[Cob] 2000 sq ft cob?

[Taylor Publishing-DirtCheapBuilder]

If a person needs (or wants) a 2000 sf house, isn't it better for them to make it from cob than to make it using conventional, power- and resource-hogging construction materials? 
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Gabe, you bring up a good point.  Enthusiasm needs to be tempered with reality.  

One could say nothing and let the cob newbie jump into starting a large cob home, only to fail from exhaustion, leaving an abandoned job site, wasted energy and funds, and requiring the need for more funds for another home to be built.

Or one can give them the reality of how much work it really will be, and help them understand the commitment BEFORE they invest their life's energy. workshops can only give a small understanding, but many have built entire small homes after just a taste of the process, so it can be done.

This  unrealistic expectation comes up a lot in the straw bale world.  People assume they get a house by tossing bales up with a happy crew, tying them down and spraying on some plaster and they're done.  Apparently many many owner builders get so discouraged along the way due to the intricacies of straw detailing, all the regular issues of wiring, plumbing, codes, inspections etc. that some run out of money only part way in to it, and their dreams die.

the architects and pro builders have to dissuade people all the time, and they talk about how to best give them the harsh reality without people giving up entirely.

SO Amanda has a good point too, she was expressing HER opinion to a  cob egroup who understands. Heck, I mouth off all the time about things, but usually don't yell at the inquiring person directly,  we all have tender feelings and sensitivities. 

Ms. Charmaine  Taylor/ Taylor Publishing
PO Box 375, Cutten   CA 95534 707-441-1632    books at dirtcheapbuilder.com
 http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com    http://www.papercrete.com