The Building Inspector Discovers My Cob House! See What He Says

[@coyotefeather4896]

That building inspector is the freaking man! We need more like him

[@highplainshollarhomestead3188]

The problem with cob is that big corporations cannot patent it, or sell you a product. They have the money. They influence the laws. Cob Is a great material.

[@janetfayard672]

Hopefully the building code fella can positively influence his collegues about the effectiveness of cob

[@CBuxton-EX.HKt.D]

My house is still standing arfter 600 years and its all made of cob on a flint stone foundation ,cool in summer warm and dry in the winter.

[@debbielt514]

@@CBuxton-EX.HKt.Doh that’s Wonderful! Do you have a Living roof? I’m wanting to build a small cob house soon! My kids think I’ve lost my mind. 😊

[@freebirdw6187]

Yes. He shou

[@Zanderman2000]

Cob house does not rot or mold. Of course it can come to pieces if the rain consumes the structure. But in general it can last 10,000 years and still be reused. The earth/adobe you gather from ground is already several million years old. It is the most ecological building material you can find. Does not burn like wood, does not rot like wood, does not damage nature like concrete. Can be used as supporting structure and for thermal insulation. You can also use clay for making roof and floor with tiles. You don't need to oven floor tiles. Fireplace can be also formed from same material. It is insanely versatile. It can be even waterproofed without ovening it. One thing should be kept in mind when building cob house is to build high foundation so that the bouncing rain doesn't hit the walls and consume them. Another thing is to make overlapping large roof with drainpipes and wells so that the rainwater will be directed away from the building. Otherwise it will seek into the foundation and into the walls and destroy them especially if you have frost.

[@The_Gallowglass]

That's why you have a good roof and good foundation and keep the outer walls plastered.

[@The_Gallowglass]

There are cob houses in Britain and other places of the world that are over 400 years old. As long as you maintain them and have a good roof and boot you're good to go.

[@kevinthebespectacledpilgrim]

Problem is, cob construction in UK does not meet building regulation unless it’s incredibly thick or covered in a man made insulation layer. That is due to change thanks to the research work undertaken by the UK/France CobBauge Project to create a naturally insulative cob material combining a cohesive structural and thermal wall layer.

[@elizabethabbott9177]

Our house is 350 years old and made of wattle and daub, clay lump with a timber frame. It's cool in the summer and we have woodburners and a central heating system. We have single glazed sashes and lattice windows. Other houses and hotels we go too always are too hot as everything is hermetically sealed and air conditioners are used. We love our old home in England!

[@The_Gallowglass]

@@kevinthebespectacledpilgrim The downside to "high efficiency" insulation is that it doesn't really breathe.

[@jesica685]

These structures have been known to last 10,000 years.

[@-Oclock]

which is why they cant have everyone building these, would really hurt their monopolies on building material.

[@سهمالهاجري]

But how does it resist rain thro 10000 years? its made of mudd!!

[@laurence6230]

As long as water isn’t directly hitting the surface constantly it should be fine. Cob has an ability to “breathe” to a certain extent.

[@سهمالهاجري]

@@laurence6230 in britain rain constatly hitting muddy house surfaces what are you talkiing about?

[@Joey-bv5wn]

@@سهمالهاجري There are some very old examples of cob houses in the UK that have survived in spite of the rain. Those houses often have overhanging roofs that protect the walls.

[@cassityart7001]

How cool would it be to build a cob structure community. Homes, barns, community buildings, hen houses, wood fire ovens, market farm building...❤️🌱

[@gooxh]

That's how humans used to do it. Just from the gras and dirt nearby

[@gooxh]

And we were happier as a species

[@przybyla420]

It’s been done on a small scale in the hills outside Coquille, Oregon. They have all that, except the barns, and at least half of a bath house. Around a dozen cottages and hundreds (thousands?) of feet of meandering garden walls.

[@rachelrenee5604]

The Navajo Nation does this still as it is native New Mexico architecture but, it is a dying talent I intend to bring back! Researching this stuff to get knowledge to build my own house in Pecos NM!

[@noramascarenas9990]

Yes.... like the Amish ...everybody get together build everything until everyone has a small home..etc. The problem is...very few states even allow these kind of alternative homes.

[@christisBack3168]

Very good information! More people should be aware of the positive features of cob homes.

[@wulfclaw4921]

An honest inspector and one who isn't bought off by the big machine ! Great !!

[@petewilkinson9681]

This guy really hit it out of the park. Thanks fellas!

[@everythingandanything-xr1ls]

Good on you Jamie Nolan, for supporting Cob, its the way of the future, you know that for sure, and great job to the builder, you are talented Sir

[@Just_Vryatt]

Mold is such a huge problem in Florida that I left! More people should consider these houses seriously ..it can be as big or small as you want really

[@noramascarenas9990]

Very hard to find a place that will allow these homes to be built.

[@JayPeek]

Am particularly susceptible to mildew. Great to see things "pro cob" in Fla.

[@misamisa2677]

Omg so happy to know the inspector is on point with it, I had no idea, please let me know what is process to build one on my lot, 🙏🏽 thank you 🙏🏽☮️❤️

[@alanacartes3382]

I want to build a cob home with the German wood stove heating that uses minimal wood. I know its straw bale Cobb but I have absolutely no idea WHERE to begin locating plans. I am so grateful you covered the concrete foundation concern. Foundation is everything except in Japanese stick buildings for building on seismic prone land. I just don't think that our weather is going to cooperate with non or lightly insulated buildings for a minute.

[@przybyla420]

Have you read the Hand sculpted House book? I can’t recommend it enough. Light straw clay could be another good route for you, with cob interior elements for heat retention, and a cob floor perhaps. Better insulation value and much much less manual earthmoving.

[@DI_Arpita_CY]

I love logical and progressive authority! They are such good support.

[@DI_Arpita_CY]

@Michael Bravo What’s the question please?

[@DI_Arpita_CY]

@Michael Bravo I think sometimes we need authority to support a good cause 🙂 We already have enough skeptics.

[@DI_Arpita_CY]

@Michael Bravo :-)

[@alena725]

Great Video! I would love to see a building inspectors opinion on more natural building techniques!

[@josephshaff5194]

Going to go see our Art House but what struck me was the cracks in the concrete within a yr. And if I were to use my Loan to build and have it crack immediately after - vote no confidence. And what is really discouraging is it was Designed and built by Engineers contracted by the City of Everett here. Thank You for your time reviewing.

[@hippiehillape]

I've been a contractor in florida for years. This guy doesnt strike me as a county building inspector that happened to roll up on the job and discover a non permitted building, so impressed he went on camera in a dirty tshirt, delivered lines and sold the idea. Cmon man

[@zzrgio]

looks like the inspector is a friend who was working also :D

[@thiscobhouse]

Yes

[@zzrgio]

@@thiscobhouse great so he knows from the inside everything is legit.

[@jasoncalvetti1983]

God bless you two. What a great video with great knowledge. Thank you.

[@patandersen4271]

My favorite channel for building homes! stay safe.

[@vansionliving]

Omg. A cob house in Florida is amazing. I’m living in a small RV in Florida. I love Cob structures.

[@Aubooboojoann]

I looked at this cause I want a cob house in my future. Heard very positive things about them so I’m gonna watch this!

[@neilaleksandrov2655]

Are cement window sill and lintels really needed in cob construction? Cob building masters in British Columbia build the whole structure just cob, nothing extra and they say they are super durable. Another thought on those concrete lintels, wouldn't they act as thermal bridges brining in heat directly into the house on super hot days and cold on cold days therefore negating the entire passive energy benefit granted by the cob walls?

[@noramascarenas9990]

I agree. All cob or adobe sounds better. My Grandpa's house in New Mexico is made of adobe...was built in the 1800s.. my aunt still lives there and it's a beautiful three-bedroom home. The walls and window sills are about 16 inches wide. We used to sit there when we were 2, 3, 4 years old.

[@SSingh-nr8qz]

Inspectors make my butt pucker up.

[@SteampunkGroove_John3.16]

did i get this right? >> no windows or doors for YEARS? so..... nothing forcing moisture to remain INSIDE ..... because the "inside" is still OUTSIDE. this is a nice cool expensive OPEN structure. i feel suckered into watching this video.

[@thiscobhouse]

Actually, the total build will only be about $15k overall in the end. But yes, I see your point. Windows and doors will be going in soon. I'll update on the moisture in a year or so.

[@KennyRider137]

Would latex paint keep cob from permeating moisture the way it should or would it seal it even better? What about a Stucco finish? I think if someone trimmed a cob house out with mouldings and trim and gave it a good white paint job the public would go for it.

[@kina5542]

Generally what I've learned from talking to people in the industry and going to workshops is that modern building materials aren't compatible with earthbuilding materials because it compromises the function and integrity of both. In the case of finishes, the wall needs to be able to breathe, and latex paint is not vapour permeable. Lime/earthen plasters work really well and you can mix in mineral pigments to create colour. For comprehensive info, I highly recommend The Natural Plaster Book by Cedar Rose Guelberth & Dan Chiras if anyone's interested. They also discuss natural vs standard paints.

[@KennyRider137]

@@kina5542 thank you.

[@noramascarenas9990]

Part of the reason people love cob homes is to get away from all the toxins in most conventional building materials...causing respiratory, alergy, migrains and other health problems. So for instance, you dont want a formica countertop in a cob/ adobe home. Natural materials...wood.. .slate..granite...etc . Also did you know cob homes always smell earthy and fresh? No " housatosis". Super cool and comphy in summer and in winter the cob/ adobe absorbs the heat from a woodstove so house holds heat better.

[@c.c...9942]

And I think is more fire resistant when you compare to traditional wood building

[@thiscobhouse]

Absolutely!

[@laurence6230]

The time of cob is coming back lol

[@Emiliapocalypse]

I hope so!!

[@cremvirus]

Starting ours next month, June. West Coast of Scotland ☺

[@laurence6230]

@@cremvirus no way, that’s awesome!!! I’m sending positive vibes and wishing the best for you in all your building endeavors 😆

[@cremvirus]

@@laurence6230 thank you so much ☺ good luck and best wishes.

[@koholohan3478]

I'm surprised he didn't mention the performance in high wind and hurricanes; I'm sure they do well, being so massive and sturdy? Good foundation, good roof means it can withstand high wind?

[@thiscobhouse]

Yes, absolutely!

[@user-kh9ki3kq8m]

what type of foundation would be best for red clay heavy soil? I live in northeast TN!

[@vand333]

Hey, were wanting to build our first family cob home in the future bur knowing we live in a stricter state we will have to see if our plan is in regulations.... how do we start this process who do we go to?

[@thesoliloquist1940]

I wish he showed id or something so you could show this to other inspectors..

[@freightshayker]

Amen. Cob it up

[@Shabzana]

What material did they use to make the building water resistant?

[@0bookhoarder096]

I'm no expert but from what I've discovered about earth building, you have a larger overhang in your roof so that theres less contact between the water and the cob. You can also add extra protection with a lime or earth plaster and having a foundation made of stone or concrete (something like that) keeps the water away from the cob. It looks like they have the overhanging roof in the video and might add the plaster on when its finished? Hope that answers your question :)

[@staciecook5217]

They have a oil that helps make it waterproof

[@przybyla420]

A couple coats of plaster. For exposed walls, lime is recommended, but it is hard to find good quality lime. You can add pigments to color it if you don’t want white. As a general rule, anything that repels water (like oil) is a bad idea. A lot of old earthen buildings have collapsed because a nonbreathable surface or coating was added to the outside surface.

[@tlockerk]

A good foundation that directs water away from the building (french drains were mentioned in this is one example of getting water AWAY from house). All well sealed windows and doors, a solid roof, hopefully good overhang to prevent water landing close to the house are MOST important for ANY kind of house to avoid cracks and damage. Easy to overlook the mundane details of boring foundations and lintels and roofs in the excitement of cob ideas -- I know, I've been doing it. I've also lived in a 125 yr old Sears & Roebuck cottage, had some cracks in the lath and plaster walls. Our inspector immediately traced where water had gotten into the rock foundation and helped us develop an plan to fix and reroute water to a flowerbed!

[@monicatomaselli2726]

Alex, where in Florida is this house located? I am looking at lands in FL but how would I know if I would be able to build my own cob structure? Are there specific questions to ask before buying a land for this particular purpose?

[@thiscobhouse]

This is south of Jacksonville, FL. Look for unrestricted land in rural counties. Also talk to the local building department before buying to see if they will work with you to approve building a cob house.

[@monicatomaselli2726]

@@thiscobhouse I see. So it would probably be easier if I were actually already living in Florida (I am in Maryland). Being a lady by myself I also worried about safety: I don’t think I would like to be completely isolated. Are they any cob communities of any size or sort in Florida? Thank you for your reply. More I look into this and more difficulties I see, but I am flexible when it comes to the location (meaning the state).

[@95SouthShow]

@@thiscobhouse Omg!!!! That’s where I am now. I’m selling my home here in Oakleaf and purchasing land on the outskirts and planning to build a 2 story cob home with outdoor shower.

[@95SouthShow]

@@monicatomaselli2726 if you have already relocated down here I am a fellow future cobbler and I would love to communicate and share information.

[@nated186]

I'm in SW FL, I want to do a cob home too. The dirt here is like 10% clay, but fill dirt which has more clay in it can be purchased fairly cheap.

[@thebluedan]

Code enforcement as connection to the materials industry. Codes aren’t law.

[@Zenchanics]

Where did you get your cob material? Are you up north FL where there's more clay? I'm in central florida. Did you get the materials delivered to mix up and build with? Or dig straight from your property? Thanks. Very interested

[@thiscobhouse]

We were lucky to find a place around Jacksonville with decent soil, but I'd recommend going up to south Georgia to get good clay-rich soil.

[@thebluedan]

Why would you need a bond beam for a monolithic cob wall? Bond beams are for bonding blocks.

[@przybyla420]

It’s not necessary and could be bad when it comes to water penetration.

[@soulsurfer4441]

What county is this in? Do you know what county's allow cob homes in Florida??? Thanks ;)

[@auntiesmarket4334]

Where can we make cob houses in FL?

[@سهمالهاجري]

how does it resist rain?

[@thiscobhouse]

Very well, actually. But you can also stabilize it with cement or lime to better resist rain.

[@سهمالهاجري]

@@thiscobhouse you mean mixing the mudd with cement? or coating it with lime or cement?

[@سهمالهاجري]

@@thiscobhouse and the houses that were made 400 and 500 years ago how they resisted water all that time? thanks for your time and replies❤️🙏🏼

[@thiscobhouse]

@@سهمالهاجري Yes, you can coat the walls with lime plaster. This is how they did it in the past. Or now, you can add cement or lime to the cob mixture itself.

[@سهمالهاجري]

@@thiscobhouse Thank you, much appreciated❤️

[@brendadurr5186]

How did you get the permit to build? I am in Illinois. Do you know of an architect that will help with permits for natural building?

[@thiscobhouse]

Please contact Verdant Structural Engineers. They are the only ones I know of.

[@brendadurr5186]

@@thiscobhouse Thank you. I will contact them.

[@jonlobello7151]

Where in Florida is this? Leon county( where I used to live)?

[@thiscobhouse]

Clay County

[@solosailorsv8065]

CODE Logic: In Cobb, California, cob is not allowed

[@strauss1414]

Amazing! How much was that build total!??

[@thiscobhouse]

About $10k to $15k so far.

[@strauss1414]

@@thiscobhouse Awesome. I'm assuming that's one of the plans you offer on your website. When I get back to KY I'm definitely going to get your course/plans

[@thiscobhouse]

@@strauss1414 I do offer these plans in my design course. The set of plans is a bit different from this particular build, but all the main components are the same.

[@jonnycatland1987]

I'm also in Florida trying to buy land to build a small cob cottage. How is the clay content here? WHere did you get the clay for this house?

[@thiscobhouse]

I just made a video on Florida soil a few weeks ago. That one will help you out!

[@auntiesmarket4334]

Where can we build in FL?

[@aliciavalentyn5889]

Nice work!!!

[@zakiyahreed7577]

How long does it take to make a cob house ?

[@thiscobhouse]

It depends on many factors. For example, how large do you want the house, how many people will be building, etc? It typically takes a bit longer than conventional construction, but its worth it!

[@zakiyahreed7577]

@@thiscobhouse is it possible to add on to the existing cob house if a family needs more space?

[@thiscobhouse]

@@zakiyahreed7577 Yes, this is certainly possible!

[@boringusername792]

There's a lot of concrete though in this structure. Are there ways to bring that down to nothing?

[@michaeld4861]

You could always use wood for lintels and stone for a foundation. Or there's even some earthbag type foundations

[@przybyla420]

Or concrete rubble aka “urbanite.” You can pour concrete on top to make it better in seismic areas

[@bananapatch9118]

Building codes ???

[@bflmpsvz870]

Wow

[@johnlee7085]

Lentils are something you eat. Lintels span openings in walls. I’m also a little confused. I thought the site was in Tennessee but the building inspector is from Florida? All walls breathe when there are no windows or doors. In fact, mold wasn’t nearly as much of a problem a century ago even in wooden buildings because the walls were porous that they too breathe. It’s also worth noting that he’s commenting on the building concepts and isn’t providing a professional analysis of what’s been built.

[@PoeticOsmosis]

What about being hot in the summer?

[@thiscobhouse]

Its cooler than a wood house. You will still need some AC though.

[@mikebreshears6766]

Wheeeew!!! That's solid, if you can knock on it that hard then I'm pretty sure it could withstand a class 4 hurricane with no problem.....

[@kristinjayne6720]

This guy look like you in a tshirt. Are you brothers?

[@thiscobhouse]

lol. Nope.

[@MyLevelheaded]

these guys are baking their shirts are soaked close the house up and get some forced ac It wont cost to much ...

[@josephshaff5194]

This is an area of Research. I can feel it - the amount of details. This stuff is worse than Calc I Word problems I'm reviewing. A person could spend a lifetime studying this.

[@flowergarden1426]

Florida allows this?? Allows it... we are so ruled over🙄

[@ariloves10]

Mainstream!

[@courtneylaneyy7589]

Lol Jamie's a tool

[@thiscobhouse]

Hi, my name's Courtneeeeeyyy!~