Thanks for putting this all together. We're just getting ready to do an O-B (in the same town as one of your moderators, Kirsten, ironically) and I've been asking myself 'Are you crazy to think you can do this?' Mark Frazier

Raymond E's Forum Posts: 4
Journal Entries: 5
Interview Answers: 71
Average Forum Rating: 3.60


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Pahrump Lot up for sale.

Posted to PahrumpProject by Raymond E in Spokane, WA on 1/17/2010

Alas, I have finally given up on the owner-builder mystique. With the economy the way it is, and with the rising cost of all materials, we have decided to take advantage of the market glut and purchase a home. While thoroughly enjoying my time on the property, I have given in to one brutal concession. CITY HALL. It seems as if though some individuals live to create havoc with people who enjoy the challenge of being free spirits. That  along with the natural aging process made it a decision I had to make.

I have decided to put my lot up for sale.

Slight setback

Posted to PahrumpProject by Raymond E in Spokane, WA on 4/14/2009

In May, 2008 I underwent knee surgery. This has created a slowdown in actual work but has not stopped the planning process. I worked on site through August, September, October and part of November. I got some of the bids for the planned work, and did some work of my own on the lot. I was experiencing some discomfort to my knee. On my return to Spokane my surgeon diagnosed it as tendonitis. I was refered for physiotherapy at a later date.

While in Pahrump, I purchased a 2000 model 25' travel trailer to live in while I was on site. The pump for the well was installed and the well purged. I erected a pumphouse with some help from my neighbor Mike with the rafters and door installation. As he was a contractor himself, I gleaned much information from him.

Also, 90' of gravel driveway was laid. Shovel, rake, compactor and a rental Kubota tractor were my choice of weapons for this project. In November I noticed that my operated-on knee was not responding as well as it had been earlier. I decided to head back to Spokane for some consultation with my surgeon. While there we had some of the heaviest snow on record on record for the area. In January I headed for Arizona and a respite from the "white blanket".

On returning from the too-short a vacation my surgeon set me up with a therapy program for the balky knee. I am undergoing physiotherapy as well as ultrasound and electrotherapy on the knee as well as the R hip which has been compensating for the problems presented by L knee.

In the meantime my wife and I have attended two area home shows and visited a multitude of furniture, appliance and housing material vendors. We have been looking at options presented by different merchants in door, window, roofing, and flooring selections.

Photos

25' trailer	culvert installation	Lottsa shoveling
more to shovel	Getting there	coffee break
Wheeew. Lot of raking....	Done.	Pump ready to go into the well casing.
Pumphouse being laid out. Materials in the background.	Pad being laid.	Floor
ready for framing	Building walls. First mess-up. Should have gone with 16" on center.	erected framing
Mike, help much appreciated.	Almost done with rafters.	Up on the roof.
Siding up.	Felt on the roof, drip edging going on.	Shingles on.
Pump housing bumpout.	Pumphouse done. Power is next step. All the underfloor pipe installation is insulated with loose fill and 2" foam board framed w'2x lumber. Interior of house is insulated with fiberglass bats. Interior wall sheathing and shelves will be going in as time permits.

Home at last

Posted to PahrumpProject by Raymond E in Spokane, WA on 3/2/2008 12:20:14 PM

Home at last. In mid Feb. I journeyed down to the property. While there I visited with a few of the folks I need to clarify things with and to gather more info on my project. I also looked around for a beater truck to haul stuff around the building site. Surprisingly I came up with a real good deal. $3,200 later I am now the owner of a 4x4 F-150 Ford. I want to thank the Nugget (casino) in Pahrump as they took my $20 bill and transformed it into four aces and a $2,000 jackpot. Bingo, 2/3 of the price for the truck paid off. This occurred as I was waiting for the guy who sold the truck to me... We met for lunch and discussion on the deal. Only one 20 dollar bill went into that slot machine, I might add.

Photos

2008

Posted to PahrumpProject by Raymond E in Spokane, WA on 1/10/2008 4:10:33 PM

2008 is the year that it will start in earnest. Jan 30 is my last work day in Kuwait. I will depart on 31 Jan if all goes as planned. First stop will be in Spokane, WA. I will unwind and start to gather all that is needed for the first steps of adding to what has been done to date... Darn, I hate paperwork... But it is a necessary evil. I will post a few pictures here today, a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Photos

In the beginning

Posted to PahrumpProject by Raymond E in Spokane, WA on 9/18/2007 10:51:17 AM

The formative years for this project began in 1997. I applied for work in Kuwait. Bucks in the bank being the aim. Now, after 10 long years, I will embark on that long-term vision that my Lifemate and I have. As the project now stands, we have fenced two sides of our property and had a well drilled. Soil samples for the foundation and septic are done. I am awaiting the results. The property in Pahrump, NV, 1 1/4 acre corner lot, was purchased in 1998.

Photos

Posted by Raymond E in Spokane, WA on 9/19/2007 Raymond E's Forum Posts: 4 Journal Entries: 5 Interview Answers: 71 Average Forum Rating: 3.60 My Construction Website Raymond E's Selected Image 9/19/2007

I would like to hear from those that have used steel interior framing and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in the construction of their homes. Wind power generators as well. I plan to use straw bales for my privacy wall. Any information and advice would be greatly appreciated.