Howard and Berni are now neighbors after completion of a multi stage project over 10 years.
The timing of the steps was dictated by:
Sale of Melbourne properties.
Care of two ailing family members.
Moving both to Benalla (Cooinda nursing home) and small houses within walking distance.
SOAPY STEPS (be careful)
Step 1.
Purchase two dwellings on the same title as tenant in common (two equal shares).
Step 2.
Fence the rear and rent one house out.
Step 3.
Subdivide to enable each house to be owned separately.
Step 4.
Erect the Studio on the spare land while the house is rented.
Step 5.
Erect the Sleep-out.
Step 6.
Renovate the roof and outside of the old houses.
Step 7.
Renovate the inside of house 2. Move in.
Step 8.
Renovate and extend house 1. Move in.
Step 9.
Rent the Sleep-out with shared use of the kitchen.
New buildings are solar oriented and follow the four golden rules of good design related to sunlight, open spaces, access and privacy.
The owners have a website www.soap.org.au describing benefits of passive solar orientation.
To read more about this house in the Owner Builder magazine, click here.
To find out more about the NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) click here.
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