tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745225665858342108.post2340208385454318396..comments2023-10-07T03:15:00.420-07:00Comments on Building An Earthbag Home in Northern New Mexico: Why Natural Materials?Aly b.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06859178279929107190noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745225665858342108.post-84759019615480177672011-03-10T16:57:36.327-08:002011-03-10T16:57:36.327-08:00I would partially agree. Building codes, obviously...I would partially agree. Building codes, obviously, are a huge determining factor in what people can and do build. However, as you yourself point out, going into uncharted territories and doing things that may require a lot more work and innovation, such as by reading the 800 pages, is also a significant limiter to change. I've read thousands of pages of material in order to prepare for building a house. If I was a conventional contractor interested in doing natural building, I would have to read thousands of pages and essentially learn a new skill--I assume a somewhat daunting and undesirable prospect for one who is already good at what they do. That doesn't mean, however, that it's not available. The status quo limits us, but we also limit ourselves.Aly b.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06859178279929107190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745225665858342108.post-31864857487244097632011-03-10T14:46:11.001-08:002011-03-10T14:46:11.001-08:00Actually, the biggest reasons contractors build ex...Actually, the biggest reasons contractors build expensive, over-engineered mansions with toxic manufactured products is because government-mandated and enforced building codes require it. Even New Mexico has building codes, and though there are codes for Earth architecture, unless you memorize that 800-page tome, you're likely violating a bunch of them. Whether they're enforced in your area or against people like you is another matter, of course.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com