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  • mitchntx

    Sarcasm Sensei
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    Jan 15, 2012
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    For almost two years, we've been scouring the area looking for a parcel of land to purchase, work and eventually build on.
    I thought my criteria was simple ... ~20 acres, water, reasonable access, wooded, 3-4K/acre ...

    What I found was pick three ... and compromise on the other two.

    Beginning about November 1st, we began rethinking our long-term plans and looking at remodeling our current home. The goal is to make the space more live-able for our lifestyle and modernize.

    We've already updated the kitchen, replaced all the flooring, repainted 80% of the interior, painted the exterior and we built a massive 24x54 metal shop with a lift. It's also 9 years away from being paid for and the current mortgage in 3%.

    We have decided to stay put.

    This year, we plan on updating and re-configuring the two bathrooms. One bath is pretty simple ... new countertop and sinks and fixtures and a coat of paint. The other is more extensive ... remove never used garden tub and existing shower and make a single, large walk-in shower, add storage, paint and tile.

    The other project is to add about 500 square feet of space ... mostly living space, but part of it will be a "safe room".

    I would like to hear thoughts on what your safe-room would contain?
    Texas SOT
     

    breakingcontact

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    Oct 16, 2012
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    Very interesting. The walls and door(s) of the safe room would be an entire discussion.

    As far as contents go...securely stored but readily accessible handgun, shotgun, flashlights, batteries, hard wired land line phone and cell phone (on charger), AC/DC battery backup, whistle or air horn, hatchet, leatherman and on and on.

    Could this also be a reasonable tornado shelter?
     

    Byrd666

    Flyin' 'round in circles........somewhere
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    Dec 24, 2012
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    Hill County
    In some of the description of what you are wanting, I'd start with a 48' or 53' shipping container and add wiring and windows, etc. as needed. You can "cut" a door/access into the existing swinging door if desired. There are people all around that are using shipping containers as a primary residence, and some of them look really nice. Inside and out. And they are hurricane proof. So if tied down properly, the should do what you need.

    Just a thought.

    And is what I plan on doing when I buy the adjoining property to where the house is I'm buying.
     
    Last edited:

    mitchntx

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    hmmm ... interesting concept ...

    So far I'm looking at concrete block walls, prefab concrete walls and I've talked with a couple who have built the exterior walls using 2x6 framing with 1 1/4" plywood and wall board which gives a "normal" appearance.

    lots of possibilities

    I appreciate all thoughts and suggestions.
     

    HKaltwasser

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    hmmm ... interesting concept ...

    So far I'm looking at concrete block walls, prefab concrete walls and I've talked with a couple who have built the exterior walls using 2x6 framing with 1 1/4" plywood and wall board which gives a "normal" appearance.

    lots of possibilities

    I appreciate all thoughts and suggestions.

    Concrete block walls is what I would do, reinforced with 5,8's rebar filled with cement. I would sink the rebar (hooked and tied into the foundation rebar) in the new foundation to make it more rigid from floor to wall. I've had this thought as well when I start to do the rest of my house. Maybe a 3/8's steel sheet door with interior hinges.

    As far as finding acreage for 3-4k, I think those days are long gone unless you want to live in BFE without municipal utilities. Or maybe the market is just too jacked around Austin.
     

    mitchntx

    Sarcasm Sensei
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    3K land is out there. Found a few places.

    27ac for 70K ... no water, fences were trashed and the road noise was unbelievable.

    Other places were land locked with the only access through a power line right-of-way.

    Every place was in BFE ...
     

    Willy

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    Aug 28, 2009
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    Ellis County
    I have considered building a safe room in a new home build. I would put a hidden entrance to that room in the master bedroom closet. The gun safe(s) would be placed on the wall facing the most exposed part of the house for extra protection. I would include my mancave stuff. (fridge, TV, video camera monitoring and control, UPS) I might consider a second exit from the room. Maybe another hidden door into the kitchen pantry or a ceiling door access to the attic. Don't forget ventilation, since there will be no windows. You might consider one of those tubular skylights for natural daytime light.
     
    Last edited:

    HKaltwasser

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    3K land is out there. Found a few places.

    27ac for 70K ... no water, fences were trashed and the road noise was unbelievable.

    Other places were land locked with the only access through a power line right-of-way.

    Every place was in BFE ...


    Are you close to Stephenville by any chance? I have lots up family up there, lived there for a short while too, and just went up there thursday for an interview with an oilman. Good thing, I landed a nice flowback/environmental cleanup job in the field. My cousin is swat and his twin is in SPD up there.

    They said land has gotten exspensive up there as well. I don't even want to talk about how much I paid for my current property, good thing is it's worth double that 7 years later.....bad thing, it reflects that in taxes :(
     

    mitchntx

    Sarcasm Sensei
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    Jan 15, 2012
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    They said land has gotten exspensive up there as well.

    Halfway between FW and Stephenville.

    Sub 10ac is 8-10K an acre, 10-15ac is 8K, 20-25ac is 5-7K/acre

    With access, water and electric, decent fences and land that isn't solid rock and cedars goes up from there.
     
    Every Day Man
    Tyrant

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