Rancho progress 2019

When we last discussed Rancho Status Quo I shared the progress from phase one of transforming the metal building/garage into a tiny house.  A loft, bathroom and kitchen were built.  Now phase two is underway!  As a reminder, we purchased this land way back in 1998 and have been very slowly developing it over time - the goal is an off grid, low cost, self-sufficient dwelling that we can (mostly) build ourselves. 

Our last project included getting the water running from our solar well so that we are able to use our toilet and septic system.  The project included using a handyman jack to lift the well cap and the associated weight of both the simple pump and our solar pump which both hang nearly 170' to the static water level.  We then installed an air displacement valve after chipping off the seal we installed years ago which was sealed so tight it wouldn't allow any air in to displace the water.

This all happened back in August and we were able to spend a few more weekends there over the next couple months as we prepared for construction to begin on the second half of the building.

Just to remind you the front side of the building had a garage door and looked like this:

This month construction is underway to transform the front of the building into a more traditional entrance. The inside will be transformed as well with a second loft and a bedroom for the parents!

It's all quite exciting - this 500 square foot house will offer all the comforts and will be powered by solar and some propane.

On our last visit we enjoyed a full moon that lit up the night sky so much we could see our moon shadows.  Here are a few pictures I took on that bright night - you can see the moon shadow of the tree on the building!  These were taken without a flash on the night mode setting of my camera.  The interior of the building is lit with candles (we don't yet have power).

Our plan is to use this land and this tiny house as a rural base of operations.  City living is necessary due to our jobs, but rural living is our preference.  We also hope to use this house during the hottest summer months to try and avoid the heat of the Phoenix area.  The area is beautiful and I would love to live there during the growing season and cultivate a greenhouse full of produce....but one thing at a time!  We also have no intention of abandoning RV life.  RV living solves a lot of problems and gives us a ton of freedom. 

Here is the most recent picture from our contractor....it's very exciting!