Getting Started Day 1

Majority of the mesquite dug out and ready to clear.
Digging up the mesquite trees on the property.



Our family of 8 recently moved from the suburbs, with all the conveniences of city life, to the country where it takes a good 10 minutes just to drive down our dusty dirt road. Some may wonder, why? Well my husband and I decided to purchase some land and to build our own home not only because it would be a great investment, but to have better control of our global foot print and to allow our children to grow in character and perseverance that come with helping your parents build a home.

So this is Day 1, it is our intent to keep a blog journal of all the ups and downs of building a Rammed Earth Home in Arizona. Today our land was cleared and bushes removed for both the master house and guest house.

After much research we decided on a Rammed Earth home because it is cost efficient, we will be able to use natural resources readily available in our immediate area, it has a year round climate that will not be a drain on purchased energy and a cost savings, and it is safer from a fire stand point than a common wood structured home.

We are designing a 2,800 sq ft home with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open kitchen, laundry room and family room. We will also be building simultaneously a guest home 820 sq ft with one bedroom and bath.

Our skill level is master carpenter, Kevin (my husband) has multiple years experience of building and remodeling homes throughout Georgia. So we will be able to save an extensive amount of money because much of the work can be done by him.

To say the journey begins here would not be true as we have spent many days and sleepless nights planning for this adventure. But alas, we must begin somewhere so here is the best time to begin our written and visual journal.

Keep us in your prayers and keep the communication coming as we can only learn from doing our best and hearing from others.