Hi, Sora--
My husband Jeff and I took the class way back in 2000, so the price has gone up a bit since then. We sent Jeff by himself first because of childcare and family illness situations. We knew immediately that this was what we wanted to do, but after Jeff got back from his weekend at Skip's, we had the DETAILS that were so important in making our long-range plans.
I went six months later, and I'm glad I was able to. But Jeff took good notes, stayed late chatting with Skip, and picked up the details of the techniques easily... so I could have designed our house and helped him build it without attending. I'm glad I DID attend, just because of the pleasure I got out of meeting and chatting with Skip, and from seeing his homes. We've since then been privileged to get to know Ellsworth and Steve, who have taken over for Skip, and I'm sure we'd have felt the same about "spending a weekend" with them. :D
At any rate, my thought is that, in your situation (but knowing what we know about the class and the process... we're living in our "Skip-style butt-and-pass" home now), I would definitely advise that you get Matt to the class ASAP. Your questions will all be answered, and you will have SO MUCH BETTER idea of what the process will be, what you'll need, etc. Also, once Matt's a member, you'll have access to more specific information and support here on the forums. You really really need to get the basics of the process "on board" before you make too many plans.
If you find a time that's convenient to go later, GREAT. You'll probably love it and feel it's worth every cent. If not, one of you going--if they pay good attention, take good notes, and don't spend too much time drinking coffee in the kitchen during the informational times :wink: -- should be sufficient to get you on-track.
BEST wishes to you on all those kids, the move, etc. :D
Sara
For those who have taken the class: is it better to do so as soon as possible? And for the instructors: can we be reasonably certain there will be classes to take in 2006?
We definitely want to take the class. It would be logistically and financially challenging, but not impossible, to send Matt to the one on September 24-25.
Next summer we'll be moving our family to a small island off of mainland British Columbia (we're currently in Ohio). After the move, it will be possible to drive to the class rather than flying to Seattle and renting a car, saving several hundred dollars in transportation costs which could then be used for tools and supplies instead (our budget will be pretty tight!) On the other hand, we may be able to begin building very soon after our movel, and would not want to delay things unneccesarily while waiting for the opportunity to take the class. I guess we could probably figure out log peeling on our own, but there is a possibility that we'll be living in a tent for the summer and will be in a hurry to get a roof and walls up before winter.
Which brings me to the next question -- for those married couples who have both taken the class and are already building, how valuable was it to have both of you take the class? Right now we're planning to have only Matt take the class. My ability to assist with the building will be somewhat curtailed by the fact that we have (or will have by next year) 5 children, three of whom will be 4 and under and one of whom will be a nursing infant. Our older two, who will be 9 and 11, are eager and hardworking but nowhere near adult size and strength.
In this situation, what would you decide about when to take the class, and why?
Thanks!
Sora and Matt Colvin