Square Feet: 1688 exterior, 1344 interior
Load-bearing structure
Earthen plaster exterior, gypsum plaster interior
House Construction Costs ONLY- does not include figures for land purchase, financing, studio construction, some tools, and travel trailer.
| Architectural Plans | $1680.00 | Drafting of "to code" house plans by professional draftsperson |
| Utilities Hookup | $499.59 | Electric power materials 200Amp service box & meter, ground rods, etc. Water pipe & fittings to bring running water to building site from well. |
| Septic System | $1,500.00 | Septic tank and installation by professional (not me). |
| Concrete Foundation | $7,642.00 | Cement slab subcontractor labor & materials fees for preparing housesite with rebar & wire mesh, and pouring and smoothing cement slab. |
| Sidewalks/Driveways | $174.38 | Concrete & other materials for west side utility area "floor." |
| Waterproofing | $18.42 | Henry 107 for above the footer, under the strawbale walls (required by local Tucson/Pima County code) |
| Strawbales | $1,597.00 | Total of 464 strawbales (delivered) for exterior walls of house and studio. |
| Fireplace/Wood burning stove | $1,253.80 | Chimney parts and new freestanding woodburning stove. |
| Framing Labor | $415.00 | Labor fees of experienced and learning helpers for trusses and roof sheathing. |
| Rough Lumber/Materials | $4,771.15 | Miscellaneous line item of lumber, rebar, allthread, screws, nails, etc. that includes materials from window & door bucks built in March, 2000 through shelving built in November, 2001. |
| Trusses | $1,985.28 | Wooden trusses (manufactured by local company, Lumberyards Inc.), nails and simpson ties for roof trusses. |
| Sheathing | $1,611.63 | OSB (particle board), nails and clips for roof sheathing. |
| Plumbing | $4,772.42 | Supply lines, intermediate plumbing, and fixtures. Rough-in plumbing was done by subcontractor (Desert Women Plumbing) for $2,600.00, included in total plumbing cost figure above. |
| Electrical | $3,490.87 | Wire, outlet and switch boxes, receptacles and switches, conduit, fans, lights, subpanel, breakers, etc. |
| Insulation | $1,577 | Materials and installation by Gale Insulation, local company (ceiling, R-32, and walls, R-11). |
| Plaster | $5,885.44 | Earthen plaster materials and some labor on exterior (done by ourselves and volunteers, with some help by hired hands). Gypsum plaster materials and labor for interior done by professional crew. |
| Heating, Venting and Cooling | $1,525.10 | Materials for radiant floor heating system, evaporative cooler, and cooler venting and registers. |
| Gutters | $525 | Materials and labor for professional gutter company. |
| Interior Doors & Trim | $1,533.87 | Materials for wood doors, frames, and hardware |
| Drywall | $2,716.18 | Ceilings and walls materials and labor for outside crew to hang, tape and texture. Received coving material for free. |
| Windows & Patio Doors | $3,351.59 | Windows and patio (French) doors, installed by ourselves. |
| Painting | $675.59 | Paints, brushes, etc., applied by ourselves. |
| Roofing | $2,839.73 | Beautiful green BHP metal roof, roofing felt & fasteners, caulking, etc. |
| Cabinets | $3,551.11 | Kitchen cabinets, shelving and hardware, installed by myself. |
| Countertops | $1,000.00 | Formica countertop material and installation by professional company. |
| Finish Carpentry | $1,032.69 | Trim materials and hired labor (crafstman/friend). |
| Flooring | $1,110.83 | Cement slab floor stain (acid wash) & sealer, and rugs. |
| Bath Accessories | $213.18 | Mirrors, hooks, holders, etc. |
| Tub/Shower Enclosures | $1,900.18 | Cast iron tubs, installed by myself; cultured marble material and install by professional company. |
| Appliances | $685.87 | Dishwasher, water heater; all others given to us by friends. |
| Landscaping | $669.90 | Plants, trees, weedwacker, drip system, installed by Michelle. |
| Consultant Fees/Supervision | $537.00 | Fees for master builder Jon Ruez, strawbale guru. |
| Fire Sprinklers | $1,800.00 | Cutler Fire Protection Company plan, materials, installation in house and studio. |
| TOTAL | $65,105.37 | $39/sq. ft. |