes thousands on the mobile, right?

Unless enough of you are willing to set aside money every month to make sure his mortgage gets paid, there is no way to guarantee that his DW will make enough to cover expenses and they will be forever in SHTF mode.

Of course, I'm sure Ken would never expect you all to actually set up a fund to pay his mortgage to the tune of $16,000.

Would it not be better to get his family situated in a way that they can get out from under the heavy burden they have now?

Everyone's generosity is absolutely heartwarming. But unless the money is going towards a long term realistic solution, it will only prolong his family's agony.
I cannot in good conscience send money I need for my family's expenses for a short term 'fix' that won't actually fix anything. (paying a mortgage on a place he sadly cannot afford).

Gideon is offering a trailer. The cottage can be refurbished. I suspect many homesteaders on this site have extra building materials "just in case". I'm only on a double lot and even I have a few "just in case" things myself! LOL

If I weren't so far away, I'd be willing to haul my supplies over too. But I'd be willing to try to come up with a bit to add to a contstruction fund that would be a real solution.

**ladycat** · #95 09/14/06, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gideon

Ken, I can move anything that you can pick up(used trailer or camper)to your land and set it up for you. I have screw machines to anchor it down/etc. If worse comes to worse I have a 22 ft camper(bad floor in main section) you can borrow through the winter. You have my E address and will help anyway needed. Money is tight here also but can physically help. If you come across a real house nearby I will move it to your land for you-gratis. Best I can do my buddy,wc

Here's the trailor offer. How about it, Kenneth?

Ken Scharabok · #96 09/14/06, 05:59 PM

One side aspect of the RV & cottage combo is it reduces potential liability of those contributing the labor and/or materials. Say rewiring wasn't done properly and it causes a fire resulting in injury or death. One might say Kenneth and/or family would not sue, but I have heard enough horror stories along those lines. (And signed waivers of liability usually aren't worth the paper they are written on.)

With the TV & cottage it simplifies potential liability issues and allows Kenneth and family to rehab cottage of bit at a time. This month's project is to find and purchased a used shower stall. Next month a used commode. Next month a used sink/cabinet combo. Next month pays to run septic and water lines to cottage. Next month a licensed contractor to hook up the bath. Same gets done for kitchen and one window.

Thus, weekend project might be to move contents of cottage to cargo box and get a living room in the cottage ready. I personally don't see the need to connect RV to cottage. Ramp with railing though is an excellent idea.

Bite off rehab a bit at a time and a cottage eventually up to code probably adds more to property value than cost of upgrade.

God helps those who help themselves.

kitty32_z8 · #97 09/14/06, 06:15 PM

Kenneth. You might want to check out freecycle.org and craigslist for free materials and a used trailer for the time being.

teresab · #98 09/14/06, 06:20 PM

Great Idea MaryNY. This is what it's all about..putting our heads together and helping each other out. The travel trailer/cottage would work and again it's all about baby steps. OK...have some extra money..purchase x, next month y, no extra money this month that's OK we have a roof over our heads and that's the most important thing.

Wayne02 · #99 09/14/06, 06:41 PM

I thought I read something in one of the posts that the keys would be changed on the mobile on October 10th? Is that correct? If it is that would be the drop dead date... which is only 25 calendar days (18 business days) from today Sept.14th.

I don't want to discount at all peoples stated desire to help as far as refurbishing the cottage, home depot gift certs, habitat humanity, home makeover etc. I think all the outpouring of ideas and offers to help from this community is simply incredible, and may very well be highly beneficial as Ken progress through this journey. But I think for the here and now, decisions need to be made and action taken within the next couple days so that Ken and his family will at least have a roof over their head in 25 days.

I agree with Ken S. that the only realistic pressure relief is to let them take back the mobile (as hard as that may be). And, I still maintain that a used RV is the way to go in this situation. Again, one of the big benefits of an RV is it has much of the needed infrastructure already present - toilet, stove, heat, bed etc. As mentioned earlier one of the biggest drawbacks of using an RV in this type of situation is just getting the thing transported to your property. You have an offer on the board right now to help with that.

You already have the utilities on the property now that could be hooked up to the rv (that's huge in and of itself). The RV will be small and cramped, and probably not too pretty, but at least it will be a roof over the families head, and most importantly provide some breathing room for the immediate crisis.

25 days sounds like a lot when we are all sitting comfortably behind our computers typing messages about this situation, but believe me it will be gone in a flash. While I'm well aware of the power of teamwork (if a group decides to rebuild the cottage), I also know that things very seldom get completed as fast as planned. If I understand the situation correctly there are literally precious few days left to act?

mightybooboo · #**100** 09/14/06, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne02

Again, one of the big benefits of an RV is it has much of the needed infrastructure already present - toilet, stove, heat, bed etc. As mentioned earlier one of the biggest drawbacks of using an RV in this type of situation is just getting the thing transported to your property. You have an offer on the board right now to help with that.

You already have the utilities on the property now that could be hooked up to the rv (that's huge in and of itself). The RV will be small and cramped, and probably not too pretty,

Ya'll hit on a gem of an idea.

RV has all the utilities.
Cabin has extra space.
Ken should have all the hookups there,may need to move em around.

Ive seen these very things but cant find a link.
I will look further....

What folks do is build a cabin with a 'porch' on it,under the carport/porch you park the rv,3-4 feet between the 2 Rv and cabin.Porch protects the rv roof,and keeps you dry moving between the two.

You get lots of extra space with the cabin that has no utilities of any kind.Use your imagination on lighting/heating the cabin,just be safe.

Up to Ken if he wants to try this,or if an RV is legal to live in on his property.

Is he private or is he out in the open to prying eyes?

BooBoo