Building an Off-Grid Cabin in Lake Isabella, CA

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

The 22-month journey from idea to final inspection. A 726 sq.ft. cabin in Lake Isabella, CA. 100% off-grid electrical (propane heat, cooking, clothes dryer, and fireplace). Panasonic panels, Simpliphi ACCESS w/ Schneider controller/inverter, Simpliphi batteries. 4.8 kW, 10.5 kWh.
Music: Michael J Downey 'The Gathering Storm', 'Acoustic Soundtrack'

Пікірлер: 35

  • @davidcouch3681
    @davidcouch3681 Жыл бұрын

    A cabin, a monument, ... forever grateful for your love of nature, love of humanity, and love of life ❤

  • @ContentAndSerene
    @ContentAndSerene Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful not just the cabin but the appreciation of the land, the smile on your face, memory of pops, and the journey 💝

  • @marklundegren
    @marklundegren3 ай бұрын

    I'm on my way to Lake Isabella in about a week to look at sites for an off-grid house. Thanks for the inspiration ❤️

  • @Z71__
    @Z71__3 жыл бұрын

    Congrats man and sorry for your loss!

  • @sheilaplourde4165
    @sheilaplourde41652 жыл бұрын

    I live in Lake Isabella. This cabin is beautiful!!

  • @LiquidMindOfficial
    @LiquidMindOfficial3 жыл бұрын

    Congratulations Michael, that's wonderful and inspiring, and how good that your Dad was connected to it. Wishing you all the best as you enjoy your labor of love!

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much, Chuck. A labor of love, indeed, especially the week I was able to spend with Dad there. Don't mind telling you how much of 'Laguna Indigo', 'Velvet Morning', 'Society of Dreams' are infused into the walls of that home... And seriously, when you're feeling like a change of scenery, please just let me know. I'll send the address and the lockbox code, and it's yours for the askin'.

  • @LiquidMindOfficial

    @LiquidMindOfficial

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MichaelJDowney2 Thank you for the kind offer Michael, I will keep it in mind.

  • @8754roberto
    @8754roberto3 жыл бұрын

    Congratulations 🎊! Long life for yourself and love ones!

  • @snlynch582
    @snlynch5823 жыл бұрын

    Congrats! We have a 2nd home up there and we love it! All our favorite restaurants are up there. What a view you have!

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Sandra. You're right, there's no place on earth like the Kern River Valley...

  • @lkopl12398
    @lkopl12398 Жыл бұрын

    good for yah may man just patience deserves jsut rewards.

  • @Tinygami
    @Tinygami3 жыл бұрын

    Is there somewhere to park my tiny trailer? ❤️ Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and glad your dad was a part of the process. His connection and love makes it a sacred space.

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    Of course there is, Ms. Tiny ;) Few know the vicissitudes of making a house a home like you, and you're welcome anytime...

  • @pacman5511
    @pacman55113 жыл бұрын

    Damn bro you got me with that line Rip ur pops

  • @wulfclaw4921
    @wulfclaw49213 жыл бұрын

    Awesome ! I have been pretty much doing the same along these lines. Since returning from Iraq I studied alternative building methods. Earthbag, geodesic Domes... rocket mass heating. I'm a Disabled vet but not down without a fight. I just wish I could accomplish completion and put in more time on my music. Anyway, my condolences on your father passing. It's good that you got to spend time together on your place. I reckon you are a mile or two from where I have my place, So Howdy Neighbor ! All the best ! Wulfy

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Wulf, and thank you for your service. Glad to hear you're looking into alternative/earth-friendly building methods. Can be a little overwhelming... feel free to message me and keep me posted with your progress!

  • @ETAYLOREMT
    @ETAYLOREMT3 жыл бұрын

    Great job 👏

  • @orthella1997
    @orthella19973 жыл бұрын

    Ooooh, you're sure a blessed one! Wow, how wonderful is this...#jealous...: D

  • @jeyyoho2070
    @jeyyoho20703 жыл бұрын

    Welcome neighbor...I am interested in going off grid, so I find this inspirational. I'm in the hills of Weldon...this is a beautiful place to live...good luck!

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Jey. I tried finding a one-stop-shopping solar company first. Got three bids from companies in Bakersfield and Ridgecrest averaging around $50k. I ended up buying the components from shopsolarkits.com, had BSW Roofing (Bakersfield) install the panels, my electrician ran the conduit down to the back of the house, and I did the wiring of all the components and in to the main electrical panel of the house. Ended up at around $30k.

  • @Cody_Hiking_Kitty

    @Cody_Hiking_Kitty

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MichaelJDowney2 Thanx for the info. I am looking for a property near your place to build a future home like yours.

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome, @@Cody_Hiking_Kitty. 안녕하세요. Wishing you well in your search. Let me know if you have any questions.

  • @Cody_Hiking_Kitty

    @Cody_Hiking_Kitty

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MichaelJDowney2감사합니다. I do have a question for you. I’m interested in one of the properties on Falcon Dr. I am wondering how people get water for their homes up on the hill. The website says that it will need engineering a well. Thanks.

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    Good morning, @@Cody_Hiking_Kitty, glad to hear you might be our neighbor! The majority of the homes in the canyon have their own wells, some have entered into a well-share agreement, though. Engineering, plans, permits, and cost to install usually around $30-40K. Feel free to email - michael@michaeljdowney.com

  • @erikamalbuena
    @erikamalbuena3 жыл бұрын

    Congratulations!! Do you mind if I ask how much did you spend in total? Saving up so one day I can retired up in Kernville.

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you , Erika. I know the feeling, there's no place like the Kern River Valley. And I can tell you, given the price of homes there, you could find a beautiful, existing home for much less than the $250K or so I spent on the land and building the home. Wishing you well in realizing that dream!

  • @andychen1099
    @andychen10992 жыл бұрын

    Looks great. How about the water?

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Andy. The lake's at about 15% of capacity right now. Hoping for lots of rain/snow this winter!

  • @firstactress
    @firstactress2 жыл бұрын

    Michael, can we do this in CA? I want to

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, Lauren, this is right in the center of CA. Not easy jumping through the hoops with the Bldg Dept, etc, but was so worth it, especially as I watch energy prices rise, and shortages, etc. Good luck to you!

  • @firstactress

    @firstactress

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@MichaelJDowney2 ok, thanks, I am trying to do the same thing in the San Bernardino Mountains but they do not allow many things and I must connect to water. I will try my best to do what you do. I do not want to be connected to the grid.

  • @ETAYLOREMT
    @ETAYLOREMT3 жыл бұрын

    Want to move there but not many houses for sale in my price range.. either too expensive or cheap and in peril..

  • @MichaelJDowney2

    @MichaelJDowney2

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Errol. I hear you. One thing I can say is that the Kern River Valley is blessed with its share of skilled tradespersons and, compared to where I'm moving from (Santa Cruz) they are surprisingly affordable. Wish you well in your search.

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