Exciting new rules about “guest houses” in San Diego!

Whether you call them guest houses, granny flats, or second dwelling units, there’s some exciting news about them! New legislation passed in CA lifts some of the restrictions around these units, which are now all called Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Two of the most exciting features of the new rules, which went into effect on Jan 1st, are that detached ADUs can be as large as 1200 sq ft no matter what size the main house is, attached ADUs are now allowed to be as big as 50% of the square footage of the main house, and, if the project is located close to public transportation, the requirement to provide extra onsite parking has been waived. The new rules also make permitting an ADU faster and less expensive. A permitted ADU can legally be rented out, generating steady income for the owner.

This could be huge for San Diego’s affordable housing crisis! Now combine that with natural, non-toxic, carbon-positive building and we can do something real to address our housing crisis in a more sustainable way.

If you would like to explore the possibility of building a high-performance, non-toxic ADU on your property, we’d be happy to help you evaluate your options.

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Wakeham Strawbale Home on the USGBC Green Homes Tour Oct 22

The Wakeham Strawbale Home in Solana Beach (top photo) will be featured on the Tour

For the 5th year in a row, one of our projects has been selected for the San Diego Green Building Council’s Green Homes Tour!

Join us in Solana Beach to tour the Wakeham Strawbale Home. Many of you visited this home during the construction at our Open House-in-Process event, now come and see it finished!

This is just one of the homes on the Tour, check out the USGBC website for more info and to register

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Workshops for the tiny strawbale building for Coral Tree Farm

We’re excited to be making progress on the 120 sq foot turmeric growing building for Coral Tree Farm. We held three wonderful workshops already (framing, straw bales, and clay base plaster) and are looking forward to the Finish Clay Plaster workshop on 8/12. As of 8/8, there is only one spot left in the finish clay plaster workshop, so register soon if you are interested in participating (link to registration).

foundation work
the framing workshop
the straw bale workshop
progress on the clay base plaster
Bales are in, ready for plaster
The last workshop

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Simple Construct honored by CASBA

Mike & I were deeply honored to receive the coveted “Traveling Straw Dog Award for advancing straw building while having fun doing it” at this year’s CA Straw Building Association conference. We couldn’t have done many of the things we’ve been able to do without the knowledge and support provided by CASBA: thank you!

Intro to Carpentry for Women

Back by popular demand! Click here to see what the previous students had to say about this class.

Learn how to safely and effectively use basic hand and power tools in a fun, supportive environment while building a small workbench to take home with you. 

No previous experience with carpentry or fractions required. All tools will be provided for your use during the class. The cost of the ticket includes the cost of the materials for your workbench. Taught by Rebecca Tasker, a general contractor and co-owner of Simple Construct Naturally Healthy Homes. Note: closed-toed, sturdy shoes are required. 

Class size is limited to 4 students so register soon!

 

Straw Bale Article Published

Here is the article about straw bale building that I wrote for Home Power Magazine. Once the viewer loads, click the full-screen icon (the four-cornered box) and zoom in to read. Enjoy! – Rebecca


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Intro to Carpentry Class for Women – sold out!

This class sold out in less than 24 hours so it seems like there is enough interest to do another one soon. If you would like to be notified, make sure to join our mailing list (at bottom of this page). Thanks!

Click here to see photos and hear what the students had to say about this class.

Learn how to safely and effectively use basic hand and power tools in a fun, supportive environment while building a small workbench to take home with you.

No previous experience with carpentry or fractions required. All tools will be provided for your use during the class. The cost of the ticket includes the cost of the materials for your workbench. Taught by Rebecca Tasker, a general contractor and co-owner of Simple Construct Naturally Healthy Homes. Note: closed-toed, sturdy shoes are required. Class size is limited to 5 students so register soon! Sorry, this class is full.

Sale 25% off clay plaster for your home now through Feb 28th

Clay plaster is gorgeous, durable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. It is anti-static, easily repaired, and even helps moderate indoor humidity. It can be made in a wide range of colors and textures and can be installed right over most painted or new drywall in conventional homes. Check out what our clients and colleagues have to say.

We’ve spent the last few months formulating a new recipe for our interior finish clay plaster and training talented new clay plaster artisans and now we’re geared up to rock some beautiful clay plaster for you! To get you excited too, we’re offering our first-ever sale:

25% off materials and installation of interior finish clay plaster!

Contact us today to explore beautiful, healthy clay plaster for your home. More info about clay plaster…

Details: Receive 25% off of the total cost of installing a maximum of 800 square feet interior finish clay plaster, excluding custom color samples and pigment charges. Although clay plaster can be installed over many surfaces, not every situation is appropriate for clay plaster and Simple Construct reserves the right to decline any project. Sale ends midnight (PST) February 28th, 2017.