Building Rabbit Hutches

I recently accepted the challenge to build rabbit hutches from scratch. It was an adventure that you can watch below. I learned a lot, but would do a few things different next time.

The biggest mistake I made was my hardwarecloth was too thin. I used a smaller guage (thickness of wire) than needed.This makes the cages seem flimsey and when the rabbits walk on it, the floor bends and bows. If I had to do it again that would be the biggest change.

The second change is that I would use something called "J" clips instead of hog rings. The hog rings should work fine, but the "J" clips would have kept the seams tighter protecting the rabbits from sharp edges.

Other than that, they turned out pretty well. It was a good learning experience, and now I have my first rabbits.

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Ben and Dan on a Log II

Danny, from The Daily Prep, and I hooked up to catch up on a log. It was cold! So we warmed up with a small fire and some hot coco. We talked about things like children, shot show, and backyard homestead. Check it out here.

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Pleasant Hearth

We bought our homestead (ie home) with a decorative fireplace. It was inefficient and didn't draft properly. I sold it for $50 and bought a Pleasant Hearth 1800 sq ft wood burning stove. $700 at Lowes was well worth it, compared to the extreme heating costs.

I heat mostly with wood now. Our basement is a mother in-law apartment with central heating. That cost a pretty penny, but from the main floor and above it's about $160/year. 

This stove is rated for 1800 sq ft, and we use it for more than 2200 sq ft. It doesn't turn our home into a sauna, but it keeps us comfortable (something the limited duct system cannot do). We bought a cord of wood for $160 (delivered) and it will last us all winter.

Positives:

• Efficient: can burn on a few logs all night.
• Amazing Draft: keeps the glass clean and allows for low flow and high heat.
• Only costs $700
• One cord ($160) per winter

Negative:

• Only rated for 1800 sq ft.
• loud blower

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Driveway French Drain Repair

The driveway was sloped away from the french drain and all the water was flowing into the garage. I installed a drain the entire width of the driveway to prevent further water damage. This is my journey.

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Basement Bathroom Remodel

The picture says it all. I had to do something about it. I tore out the tub, surround, floor, toilet, and put in a new tile shower, tile floor and toilet. Now you know why I've been so busy. First video of three below. Take it for what it is.

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Water Harvesting Legal In Utah!

I've been doing a lot of planing and research for my Urban Homestead Project, and one of those topics is rain catchment. I have thought for some time that rain catchment is illegal in the state of Utah. They have some pretty funky water rights laws.

For those of you who read the comments on this video, no this is not because of mormon's or because of republicans. It is because Utah is a very dry state and the water rights are based on highest priority (ie farmers and city water).

However, while studying for my Real Estate License I learned where one can look up water rights. I went to the water rights web page and found under FAQs that water catchment is legal in the state of Utah as of May 11, 2010! I can use the rain that falls from the sky! I would have any way, but it's nice to know that it is officially allowed. The details on the law are below.

Is the practice of harvesting rainwater legal in Utah? http://www.waterrights.utah.gov/wrinfo/faq.asp

Rainwater harvesting is now legal in the state of Utah, starting May 11 2010. Senate Bill 32 was approved in the 2010 session that provides for the collection and use of precipitation without obtaining a water right after registering on the Division of Water Rights web page (waterrights.utah.gov). There is no charge for registration.Storage is limited to one underground 2500 gallon container or two above ground 100 gallon containers. Collection and use are limited to the same parcel of land owned or leased by the rainwater collector.
To read SB 32 in its entirety click here.
To register to harvest rainwater click here.

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You CAN Dig a Hole and Call it a Pool!

I've been doing some research on building a pond in my back yard. I wanted something that I could raise fish in. Because of the small size of my yard, I will most likely use Koi or Bluegill. However, I also wanted something I could cool off in. I started searching for swimming pond and found this.

Natural Swimming pools are an ever more popular permaculture trend in Europe. I had never heard of nor seen them in the United States. I plan to bring it to my back yard... eventually.

I think it is an excellent alternative for someone considering a pool. You can plant edible pond plants, grow edible fish, and use natural biofiltration to keep it clean. Not to mention the potential water storage. You might not save a ton on the construction, but maintenance is sure to save you an arm and a leg.

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Urban Homestead Project

I've taken the step of seeking out and entering into a buying agreement (REPC) to purchase a property that I will call the Urban Homestead Project! I will be sharing this project with you step by step; everything I learn.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional. I have never done this before. I have read A LOT, which might help.

The property is approximately 280' by 80' (.5 acres). It includes two houses, a tool shed and a barn. It is fairly wooded and backed by a canal on one short side. It is located in the middle of the Salt Lake Valley.

The main house has a 2200 sqft main house with 3 beds and 2 bath. It also includes an 800 sqft basement apartment with 2 beds and 1 bath.

The 2nd house known as the cottage is 800 sqft with 1 bed and 1 bath. The tool shed is about 200 sqft and has power. The barn is about 160 sqft.

The property needs A LOT of work. I will be dividing the work into different projects and will be sharing what I learn with you all. I also plan on using my recently acquired youtube account.

My buddy Dan at TheDailyPrep.com made a video as well.

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