mannix51 wrote:

are you good or what??? Spot on.

Just a guess, the view out that window looks familiar, up a driveway, house to the right, then up a 45° incline & the house to the left.
I have a family coalmine connection on the coast too. Public forum, can't really name names, but you live in a beautiful area.

marte - 2020-12-06 19:59:00

Gas califont for hot water on demand, and gas cooker/ oven for the odd meal. Building an ablution block out back for shower and toilet.,,, never liked inside toilets. I used the palette the two sheds came in to construct the kitchen furniture and bed, nothing was wasted.....
ok, and the price included the solar panels, the $1200 lithium battery and inverter, yes, we have elektric

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447668512.jpg
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447668728.jpg

its under the 30m2 limit, just......
In 69 years have never had or needed insurance?????

mannix51 - 2020-12-06 20:05:00

mannix51 wrote:

Gas califont for hot water on demand, and gas cooker/ oven for the odd meal. Building an ablution block out back for shower and toilet.,,, never liked inside toilets. I used the palette the two sheds came in to construct the kitchen furniture and bed, nothing was wasted.....
ok, and the price included the solar panels, the $1200 lithium battery and inverter, yes, we have elektric

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447668512.jpg
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447668728.jpg

its under the 30m2 limit, just......
In 69 years have never had or needed insurance?????

I am very impressed. Nicer than many city dwellings. maybe most lol.

heather902 - 2020-12-06 20:09:00

marte wrote:

Just a guess, the view out that window looks familiar, up a driveway, house to the right, then up a 45° incline & the house to the left.
I have a family coalmine connection on the coast too. Public forum, can't really name names, but you live in a beautiful area.

You are right about the beauty, a tad off with location, but you still get a good 9 out of 10....

mannix51 - 2020-12-06 20:10:00

heather902 wrote:

I am very impressed. Nicer than many city dwellings. maybe most lol.

\Thanking you for your kind words, and hey, the price was right...

mannix51 - 2020-12-06 20:12:00

lakeview3 wrote:

if someone who is now retired is struggling to pay off their mortgage that suggests to me they have made some unwise choices in their life, or lacked discipline.

Also it’s interesting you mention about inheritance, is that what it’s really come down to now? Wait for an inheritance? Good grief that’s really sad. Not to mention the numbers of retirees who have been suckered into those reverse mortgages. Good luck with inheritance on those ones.

I won’t be relying on getting anything from anyone and nor do I want to be beholden to anyone hanging something like that over my head. If that’s the way the world is going that’s really sad.

Oh - so those retirees who invested modest savings in the share market that crashed in the 80's on the advise of 'professionals' , or invested modest savings in companies such as Bridgcorp, Hanover Finance, and the like on the 'advice of professionals', or lost their job in 2020 due to a global pandemic made 'bad choices' or lacked discipline. Not in my books.

brouser3 - 2020-12-06 20:18:00

mannix51 wrote:

knocked this up myself in 3 weeks, two Nora B Mitre10 sheds joined together, all up $13000, 300 sq ft, and im an old pensioner with buggered knees. This is my retirement cottage.
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447624981.jpg

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447624724.jpg

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447624538.jpg[
/quote]

That's lovely, and such a gorgeous setting. You should be very proud of that!

hound31 - 2020-12-06 20:44:00

thank you. But really, anyone can do this. Its rather like lego to put together, all you need is somewhere to put it. Sod paying 3/4 million for a roof to sleep under, thats just ridiculous.

mannix51 - 2020-12-06 20:49:00

mannix51 wrote:

Gas califont for hot water on demand, and gas cooker/ oven for the odd meal. Building an ablution block out back for shower and toilet.,,, never liked inside toilets. I used the palette the two sheds came in to construct the kitchen furniture and bed, nothing was wasted.....
ok, and the price included the solar panels, the $1200 lithium battery and inverter, yes, we have elektric

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447668512.jpg
https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447668728.jpg

its under the 30m2 limit, just......
In 69 years have never had or needed insurance?????

I guess not having insurance is fine if you can afford to replace what is lost if the worst happens. We pay a lot in insurance and apart from a couple of windscreens for the cars, have never claimed but I couldn't sleep well at night without it.
Your house is amazing and you must be so proud of yourself but it's not doable for everyone. The cost of land for one, and as people get older there is more need to be close to medical services.

annie17111 - 2020-12-07 07:18:00

mannix51 wrote:

In 69 years have never had or needed insurance?????

then you've never had a mortgage as insurance is a primary requirement of mortgage borrowing.

sparkychap - 2020-12-07 07:50:00

Right, always saved for what I wanted or went without. Never a borrower or lender be. I think banks have normalised debt, and when even a country like the USA says it has a strong and healthy economy when they are 23 trillion in debt speaks volumes of flawed illogical thinking.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 09:24:00

mannix51 wrote:

Finished today in fact

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/1447643763.jpg[
/quote]

Perfect!

mkr_ahearn - 2020-12-07 12:14:00

mannix51 wrote:

Right, always saved for what I wanted or went without. Never a borrower or lender be. I think banks have normalised debt, and when even a country like the USA says it has a strong and healthy economy when they are 23 trillion in debt speaks volumes of flawed illogical thinking.

Do you have a family? I mean I think what you've done is fantastic. But you surely can see that would not work for people with families and jobs. ANd also, I imagine if the council got wind of that type of set up, where I live at least, they would have plenty to say, and nothing good.
Nothing wrong with borrowing money, without that ability none of us would have roofs over our heads.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 12:34:00

But even a run down house from the 60s is way out of reach for a first time home buyer, and according to the article linked to above, first time home buyers were able to buy new houses.

My father on a schoolteachers wages was able to buy a brand new 3 bedroom house in Parklands.

My sister who is a registered nurse with two degrees could only afford to buy an old 2 bedroom unit in a rough area of town for a very expensive price.

tygertung - 2020-12-07 12:36:00

tygertung wrote:

But even a run down house from the 60s is way out of reach for a first time home buyer, and according to the article linked to above, first time home buyers were able to buy new houses.

My father on a schoolteachers wages was able to buy a brand new 3 bedroom house in Parklands.

My sister who is a registered nurse with two degrees could only afford to buy an old 2 bedroom unit in a rough area of town for a very expensive price.

My Son and his Partner are approved up to a million $$ , both been in kiwisaver a while and even sold cars to get that deposit up there. They are doing it with another couple so there are 4 people sharing what will be a 4 bed, 2 bathroom, 2 lounge house. west auckland area.
I think the way forward is for people to combine resources and think outside the square..

Edited by heather902 at 12:40 pm, Mon 7 Dec

heather902 - 2020-12-07 12:40:00

I look upon insurance and mortgage interest as a parasitical drain on resources, similar to phantom and parasitical loads in an electrical system. These are constant, 24/7 whereas resources such as income are spasmodic in comparison, and now are struggling to keep abreast. As in the home, eliminating electrical parasitics will reduce your power requirement. Self insurance is easily possible by banking whatever you would spend on premiums, self responsibility without the dissapointment of claim refusal, or minimal recompense.... as hundreds of ChCh residents will attest. Banks obviously will object to this, they get kickbacks from in,s co,s, and remember, its you who is paying to minimise their risk, and threaten to foreclose, cause they care about you. Banks depend on consumers wanting it NOW. As long as their is the borrow money construct, this BS will continue. I have lived in garages, caravans and busses, as a family my kids really enjoyed and benefited from such a diverse and varied lifestyle in their informative years. I have always found work, and even now I work from home. Having useful skills is the key, it allows self employment. Anyway, I just mentioned this as an alternative option to the normal borrow money and work for the bank syndrome.... if I can, anyone can if they REALLY want to.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 13:19:00

you know that's not legal though don't you Mannix. Look I respect your decision to live like this. But I don't think too many people would get away it before neighbours complained and councils came calling.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 14:36:00

heather902 wrote:

you know that's not legal though don't you Mannix. Look I respect your decision to live like this. But I don't think too many people would get away it before neighbours complained and councils came calling.

But if neighbours don't complain it's likely the council will leave him alone.

apollo11 - 2020-12-07 14:49:00

apollo11 wrote:

But if neighbours don't complain it's likely the council will leave him alone.

I expect that will be true.
But on a large scale, its not an acceptable way for people to live. Mortgages/Insurance etc are necessary for most people in this decade.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 14:59:00

yes i would never not have insurance especially house insurance..we dont have half a million dollars (or more) just lying around if something were to happen to our house

cathi - 2020-12-07 15:40:00

I fail to see a council problem here. . As far as i am aware, people in cities have now accepted people live in converted garage space with no problem and pay high prices for the privilege.... i fail to see any difference My original 10m2 cottage I built 20 years ago still stands, albeit it got a tad bigger over the years, this too within the bylaws. .That one cost me $500 and housed me very comfortably until now. But it is 2 story and has stairs, murder on my knees. I guess once trapped in the mortgage/insurance merrygoround, its very hard to backpedal from that. To abdicate responsibility, and have the bank pay your bills, the insurance co cover your mistakes/carelessness or bad luck, the electrician to fix your wiring..... you need to pay them for doing that. Im just lucky i guess that i learned very young to do this stuff myself. Anyway, im out of here, just showing other viable options for a much healthier and saner life.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 16:35:00

Its not a viable option Mannix. Its fine for you in your situation maybe and you may be in an area your council turns a blind eye, but it absolutely would not comply with council district plans for permanent dwellings. Ask yourself why people have to pay fees to councils to build houses, a lot of that fee contributes to amenities. sewerage. waste water. libraries. sports grounds playgrounds... you've bypassed all of that pesky $$$ contribution, but also have no legal compliance on your home. and you could be asked to pull it down.
And if that was a family it would be actually quite stressful knowing your home wasn't compliant.
There is one up my street that has a minor dwelling with no compliance and it sold at an incredibly cheap price as at any time the council could ask for the minor dwelling to be removed. but seeing as this property has running water, sanitation, storm water collection, electricity I doubt it would happen. but there is the risk.

I love what you've done, but its not a valid option for families or people that live in urban areas.

Edited by heather902 at 5:05 pm, Mon 7 Dec

heather902 - 2020-12-07 17:02:00

If it's arthritic knees causing you pain, Mannix, get them replaced, worth it to regain a pain free life as they don't get any better, believe me and hips don't either.

kacy5 - 2020-12-07 17:06:00

Hello Heather. I see you live in Auckland somewhere, and sure, I doubt you could even find even a small piece of cheap vacant land to build on up there. Thats why I advocate people get out to less stressful areas, this is a beautiful country, and many small towns are welcoming new arrivals. AND, it is affordable. Otherwise, families will continue to work long hours to appease the bank. Thems the choices. My bank is a simple peanut butter jar, it pays similar interest too. Oh, and, i also pay rates to support public amenities ,but the money I pay stays local, unlike perhaps your mortgage repayments and or insurance premiums.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 17:20:00

mannix51 wrote:

Hello Heather. I see you live in Auckland somewhere, and sure, I doubt you could even find even a small piece of cheap vacant land to build on up there. Thats why I advocate people get out to less stressful areas, this is a beautiful country, and many small towns are welcoming new arrivals. AND, it is affordable. Otherwise, families will continue to work long hours to appease the bank. Thems the choices. My bank is a simple peanut butter jar, it pays similar interest too. Oh, and, i also pay rates to support public amenities ,but the money I pay stays local, unlike perhaps your mortgage repayments and or insurance premiums.

we all pay rates, you haven't paid a new build contribution fee. because you haven't applies for a permit. ITs actually quite a big fee. I won't guess it but someone here will likely know.
My mortgage payments are nothing to do with the council or rates, nor my insurance. Both of these things have enabled me to enjoy a home in an area I like. Its not a terrible thing.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 17:32:00

ummm, There is no requirement to pay any of these new build contribution fees when buying and erecting a garden shed..... I dont know what you are on about. You seem to suggest I am somehow rorting the system. Im not interested in the politics of this. I bought a garden shed and quite legally erected it in my back yard. It is compliant with local regulations being under 30m2. You are overthinking this.My 8x9 meter garage is also compliant, it actually came with a permit as all skyline kits did back then. However, if you are happy where you are, thats great. This topic was about the affordability and prices of houses, I tried to contribute in a positive way, I think I have.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 17:43:00

mannix51 wrote:

ummm, There is no requirement to pay any of these new build contribution fees when buying and erecting a garden shed..... I dont know what you are on about. You seem to suggest I am somehow rorting the system. Im not interested in the politics of this. I bought a garden shed and quite legally erected it in my back yard. It is compliant with local regulations being under 30m2. You are overthinking this.My 8x9 meter garage is also compliant, it actually came with a permit as all skyline kits did back then. However, if you are happy where you are, thats great. This topic was about the affordability and prices of houses, I tried to contribute in a positive way, I think I have.

That would be 100% correct, if it was an outbuilding to the main dwelling. You have constructed it as a home. and homes have to meet council requirements. the main ones being sanitary connections and wastewater discharge. I can imagine if you had closer neighbours, they may have some rather dark thoughts - you say i am overthinking, I say you haven't thought this through when suggesting this as a viable option.

Edited by heather902 at 5:50 pm, Mon 7 Dec

heather902 - 2020-12-07 17:49:00

Do you work for the council? Would you like to work for the council?
I do have a sewerage connection and a flush toilet and grey water management if that makes you feel better. My neighbours actually like me, as I am handy to know and we do stuff for each other, this may come as a suprise to some city dwellers. However, I will retract my viable option suggestion and advocate younger people take on vast debt and live in Auckland.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 17:56:00

mannix51 wrote:

ummm, There is no requirement to pay any of these new build contribution fees when buying and erecting a garden shed..... I dont know what you are on about. You seem to suggest I am somehow rorting the system. Im not interested in the politics of this. I bought a garden shed and quite legally erected it in my back yard. It is compliant with local regulations being under 30m2. You are overthinking this.My 8x9 meter garage is also compliant, it actually came with a permit as all skyline kits did back then. However, if you are happy where you are, thats great. This topic was about the affordability and prices of houses, I tried to contribute in a positive way, I think I have.

I don't think Heather is accusing you of rorting the system, only that councils demand their pound of flesh from every house owner. There will be rules in place that make it illegal to do what you are doing, namely living in a shed without a primary dwelling on the property. Also if you've installed any kitchen or bathroom facilities that's a no no in council's eyes and requires consent. Are you even allowed to dig a long drop these days? We are on a lifestyle block and had to install 2 stage septic, because everything percolates down to the water table, and some people have water wells in the area. I'm very much like you, no mortgage since I was in my 30's, minimal insurance- I have the cash reserves to cover myself. But councils can make your life a misery if you get on their wrong side.

apollo11 - 2020-12-07 17:56:00

mannix51 wrote:

Do you work for the council? Would you like to work for the council?
I do have a sewerage connection and a flush toilet and grey water management if that makes you feel better. My neighbours actually like me, as I am handy to know and we do stuff for each other, this may come as a suprise to some city dwellers. However, I will retract my viable option suggestion and advocate younger people take on vast debt and live in Auckland.

Sorry, I wasn't meaning your neighbours, that was a general comment. because what we do on our properties can impact neighbours.
My Son is taking on vast debt and living in Auckland, but he's 23 no kids, so he's hopefully got a good chance to get ahead of the game. and if not. i'll point him to this thread. I like what you've done... just better to make these things mobile and then councils don't have a say.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 18:08:00

Apollo, longdrops are "not recommended" by our local council. This means they are allowed, in fact, DOC have these in use, but rebadged as "eco toilets" Because I am "semi rural" I neatly fit in a grey area as I have a sewerage connection and pay dearly for it. Council regs have become so beaurocratic, they often trip over themselves interpreting their own rules, this suits me as it creates loopholes to be exploited in my favour. My main dwelling i intended to demolish now I have built this, but I may just leave it and perhaps rent it out if its continued presence validates the existence of my "garden shed" All in all though, an interesting discussion.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 18:21:00

mannix51 wrote:

Apollo, longdrops are "not recommended" by our local council. This means they are allowed, in fact, DOC have these in use, but rebadged as "eco toilets" Because I am "semi rural" I neatly fit in a grey area as I have a sewerage connection and pay dearly for it. Council regs have become so beaurocratic, they often trip over themselves interpreting their own rules, this suits me as it creates loopholes to be exploited in my favour. My main dwelling i intended to demolish now I have built this, but I may just leave it and perhaps rent it out if its continued presence validates the existence of my "garden shed" All in all though, an interesting discussion.

You never said there was permitted house on the property, that of course changes things, and means you'd suggest people have a permitted house before installing sheds to live in.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 18:27:00

3 pages back i think. However, that one didnt need a permit either, was the old 10m2 rule........

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 18:29:00

mannix51 wrote:

3 pages back i think. However, that one didnt need a permit either, was the old 10m2 rule........

then it doesn't comply now as dwelling, and cannot be rented.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 18:33:00

you DO work for the council......
This dwelling shows on Homes.co.nz as a dwelling, I have lived here for over 20 years. Looks like council recognise it as such despite its flakey past. Perhaps they,,,, er..... "tidied" up their record keeping, or perhaps wanted to sell me a sewerage connection to a non vacant property? Who knows, who cares. Yes, I can rent it, now I know its a real dwelling......

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 18:56:00

mannix51 wrote:

you DO work for the council......
This dwelling shows on Homes.co.nz as a dwelling, I have lived here for over 20 years. Looks like council recognise it as such despite its flakey past. Perhaps they,,,, er..... "tidied" up their record keeping, or perhaps wanted to sell me a sewerage connection to a non vacant property? Who knows, who cares. Yes, I can rent it, now I know its a real dwelling......

of course it shows up, it will be on the aerial plan. dwellings with no permits are not excluded from homes.co.nz, you know if you applied for a permit or not, you said you didn't.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 19:01:00

Again, no permit required. In fact I have just discovered that rural properties now are allowed 100m2 buildings, no permit required....... now, where is my peanut butter jar?

Edited by mannix51 at 7:05 pm, Mon 7 Dec

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 19:03:00

mannix51 wrote:

Again, no permit required. In fact I have just discovered that rural properties now are allowed 100m2 buildings, no permit required.......

not as the main dwelling. look you've done what you liked on your property with no permits. fine, but you can't rent these out as residential, pretty sure the tenancy rules will apply even to you.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 19:08:00

mannix51 wrote:

Again, no permit required. In fact I have just discovered that rural properties now are allowed 100m2 buildings, no permit required....... now, where is my peanut butter jar?

Only if you want to life in a pole shed. It's for utility buildings like hay barns and equipment storage. You will still require a 'consented' legal dwelling on the property. I don't work for council, but like you am always looking to maximise what I can build under current regs.

apollo11 - 2020-12-07 19:13:00

Not really, my other "dwelling" in a adjacent property is rented out as being non compliant, and can only be used for storage and grazing purposes. I have no idea what the tenant is storing over there.
Look Heather, i admit to winding you up a little, to show how Auckland and other major centers are rife with rules and regulations that impinge and overly constrict on your lifestyle. Small NZ is much more forgiving and flexible, surely the very best reason to get away. The simple fact you focus so much on the regulations tells me you are a slave to them already. I like more freedom than that

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 19:15:00

sorry apollo, didnt see you there. Yes, you are correct in that. But, unless you are a farmblessed with random governmental visits, i guess noone really knows what goes on behind barn doors. Councils lack of resources also helps us in this regard.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 19:32:00

mannix51 wrote:

Not really, my other "dwelling" in a adjacent property is rented out as being non compliant, and can only be used for storage and grazing purposes. I have no idea what the tenant is storing over there.
Look Heather, i admit to winding you up a little, to show how Auckland and other major centers are rife with rules and regulations that impinge and overly constrict on your lifestyle. Small NZ is much more forgiving and flexible, surely the very best reason to get away. The simple fact you focus so much on the regulations tells me you are a slave to them already. I like more freedom than that

The rules are no different, you've just ignored them and gotten away with it some do depending on how private you are.

heather902 - 2020-12-07 19:46:00

I have NOT ignored any rules, the tenant has been made aware it is non compliant, the $80 pw rent reflects this, although she does stay there to look after her horses sometimes...... I am not her keeper.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 19:49:00

The West coast is a beautiful serene area but that's untill City folk arrive & disrupt it.
Much preferred if they stay at home & manage their own business, and their mortgage.
Me? I simply paid cash for my house, can't be bothered with that sort of stuff.

Mannix, you probably know the property & owner I referred to before. I have a photo but it's in storage.

Edited by marte at 8:21 pm, Mon 7 Dec

marte - 2020-12-07 20:18:00

mannix51 wrote:

sorry apollo, didnt see you there. Yes, you are correct in that. But, unless you are a farmblessed with random governmental visits, i guess noone really knows what goes on behind barn doors. Councils lack of resources also helps us in this regard.

I'm semi-rural too, but a council building inspector lives a few hundred meters from me, and sees my goings on as he drives to work lol.

If I wasn't married with a family I'd be stuck on a yacht in the Sounds somewhere, with occasional trips to the islands and Aus. A bit of land with a boat shed would be nice too.

Edited by apollo11 at 8:36 pm, Mon 7 Dec

apollo11 - 2020-12-07 20:35:00

I have to agree Marte unfortunately. Seems a very different planet up there. I did go up there once... met this dude living in his "new" house. He was very hospitable, he gave me the wooden banana box to sit on as he couldnt afford any furniture. There was a BMW car in his driveway, and those city type swing chairs in the front yard. He had 2 jobs and his butchering main job at a supermarket. He said it was important to be seen having money rather than actually having any. This was in 1997. I never forgot that.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 20:38:00

apollo11 wrote:

I'm semi-rural too, but a council building inspector lives a few hundred meters from me, and sees my goings on as he drives to work lol.

If I wasn't married with a family I'd be stuck on a yacht in the Sounds somewhere, with occasional trips to the islands and Aus. A bit of land with a boat shed would be nice too.

Always the fixer, I suggest send the wife out to work, yachts are now quite cheap, and mow your neighbours lawn for free.....

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 20:45:00

mannix51 wrote:

Always the fixer, I suggest send the wife out to work, yachts are now quite cheap, and mow your neighbours lawn for free.....

I could always buy the yacht, park it in the paddock and sit behind the wheel 'pretending' lol. There was someone in my area who bought a keeler to sit in the small lake he'd dug. A cheap guesthouse.

apollo11 - 2020-12-07 20:53:00

theres a guy here that lives on his boat...... hes been building it now for 30 odd years, and never expects to ever have it finished...... no rates, no rules, lucky bugger.

mannix51 - 2020-12-07 20:56:00

mannix51 wrote:

I have to agree Marte unfortunately. Seems a very different planet up there. I did go up there once... met this dude living in his "new" house. He was very hospitable, he gave me the wooden banana box to sit on as he couldnt afford any furniture. There was a BMW car in his driveway, and those city type swing chairs in the front yard. He had 2 jobs and his butchering main job at a supermarket. He said it was important to be seen having money rather than actually having any. This was in 1997. I never forgot that.

bahaha, I don't have much money if i'm honest. I do have fully permitted property. I don't think that is unusual in this day and age. Our 2 acres can't be subdivided, so we have a nice peaceful lifestyle block 30 minutes off peak to Auckland CBD. Its a nice property, a mixture of lawns and native bush. Auckland is very diverse!

heather902 - 2020-12-07 20:59:00