Looking for Our Homestead?

My son and his wife are working toward living off-grid up here in Canada. You need to find out what the planning restrictions are in the areas you might plan to build. Even land "in the middle of nowhere" likely has some regulations you must conform to. Much depends on what you are going to do. If you are simply building a regular dwelling with septic tank and using solar power or wind power, there is likely not much you have to worry about. If you plan on some sort of alternate building style (underground home with living roof, for example, which is what my son is building) -- straw bale home, converted grain bin, etc. -- you might have to search for a place where this sort of thing is allowed. If you plan to live off the land -- grow all your own food and raise animals for food, you might have to do more research regarding this.

I do not think 5 acres is enough land to raise anything but a few chickens and maybe one cow. How are you going to support yourselves on this land? Are you maintaining regular jobs, which will assure a money supply to live on, or will you expect the land to support you? My son and daughter in law are having problems with cash flow to complete their home, as they are not working off farm. They have some land rent from (250 acres of land) raise their own vegetables, and sell pottery part time. They are trying market gardening and selling at the farmers' market this year. This is a very difficult thing to do and you need to be prepared. It is not an easy lifestyle. Please do lots of research, and try to find people who are living off-grid in your area so you have some practical advice.