[Strawbale] Strawbale regrets?...

[Andrew Morrison]

I agree with most of this except the statement that it is less expensive to
build with bales.  Perhaps it would be as far as the wall assembly itself is
concerned; however, the introduction of bales makes electrical, plumbing,
HVAC, and siding more expensive trades.  Plaster is far more expensive than
lap siding unless you do all the work yourself.  As a professional builder,
I find it frustrating to hear people say how cheap straw bale homes are to
build.  In my experience, the opposite is true and people need to know this
if they plan on hiring a professional to build their home.  Yes, they will
save money in the long run, but the house will cost more to build...right
now.

Andrew

Andrew Morrison, General Contractor
A.C. Morrison Construction, LLC
Specializing in Straw Bale Construction 
Andrew at StrawBale.com 
(541) 899-1818             
 www.StrawBale.com A World Leader in Straw Bale Education

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-----Original Message-----
From: strawbale-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:strawbale-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of yevrah
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 7:44 PM
To: SB List; SB-r-us at yahoogroups.com; Mark Frazier
Subject: Re: [Strawbale] Strawbale regrets?...

There isn't enough information to assess why the friend said he'd use double
walls instead of SB.
In some situations SB is not the best choice.
But we don't know what his situation was.
IRT "If it were better, then we'd see that  being done".  Double walls with
blanket insulation is a very common method.  It is preferable to single wall
because it allows for much more insulation and has fewer thermal bridges.
It is part of the R2000 methodology of energy efficient home construction in
Canada; BUT the construction crews must be trained and conscientious in
creating a continuous air and vapour barrier, which is labour intensive.
All those materials can be bought at Home Depot; whereas we cannot, yet, buy
strawbales at HD.
In general, SB construction should achieve the same levels [or better] of
energy efficiency at a lower cost, using less trained people, using less
costly materials, using more environmentally friendly materials, and require
less maintenance over its' life span.
Harvey in Canada
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Frazier" <fritter63 at charter.net>
To: "SB List" <strawbale at listserv.repp.org>; <SB-r-us at yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 1:28 PM
Subject: [Strawbale] Strawbale regrets?...


> Was in Home Depot this morning doing a quick check on materials costs to
> make sure the budget is still valid. We're submitting plans for
> permit next week!
>
> I mentioned to the door and window guy that we were building with SB,
> and his
> comment was:
>
> "I have a friend that's finishing an SB house. He said if he had it
> to do over again,
> he'd just frame up double walls and insulate it normally".
>
> I don't see how that could give you the same quality wall as SB
> would, and I'd imagine
> the cost would be mucho more. If it were better, then we'd see that
> being done instead of
> SB walls, right?
>
> Comments?
>
> _______________________________________________
> Strawbale mailing list
> Strawbale at listserv.repp.org
> http://listserv.repp.org/mailman/listinfo/strawbale_listserv.repp.org


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