How much does an earthen house cost?
A fully finished custom cob, adobe or hempcrete home in our service region (Central Texas) starts at $400/square foot. Includes interior & exterior three coat lime plaster. Cost varies greatly based on design choices, location, product choices like roof, floor, doors, windows, built ins, finishes, fixtures, etc. We typically run custom builds at cost plus, with a design-based estimate provided starting at $1000.
Renovations, repairs, restoration are available by bid.
Lime plaster starts at $14/sq ft/wall surface area and varies by substrate, site specifics and desired finishes.
What's the process of working with you?
Our process is as follows:
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Collaborative CAD design / build plans with us starting at $2500 (not architect or engineer certified), or with our in-network architects and engineer (certified for permitting).
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Bid/estimate.
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Deposit. We typically draw 10% of project estimate upfront and hold as a retainer, with biweekly billing
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Contract
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Schedule
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Build. Depending on size/design, custom builds average 1 yr completion.
Do I need permits to build cob and adobe?
Permitting is county specific. Check with your local building code office. "Adobe" is in the code book in most locations, and cob can be considered monolithic adobe. In some cases like rural Texas, permits are not required for anything but septic. Additional costs will be incurred if engineer or architect certified plans are required.
Do I need permits for lime plaster?
Not necessarily. In some states, stucco applicators are required to be licensed. No permits are required for plastering in Texas.
Is earthen building suitable anywhere?
Some modality of natural building is suitable to every location - look to the natural resources and vernacular architecture of your region for hints. In cold climates, modalities with high R-value, like strawbale, is recommended. In hot climates, modalities with high U-value like cob and adobe are recommended. In both cases, thermal mass is beneficial. In wet and snowy areas, foundations and roof overhangs must be substantial to protect walls.
Are there any limitations to natural building?
We do not recommend building over 2,500 sq ft, as earthen building is laborious and time consuming, or above single stories in cob or adobe, as cost increases by 20% every 2 feet above 8 feet.
Is lime plaster suitable anywhere?
Lime plaster is suitable for any and all climates and is applicable to most substrates, both natural and conventional. Lime plaster is antifungal, absorbs humidity, infinitely repairable, nontoxic & VOC free, breathable, air filtering, hypoallergenic, as well as "autogenous" or self healing - because of its chemical composition, minor hairline cracks can actually fill and heal themselves over time as the lime cures. When applied correctly, lime plaster has outstanding durability and longevity, acquiring desirable patina over time rather than degradation. Compatible with mineral pigments for coloring.
Will you build anywhere?
We do not relocate for custom builds, but we do offer both on-site and remote consultation and training throughout the build process for owner-builders and labor forces. We recommend attending our b-annual workshops in congruence with this approach.
We will travel for lime plaster.
How does plumbing and electrical work?
Functionally, like any other construction method. Electrical routes are carved into the wall and plumbing is installed in the foundation.
