I was retrenched after the covid lockdown. In the forefront of my mind, due to a drastic reduction in my monthly income, was to build a self-sustainable home and minimise my monthly living expenses. After investigating different types of buildings with different materials, keeping long-term maintenance costs to a minimum, I decided to erect a light steel-frame home. I included solar for my total off-the-grid electrical source. I have a borehole and water tank, a gas geyser and gas stove to reduce electrical consumption, and a French drain for sewerage.