A second hidden basement won't affect the property value either... Unless you tell the tax assessor about it. But then, you deserve to be taxed...

Not sure if we'll ever get to build our "dream log home" or not but just looking at properties recently I stopped by the assesors office and found out that there is quite a discrepency between small towns here on taxes. It pays to check this out folks and also look at upcoming legislation as they told me here there is a bill pending to start taxing wooded lands as residential and not farm property unless you have at least 5 acres of actual planted crops with it. Good things to know whether building or buying a home! Think I'll check out that book too, maybe I can borrow it from my library? :D

Hey Granny, what state are you considering building in? And is this pending legislation a state or federal thing?

And Kyle, the neat thing about this book is it gives you detailed insight so you'll know what questions TO ask the assessor. For instance, when I called my future assessor and asked a generic "What can I do to keep my taxes low?" she was at a loss for words. But then when I started asking specific questions based on what I've learned from the book, she had plenty of information to share. I made her see that I'm not trying to dodge my fair share, but that I want to build so that I don't get taxed out of my home as the years roll on (and I'm only 48 so I've got plenty of rolling to do :) ).

Building a house that you love but may not appeal to most buyers has its advantages tax-wise, as it's seen as not desirable/easy to sell so not worth as much as other homes around yours. But if you follow LHBA ideals you know you'll be able to sell and get your money out of it since your costs of construction were so low. When you call realize that each county probably has more than one assessor so you can ask to talk to the one that covers your parcel. Then you can call another day and ask the same questions from another assessor and see if you get the same answers, plus you'll learn even more. All this information will tell you what things you'll want to wait and add to your home AFTER the assessor comes. And yes, you don't have to let them in, but if you don't then they have to guess what's inside and tax accordingly. If you think your tax is too high and appeal, they won't change it until you let them in.

From what I've read Clallam county only has about 60,000 residents :D and yet I know for sure they have at least two assessors. Even though assessors have a manual to follow, no two assessors will come out with the same figures. I feel like talking to more than one will give me a more thorough understanding, even though I am stuck with whomever is assigned to the area where my land is. Knowledge is power 8) .

Keep us posted Kyle as I'd like to know what you learn.

WalkingHorseLady

I learned that here in my county, assessors have no legal right to enter your home/buisness or even step on your property.

They can ask you to inspect your home...and most people say yes..because they think they have to let them in.

I said no to an assessor inspection and asked them nicely not to even trespass on my property. I also have signs, similar to the ones on Skips site.

Check your county laws.

Kola

I have heard that, Basil..good points.

When I did a complete renovation on my clinic (southwestern architecture, inside and out), the building changed dramatically from my original plans (more lavish). When finished (then being nieve) I proudly strolled the assesors thru my building. I had no idea they would then raise my property taxes from 500 per year to 5000. I found out later I didn't have to let them come through. I was not happy as this was a old run down condemn building at one time. This was my reward for making a old building look nice?? I did some research and comparisons of other similar buildings around town. I protested their assessment and had it dropped to 3500 per year. I then sent a registed letter to them to stay off my property.

One could always show them a building plan permit which could show your "rough" (cough cough) draft..complete with linoleum and commerical carpet..(instead of tile and wood flooring)..get the basement unfinished for umm.. ping pong table for kids. etc..if they assume certain things I am sure one could be creative in playing their game...

Ok, here I go whining again..I really have problems complying with people who assault my God-given rights. IMO they have no juristiction/authority over me even with their illegal laws. But not everyone could sleep at night by lying, because basically that is what you are doing. (and remember these idiots are lying to you). I personally, can sleep fine. There comes a point when enough is enough and I have no probs doing ANYTHING to protect my personal rights. Tax assessors and other government agencies invade a persons privacy and take away our right to life, liberties and persuit of happiness.
We have to start saying no and/or doing whatever it takes to fight back...maybe not on such a large scale (that sounds off alarms) but on a smaller scale.

My loghome will be designed and presented to the county to look like a hunting cabin and omit from lavish things. I will be creative. One could hide that second bathroom by putting a wall up later and plumbing it afterwards. After final inspection I will do what I want. I guess there are risks, yes but I believe in fighting for what is left of my freedom and if that includes risks I am willing to take them. My posted signs will be enforced.

On the other hand if you go full-bore and oppose and fight the authorities in courts you RARELY, if ever win and you then create a label for yourself.
You are then labeled a "combatant resistor" and according to BushCo you are a "terrorist". Very few people challenge "the sytem" and I have never met anyone (face to face) who has won. Someone else mentioned here it may be wiser to stay just below the radar. I tend to agree with him. I wish this forum was more open to these type of topics although I do understand the complications involved.

Maybe Steve and Ellsworth will have good advice at the class. I am zooming out there today.

Kola

Hey Greg!..it was nice meeting you! ..the class rocked.

keep in touch.

"Kola" 8) kirk

Yeah Greg, I blew friday and monday off as I had the luxury? to close up shop...the downside to being self employed and blowing days off equals no pay.
I did get to do some driving (getting lost, lol) around Washington and loved the smell of Spring and all the blossomed plants and trees..and the beautiful creeks, river streams and the coastal waters..wow!
..I wasn't used to all those pesky bugs tho.'..skeeters everywhere.

..and yes, the tipi is pretty cool. I looked at yurts but they were way out of my price range..if I had a wife, kids, parakeets, gerbils and mother-in-law, I would have probally done the yurt but for 1-2 people, a tipi should suffice. You can get tipis as big as 30 ft in diameter..thats huge.

Cheers and here's to "ridge pole envy"
Kola

Gamma,

good thinking on DIY'ing a yurt. "Yurt" is a funny name...wonder how the name originated? I would worry about them holding up in high winds and stuff..if you made your own, you would need some good stitching and hold downs as the side walls would take on direct vertical wind gusts. One could probally sew up a tipi cover too and save a wholle lotta buckeroos.

It just goes to prove.
Theres always a cheaper way!

Kola

We found the book (used) on Amazon and got it for $7.49, including shipping. Got it in the mail yesterday!

Vern and Sara Street

I just ordered this book on Amazon. There are 7 copies left, for anyone interested.

Just finished reading this book. It is excellent! There is so much information in it and written so well, that I couldn't put it down.

A must read IMO, for anyone interested in saving money and creating unusual and beautiful home ideas.

Thanks WalkingHorseLady for telling us about it.

That is a great idea! Imagine all of the "stuff" that would be out of sight, out of mind; but within easy reach when you wanted it.

A "piggy room" is something I never would have thought of, but boy does it make sense!

I just got mine. So far a very good read. Makes me want to go looking for "pink trailers"

Sounds like you're moving in the right direction.
Some of the idea's that are discussed are items that I have looked at already such as thermal mass heating. The Finn's use thermal mass fireplaces regularly for heating their homes. I was looking into tulikivi soapstone heat units. Over the course of many years the cost of the unit would more than justify itself by not being part of the assesment so I wouldn't be buying it back from the government once a year.
My house will be anchored to the earth but as much as possible will be unattached such as a wood burning cook stove (it is moveable).
Very very little will be "built in" and there will be few walls
I also have a lot of old solid oak furniture such as a freestanding cupboard and an amoire.
I don't know how they would view a clawfoot bathtub/shower.
The book describes many of the things I grew up with back on my Pappy's farm in Pennsylvania such as cold cellars, piggy rooms etc.
Trying to keep the devil from his due is not a new idea but it takes vigilance.

Ya'll might want to try Half.com, I just ordered this book today over there for 6 and some change. In fact I get most of my books there, I just recently got D C Beard's American Boys handy book for my sons for around 2.00.

I usually only buy books movies and Cds on there and a lot of them a publisher overstock or used book stores, so far I have not been let down on the quality. Most ship media mail so its reasonable too.

I'm pinched for time but here's the short of it. A piggy room is like a root cellar but more modernized. The "pink trailers" refer to land for sale that nobody wants because there's a pink mobile home next door, or some other trashy-type of reason.

WalkingHorseLady

Thanks for the suggestion Walking Horse Lady, awaiting book from Amozon.
KOLA, I read up on that "NAU" thing on congress.org. I sent an email to Congress and Senate, no reply yet!!! Your right, we need to wake up.

Woo hoo! Finally got the book. Now to see what all the buzz is about . . . . . . . . . . .

there will be a test on friday

study up

I bought my copy on the Amazon.com auction sellers area from seller 'UpperAccess'. IIRC, he is the author/publisher of the book, shipping was fast and it was also the best price I found online at the time. I am happy with the book, it was worth the read. It would be nice, however, to get some updates as I imagine some of the information has changed a little over the last 20 years.

Shannon,Keep searching and if you don't find one send me a pm with your contact info and I'll sell you mine, for a tiny profit of course. But the profit goes into my log fund so it's worthwhile! Fear is temporary. Regret is permanent.

Maybe this will help:

http://www.upperaccess.com/books.asp

Look at the very bottom of the page.

I got one from Amazon last month. Then, there were more than a few available.