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RE: Some often overlooked but simple lessons that can make a huge difference when living off grid
Some extremely useful tips.
One I have learnt the hard way, and now am particularly keen to follow, is buy to last. It is always worth spending an extra 10-20% now to get a good model or brand that will last, than having to keep buying new every 12 months.
And I do like the idea of using pallets for the woodshed.
Thank you.
Yes, that is what we do as well. It does not make sense to buy cheep. The cheep stuff is designed for planed obsolescence, which means it is designed to fail after a short period of time to force the consumer to go buy another one as repairs will end up costing more than the replacement. With that said, we also fix everything we can to avoid having to surrender to that planned obsolescence too!
I'm glad you enjoyed the share! Thank you for your comment as it is also helpful to others! Bravo!
I always wonder how many things are designed to last just 13 months - just after the warranty ends 😊
When I took the project management course, I found out something very interesting about extended warranties. Statistically they have a certain percentage failure rate when a product line is first manufactured. Then it levels off for a period of time ... which is engineered! Then after that period of time the failure rate goes up significantly. The normal warranted covers that first batch of failures. The extended warranty covers any failures through that level off period. It is nothing but a cash cow for the manufacturer as they know the statistics and can rake in the cash on peoples fear. The things we don't learn in school eh!
I don't usually take the extended warranty option - they seem too expensive for what they offer. Particularly as they often have a whole bunch of caveats in the small print.
Hi pennsif, I liked your comment and can relate so I upvoted and am now following!
@dakini5d
If you keep pallets out of the weather they last nearly forever especially if you can get the really good heavy-duty pallets like they use for moving cement or concrete mix. Maybe you can get some of the good heavy oak ones from Lowes/Home Depot but it may cost you some because pallets can be returned for a refund though I think that there aren't many people (not businesses) who do return them. Everyone needs a pallet or 2.
You might also want to lay some gravel before you put the pallets down so that they don't sink into the dirt with the weight of the firewood and the grass and weeds that may grow up around them. It would keep them in better condition for longer.
Recycle, reuse, and reduce the waste then build to last!