![]() ![]() Think about it–with a few exceptions, grass is grown all over the world. A third reason might be that it is very sustainable and easy to source locally. ![]() The second is that it is extremely cheap. The first is that it is an extremely good insulator. What is it that makes straw bale construction a good choice for off grid building? Two great characteristics really. As more and more people find out about the benefits, we see more and more straw bale homes popping up. Staw bale construction has also become much more popular over the last several years. While true “apples to apples” comparisons are hard to come by (because most people don’t build the exact same house 2 different ways), most experts estimate that an ICF house would be less than 10% more expensive on the front end. Because concrete is a more expensive building material, the upfront cost is more than a stick home would be. On the negative end of insulated concrete forms is the initial upfront cost. And because the structure is rebar-reinforced concrete, it’s much more resistant to storm winds, earthquakes, fires, etc. ![]() This temperature advantage translates to a significantly lower energy requirement, which makes off-grid living much more possible. Because the concrete has a lot of thermal mass, it’s much less susceptible to changing outside air temps, and the inside stays incredibly temperate. The advantages of this type of construction are basically two-fold: structural strength, and extreme energy efficiency. Insulated concrete forms are basically a “concrete sandwich.” That’s right, picture a concrete wall that is 6-12″ thick, and then on both the interior and the exterior of the wall are thick sheets of insulating concrete foam. In general however, there are a few different off-grid building methods that many people here are interested in. If your goal is to live a more ecologically sustainable life, then you will want to focus more on green building techniques that can be constructed with locally sourced materials. On the other hand, if your primary driver is trying to avoid a monthly payment, then your focus needs to be on cost savings–any way you can get it. What Kind of House?Īs mentioned above, the type of house that you are looking to buy or build depends highly on your motives. But all things considered, Utah is an awesome place to set up your off grid lifestyle. An arid climate, and extreme temperatures at both ends of the spectrum require that off gridders here have some backbone and a little creativity. And there are lots of builders and contractors here that understand the lifestyle. It’s full of people with an independent, self sufficient mindset. Real estate here is more affordable than it is in lots of places in the country. It has acres and acres of “outskirts” and rural property, with great fishing and great hunting. Utah is an awesome place to set up your grid independent life. It will be the backdrop that colors your lifestyle during this next chapter. When we begin with our clients, that’s the first thing we ask, because that underlying motive really does affect everything else. The truth is, we identify with several reasons for wanting to live off grid. And as far as we’re concerned, they’re all great reasons. Maybe it’s all 3 of those, or maybe it’s something different altogether, but no matter what it is, we all have our reasons. So why is it that you want to live off grid? And why here in Utah? Is it because you want to reduce your costs or avoid having a monthly payment on a house? Is it because you don’t want to depend on the fragile grid to supply you with all of your necessities? Or perhaps you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle? Why Do You Want To Live Off Grid… and Why In Utah? Take a look at the off grid properties for sale below, or read more on our recommendations and advice for going off grid in Utah. Or if you prefer, we will help you find some land for sale with grid-independent potential, that you can build your own house on (and put you in touch with the best off grid contractors we know). We are excited to help you find your own little off grid cabin on a property that makes sense. Yes, if you are trying to live off-grid in Utah, you’ve come to the right place. Why did we pick such a narrow niche? Because we’re passionate about it. We love solar power and water wells, and fruit orchards, and battery banks, and livestock. And as far as we have seen, we’re the only agents in Utah that do. If you’re looking for real estate agents that specialize in off grid homes for sale in Utah, we’re it. We specialize exclusively in homestead and off-grid properties. ![]()
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