There are kinds of shocks that are worse than sticker shock.

But seriously - it sounds like a good idea but I have no idea how to make one. I would never use one that I had built. Because of that electric and toilet combination.

something similar?

As we move along in retirement years, it's always to look a good five years ahead, and try to calculate our physical needs for that time. A first floor commode is especially useful for that purpose.
I, myself, have installed the taller commodes, similar to but not as large as the ones seen in commercial establishments, as well as grab bars.
However, I'm not a dainty person in size and appreciate a form underpinning.

But whatever it is, I only reach 5' into the sky. Hey, at least I'm taller than Hetty!

As for the Mennonite and Amish craftsmen, I just figured I'd try to have plans ready for them just in case. The Amish don't like to deal with electricity at all, but some will on a limited basis.

One of the good things about the place I retired for financial reasons is not only affordability but also topography and micro climate. We're high above any flood zones but uniquely situated enough that bad storms generally veer off just before they reach us. So I don't expect any big disasters; yet in today's world, it still pays to be prepared. I already know exactly what sort of little house I could build with the insurance $ and have plenty left if my main house ever blew over. Etc. And I know how to make a non-electric composting toilet. I just far prefer the kind that turns everything to clean ash and is easy to maintain. Looked on YouTube for instructions but haven't found any. I just figure that if Sun Mar can build them for around $1k, I should be able to make my own for under $100.

We are moving forward with an old tudor style built in 1913. My husband has restoration (UNESCO Certified) as part of his metal works/metal artist line of business and has experience doing masonry and such - as well as HVAC and Solar Certification.

We have GOT to redo the kitchen and bathrooms in this old house. Non Negotiable - but we are also looking at ways to keep it green. Any little bit we can do to leave less of a footprint. The elderly woman that lived there did have a healthy compost pile - so that's good. The solar energy we can move forward with next spring - but the internals of the house are key to being able to move in before the winter.

Let me ask Mr. F IrishAyes what he thinks.

You are going to need approval from your local gov to build it. We can't get that in the house we purchased since it's in a historical part of the town we are moving to. They have cleared us for our solar panels though since that will be in a side yard not visible to the street. The previous owner(s) had a compost pile dating back to the late 1960's. We are very fortunate that Walter 'Moose' Foran (NJ Politician) was known for being a Republican (yeah -we are turning a Red House Blue ) Environmentalist in NJ. We have some updates to do - but the renovations he and Mrs. F did in the 1960's and 1970's were waaaaaaaaaay ahead of their time in this 100 year old house.

I would indeed need a permit - but not here. Permit is pretty much a commie plot to most of these people. The very few you do need are free and pretty much unrestricted. For instance, if I had the $ I could build a house from the ground up w/o a single permit. I'd have to pay to connect to the power supply and sewage system, but that's not the same as a permit. There are very few rules of any kind. They did pass an ordinance that new electrical boxes had to be inside but that's about it. If I wanted to build a tarpaper shack or live in a tent, they couldn't stop me. They count on social pressure for the little conformity they're willing to tolerate. I won't ever need to worry about losing my home to back taxes either, because they're a whopping $180 a year and won't go up unless I increase the square footage, no matter what improvements I'm able to make to the present structure. And although I'd be eligible for a historical structure status from outside authorities, I don't intend to apply.

When I get too riled up about something, I fantasize revenge by plotting to paint the exterior of the house authentic painted-lady style, with at least 5 different bright clashing colors. That'd teach any mean neighbors to mess with me - they'd really hate it. But I only hold those thoughts long enough to calm down. One of these days, though....

I fantasize revenge by plotting to paint the exterior of the house authentic painted-lady style, with at least 5 different bright clashing colors.

Most of these people have no idea how mean I know how to be, given enough provocation! And I do love the painted lady look, so not making any promises to behave. I could just imagine the collective heart attacks resulting from greater authenticity. The doors are already white and soft yellow and green, with slate blue roof and exterior with white wood trim. But wouldn't it be glorious to throw that color scheme out for deep red, purple, yellow, green, and Bristol blue?

BTW, the "UP" house is beautiful, isn't it?

The Up House - And I love your Painted Lady idea. Oh please do it some day and post it here!