Land-HO!

After three months of searching and one month of negotiating, etc. we have finally closed on the 40 acres in Michigan that we think is going to be the perfect new homestead for the Warners and the start of Big Head Farm.

Despite all of the government bailouts we had one heck of a time obtaining financing for the land, mostly because we still own our condo in Chicago (which is on the market if anyone is interested!) My husband and I are both going to get out and find additional jobs to help get us through and to pay for the extra costs. We also need to begin planning and saving for building our new home. There are two homesites that were on the property but have since fallen down or been dismantled. We have to explore those some more and also apply for perc tests, septic and well permits.

Our first project will be to build a simple pole barn and have electric run out to it. We’ll heat it and plumb it so that it cal also serve as our temporary shelter while we work on building our home.

The home is going to be interesting because it will be made from recycled shipping containers. They cost a few thousand dollars each and will need some modifications in order to make them livable. The entire thing will be housed in a simple metal building. We have plans to use geo-thermal and wood burning boiler to heat and cool the house. I’d also like to build a wind turbine and have some solar panels for electric. I suppose we will need to plan for emergencies with some sort of home generator. There’s a lot still to work out and figure out how we are going to pay for all of it.

I have almost completed the business plan. There are still some pieces that need to be filled in . I am hoping to find some grants and possibly some angel investors so we can get started. Once the condo sells we will really be able to save since that is most of our current expenses.