build a cabin

I’m wired to only be around people about 50% of the time. The rest of the time – ideally – I would spend alone. This is not unhealthy; not for me at least. But my real life doesn’t allow for that much-needed solitude. So my solution is simple! Build a tiny retreat cabin on the property. We have some acreage, and a ridge with a spectacular view. The trick is to do it in such a way as to avoid needing building permits and all that crap. I don’t want to LIVE there; I just want a quiet, comfortable, sheltered space to be alone with my thoughts, write, read, nap…etc. I might expand on the idea a bit: a loft big enough to put a mattress, insulation and a heat source of some kind so we can use it year round, a rainwater catchment system for basic washing, solar or wind power, and maybe if I get enough money for it, a composting toilet (to the tune of about $3000). I think I’m going to start collecting as much material for this as I can using Freecycle and other free sources. Another good source for inexpensive used building supplies is Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Lots of great deals there!

Wish me luck!

http://www.schooloflogbuilding.com/index.htm

i don’t even own my own home yet but i intend to do this

I’m sailing up to the island we own in British Columbia tomorrow, the site of my future cabin. It is extremely remote and wild and beautiful… there’s a lagoon that passes through the middle, dividing the island in two, that is just deep enough to get a small sailboat through at high tide. The orca whales swim through the channel and sometimes you can hear them breaching at night. Breathtaking.

See my latest blog entry http://blog.aharbick.com/archives/000198.html

Just realized I haven’t updated this in a long time. I’m officially part of the landed gentry, I have a building permit, and my foundation was dug yesterday. Early next week the foundation footers are getting poured and inspected. Then, it may be possible to have the block layed and start building on 6/30 (materials are being delivered on 6/29). If not then, definitely by 7/7. I forgot my camera yesterday, but I’ll try to get a picture of the foundation tomorrow, and I’m definitely going to have pictures of the actual construction.

Wouldn’t you know it I build cabins for a living but don’t have one for myself. Hopefully this fall we will be able to find time to build one for us. I always see our clients enjoying theirs and now it is our turn :) bavariancottages.com

I’ve almost acquired the land (I close on the 16th). It’s 50 acres outside of Craigsville, VA (photos here). I’ve also done lots of research about building permitting, building choices, etc. I’m keeping all of my notes in Backpack. I need to cull out some personal stuff before I can share them though.

There is nothing better! Well.. ok there are somethings that are better, but it is pretty great:) My mate and I built one this past summer 06’ and we love it, it still isn’t finsihed.. a little 12×12 one room place with a loft. It’s just perfect for a nice getaway

I’ve been helping my Dad to build a 5-room cabin this weekend. Spent 12 hours yesterday painting and assembling lots of planks of wood. We managed to get most of the outside frame up and windows/doors inserted. Very Little House on the Prairie.