Category: Utility Connections
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Solar Power for Cabins
The Pretty Good House (PGH) standard says that a PGH should be designed and built with solar – or photovoltaic (PV) – in mind. That means considering the location, orientation, and design of the roof and electrical system for solar of your cabin. (You can use this free tool to get an idea of what…
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Best Natural Detergents & Soaps
What goes down the drain will affect your drinking water. Nowhere is this more true than in cabins and rural homes using a well and septic system. So not only is it better for the planet (in manufacturer, use, afterlife) to use natural soaps – it’s better for you. If you’re not already familiar –…
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Best Natural Cleaners
What you put down your drains and toilets will affect your drinking water. Nowhere is this more true than in cabins and rural homes using a well and septic system. So not only are natural cleaners better for the planet (in manufacturer, use, and afterlife) – but it’s better for you. If you’re not already…
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Septic System Impact on Drinking Water
If you’re on a septic system – you’re probably also on a well. That means as both your own sewage and water company it’s on you to service one to preserve the other. That said, if you follow your local jurisdiction guidance and pull permits – a properly installed, sited, and maintained septic system will…
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Septic System Upkeep
Being on a septic systems means you are your own sewage company. For that reason, that means it’s in your best interest to take good care of the system and your responsibility to do maintenance and repairs. Septic System Care You’re going to see a direct correlation between what’s good for the earth and your…
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Drinking Water in Rural Areas
Most of your rural builds are going to be dependent on a well or cistern for drinking water. In other words, you’re going to be your own water company. Well and Cistern Systems for Drinking Water There are a handful of things a municipal water source provides that you’ll need to replicate or replace if…
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Cabin Septic Systems
Like your culinary water – a rural home is often on a septic system – making you your own sewage company. This guide will review things to keep in mind when designing and installing cabin septic systems. We have another guide on how to maintain and care for cabin septic systems. Septic System Design There…
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Redundancy Design for Buildings
I love the imagery that “belt and suspenders” provides for redundancy – and we’re big advocates of designing redundancy in at the onset. There’s a direct correlation between how remote a place you’re building and the level of self-reliance required. One step further, I’d argue that as the self-reliance goes up, so does the importance.…
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Best Place to Have a Cabin
If there was one article to read on this entire site – it’s this one. Where you’re building makes all the difference in the world in what materials, designs, methods, equipment, etc. you should be choosing. When you look around a ski resort and see complicated roof facets and stucco – you’re witnessing the opposite…
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