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General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: mogie01 on July 30, 2010, 12:15:45 PM

Title: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 30, 2010, 12:15:45 PM
We love to go snowboarding in the winter months and for the longest time we have been dreaming about having our own place to stay when we travel up north.  We purchased a small area of land in northwest Michigan, near the ski slopes.

We will be building a 1-1/2 story, 34 x 20 cabin.

We have our septic and well permits, a street address and are now waiting on our building permit.  The wait is killing me, I have to learn to be patient.  We found a contractor to install the septic tank and well, and he will also clear the property of brush etc, put in a driveway and culvert and build a foundation for us.  We can't do anything though until we get that building permit!  My husband has a few friends who are willing to help us build the cabin.

On my lunch break right now so will post more when I have time.   :)
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on July 30, 2010, 01:01:01 PM
Welcome mogie!  Looking forward to watching your dream come true!  I used to snow ski a lot but haven't in years.  Took a really bad fall at Snow Mass in Colorado - didn't break anything but had to be taken down by the ski patrol in a litter (guess that's what it's called) - was way up at top & seemed like it took forever to get down - was embarrassing  :-[  Skiing was fun, though!  Had some friends who were ski patrol who had a cabin close by Badger near Yosemite so used to stay there & get to ski free - ahhhh, that was the life!
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 06, 2010, 03:33:15 PM
Thanks for the welcome Sassy.  Sorry to hear about your fall in Snow Mass, I've had quite a few tumbles too, luckily nothing too serious.  I wish we knew people that had a place out west, I love it!!  Alas, we don't, hence the dream cabin  ::)

To date we're still waiting on the building permit, yeeesh.  Does it normally take this long or am I just being impatient?  I know, probably the latter. 

I'm going to try and post some pics of our lot soon, I'm working on creating an account on photobucket.
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 06, 2010, 03:50:12 PM
Some pics of the land we bought:

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/lot14-9.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/lot14-6.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/lot14-5.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/lot14-4.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/lot14-3.jpg)

Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: rusky on August 06, 2010, 05:28:30 PM
Hey Mogpiie
You are  doining great
sorryfor my russuin
i do  hope  that yuo shall do your best






Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Tom on August 06, 2010, 10:16:58 PM
Good to see another Michigander here. Where is your property?
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: germangirl on August 07, 2010, 09:33:49 AM
Nice! Is it near Boyne? Yep - another Michigander !
Title: Michigander
Post by: mogie01 on August 08, 2010, 07:05:39 PM
 [cool]  We're season pass holders at Crystal Mountain, near Thompsonville, the land we bought is about 4 miles south of there.  We love Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and especially love Nubs Nob but it's just a little too far for us to travel up there every weekend.  We can drive up to Crystal Mountain in about 2-1/2 hours and we just really enjoy it there.
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Tom on August 09, 2010, 07:32:02 AM
Nub's Nob...Wow, does that ever bring back memories.

My skiing days are long past, but I do recall a few trips to Boyne.

You say that this land is north of where you live. I'm from the Hopkins area (between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo). Where do you call home?
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: HomeschoolMom on August 09, 2010, 07:38:23 AM
Hey, Tom.  We are just south of you!  We are just west of Kalamazoo.   [cool]
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: germangirl on August 09, 2010, 02:42:02 PM
 :)  Just looked at the Crystal Mountain website. Really nice set up they have there! Plenty of activities. We have family in Manton (11 miles N of Cadillac) and my sister and family live in Middleville. We are scattered throughout the state. I am so excited for you and I can't wait to watch the progress!
Title: Finally, we have the building permit!!
Post by: mogie01 on August 31, 2010, 02:50:35 PM
Wooohoooo, we have the building permit and we met up with the contractor and he said he should be able to start this week.  I think we'll take a drive up there this Friday and check things out. :)
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 10, 2010, 08:49:46 AM
Things are starting to finally move along.  The contractor cleared the lot, the septic is in, the foundation is in and he should finish the well today.  He also brought in gravel for the driveway.  So far we've been really happy with the work he has done.  We are taking our camper up today and will leave it there to give us somewhere to stay while we work on the cabin.  Now we can finally start working on it.  This is exciting!!  I've posted some more pics.   :D

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/lot14-10.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/foundation5.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/foundation3.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/site3-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/site4.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/septictank-1.jpg)

Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: OlJarhead on September 10, 2010, 02:31:23 PM
Looks like a great start! 
Title: Camper moved onto site
Post by: mogie01 on September 11, 2010, 11:43:32 AM
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/camperatsite2-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: archimedes on September 11, 2010, 12:24:01 PM
Looking good.

Do you mind if I ask how much the foundation cost?  Trying to get a sense of cost for my project.

Good luck
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 11, 2010, 12:50:57 PM
Thanks Bmancanfly.  The cost was around $3,000 that covered the foundation, clearing the lot and backfilling.
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: germangirl on September 11, 2010, 02:42:44 PM
What are you going to build? Size? 2 story?
Just curious  :)
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 11, 2010, 04:44:09 PM
Germangirl we're building a 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin.
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sourdo on September 12, 2010, 11:07:59 AM
Greetings and best of luck on your cottage! I'm building from the same plans and I'll tell you I'm having the time of my life.

Nothing like building your own home to give yourself a good dose of the feeling of accomplishment. It's hard work but very satisfying.

Nice looking foundation too. Are you going to pour a slab? Even a "rat slab" would be good for additional storage underneath. You could use a low strength slurry mix to save money. 

russ
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: archimedes on September 12, 2010, 12:00:28 PM
Quote from: mogie01 on September 11, 2010, 12:50:57 PM
Thanks Bmancanfly.  The cost was around $3,000 that covered the foundation, clearing the lot and backfilling.

That's a good price and it looks like they did good work too.  Can't wait to see the cabin go up.
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 12, 2010, 08:17:12 PM
Sourdo, not planning on pouring any more concrete.  Maybe down the road if we need the space.
Title: More pics - I-joists, subfloor, headers and wall framing
Post by: mogie01 on September 12, 2010, 08:24:33 PM
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/foundation9-11-20102.jpg)
Our friends Paul and Rick working on the insulation.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/foundation9-11-20103-1.jpg)
I-joists in place.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/foundation9-12-20101-1.jpg)
Paul and Rick working on headers

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/foundation9-12-20103-1.jpg)
sub floor installed

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/foundation9-12-20102.jpg)
Assembling first wall
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 21, 2010, 06:53:24 AM
Husband, son and his friend managed to get 4 walls up this past weekend.  We plan on going up tonight and staying through to the weekend and try to get the remainder of the wall sheathing done and the  roof rafters on.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/workingon3rdwall9-18-10.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/3walls9-18-10-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/4walls3-9-19-10-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Our dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: UK4X4 on September 21, 2010, 08:26:49 AM
"The cost was around $3,000 that covered the foundation, clearing the lot and backfilling"

dam that was good, its costing me $4500 just for ground clearing and levelling mind you there are arround 15 trees that need cutting down , then all the roots removing and the sloped lot levelled.



Title: Four walls up - plan on working on roof today
Post by: mogie01 on September 23, 2010, 08:55:38 AM
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/4wallsinsulated.jpg)
Title: More pics - work done over the past week
Post by: mogie01 on September 27, 2010, 10:23:32 AM
My husband Rocky, his friend Rick and our son Billy, despite the horrible weather managed to get a roof on the cabin and weatherproof it.  

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/Phonepics267.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/Phonepics268-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/roof-complete29-23-10-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/roofwork.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/roofwork-2.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/roofwork2.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/roofwork5-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/roofwork4-1.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: astidham on September 27, 2010, 11:28:45 AM
Wow! you are moving along very quickley.
looking very good!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 27, 2010, 02:09:34 PM
Thanks astidham.  We know it won't be long before the snow flies so we're trying to get it weather tight before then.  We have our windows ordered and hopefully will have them within the next couple of weeks.  I hope I'm not posting too many pics, if you think I'm over-doing it please let me know, I'm a bit excited as I'm sure you can tell  :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/Phonepics272-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/roofwaterproofed9-26-10.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/insidecabin9-26-102-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/insidecabin9-26-103-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/insidecabin-wetday.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: astidham on September 27, 2010, 02:53:32 PM
we all love pictures here!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Tom on September 27, 2010, 05:29:19 PM
Can't ever have too many pics. Nice job
Title: Latest: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 04, 2010, 05:07:33 PM
The latest pics of our cabin.  Hubby and friends have been working hard.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/gableendwork.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/gableendwork2.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/insulatinggableend.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/insulatedcabin.jpg)
Title: Busy weekend
Post by: mogie01 on October 10, 2010, 07:51:45 PM
More pics to post.  It was a busy weekend for us.  We were able to put house wrap on the cabin, get the electrical panel installed and dig the holes for the front porch posts.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/housewrapping.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/cabinwithhousewrap2-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/cabinwithhousewrap.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/felixatcabin.jpg)
Felix

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/oscaratcabin.jpg)
Oscar

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/billyworkingonhurricanties.jpg)
Our son, Billy, putting in hurricane straps




Title: Windows and door are in
Post by: mogie01 on October 20, 2010, 06:01:16 PM
Another work filled weekend.  We were able to get all but one of the windows installed.  We had miscounted and ended up one window short (kitchen window).  We've already ordered the missing window and it should be here in a few weeks. 

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/patiodoorsinstalled.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/windowsanddoorinstalled3.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/patiodoorwork.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/windowsanddoorinstalled.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/windowonatticroom.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1287973765623.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: cabinfever on October 20, 2010, 06:14:03 PM
Wow - you guys are flying! Nice work, and keep the pics coming!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: ScottA on October 20, 2010, 06:25:21 PM
That's looking great.  :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: nathan.principe on October 20, 2010, 08:19:36 PM
Very impressive! just curious, is there a reason for the 2 diff types of house wrap?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: MikeOnBike on October 20, 2010, 09:26:50 PM
Wow that's what I needed!  If I had a forklift I wouldn't have got hurt when the scaffold collapsed.   That must have been very nice for roofing your cabin.

Looks like you have a great place coming together!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 22, 2010, 11:58:24 AM
Nathan we were given the house wrap for free, we didn't have enough of one type to completely wrap the house so we used both
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 22, 2010, 12:07:03 PM
Ouch Mike, sorry to hear about your scaffolding accident.  How high up were you?  How are you doing now?    The contractor who cleared our lot and put the well and septic tank in left that lift for us to use.  We'll pay him a rental fee for each day we use it.  He has been great, says it will be on an honor system, when we use it we log the number of days.  It saves us having to go back and forth to an equipment rental place.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: MikeOnBike on October 24, 2010, 01:45:13 AM
Quote from: mogie01 on October 22, 2010, 12:07:03 PM
Ouch Mike, sorry to hear about your scaffolding accident.  How high up were you?  How are you doing now?

My brother and I fell about 9ft.  We were just about 10 minutes from finishing the metal on that side of the roof and then taking the scaffold down.  I ended up with a concussion and I'm missing memory of about 6 hours of that day.  My pelvis felt like it was broken for about two weeks but we are both fully recovered now.  Very lucky!

That's great to have access to the lift.  I'm not sure what we are going to do when we start on the 12/12 pitch roof for the main 20x32 cabin.
Title: Started work on the porch
Post by: mogie01 on October 24, 2010, 06:36:42 PM
Another weekend spent working on the cabin.  The weather didn't cooperate, it rained the whole time.  We plan on going back up next weekend to finish the porch roof, hopefully the weather will be better.  Nothing worse than working in the pouring rain.  No rest for the wicked.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porch9.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porch8.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porch7.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porch6.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porchroof.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porch4.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porch3.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porch2.jpg)



Title: Nice red cedar for our porch
Post by: mogie01 on October 25, 2010, 07:39:54 PM
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porch5.jpg)
Title: Porch work done this weekend
Post by: mogie01 on October 31, 2010, 11:11:40 AM
We were a bit worried about what we would find up at the cabin after the strong winds that we had during the week, at the least we thought some trees might come down but to our relief everything was just the way we left it.  The weather was great this weekend but it's definitely getting chillier.  We were able to get the porch done and we're really happy with the way it turned out.  Our kitchen window came in so we got that installed too.   :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/windowsdone2.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porchrailings.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porchrailings2.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porchroof10-30-10.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porchroof10-30-105.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porchroof10-30-104.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porchroof10-30-103.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/porchroof10-30-102.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: nathan.principe on October 31, 2010, 12:14:59 PM
I love the posts and railings! The porch gives a whole new feel and look to your project, good work!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 31, 2010, 01:00:57 PM
Porches make all the difference.  Good Job.
Title: Chimney question
Post by: mogie01 on November 01, 2010, 07:25:01 PM
Thanks guys.  I have a question.  We would like to build a fake chimney on the outside.  We don't know enough about building a block firebox and I'm sure it would cost way too much to have someone build it so we're going fake.  We'll be heating with electric (insert) so it won't be used for burning or venting, do we just frame it and cover it with plywood, tyvek and faux stone?  Anything special we have to do?  I'm sure my hubby has been doing his research but with all the knowledge in here I thought I'd help him along.  ???

I love the look of the chimney AAA-Day built.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 01, 2010, 07:39:42 PM
You would be just one step away from making it work in reality.  Only thing lacking would be insulated flue pipe.  You have got it down as far as the procedures with the exception of the lathe wire and parge.  Not real sure what type of siding you are going to use but the chase can also be covered with the same material.  Using faux stove is rather costly if you don't have a wholesaler.  If you would like I can give you a company that I deal with that will ship. Not real sure of a cost but it would be worth a try to be competitive buying local. But as I said before construct it so that later you can insert double wall pipe if there comes a time that you would have to convert.  Meaning not to build with any cross supports that would obstruct the chase.
Title: Chimney
Post by: mogie01 on November 01, 2010, 08:01:45 PM
Thanks Redoverfarm, good idea to keep our options open for future use.  I'll pass it on to the hubby about not having cross supports.  I'm torn about using electric to heat but the hubby doesn't want the hassle of chopping wood, cleaning out the wood stove etc, but I'm thinking maybe eventually he'll change his mind.

Yup I couldn't believe how expensive the faux stone is, I think this will be one of the last things we do, give us some time to save some money for it.  We plan on covering the foundation, up the chimney and also the fireplace inside.  We'll be using log siding, I know we could use that to cover the chimney and it may come down to that but I just love the look of the stone and think it would break up all that wood.
Please send me the info on the company that you deal with, thanks!!
Title: Re: Chimney
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 01, 2010, 08:52:30 PM
Quote from: mogie01 on November 01, 2010, 08:01:45 PM

Please send me the info on the company that you deal with, thanks!!

Check your PM messages for the info that you wanted.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Bob S. on November 02, 2010, 06:21:23 AM
  If I was going to the expense of building the fake chimney. I would look at instaling A gas fireplace, so as to have a backup heat sources. You can run one on Butane.   
  Your cabin is looking good
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 02, 2010, 08:36:09 AM
Quote from: Bob S. on November 02, 2010, 06:21:23 AM
  If I was going to the expense of building the fake chimney. I would look at instaling A gas fireplace, so as to have a backup heat sources. You can run one on Butane.   
  Your cabin is looking good

Thanks Bob, I definitely think 2 different types of heat would be the sensible way to go, that way if the electricity goes out we would still have another way to keep the cabin warm.  We still haven't made a final decision, although we were leaning towards an electric heater in the fireplace, baseboard heat around the cabin and a couple of portable heaters.  We didn't really want a big propane tank at the side of the cabin but I'm sure we can come up with a way to hide it.  I've heard you can have them buried but would that be very expensive?  We would have to locate it somewhere that the propane truck could get to, and that kind of limits us too.

I appreciate the feedback from everyone! ;D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: MountainDon on November 02, 2010, 09:18:45 AM
Underground tanks are a special item. You can not bury standard above ground propane tanks.


In addition to special coatings that help to prevent corrosion, all underground tanks need to be installed with cathodic protection. Typically, sacrificial anodes (magnesium or zinc ingots encased in bags of special material) are attached to the tank. The metal in the anodes wastes away, preventing the steel tank from corroding. Periodic testing will show if the anodes are protecting the tank properly. They ought to last 50 years and can be replaced.
Title: Heat
Post by: mogie01 on November 02, 2010, 05:17:35 PM
I think I've talked my husband into having a wood burning stove in the cabin.  We've decided on electric baseboard heating around the cabin and I explained how better it would be to have two different heat sources.  Any recommendations on wood stoves?  I've been checking on the internet on installation, we would be going through the wall and up the outside (which is going to be boxed in - the chimney that we wanted).  Looks like we would have to use double insulated class A chimney.  I'll have to shop around and see how much this is going to cost before he is fully persuaded.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 02, 2010, 06:15:36 PM
It all depends on your budget and the amount of square footage you want to heat.  I would however go with a so called "air tight" construction.  There is not a complete air tight construction but some are better than others.  You need to size your stove BTU's to the room(s) you plan to heat.  Others will give you their take on brands. Personally I have a soap stone stove manufactured by Hearthstone.  It does a good job at heating and holds a fire really good for an extended period of time.  Even after the fire has died down the stone emits heat which has been store during the burn period.  Vermont Casting is another which some members have and seem satisified with.  So I would shop and ask around before committing.  Nothing says that you have to go ahead with the purchase at this point.  If you have the flue installed a stove can be connected at any time in the future.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: John_M on November 03, 2010, 12:49:53 PM
I have a Jotul Castine enamel woodstove.  We love it.  It is on the higher end cost wise (about $2400) and then you have to factor in the cost of the chimney.  The piping and installation actually cost us more than the stove.

You probably don't have to spend that much on the stove....but I feel you get what you pay for!  I love heating our cabin with wood.  It is extra work, but I find enjoyment in cutting down trees on our property and splitting, stacking etc.  I also love to stoke the fire etc, as well!  It's a cabin out in the country....it shoud have that rustic type of heat source.  If you're only visiting on weekends and stuff...it's not too much extra work!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Bob S. on November 03, 2010, 06:44:35 PM
 I think if you make the necessary framing now, at a later date you could build the fake chimney you want. With a "o" clearance metal wood burning fireplace. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 04, 2010, 08:26:49 AM
Quote from: Bob S. on November 03, 2010, 06:44:35 PM
I think if you make the necessary framing now, at a later date you could build the fake chimney you want. With a "o" clearance metal wood burning fireplace. 

How do you install this type of heater?  We also wanted to save some space and it sounds like a great option for us.  If we framed for the fake chimney, made it nice and strong to support the wood burning fireplace, do you insert the fireplace right into the fake chimney and run the triple wall pipe up the fake chimney, out through the overhang of the roof? 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 04, 2010, 09:46:21 AM
Quote from: mogie01 on November 04, 2010, 08:26:49 AM
Quote from: Bob S. on November 03, 2010, 06:44:35 PM
I think if you make the necessary framing now, at a later date you could build the fake chimney you want. With a "o" clearance metal wood burning fireplace. 

How do you install this type of heater?  We also wanted to save some space and it sounds like a great option for us.  If we framed for the fake chimney, made it nice and strong to support the wood burning fireplace, do you insert the fireplace right into the fake chimney and run the triple wall pipe up the fake chimney, out through the overhang of the roof? 


If you are leaning toward a stove then you would not have to construct a metal firebox.  Just a thimble ( insulated pipe) is made into the wall to intersect with  the insulated pipe that you are connecting to.  If you decided on a flue now would be the time to build it when you are in that stage of construction rather than coming back later and adding it.  If a wood burning fireplace rather than a stand alone stove is what you want then it would require a metal firebox or a mason laid block & firebrick. Just to give you an idea  http://acucraft.rtrk.com/?scid=879474&kw=6019891   
Title: Heat
Post by: mogie01 on November 06, 2010, 08:16:18 PM
Thanks for all of the useful information everyone.  We finally made a decision on heating the cabin and a few other things.  We are going with a wood stove, looking at the Dutchwest 2478.  We like the look of it and it's a division of Vermont Casting which has a good name.  We also decided that we were not going to spend the money on a chimney on the outside, so we're going to run the pipe inside of the cabin and just have the stove sit on a nice stone hearth, we'll give it enough clearance at the back so we don't have to use stone.

We added the stairs to the side of the porch this weekend and also closed up the hole we had made for the fireplace.  We finally got a hold of the electrical inspector to set up a date and time for him to come and inspect our meter box, once we get that done we can finally have the electric company run power to our cabin.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1289087419105.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1289087419545.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1289087419346.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1289087586343.jpg)
Title: Floor joists installed
Post by: mogie01 on November 14, 2010, 08:33:17 PM
We worked on the floor joists of the loft this weekend, those suckers were heavy, then moved sheets of sub-flooring up, more heavy lifting.  Couldn't spend the whole weekend at the cabin so we're happy with the amount of work we got done.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1289781746918.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1289781746091.jpg)

Title: Another work filled weekend
Post by: mogie01 on November 23, 2010, 05:59:38 PM
Spent the weekend up at the cabin again.  We were able to get the subfloor down.  Bedroom and bathroom wall framing done.  Started to pull wire for the bedroom and bathroom.  The weather was pretty miserable, thank goodness it was all inside work.  The power company has staked the route for the main power, it will be installed in 2 weeks, yaaaaay no more generator.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290450824776.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290444115104.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290444058214.jpg)
bathroom on the left, nice sized closet in front of bathroom, bedroom to the right

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290451548553.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290444057315.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290451549834.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290460092446.jpg)
bedroom with framed bedroom closet

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290460092762.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1290443756974.jpg)
site of future kitchen


Title: framing/wiring of bathroom and downstairs bedroom
Post by: mogie01 on December 03, 2010, 06:44:06 PM
These were taken last weekend.  It doesn't seem like we got a lot done but it's time consuming.  We're not going up this weekend, we need a little break but do plan on going up next weekend.  The ski slopes have opened up and we thought we might try sleeping in the camper if we can keep it warm enough.  The electric company is supposed to hook us up soon so I'm hoping it's before next weekend, that would make a big difference, we wouldn't have to run the generator all night.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1291047749990.jpg)
space for washer/dryer and some storage

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1291047750721.jpg)
bathtub will be on the lefthand side

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/img1291047750360.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on March 13, 2011, 08:44:28 PM
We were finally able to get up to the cabin this weekend and do some more work.  More wiring and we worked on the rafter ties.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0069.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0070.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0071.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0072.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0073.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Proud_Poppa on March 25, 2011, 06:02:22 PM
Man you all are smokin' !! Good work!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 08, 2011, 12:01:08 PM
We've started installing the drip edge on the roof.  Hope to get shingles on there next week.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_16.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_15.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_14.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_13.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_12.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_11.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on April 08, 2011, 12:49:08 PM
You're making good progress!  Won't be long & you'll have it done  :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 09, 2011, 06:58:41 PM
Today we worked on the chimney for the wood burning stove and started installing the pex plumbing.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_25.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_33.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_34.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_35.jpg)
Title: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 08, 2011, 04:39:22 PM
This weekend my husband and his friend were able to get the shingles done.  We've been waiting for some decent weather and finally it worked out.  Next thing will be the siding but due to work etc we won't be able to get to that for a few weeks.  Here are some pics.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_46.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_48.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_47.jpg)
View from the back of the cabin.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_38-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_45.jpg)

View from the front



Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Building Bob on May 08, 2011, 05:42:42 PM
It's a great feeling to have shingles on the roof. You place is looking good.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 08, 2011, 08:40:42 PM
Your place is looking nice.  What is your porch railing made of? 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: ajbremer on May 09, 2011, 02:27:16 AM
What a great job ya'll are doing - and thanks for all the pics.

I finally found a build that very closely resembles what I'll be doing/getting done. I don't come across many 20x30 1 1/2 story (20x34) stem-wall with floor joist I-beams builds here at countryplans. That is what I'll be doing, a 20x30 stem-wall with I-beams.

I would like to ask you about your stem-wall dimensions:

1) How deep and wide is it at the base?

2) How wide is it above the base?

3) What is its total height?

4) How high above the ground on the outside is it?

5) How many yards of concrete was used?

I have the countryplans 20x30 plans and I see that its stem-wall dimensions at the base are 7" x 15" and 18" high above the inside with a 9" wide wall. Yours seems to be much bigger and taller than that.

Keep up the great work and I will continue to follow your build thread.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 09, 2011, 06:24:48 PM
Thanks AJBremmer.  My husband is on a business trip for a week but I emailed him your questions and as soon as I hear anything I'll post them. 

We also bought land that has an Association and were given a list of all the rules and regulations.  They originally wanted larger homes built on the land but my husband and I wanted a small getaway.  Things aren't great in Michigan right now and the lots weren't selling, the Association changed their minds and changed their regulations to fit our plans.  Actually only 3 lots in the whole Association have been purchased and we are the first to actually build something.  I think their plan is to get someone in there that would actually build right away and possibly encourage other people to buy the lots.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 09, 2011, 06:33:44 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on May 08, 2011, 08:40:42 PM
Your place is looking nice.  What is your porch railing made of? 

Thanks Redoverfarm.  We used cedar log railing on the porch.  Our plan is to use log siding on the cabin, that will be our next big job.

Mo
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 09, 2011, 08:17:06 PM
Mo were they made with a tapered tenon cutter?  If so could I ask the brand and where you obtained it?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 10, 2011, 06:26:42 AM
Redoverfarm, we purchased the railing from a local sawmill.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 15, 2011, 07:41:15 PM
ajbremer, husband is finally home and now we can answer those questions for you :)

1) How deep and wide is it at the base?  -  the footings are 16" wide by 8" deep

2) How wide is it above the base?  8"

3) What is its total height?  56"

4) How high above the ground on the outside is it? 2'

5) How many yards of concrete was used?  we had this work done so not sure about the quantity, sorry.

Title: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 05, 2011, 08:48:37 PM
This weekend we picked up our siding and soffit materials from the sawmill.  We are using rough-sawn cedar for the soffits, 3 x 8 handhewn white cedar half logs for the siding, 4 x 6 D-Logs for the trim and 8" logs for the corners .  It was a beautiful weekend and we were able to get the soffits finished.  Next week we plan on starting the trim.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0211.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0215.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0222.jpg)
Soffits on south side of cabin

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0233-1.jpg)
Soffits on north side of cabin

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on June 06, 2011, 10:04:27 PM
You are making some good progress.  Keep the pictures coming!  Nice work so far.
Title: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 12, 2011, 08:13:04 PM
We were up at the cabin on Saturday and installed all of the d-log trim around windows and doors.  We also painted around the door trim to match the windows.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0253.jpg)
Back of cabin

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0243.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0248.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0258.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: duncanshannon on June 12, 2011, 08:38:29 PM
Looks great!
Title: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 19, 2011, 08:05:20 PM
On Saturday we drove up to the cabin and worked on getting the log corner posts installed.  The first one took us two hours  d* but after we figured out how to cut them the other three went up easier.  Now that all of the trim pieces are up we hope to start putting up the log siding next weekend.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/2011-06-18_15-02-39_342.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0260.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0259.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/2011-06-18_15-03-08_352-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on June 20, 2011, 11:07:17 AM
looks good!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on June 20, 2011, 01:55:09 PM
Niiiiice!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on June 20, 2011, 02:44:41 PM
Where are you getting the log siding and how much is it?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 20, 2011, 07:37:14 PM
Quote from: oifmarine on June 20, 2011, 02:44:41 PM
Where are you getting the log siding and how much is it?

Thanks, Oifmarine and Sassy.  I'm excited about seeing the siding up on the cabin :)  Then comes the staining.  I know it seems like a lot of work, but we've always wanted our own log cabin ;D  Oifmarine, the siding was purchased from Town and Country, Boyne Falls, Michigan and it cost $3.36 a lf. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on June 20, 2011, 08:06:39 PM
Thanks!  I can't wait to see it all the way up.  Looks great so far.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 24, 2011, 08:05:10 PM
We've started on the siding on the west wall, so far it's going good  :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_49.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_50.jpg)


Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Jayburr on June 24, 2011, 10:23:39 PM
Mogie, love your place, keep the thread and photos coming!

j.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 27, 2011, 11:49:52 AM
Sided up to the roof and started on the front
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_51.jpg)


Started siding the front of the cabin. 

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_52.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_53.jpg)
box for outlet

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_68.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_69.jpg)
front door
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: sharbin on June 27, 2011, 01:10:40 PM
very nice indeed.

May I ask you what you will be using for the Fascia? also are you still using the forklift to access the high end of the gable, or are you using other method?

We are currently doing our siding/soffit/fascia. Up till now I only used ladders, but in order to get to the high apex of the gable and install all these things I am still not sure what is the best way to do it. I already baught scaffolding, but enough to get me to a 10 feet section at a time (the cottage is 20x30, gable being the 20), which means I have to dissmantle and re-install 4 levels of scaffolding, which I must admit is scaring me :-\
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 27, 2011, 05:30:03 PM
Sharbin the fascia has rough sawn cedar on it and we used a 32' extension ladder to reach the peak.  It would have been nice to have used the forklift but we had already handed it back and thought we could make do without it.  Good luck on your siding/soffit/fascia.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: sharbin on June 27, 2011, 06:06:33 PM
wow... that is interesting carrying the whole thing up there using a ladder let alone installing it  ???

on a different note, what did you use for soffit ventilation?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on June 27, 2011, 06:29:34 PM
Quote from: sharbin on June 27, 2011, 01:10:40 PM
very nice indeed.

May I ask you what you will be using for the Fascia? also are you still using the forklift to access the high end of the gable, or are you using other method?

We are currently doing our siding/soffit/fascia. Up till now I only used ladders, but in order to get to the high apex of the gable and install all these things I am still not sure what is the best way to do it. I already baught scaffolding, but enough to get me to a 10 feet section at a time (the cottage is 20x30, gable being the 20), which means I have to dissmantle and re-install 4 levels of scaffolding, which I must admit is scaring me :-\

Sharbin-
There is another thread on here I saw where someone installed the scaffolding on a trailer and moved the trailer with their truck as needed.  Needless to say, level ground would be a must for that.  Just an idea.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on June 27, 2011, 06:37:51 PM
Here is the build thread that shows the scaffolding.  I couldn't figure out how to insert a picture so you will have to go to the thread and check it out.  It is near the bottom of page 7.



astidham
OKLAHOMA 20X30 SINGLE STORY  

Dropped image in here (you can see how it was done)

(https://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af112/astidham80/roof/100_0796.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 27, 2011, 06:45:32 PM
Quote from: sharbin on June 27, 2011, 06:06:33 PM
wow... that is interesting carrying the whole thing up there using a ladder let alone installing it  ???

on a different note, what did you use for soffit ventilation?

We're going to insulate the roof with foam so we won't be needing soffit ventilation.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 27, 2011, 07:49:10 PM
Just a word to the wise on scaffolding.  If you are using cement blocks to level always use the webbing up verticle and not horizontal.  It is also a good idea to use 2X material on top of the block for the legs to sit on.  When I did my house I had it stacked 5 high.  No matter how strong or sturdy the base is it will be shakey at the top.  If you have a window on the gable end you might consider tieing off to the interior.  If you are setting it up on recently filled soil use a base plate of 2X to keep the block from sinking with the weight of the scaffold and yourself over time. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: astidham on June 27, 2011, 10:16:04 PM
Quote from: oifmarine on June 27, 2011, 06:37:51 PM
Here is the build thread that shows the scaffolding.  I couldn't figure out how to insert a picture so you will have to go to the thread and check it out.  It is near the bottom of page 7.



astidham
OKLAHOMA 20X30 SINGLE STORY  

Dropped image in here (you can see how it was done)

the scaffold has adjustable feet for ~15" of leveling.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 30, 2011, 02:38:25 PM
More pics ...........

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_58.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_61.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_64.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_65.jpg)
front of cabin

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 30, 2011, 02:57:37 PM
Looking good. Nice job.  Now if I can get my railings to look half as nice I will be satisfied.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 30, 2011, 03:02:45 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on June 30, 2011, 02:57:37 PM
Looking good. Nice job.  Now if I can get my railings to look half as nice I will be satisfied.

Thanks Redoverfarm. As for your railing, I have every confidence that it will look fantastic :)  You do good work!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on June 30, 2011, 10:43:07 PM
Looks great!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 20, 2011, 11:49:32 AM
Thanks Sassy.  We haven't been able to get up to the cabin this past 3 weeks - we had friends over from Scotland and we took a much needed vacation but we plan on going up this weekend and try to get as much siding up as possible.  The weather has been really hot the past few days so we're hoping it breaks by the weekend.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 25, 2011, 12:12:37 PM
We worked on the siding this weekend.  It was so hot, and just our luck we had to work on the sides with no shade.  I think we should be able to get it finished this weekend.  After that we have to wash down the siding then apply the stain.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0326.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0324.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0334.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0340.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0342.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_70.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: metolent on July 25, 2011, 02:59:18 PM
Love that siding!  Looks great!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Turkeyhunter on July 25, 2011, 04:47:50 PM
log siding looks mighty fine!!!!!

do you have a close up shot of the back of one of the corner logs???  before install???, i have ben looking looking for that type log corner for my camp.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 25, 2011, 04:57:42 PM
Quote from: Turkeyhunter on July 25, 2011, 04:47:50 PM
log siding looks mighty fine!!!!!

do you have a close up shot of the back of one of the corner logs???  before install???, i have ben looking looking for that type log corner for my camp.

Thanks Turkeyhunter  ::)   I don't have a photo of it but I'm sure we have some scrap pieces left over so I'll take a picture of it for you this weekend when we go up.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 01, 2011, 06:47:20 AM
We almost have the siding done, only a small section at the front of the cabin to do.  Here's what we got done this weekend.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0348.jpg)
back of the cabin (east)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0358.jpg)
north side

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0364.jpg)
south side

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0368.jpg)



Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Turkeyhunter on August 01, 2011, 05:36:46 PM
the siding looks GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 01, 2011, 06:16:47 PM
Quote from: Turkeyhunter on July 25, 2011, 04:47:50 PM
log siding looks mighty fine!!!!!

do you have a close up shot of the back of one of the corner logs???  before install???, i have ben looking looking for that type log corner for my camp.

Thanks Turkeyhunter, I almost forgot to post the pics of the corner logs for you, hope this helps:-

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0346.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0344.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0343.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story dream cabin in Michigan
Post by: Turkeyhunter on August 02, 2011, 05:52:55 AM
thanks for the pic...........the log place wants $185 each ==== ???( 3 hours drive) for those corners, and i had not saw a pic of one.   I appreacite the pic===thanks
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 08, 2011, 10:44:27 AM
We finished up the siding this weekend.  We decided to add a row of cedar shingles to the top of the porch wall.  We also wired the water pump and now we have water, woohoooooo.  We washed down the siding and the porch with TSP and cleared up around the cabin, it was a very busy weekend.  If the weather cooperates, we will start the staining next weekend.  Some pics....

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0376.jpg)
the cedar shakes

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0373.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0378.jpg)
not a very clear picture, sorry

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on August 08, 2011, 04:03:37 PM
Really looks great!  Nice job  :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 16, 2011, 11:58:28 AM
Weather didn't co-operate this weekend so we were unable to do the staining.  We took this opportunity to do a little more plumbing work and some much needed yard clean up (my job).

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0384.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0383.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0382.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0388.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0386.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 29, 2011, 12:16:41 PM
We were finally able to start staining the logs.  We love how it turned out.  We used TWP stain, Pecan color.  It was a lot of work because you have to put a second coat on within 24 hours of the first coat.  We were able to do 3 walls and plan on finishing the last wall and the porch railings next weekend.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0395.jpg)
A picture of the gable end which shows the contrast between the stained logs and the untouched logs

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0401.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0403.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0405.jpg)
The soffit

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0406.jpg)
My husband staining the fascia, yeesh, no fear.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0398.jpg)
I had the much easier job of staining the front porch.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ellbaker on August 30, 2011, 05:17:25 PM
That looks great!  I really would like to do my cabin with log siding but hate the thought of re-staining every few years.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: freezengirl on September 03, 2011, 05:46:01 PM
Your cabin looks fantastic!  :) I am going to show my hubby the pictures when he comes home so he can get an idea somewhat of what ours will look like if we ever manage to get started on it.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on September 04, 2011, 10:47:12 AM
Really coming along nicely!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Pritch on September 04, 2011, 01:00:55 PM
Mogie,

I wanted to say that I really like your project, especially the "hand hewn" log siding and trim.  I think this is the way I'm going to go as well.  I looked back over your entire thread and didn't see a floorplan.  I'd love to see how you are putting your space to use. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on September 04, 2011, 01:41:03 PM
Love how the stain brings out the grain in the wood  :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 06, 2011, 12:11:16 PM
Thanks for all of the nice comments everyone!  :D  We're excited that we're almost done with the outside.  Next weekend we'll stain the porch floor then work on the inside for a while, we'll concentrate on finishing the plumbing and electrical.  We still have 2 sections of porch railing to install and stain and the front stairs to build and stain.  Here are some more pics.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0430.jpg)
the east side of the cabin

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0425.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0424.jpg)
the porch railings are now done

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0415.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: redbird on September 06, 2011, 03:21:57 PM
Awesome house, the log siding looks amazing!  I'm more and more inspired by the 1 1/2 story.  Seems like you get a lot more space for not much more cost than the 1 story.  But that's a giant guess.  Anyway I assume that is why a lot of people choose this one.

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 06, 2011, 05:03:18 PM
Thanks Redbird, we always wanted a log cabin so we're really pleased with the way the log siding turned out.  We went with the 1-1/2 story plan for exactly the reasons you mention.  It also gives you the choice to have a complete 2nd floor if you want, like Dave and Kim's, not just a loft area.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 06, 2011, 05:12:58 PM
Quote from: Pritch on September 04, 2011, 01:00:55 PM
Mogie,

I wanted to say that I really like your project, especially the "hand hewn" log siding and trim.  I think this is the way I'm going to go as well.  I looked back over your entire thread and didn't see a floorplan.  I'd love to see how you are putting your space to use. 

Pritch, here is our layout.  We aren't exactly set on what kind of stairs to have, torn between spiral or steep winder.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/floorplan-loft.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/floorplan.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 12, 2011, 11:55:18 AM
This weekend I worked on staining the porch floor and thinning out some of the surrounding jungle while the hubby worked inside.  He was able to get all of the DWV done, that leaves a couple of electrical things to do and then we can arrange for the inspection :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0439.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0444.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ajbremer on October 01, 2011, 05:39:48 AM

Saturday - October 1st, 2011 Oklahoma, USA

Mogie01, it's all fantastic, we are going with the log siding also.

Wow, it's more expensive than I thought. I think you mentioned that it was $3.36 per lf? I tried to calculate that cost in my head and I'm guessing that all of your 3 x 8 handhewn white cedar half logs cost more than $4,000.00? (I didn't calculate in the openings, I'm just guessing).

By the way, I read through your whole thread this morning, you guys have done a great job. Your husband seems like he's already been doing this building stuff for awhile. Thank you and please let me know about the cost of the siding.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: CjAl on October 01, 2011, 07:20:58 AM
Quote from: mogie01 on September 06, 2011, 05:12:58 PM
Pritch, here is our layout.  We aren't exactly set on what kind of stairs to have, torn between spiral or steep winder.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/floorplan-loft.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/floorplan.jpg)
i know you said.interior.isnt done.but i would really appreciate seeing pics of the downstairs rooms to get a feel for the size. Looks lime the bedroom would be a queen size bed max, bathroom.looks plenty big. Mabey rob a coup feet from the bathroom for the bedroom.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 03, 2011, 05:39:25 PM
Quote from: ajbremer on October 01, 2011, 05:39:48 AM
Saturday - October 1st, 2011 Oklahoma, USA

Mogie01, it's all fantastic, we are going with the log siding also.

Wow, it's more expensive than I thought. I think you mentioned that it was $3.36 per lf? I tried to calculate that cost in my head and I'm guessing that all of your 3 x 8 handhewn white cedar half logs cost more than $4,000.00? (I didn't calculate in the openings, I'm just guessing).

By the way, I read through your whole thread this morning, you guys have done a great job. Your husband seems like he's already been doing this building stuff for awhile. Thank you and please let me know about the cost of the siding.


Are you sitting down AJbremmer, the cost of the siding (1200 sq ft), the D-log window and door trim, the 4 corner logs and the 1 x 6 rough sawn cedar (120 sq ft) for the soffits cost $9,000.  The pine log siding is cheaper but we decided to go with the cedar.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 03, 2011, 05:44:09 PM
Quote from: CjAl on October 01, 2011, 07:20:58 AM
i know you said.interior.isnt done.but i would really appreciate seeing pics of the downstairs rooms to get a feel for the size. Looks lime the bedroom would be a queen size bed max, bathroom.looks plenty big. Mabey rob a coup feet from the bathroom for the bedroom.

CJ when we go up this weekend I will take some pics of the interior.  Yeah, I think it will fit the queen size but we decided to have the larger bathroom to fit the washer and dryer in and have some storage room too. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 03, 2011, 06:01:07 PM
We decided to box in the ends of the porch with log railings, the stairs at the end of the porch will be moved to the sliding glass doors at the back of the cabin temporarily until we build a deck.  We built stairs at the front of the porch and plan on staining them this weekend if the weather holds up.

We also have the electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections this Friday, wish us luck!

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_78.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_77.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_81.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_82.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_80.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: CjAl on October 04, 2011, 10:34:55 PM
I believe i am stealing your floor plan. You know what they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 05, 2011, 05:10:55 PM
Quote from: CjAl on October 04, 2011, 10:34:55 PM
I believe i am stealing your floor plan. You know what they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  :)

Thanks CjAl, that's why I love this site, it gives you a chance to see what others have done and how it might work for you.  Glad you like the foorplan :)  I'll be sure to take some pics of the inside this weekend.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: metolent on October 05, 2011, 09:29:51 PM
It's really looking great!  Good luck with the inspections! 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ajbremer on October 06, 2011, 04:51:10 AM

Thank you for letting me know about the price of that log siding. My first calculation, in my head, was $6,000 but I thought I was too high so I thought I would take it down to $4,000. Wow, $9,000! Is it considered 'high maintenance'? I mean do you have to treat it with something a few times a year? I saw some log siding at Lowe's (it was on a rotating wooden stand for display and had to be ordered) and it was around $1.69 a linear foot and I think it was 3"x8" pine...not sure.

Thanks for all your pics and post, their inspiring to say the least.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: CjAl on October 06, 2011, 08:39:01 AM
Its cedar, that the reason for the $9k. Pine would be alot cheaper. Any wood like that you will need to reseal every few years. Cedar can be.left to weather and not treat it. It turns gray and cedar is more resistant to rot then most. Pine you will have to retreat every few years. I like a clear finish but thats usually a two year finish
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 10, 2011, 08:56:22 PM
Spent another busy weekend at the cabin.  We had the plumbing and mechanical inspector out on Friday, we missed a couple of small things which we have fixed already and hopefully he'll be back this week to check.  The electrical inspector came today and we passed :)  One more inspection to go, structural, after that we can have it insulated.

We finished the stairs at the front and stained them.  The stairs at the side have been removed and we plan on using them temporarily at the back of the cabin.

CjAl I took a few pics of the inside.  I couldn't get a good angle though so I had my husband measure the rooms.  The bedroom is 13' x
9'5" with a 5' x 2'6" closet.  The bathroom is 9'4" x 9'10".

View of the bedroom
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0486.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0495.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0490.jpg)

Bathroom
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0498.jpg)

My husband built a small box to go over the well.  We plan on using the cabin in the winter and want to make sure it doesn't freeze.  He insulated inside the box and if it gets too cold plans on putting a light inside to keep it warm.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0484.jpg)

View of the new stairs
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0474.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0473.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0479.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 12, 2011, 05:09:41 PM
Our final rough-in inspection is scheduled for Monday, wish us luck!!  Then comes the insulation.  ;D  We already have a quote of $3400 - that covers foam in the roof and blown in cellulose for the walls.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 23, 2011, 07:04:43 PM
We passed all of our inspections  :)  The insulation will be installed this week and then we have to get it inspected.  Once that happens we can work on finishing the inside.  We plan on starting with the bathroom.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0513.jpg)
the porch light installed

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0509.jpg)
railing up and side stairs gone

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0503.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0506.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_86.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on October 23, 2011, 09:28:50 PM
Really love your cabin!!!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 01, 2011, 05:57:23 PM
Our insulation is in and passed the inspection.  We installed the baseboard heaters to keep the place warm while we work over the winter.  It's amazing how toasty the cabin stays now. We picked up some tile, backerboard and pine t&g for the bathroom.  We were able to get the backerboard done, then installed a jetted bathtub we had purchased and tested out the tankless water heater.    The place was in a bit of a mess and becoming hard to find things so we took some time to clean up in preparation for working on the bathroom next weekend.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0542.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0540.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0533.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0538.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0534.jpg)



Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: TheWire on November 01, 2011, 09:02:05 PM
Looking good!.  What are you going you finish the walls with?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 03, 2011, 06:50:04 AM
Quote from: TheWire on November 01, 2011, 09:02:05 PM
Looking good!.  What are you going you finish the walls with?

TheWire, we plan on using pine t&g on the walls.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: texasgun on November 03, 2011, 11:36:54 AM
Is that a red neck tub filler hanging over the tub? You know if you attach a rain spray end designed for gently watering flowers and use bailing wire to hold it high it makes a great showerhead. Dont ask me why I know this d* The cabin looks great  [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 03, 2011, 06:59:11 PM
Quote from: texasgun on November 03, 2011, 11:36:54 AM
Is that a red neck tub filler hanging over the tub? You know if you attach a rain spray end designed for gently watering flowers and use bailing wire to hold it high it makes a great showerhead. Dont ask me why I know this d* The cabin looks great  [cool]

Lol, thanks Texasgun.   :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 06, 2011, 06:18:04 PM
Worked on the cabin this weekend.  We installed pine t&g on the bathroom walls and ceiling.  Next comes the tile on the floor and tub surround, then the trim work.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0555.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0548.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0550.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 20, 2011, 07:13:09 PM
This weekend we tiled the bathroom, my husband even trusted me with the tile saw :).  We think that we'll be able to use the cabin this winter now that it has a functioning bathroom.  Next weekend will be grouting and some trim work.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0561.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0565.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0562.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on November 20, 2011, 08:15:20 PM
Tile & t&g look great, Mogie!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: noklu on November 20, 2011, 10:43:51 PM
Quote...We think that we'll be able to use the cabin this winter now that it has a functioning bathroom...

My, my How spoiled we have gotten these days... I grew up on an old farm with NO indoor plumbing! We would run to the "outhouse" whack the toilet seat to knock the ice down the hole before we would sit on it!
Not that I would WANT to do it again but could if necessary.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on November 21, 2011, 12:19:20 AM
We had an outhouse for about a year while building our cabin, before we got a real toilet - didn't have problems w/ice but Glenn did warn me that black widow spiders liked to build webs underneath   [scared]

I do remember getting a lot of exercise - it was about a 150ft trek up a dirt road...  for a long time we didn't have any walls, just gazed out over the valley below...   :D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: noklu on November 21, 2011, 12:40:11 AM
Wyoming winters were 25 below at times, so ice built up on the seat in a fine layer and COLD!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: kenhill on November 21, 2011, 12:41:32 PM
Toilet seats made out of blueboard are the answer to those 30 below treks!!!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: metolent on November 21, 2011, 12:44:59 PM
Wow Mogie!  That T&G and the tile (is that slate?) looks awesome!  You guys are moving along quickly!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 27, 2011, 08:34:00 PM
Quote from: metolent on November 21, 2011, 12:44:59 PM
Wow Mogie!  That T&G and the tile (is that slate?) looks awesome!  You guys are moving along quickly!
Thanks metolent.  It's tile in the bathroom that looks like slate.  We love the look of slate but wanted something that was comfortable to walk on.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 27, 2011, 08:50:12 PM
This weekend we grouted the bath tub area and the bathroom floor and did some trim work.  We brought in the vanity and installed a light over the mirror and added the faucet and showerhead to the bath tub.  We still have quite a bit to do but it's all starting to come together :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_77-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_76-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_74.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_78-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: duncanshannon on November 27, 2011, 08:51:29 PM
awesome update!  must be a ton of fun.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 06, 2011, 01:00:13 PM
We still have few more things to do to the bathroom, trim etc before it's completely done.  This weekend we installed the door to the bathroom closet, caulked around the tub and some more trim work.  We have to pick up more t&g to begin work on the bedroom and plan on doing this in a few weeks.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0582.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0585.jpg)
bathroom closet door

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0583.jpg)


Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: beckhamk on December 06, 2011, 09:12:55 PM
where did you purchase all of your corner and window/door trims?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 07, 2011, 08:22:49 AM
Quote from: beckhamk on December 06, 2011, 09:12:55 PM
where did you purchase all of your corner and window/door trims?

beckhamk, we used a company called Wood Workersshoppe in Commins, Michigan.  Here is a link to their website.  :)

http://www.woodworkersshoppe.com/
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: metolent on December 08, 2011, 03:23:28 PM
Bathroom looks really great mogie... 

Guessing you might take a break this weekend to get some turns in as I see "your" Crystal Mountain is supposed to open? 

Funny, I stumbled on that site as was checking conditions at "our" Crystal Mountain here in WA.... 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 12, 2011, 01:13:11 PM
Thanks metolent.  The weather hasn't been great for winter sports here in Michigan.  We had a small amount of snow last week but it's already beginning to melt and I hear we are going to have rain this week :(  This Friday is the 6 for 1 day at Boyne Mountain, we usually go every year but I'm not sure if it will be worth it this year, going to play it by ear.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: NorthernMich on December 14, 2011, 03:30:20 PM
Cumins MI

Hop and a skip from me...nice pine :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 18, 2011, 06:54:24 PM
This weekend had a terrible start.  On our way up north, only 10 miles south of our cabin, we hit a patch of black ice and ended up in a ditch on our side :(  The emergency workers were fantastic.  After an hour a tow truck was able to get our truck back on 4 tires and we decided to try starting it up.  She started up first try!!  She runs great, but the whole passenger side took a beating.  We have to drop it off tomorrow at the repair shop and our insurance company will determine if it's cost effective to fix it, since the truck is a 2000.

On a brighter note, we did pick up some more t&g and trim pieces to work on finishing the bathroom and start on the bedroom.

We also took a little time off to do some snowboarding at Crystal Mountain, we deserved it after all we had been through :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0596.jpg)
insulation between the bathroom and bedroom

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0597.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0604.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0602.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ellbaker on December 21, 2011, 12:25:45 AM
Sorry to hear about the accident. Makes for a long day.

How did you handle the transition from the tile to the wood? I am going to tile the shower stall in my bathroom and haven't came up with a clean way to handle the transition. 

Your place looks great!

Eric
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 21, 2011, 06:59:20 PM
Quote from: ellbaker on December 21, 2011, 12:25:45 AM
How did you handle the transition from the tile to the wood? I am going to tile the shower stall in my bathroom and haven't came up with a clean way to handle the transition. 

Your place looks great!

Eric

Thanks Eric.  We used a backer board behind the tile which made it almost flush with the thickness of the wood and then used a bead of caulk that matched the grout to finish the edge.

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 02, 2012, 05:34:50 PM
Headed up north Thursday night and stayed until Monday afternoon.  We were able to get a few things done at the cabin while we were there and also some snowboarding.  The bedroom walls are done, ceiling is about 99.97% done (we miscalculated the amount of t&g we needed and were about 2 boards short.  We started on the floor which is 1 x 6 pine which we will stain and finish.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0026.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0029.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0035.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0034.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 02, 2012, 05:49:58 PM
Picture of our cabin in the snow :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0042.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 02, 2012, 07:03:25 PM
Make a good Christmas Card next year.  Nice   ;D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: metolent on January 03, 2012, 11:35:34 PM
Great shot - I second the Xmas card idea!  Progress looks really great!  Glad to hear you're getting in some snowboarding too...  Over the holiday break, we would go back and forth between working and skiing and skiing won almost every time.   Gotta get some fun in too....    ;D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 08, 2012, 06:37:51 PM
Did a little bit of work on the cabin and a little bit of snowboarding.  We finished laying the flooring in the bedroom, stained it and put the first coat of polyurethane on it.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0046.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0044.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ellbaker on January 08, 2012, 11:48:50 PM
Looking good. What color of stain did you use on the floor?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: dablack on January 09, 2012, 08:16:50 AM
Very nice.  Floor is going to turn out great!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 09, 2012, 01:18:13 PM
Quote from: ellbaker on January 08, 2012, 11:48:50 PM
Looking good. What color of stain did you use on the floor?

Thanks.   We are using Minwax Wood Finish - Special Walnut.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 22, 2012, 06:18:17 PM
This weekend we finished putting the polyurethane on the bedroom floor, and some trim work.  We need to pick up some more wood before we can finish the bedroom.  We built a hearth for the wood burning stove and installed plywood on the wall behind it to install riverrock.  We finally picked up out stove, it's a Jotul. 

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/043.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/039.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/037.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/036.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/035.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/033.jpg)
THE JOTUL
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 23, 2012, 09:28:59 PM
Coming right along.  You will grow to appreciate the "raised" hearth and you back will thank you.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 30, 2012, 01:05:14 PM
This weekend we worked on the trim in the bedroom, we can't finish it until we install the doors, that should be in a few weeks.  We installed insulation in the closet that's in front of the bathroom and then installed the t&g.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/028.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/030.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/031.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/032.jpg)

This is what we'll be doing for a while, installing the t&g in the livingroom

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/034-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: John_M on January 30, 2012, 07:10:05 PM
Looks great!  I'm wondering what type of trim is that?  Do you make it yourself?? It looks like the corners are rounded?  I have to put some trim on my T&G and was wondering what to use.  I like what you used.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 31, 2012, 10:05:33 AM
Thanks John_M.  It is trim that we purchased from the same company we purchased the T&G from, here is a link to their website

http://www.woodworkersshoppe.com/pine_trim.htm

You can see a close up of the trim that we used, you are correct, it is rounded at the front, they call it outside and inside corner trim.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: brharrison on February 04, 2012, 10:04:29 PM
Very nice cabin!

Are those 8 or 10 foot walls?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on February 06, 2012, 07:40:01 AM
Thanks brharrison, the walls are 10'.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on February 20, 2012, 05:10:16 PM
It's been a few weeks but we finally got a chance to be up at the cabin for a long weekend and get some work done.  We installed the doors and finished the flooring in the closet, installed trim and then put up some pine t&g in the living room.  I can't believe we're working on the big room now.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0614.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0611.jpg)
bathroom door installed

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0615.jpg)
finished installing the flooring in the closet, stained it, then applied 2 coats of poly.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0617.jpg)
bedroom door installed

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0624.jpg)
closet door installed

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0623.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0621.jpg)
installed the insulation in the walls

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0626.jpg)
worked on the trimwork in the closet

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0628.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0629.jpg)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0630.jpg)
livingroom wall





Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on March 04, 2012, 11:58:03 AM
You are doing a great job.  Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on March 18, 2012, 08:10:40 PM
We were able to get up to the cabin this weekend.   It's been about 4 weeks since our last visit so we were feeling a bit guilty and worked our tails off.  We installed over half of the t&g on the main part of the cabin, we're really happy with how it's coming along.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0172.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0171.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0173.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: boltpost on March 18, 2012, 09:11:29 PM
Wow very inspiring.  What is the R value in the foam ceiling?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: duncanshannon on March 20, 2012, 08:18:19 PM
that looks great. nice progress in a weekend!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on March 26, 2012, 07:31:07 PM
Quote from: boltpost on March 18, 2012, 09:11:29 PM
Wow very inspiring.  What is the R value in the foam ceiling?

Thanks boltpost.  Sorry for the wait, my husband was away on business.  The R value is 38 for the ceiling and 21 for the walls.  It holds the heat in very well and also sound.  We are finding that it is keeping the cabin cooler during the hot days too.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on March 26, 2012, 07:40:25 PM
Thanks duncanshannon, we aren't getting up to the cabin as much as we would like, due to my husband's work schedule, so when we do get the chance we work non-stop.  We love it though.  :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 01, 2012, 07:51:26 PM
We took Friday off and had a long weekend to work on the cabin.  We were able to get most of the t&g up on the walls, there is only one small section in the loft still to do.  We took our log bed up this weekend too so now we can sleep in comfort after working hard :)

our log bed
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0185.jpg)

The loft
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0187.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0186.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0189.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0191.jpg)

A few finishing touches on the bathroom
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0201.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0202.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0203.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0204.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0205.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on April 01, 2012, 08:38:30 PM
Everything is looking great!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on April 01, 2012, 10:28:30 PM
This is very similar to my planned build and I love checking in on your progress [cool]  Between you and a couple of others, I am getting a ton of good ideas.  Thanks and keep up the good work.  It looks AWESOME!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ajbremer on April 05, 2012, 05:18:05 AM
Great work mogie01,

Those interior doors look real good, where did you get them and how much $$$?

Also, that log bed - that is awesome looking and fits your place perfectly, did you make it?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 08, 2012, 04:55:32 PM
Quote from: ajbremer on April 05, 2012, 05:18:05 AM
Great work mogie01,

Those interior doors look real good, where did you get them and how much $$$?

Also, that log bed - that is awesome looking and fits your place perfectly, did you make it?

Thanks AJ.  We purchased the doors from the same company we purchased the pine T&G, they were around $300 each, that included the hardware and jams, and prefinished.

The bed we bought from a local store that gets them from the Amish.  We might try our hand at building some furniture after the cabin is done though.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 08, 2012, 05:06:06 PM
More pics of our latest trip to the cabin.

We stained the beams to match the floor.  Installed felt and wire for the stonework behind the wood stove.  Trimmed the windows in the living room and loft and cleaned up the cabin to prepare for the delivery of more t&g to do the ceiling, and wood for the floor.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0214.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0213.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0206.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0210.jpg)

Bye Bye Camper.  We brought the camper back to the house today.  It was damaged during a bad storm a few weeks back and a tree branch went through the roof.  We have to patch the roof and put a new ceiling in the bedroom.  We don't need it at the cabin any more so brought it back to work on it, then we will try to sell it.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0215.jpg)

It's nice to see the backyard without a camper in it :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0219.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on April 08, 2012, 07:59:34 PM
Looking good.  I can tell it will not be long now that your temporary housing is being removed.  If your beams are "built up" might I suggest that you stain 3/4" board to attach to the bottom to hide the seams of the other 2X beams.  Normally the right approach would be to wrap three sides w/3/4" and 45 Deg the edges to disguise them of being made up . 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 10, 2012, 06:45:45 AM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on April 08, 2012, 07:59:34 PM
Looking good.  I can tell it will not be long now that your temporary housing is being removed.  If your beams are "built up" might I suggest that you stain 3/4" board to attach to the bottom to hide the seams of the other 2X beams.  Normally the right approach would be to wrap three sides w/3/4" and 45 Deg the edges to disguise them of being made up .

Thanks Redoverfarm, we did talk about covering the 2X beams but decided to go with the "rustic" look (we didn't want to put any more time or money into the beams and decided they didn't look that bad) :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: John Raabe on April 10, 2012, 08:27:50 AM

A very handsome project wrapping up nicely. Thanks for letting us all share in the process.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ajbremer on April 11, 2012, 05:02:50 AM
I really enjoy looking through this builds posts. I'll be referencing it many times in the future. Thank you mogie01
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on April 11, 2012, 05:23:45 AM
I agree.  Great job so far.  I really like your floor plan and may incorporate it into mine. [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 15, 2012, 06:19:40 PM
Thanks everyone, this cabin is definitely a labor of love for us.

Our wood for the ceiling and floor was delivered this weekend.  It took about 45 minutes for us to unload the wood, with the help of the lady delivery driver.  We were able to get one half of the ceiling done.

We had a nice visit from a couple who have just purchased some land in the area and have been watching our build.  We had a nice chat and we look forward to watching them build their dream.  I told them about Countryplans and what a great web site it was.

pile of wood (after finishing half of the ceiling)
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0643.jpg)

wood on the ceiling
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0642.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Toyotaboy on April 16, 2012, 08:46:19 AM
I want to do this on my ceiling of my cabin. What can one expect to pay for wood siding like you put on your ceiling?
I haven't had a chance to look into prices. We are not quite there with our build yet.

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on April 16, 2012, 09:39:57 PM
Toyotaboy-
This T&G siding goes on sale all the time at Menards.  I used it when I finished my basement and the best sale price I found a couple of years ago was .49/lf for 1x8.  It usually ranges from .54-64 around me at Menards.  Home Depot carries it as well but they are more expensive.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Toyotaboy on April 17, 2012, 10:20:12 AM
Ok Thanks. That gives me some numbers to work with.

I'll check the local Menards and see what I find.

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 18, 2012, 04:57:07 PM
Quote from: Toyotaboy on April 17, 2012, 10:20:12 AM
Ok Thanks. That gives me some numbers to work with.

I'll check the local Menards and see what I find.

Toyota, we bought our wood from www.woodworkersshoppe.com.  It is prefinished and delivered for 1.80 sq.ft. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on April 22, 2012, 06:54:02 PM
This weekend we finished installing the t&g on the ceiling and started to install the flooring in the loft.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0221.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0223.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0224.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0226.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0227.jpg)

The flooring
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0229.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: astidham on April 23, 2012, 10:46:52 PM
great work!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 13, 2012, 05:18:29 PM
We haven't been up to the cabin in a few weeks.  Our oldest son was home on leave and the youngest is home from college, so we took a well earned rest :)

This weekend I hung the drapes in the bedroom.  I found some nice branches laying around and tidied them up a bit and used them as curtain rods and brackets.  They didn't turn out too bad at all.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0232.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0233.jpg)

We used some of our log siding as the center beam at the peak.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0237.jpg)

We installed a fan in the loft area...

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0235.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0238.jpg)

We finished the flooring in the loft and stained it...

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0243.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0245.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: RIjake on May 13, 2012, 06:31:00 PM
Nice!  I love the dark stain on the floor!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Toyotaboy on May 14, 2012, 08:50:32 AM
Looks awesome. I really like the dark stain too!

I'm thinking about putting a gable vent on both ends of my cabin to let the heat out during the summer. Maybe even a power vent on one end  to help remove the hot air. I'm not planning on any AC.     
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 14, 2012, 12:11:11 PM
Thanks :)  We have noticed that the cabin stays nice and cool even when it's quite hot outside.  The loft does get a bit warmer than the main floor, that's why we installed the fan, to help circulate the air.  I'm thinking this will also help in the winter to circulate the warm air from the wood burning stove.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on May 14, 2012, 01:00:12 PM
Outstanding work! I also just installed a ceiling fan high above the wood stove and notice immediately a cooler loft and warmer downstairs. I've been wondering what to do to soften the modern look of having so many windows and was considering a top curtain to add a bit of color. I admit, I'm thinking of stealing your idea and using the country checkered pattern you have up. I also like your dark floors. I wanted the same but, alas, when I arrived up at camp, the builder had already left it clear and put down poly. Oh well, next time. Well done and keep posting.

Doc
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Toyotaboy on May 14, 2012, 01:30:26 PM
What are you doing for a railing on the end of the loft?  Just curious. I decided to go with a 40 inch wall. I felt it gives some privacy to anyone in the loft from down below.

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: eclipse on May 14, 2012, 06:52:44 PM
I really like the way the center peak turned out.

Very nice home.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 15, 2012, 06:43:52 AM
Quote from: Toyotaboy on May 14, 2012, 01:30:26 PM
What are you doing for a railing on the end of the loft?  Just curious. I decided to go with a 40 inch wall. I felt it gives some privacy to anyone in the loft from down below.

We're going to use black metal rods for the railings and we have some D-logs left over from trimming the windows outside so we thought we might try to use those as the posts, we'll see how that looks.  Most of the time it's going to be just me and my husband up at the cabin so we're not really worried too much about our privacy :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on May 15, 2012, 07:06:33 AM
Quote from: mogie01 on May 15, 2012, 06:43:52 AM
We're going to use black metal rods for the railings and we have some D-logs left over from trimming the windows outside so we thought we might try to use those as the posts, we'll see how that looks.  Most of the time it's going to be just me and my husband up at the cabin so we're not really worried too much about our privacy :)

I was also considering black spindles and thought the contrast between a hand hewn log top and bottom and the black spindles might look beautiful. In addition, the black spindles are less obtrusive and don't block as much view up or down. I priced the black rods at my local big box and found they were around $1.60 each. Needing around 60 of them and not having the time for yet another project, I eventually went with log. I used a very reasonably priced outfit called Wildcat Wood I had found online. Hand hewn with 4 posts assembled ran me $340 for a 20 ft span. In the end it was a huge time saver. I still wonder how it would have looked with thin black spindles. Keep up the good work and let's see the photos of how it's progressing!

Doc
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/baab2c91.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 15, 2012, 12:21:44 PM
AdironDoc, I love the look of your hewn railing, it compliments the rustic beams you used in the cabin.  Your place looks fantastic.  We have also thought about using hewn spindles, the same type we used on the front porch, but we're thinking of buying a black metal spiral stair and wanted to use something that would work with that.

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement.  We are starting to see major changes to the cabin.  For the longest time it seemed we just weren't moving along but now that we have been able to concentrate on the inside it's just amazing how it's taking shape :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on May 15, 2012, 05:24:09 PM
Quote from: mogie01 on May 15, 2012, 12:21:44 PM
Thanks everyone for all the encouragement.  We are starting to see major changes to the cabin.  For the longest time it seemed we just weren't moving along but now that we have been able to concentrate on the inside it's just amazing how it's taking shape :)

The inside is the frosting on the cake. Who doesn't love frosting?  ;D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ellbaker on May 16, 2012, 06:39:37 PM
Mogie,

Please give me some tips on staining the floor. I stained my loft floor (eastern white pine) and it looks horrible.  Your floor looks great compared to the mess I have upstairs now.  I used pre conditioner but the color is very inconsistent. The color changes from area to area (all from the same can).  I used pre conditioner. I put a second coat on to try and even out the color but that made it even worse I used American Walnut from Rustoleum but it has a red tint.  Nothing like sample piece I tried while selecting the color.  Very disappointed and ready to rent a sander and try again.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120513_121520.jpg)

I distressed it with a chain, bolts and an awl.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120513_121544.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: CjAl on May 16, 2012, 09:29:38 PM
you should have worked on a sample piece first. did you sand it? even if you want it distressed it needs to be sanded. then the clear pre conditioner but the condition of the wood will dictate how many coats, you may need more then one. other then that it just looks like a bad color. also it still needs a poly coat, stain is just for color.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ellbaker on May 16, 2012, 09:50:10 PM
Quote from: CjAl on May 16, 2012, 09:29:38 PM
you should have worked on a sample piece first. did you sand it? even if you want it distressed it needs to be sanded. then the clear pre conditioner but the condition of the wood will dictate how many coats, you may need more then one. other then that it just looks like a bad color. also it still needs a poly coat, stain is just for color.

Yes I did a piece at home with polyurethane on it.  It looked great.  Used the same process on the loft floor (except poly) and this is the result.  I only sanded it with a palm sander to clean up the wood from foot prints and other scuffs.  Maybe that was the problem.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: oifmarine on May 16, 2012, 09:57:44 PM
Love the darker floors! [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: MountainDon on May 16, 2012, 10:29:49 PM
The pre-stain conditioner was still damp, but wiped so there were no really wet spots, when you applied the stain?

By "damp" I mean, the stain was applied within a hour or so of applying the pre-stain conditioner?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on May 17, 2012, 05:14:54 AM
When we stained our railings English Chestnut I noticed that as we progressed, the color became increasingly red. Turns out that there was still some thicker, more pigmented stain at the bottom of the can and that we had not mixed it enough. Could that have happened? Looking at your floor, I can't really see what's wrong with it. I've always preferred a less reddish tone, but with poly to put a shine on it, I don't think it would look half bad.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 17, 2012, 05:14:29 PM
Ellbaker, it sounds like you did everything right.  We use Minwax products on the flooring, that's about the only difference.  I think once you put the polyurethane on it will make a big difference.  We normally apply 2 to 3 coats of the poly and give each coat a day to completely dry.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 17, 2012, 05:50:52 PM
A lot depends on the species of wood and whether it is mostly clear span or have several knots.  IMO White pine is the worlds worst to get a unitform stain color.  It is a soft wood and the grain differs in just short distances.  I have used different brands of stains and I prefer Minwax.  I did not pre-condition any of my loft floors.  I have noticed that you can sand something too fine and the wood sill not accept the stain as well.  Here are a couple pictures of my floor.  You can see the difference where there are knots involved. But it turned out OK for a log cabin. ;)

(https://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/redoverfarm/hightop/100_2840-2.jpg)

(https://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/redoverfarm/hightop/100_2833-1.jpg)

(https://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/redoverfarm/hightop/100_2836-1.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ellbaker on May 20, 2012, 05:17:04 PM
 I went up this weekend and the stain looked better.  It had mellowed some and lost some od the red tint.  I put a coat of satin poly on it and it looks acceptable. My wife convinced me to not stain the main floor. I put a coat of Waterlox on it yesterday and took her for a visit.  Now she thinks the flor is too light in color  >:(  I told her in few years it will age to a nice honey color and it will be perfect.  Second coat of Waterlox went on this afternoon.  8)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 20, 2012, 07:07:54 PM
ellbaker I'm glad the floor turned out ok.  We still have the main room to do and hope it all turns out, a strategically placed rug is always a big help :)

This weekend we applied the 2nd coat of poly to the loft floor.  We did the scratch coat for the stones on the fireplace and the next day we stuck some of the stones up.  We started at the bottom just to give us some practice.  Next week we'll haul the stones up to the peak and start there and work our way down.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0250.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0255.jpg)


Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 20, 2012, 07:16:12 PM
If the blue taped area is the mantle location might I make a suggestion.  Use a piece of 3/4-2X material ( same thickness as your mantle) screwed to the wall. Then you can lay the stone up to the bottom and above.  Then later remove that scrap and insert the mantle.  It is very easy to lay them too close to the tape line and the mantle will not fit.  Allow some margin of error so that it will not be too tight.  That margin area can be filled with grout.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 21, 2012, 11:35:52 AM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on May 20, 2012, 07:16:12 PM
If the blue taped area is the mantle location might I make a suggestion.  Use a piece of 3/4-2X material ( same thickness as your mantle) screwed to the wall. Then you can lay the stone up to the bottom and above.  Then later remove that scrap and insert the mantle.  It is very easy to lay them too close to the tape line and the mantle will not fit.  Allow some margin of error so that it will not be too tight.  That margin area can be filled with grout.

Thanks Redoverfarm, great idea, I can see how it would be so easy to lay the stones too close and not give ourselves enough room for the mantle.  When it comes time to grout, do you use any special kind of tools to push in the grout or to smooth out the grout lines?  There's lots of grouting to be done so any tips would be much appreciated :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on May 21, 2012, 12:30:12 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on May 20, 2012, 07:16:12 PM
If the blue taped area is the mantle location might I make a suggestion.  Use a piece of 3/4-2X material ( same thickness as your mantle) screwed to the wall. Then you can lay the stone up to the bottom and above.  Then later remove that scrap and insert the mantle.  It is very easy to lay them too close to the tape line and the mantle will not fit.  Allow some margin of error so that it will not be too tight.  That margin area can be filled with grout.

That's a clever tip! I wish I had that one before I did my river rock wall!

Mogie, the grout goes into a grout bag, something that looks like the sack a pastry chef keeps the icing in. Fold it over and squeeze the grout out between the stones. You can further work it in with the backside of a teaspoon or mason's pointing tool. Once it firms up a while but is still not hard, say an hour or so, you cut use a rough bristled brush and stiffly sweep back and forth on the mortar. It will smooth out the bumps and give a nice uniform rough texture to it. I'd never done it before but didn't find it too hard. Not the greatest job in the world, but not too bad either. I was looking for a tighter look so I added smaller stones in the larger gaps. Note, I ran out of stones and scrambled around the camp to find some real ones small enough to fit between the cultured stones. It meant hitting the rocks out of the ice with a hammer, wiping with a rag, and running in before the mortar set! Wish I'd have planned it better.. lol.
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/021-5.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 21, 2012, 03:13:25 PM
Quote from: mogie01 on May 21, 2012, 11:35:52 AM
Thanks Redoverfarm, great idea, I can see how it would be so easy to lay the stones too close and not give ourselves enough room for the mantle.  When it comes time to grout, do you use any special kind of tools to push in the grout or to smooth out the grout lines?  There's lots of grouting to be done so any tips would be much appreciated :)

Off to a soccer game of the girls.  I promise I will get back with you on this one.  If I don't remind me.  ;).   There are a few little tricks that will make it look professional.  Hopefully you will not have it finished before then. ;D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 21, 2012, 07:53:39 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on May 21, 2012, 03:13:25 PM
Off to a soccer game of the girls.  I promise I will get back with you on this one.  If I don't remind me.  ;).   There are a few little tricks that will make it look professional.  Hopefully you will not have it finished before then. ;D

Getting lazy in my older years.  Here is the procedure I gave another CP poster. 

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=5327.msg116438#msg116438

I assume you are using a angle grinder with a 4-1/2" diamond blade to cut your stone.  On the stones that are immediately under your mantle will probably need to be cut.  It looks better if the mantle appears to be resting on the beefer portion of a stone rather than a peaked portion.  From looking at your stone you should try to situate the stone size to where the midway width is the cut line below the mantle.  The time frame described above is approximate so you will just have to try and adjust it to your conditions. 

You should also make a decision on the support system of the mantle. Of course that is dependent on the size.

The grout joint should stay fairly uniform to a width that you can use a standard tuck pointing trowel (1/4.3/8 or 1/2")  If you allow the stones to touch each other it is very hard to get the grout in between the stones.  Occassionally it may happen either by the stone slipping or trying to fit a stone into an area which is too small for the size stone.  You may have to improvise on a tool for those areas or grind down a cheap smaller tuckpoint trowel. 

I use scrap pieces from cutting the stones to temporarily hold the stones up to maintain that grout joint and prevent it from slidding.  After a few courses higher you can remove those and reuse them as you climb.

If you run into trouble just drop me a line.

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 28, 2012, 08:32:04 PM
What a great weekend!  We worked a couple of days at the cabin and took a couple of days off.  We drove up to the cabin on Saturday morning and started by moving the log bed from the bedroom up to the loft, we've decided that will be our bedroom for the moment, then we started work on the fireplace. 

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0264.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0262.jpg)


(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0267.jpg)


As you can see, we didn't unload all of the rocks, as I was advised to do, and ended up using all of the big, beautiful rocks on the very bottom d*

We'll laugh about that in days to come :)  It adds character :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on May 28, 2012, 10:46:24 PM
Wow, looks awesome!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on May 29, 2012, 03:00:14 PM
Beautiful!  Re the fireplace...  if you didn't tell anyone, they'd just think you planned it that way   :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on May 29, 2012, 11:42:04 PM
Nice "cabiny" bed set. Where'd you find it?  [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 30, 2012, 06:02:21 PM
Quote from: AdironDoc on May 29, 2012, 11:42:04 PM
Nice "cabiny" bed set. Where'd you find it?  [cool]

Thanks AdironDoc.  I found the set online at this web site http://www.findleylaketrading.com/lodgebedding.html.
Bedding is a bit pricey if you want a really nice set.  I decided that after all of the hard work we've been pouring into the cabin we deserved it  ;D.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 03, 2012, 07:24:27 PM
This weekend our time was spent on grouting the fireplace and adding the mantel.  I really like how it turned out.  We both started grouting but after a little while my arms gave out and my husband did the majority of the work.  I think he did a great job.  We also installed a fan in the living room, removed all of the home made scaffolding we put up in the rafter ties and then cleaned up the room in preparation for installing the flooring next weekend.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0278.jpg)

[(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0273.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on June 03, 2012, 09:05:26 PM
Looks great! Seems you're almost done now..
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 11, 2012, 07:31:39 PM
This weekend we installed the pine flooring in the main room, put wood conditioner on it then stained it using Minwax Special Walnut.

We also took some time to mow and clean up the front yard.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0286.jpg)

The cutout is for rocks to go in front of the door.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0290.jpg)

stained floor
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0291.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0285.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on June 11, 2012, 11:17:53 PM
It really turned out brilliant! I suspect you're itching to move your furnishings into the living room area. BTW, looked at the many bedding sets at Findley Lake Trading website but don't see yours. I must say, I rather liked your the best. Can you tell me the name of the set you bought?

Cheers,

Doc
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 12, 2012, 06:56:40 AM
Thanks Adirondoc.   I can't wait to start moving things in.  I've been painting kitchen cabinets here at home and that will be the next thing we do after the floor has been polyurethaned.

Here is that link you wanted.   http://www.findleylaketrading.com/wiribeset.html
It's the Wilderness Ridge set and I bought the euro shams and some of the decorative pillows. :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on June 12, 2012, 07:06:46 AM
Quote from: mogie01 on June 12, 2012, 06:56:40 AM
I've been painting kitchen cabinets here at home and that will be the next thing we do after the floor has been polyurethaned.


Thanks for the link, Mogie! You've got a great eye for color and balance. Your place looks fantastic.

Isn't it funny how we all turn our regular homes into staging areas? As I've said before, our weeks are divided.  There are weekends at the cabin, and there are the weekdays where we prepare for weekends at the cabin..  Too bad our day jobs get in the way of more important work! :P


Cheers,
Glenn
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 17, 2012, 07:02:50 PM
Two coats of polyurethane on the floor now..

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/polyurethanedfloor-1.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/polyurethanedfloor-2.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/polyurethanedfloor-3.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 08, 2012, 06:24:04 PM
We spent a few days up at the cabin this past week.  We finally got all of the kitchen cabinets painted and took them up.  We decided to paint them using a barnwood effect, first we had to paint them a tan color, then cover that with a few coats of red, then sand them down to give them an antiqued look, then we used an antiquing glaze and finally a few coats of polyurethane.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0311.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0314.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0344.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0342.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Alasdair on July 08, 2012, 07:59:24 PM
Fantastic job - it looks beautiful - well done.
:)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on July 09, 2012, 04:01:09 PM
Quote from: Alasdair on July 08, 2012, 07:59:24 PM
Fantastic job - it looks beautiful - well done.
:)

Second that! Love the contrast you got from going bold.

Doc
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on July 10, 2012, 12:52:13 AM
You guys did a beautiful job on the cabinets!  Place is looking great.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 11, 2012, 12:02:46 PM
Our new lights in the living room

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0333.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0340.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ellbaker on July 12, 2012, 08:36:59 PM
Love the cabinets!  Maybe it is because I put in a similar color (fire brick red) but with a black undercoat and bead board.  Same hardware too. 

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120703_185019.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: AdironDoc on July 13, 2012, 08:16:28 AM
Quote from: mogie01 on July 11, 2012, 12:02:46 PM
Our new lights in the living room

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0333.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0340.jpg)

Wow, nice cans! (sorry, moderators)..  :P
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 14, 2012, 08:14:43 AM
Love your cabinets ellbaker!  The beadboard looks great on them.  [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 14, 2012, 08:43:17 AM
LOL Adirondoc, yup we're happy with them.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 16, 2012, 08:55:06 PM
This weekend we worked on the stonework at the entrance and finished the hearth.  We love how it turned out.  It was a lot of work and very hot but well worth the pain and suffering  :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0346.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0347.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0348.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0350.jpg)

Getting ready for the Jotul
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0352.jpg)

View from the loft
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0357.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: John Raabe on July 16, 2012, 09:37:18 PM
Nice stone work... That will be appreciated for many many years.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 22, 2012, 05:10:23 PM
With the help of our son who was home on leave we were able to move the Jotul to its new home :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0393.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0395.jpg)


our new bedroom chair
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0362.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 29, 2012, 06:11:06 PM
This weekend at the cabin......

built a soffet over the vent pipes in the loft and finished trim work
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0426.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0424.jpg)

built a couple of shelves for the tv
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0422.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0420.jpg)

view from the loft
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0427.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 05, 2012, 04:37:53 PM
We made a quick trip up to the cabin this weekend to finish a few odds and ends.  The last of the curtains were put up and we installed the light over the sink area.  In the next couple of weeks we plan on making some counter tops, we're going to try our hand at concrete :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0438.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0442.jpg)


I'm learning how to do woodburning and maybe do some things around the cabin, this is a little foot stool I burned.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0452.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: CjAl on August 05, 2012, 05:25:28 PM
be sure to document the countertops. i am interested in seeing that.


love the foot stool
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 12, 2012, 06:14:50 PM
We built the small countertop to see if we will like how it looks.  We have to leave the forms on for 4 days, so next weekend we'll have a better idea.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0455.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0463.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0464.jpg)

New addition to the cabin
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0459.jpg)

more woodburning projects
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0470.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0469.jpg)


Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: sleepgsr on August 13, 2012, 07:18:44 PM
Nice work!  Looking forward to see how the counter top works out.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on August 13, 2012, 08:37:18 PM
Beautiful work all around - love the wood burnings - I, too, am looking forward to seeing the counter top.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: OlJarhead on August 26, 2012, 09:23:55 AM
Love the wood burning!  And all the stone work!  Very nice!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: itpdk9 on August 26, 2012, 04:34:29 PM
awesome cabin you have... I got a ton of inspiration from you thank you for sharing with us.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 26, 2012, 06:11:29 PM
Thanks everyone for the nice comments and encouragement.  We spent about a day and a half up at the cabin this past weekend.  My husband poured the cement into the large counter top mold he built there last week  Next week we can take the molding off and start the sanding and finishing work.  We like how the small top turned out, it isn't perfect but hey it's a cabin and it's rustic :)

small counter top
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_98.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_99.jpg)

starting to build the mold for the large concrete counter
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_101.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/imagejpeg_2_100.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 04, 2012, 07:25:28 PM
Managed to get a couple of things done this weekend........finished the trim rings on the soffit lights, installed the smoke detectors, took the forms off of the counter top and then cleaned up the mess.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0485.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0495.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0497.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0498.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0499.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0500.jpg)

Next week we'll seal the counter top and wax it.  It has slight imperfections but we really like how it turned out.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on September 04, 2012, 11:15:30 PM
Nice job on the counters!  Can't wait to see them when you seal & wax them  :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ColchesterCabin on September 05, 2012, 07:59:10 AM
Didn't even think of concrete for countertop.... great idea looks great!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 09, 2012, 09:32:16 PM
Lots of little things this weekend...... stained the countertop and sealed it, installed the faucet and then moved our temporary kitchen from the bathroom to its rightful place :)  It's nice having a working kitchen sink :)

We hung a few more things on the wall, we're especially delighted with a lovely set of pictures mom took of some grizzly bears on a trip to Alaska.  Thanks Mom!!!  We love it!! 

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0514.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0516.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0511.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0512.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0505.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0506.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on September 11, 2012, 02:03:44 PM
Counters look great, love the pix your mom took of the bears  :)  Everything looks very nice!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 16, 2012, 07:13:55 PM
Thanks Sassy :)

This weekend our biggest job was working on the chimney for the wood stove.  After that, we installed a couple of fans on the porch and some kitchen cabinet organizers.

A co-worker of my husband builds furniture, so we had him make a small coffee table and stool, we are so happy with them. 

Next weekend we're hoping to install our spiral stair.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0527.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0539.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0534.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0531.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0532.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0528.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0529.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0541.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0542.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 23, 2012, 09:08:54 PM
We took Friday off this week and headed up to the cabin on Thursday night.  Our spiral stairs were scheduled for delivery some time on Friday and we wanted to make sure we were there for the delivery.  The stairs arrived early afternoon and we started to assemble them.  All in all it went smoothly. 

first steps
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0544_zps4001c400.jpg)

adding handrail and balusters
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0553_zpse18f68cb.jpg)

finished stairs
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0571_zps4281eb47.jpg)


We also hung a plate rack and shelf.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0573_zpsc3cc19f5.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0568_zpsd2fcaac0.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ellbaker on September 24, 2012, 09:21:00 PM
Stairs look good. Who is the manufacturer and what size?  I am trying to build a set of alternating step stairs but may need to look at spiral stairs if that does not work out.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 26, 2012, 06:38:36 AM
Quote from: ellbaker on September 24, 2012, 09:21:00 PM
Stairs look good. Who is the manufacturer and what size?  I am trying to build a set of alternating step stairs but may need to look at spiral stairs if that does not work out.

Thanks ellbaker, we bought the stairs from salter spiral in PA, their website is salterspiralstair.com.  They were really nice to deal with and the quality of the stairs is fantastic, I definitely recommend them.  We needed the stairs to be code compliant, so they are 5'
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 30, 2012, 07:45:21 PM
Another beautiful weekend in northern Michigan, the fall colors have started and it's absolutely beautiful.

We got a lot done this weekend.  The loft railings are up.  The leftover D-logs worked great for the railing.

The barnlights above the kitchen have been installed. 

The next thing will be the kitchen appliances which we are saving for.  We were able to sell our old trailer so that will help with the appliances.

Fireplaces accessories
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0607.jpg)

the barnlights over the kitchen area
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0602.jpg)

the loft railing
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0596.jpg)

woodburning on the railing
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0584.jpg)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 30, 2012, 08:04:59 PM
 [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ColchesterCabin on September 30, 2012, 09:29:14 PM
spectacular job on the railings. What dimension are your uprights? did you just use rebar?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 01, 2012, 05:25:10 PM
Quote from: ColchesterCabin on September 30, 2012, 09:29:14 PM
spectacular job on the railings. What dimension are your uprights? did you just use rebar?

Thanks everyone :)

Colchester, we used the left over D-logs that we used to trim around our windows and doors on the outside, they are 4 x 6, the balusters are the regular black pipe spindles and we bought those at Menards, we wanted to match the spiral stairs.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 14, 2012, 06:37:38 PM
This weekend was spent doing some small jobs.  We have most of the major interior things done now.  Here are some of the things we did this weekend......

Finished all of the trim work.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0610.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0617.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0619.jpg)

Built doors over the electrical box and the water heater....
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0616.jpg)

Here's a view of the loft, with the new railing
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0621.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0622.jpg)

The new lights working above the kitchen
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0625.jpg)

Installed a bar inside the bedroom closet.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0614.jpg)

Cabin in the fall.
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0632.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 14, 2012, 07:27:20 PM
You've done a nice job.  Looks real comfortable.   :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: duncanshannon on October 14, 2012, 08:30:25 PM
Congrats! its looking very good!   [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Sassy on October 16, 2012, 01:00:30 PM
Beautiful & looks so comfy  c*
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 21, 2012, 07:24:41 PM
The fall colors are beautiful right now.  The weather was great this weekend and gave us a chance to catch up on some much needed outdoor work.  We started by cleaning up dead trees and splitting wood to burn in our fire pit.  We also built a ski and snowboard rack and a small wood rack below the porch for our wood stove. 

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0646.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0637.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0644.jpg)

Inside, we installed the closet lights (hall and bedroom) and started work on the drawers for the bedroom closet.


(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0641.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0638.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0642.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 28, 2012, 06:50:16 PM
We finished the drawers in the bedroom closet this weekend. 

We're just taking it easy these days, taking time to relax and enjoy the cabin after all the hard work we've put in the past two years.  Every time we walk in the door we can't stop smiling, we still find it hard to believe that our dream cabin actually exists and it's not just something we hope to someday have, it's here!!

The closet drawers
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0653.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0656.jpg)

Closet shelf
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0658.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0661.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: small cabin dreamer on November 13, 2012, 04:13:36 PM
Mogie, O have followed your build from the beginning since I am also in Mi. But was it easy for you to get approvals for owner-built home in your area? And permits signed off on when needed? We are looking at building in the UP.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: small cabin dreamer on November 13, 2012, 04:30:14 PM
Oh, and your home is FANTASTIC!!!!!! I wish I could build something so nice, you and your husband have something to be very proud of, I hope your entire family enjoys it.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 13, 2012, 08:22:22 PM
Quote from: small cabin dreamer on November 13, 2012, 04:13:36 PM
Mogie, O have followed your build from the beginning since I am also in Mi. But was it easy for you to get approvals for owner-built home in your area? And permits signed off on when needed? We are looking at building in the UP.

Thanks for the kind words small cabin dreamer.  Michigan does not require an owner-builder to have any type of license. We submitted hand drawn plans with no problem. The inspectors were very good to work with and helpful with questions. I would imagine the UP to be similar to northern MI.

My husband is quite the handyman but this was the first time we ever attempted to do anything like this.  Before starting any work he spent a lot of time researching, either by reading books or on the internet, youtube has a lot of helpful videos too.  I must admit that after all of this I've become quite handy with a saw myself :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 18, 2012, 10:03:05 PM
This weekend was spent getting the spare room ready, some tidying up and some holiday decorating :)

One of our new dressers
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0665.jpg)

The second dresser
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0666.jpg)

The bedroom
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0672.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 25, 2012, 07:07:43 PM
We went up to the cabin Friday morning, it was nice being able to spend a little extra time up there, even if it was only one extra day.  We built a headboard for the downstairs bed, finished the bedroom closet and installed a small tv - your room's all ready for your mom, see you in a few weeks!! 

The new headboard
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0680.jpg)

The finished bedroom
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0679.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0682.jpg)

The finished bedroom closet
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0681.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: MountainDon on November 25, 2012, 07:29:54 PM
Very nice finishing touches to the bedroom!


I'd like to interject an opinion that not all may agree with. Here in the SW we may have a greater sense of wildfire danger than those in wetter parts of the country. We have first hand experience with the ferocity of a woodpile ignited by a wildfire. We are pleased it was 50 feet away from the cabin rather than under it. The hotshot crews we spoke with during last years nearby fire agree. Just a thought that may or may not be appropriate to your area.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: duncanshannon on November 26, 2012, 12:11:55 AM
HI - Love your place.  I am starting to draw (again?) some plans for my future cabin.  I am starting off with your basic plans.... one question so far. Where do you eat?  I don't see an eating space (table, counter top/bar) anywhere in your plans nor photos...

thanks
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on November 26, 2012, 08:00:30 PM
Quote from: duncanshannon on November 26, 2012, 12:11:55 AM
HI - Love your place.  I am starting to draw (again?) some plans for my future cabin.  I am starting off with your basic plans.... one question so far. Where do you eat?  I don't see an eating space (table, counter top/bar) anywhere in your plans nor photos...

thanks

Thanks duncanshannon, the corner area, next to the sliders, would be a large enough space for a 4-person dinette set.  We have a small desk in that area but honestly, we find it easier just to sit with a plate of food on our laps, very laid-back :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 02, 2012, 08:29:21 PM
This weekend we built a corner unit for the tv and dvd player, now we don't have to look at all the wires hanging down and it gives us more storage.  We also finished the outside ski and snowboard storage box.  We added a couple of potted trees to the porch and plan on planting these in the spring when the ground thaws.  Only a few more little things left to do inside the cabin. 

corner unit
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0689.jpg) 

one of our new trees
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0691.jpg)

ski and snowboard storage
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0693.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0694.jpg)

Our cabin christmas tree
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0687.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: duncanshannon on December 03, 2012, 03:29:51 PM
Would you mind sharing how much you spent getting dried in?  I'm thinking foundation, up thru siding, windows, roof etc.  Excluding land and any interior work.  Bonus points for itemizing a bit!

thanks!

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: OlJarhead on December 03, 2012, 06:23:12 PM
Love the place!!!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 04, 2012, 12:55:20 PM
Quote from: duncanshannon on December 03, 2012, 03:29:51 PM
Would you mind sharing how much you spent getting dried in?  I'm thinking foundation, up thru siding, windows, roof etc.  Excluding land and any interior work.  Bonus points for itemizing a bit!

Duncan, I had my husband come up with the list for you.  As I mentioned there were a lot of items we didn't skimp on.

Land clearing, foundation, well and septic - $11,000
framing package ( that included using 2x6 walls, 2x10 rafters, sheathing and 1" foam board - $8,000
roofing - $1,700 (16 squares)
insulation - $4,000 (icynene insulation in rafters - 8" thick; blown-in filled wall cavities and crawl space between floor joists on the exterior walls), we also put 2" foam board on crawlspace walls.
siding - $9,000 (included 2x8 hand-hewn cedar siding, 4x6 D-log trim, 12' cedar corner logs)
$3,000 - porch - posts, rails and decking - all cedar
$5,000 - windows (8 windows, 1 slider by Pella)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Pritch on December 05, 2012, 08:51:46 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on November 25, 2012, 07:29:54 PM
Very nice finishing touches to the bedroom!


I'd like to interject an opinion that not all may agree with. Here in the SW we may have a greater sense of wildfire danger than those in wetter parts of the country. We have first hand experience with the ferocity of a woodpile ignited by a wildfire. We are pleased it was 50 feet away from the cabin rather than under it. The hotshot crews we spoke with during last years nearby fire agree. Just a thought that may or may not be appropriate to your area.

I was also a little concerned about firewood storage under the cabin.  I have heard it is a common way for termites, carpenter ants, and the like to find their way into a structure. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: BenB on December 06, 2012, 09:13:48 AM
A BEAUTIFUL build, tastefully done and just a joy to see. I've followed from the first post - a wonderful and truly inspiring job you have done.
I'm UP bound and intend to use your home as my model to work off of.
Just impressive as he!! is all I can say . ;D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 07, 2012, 05:53:03 PM
Quote from: Pritch on December 05, 2012, 08:51:46 PM
I was also a little concerned about firewood storage under the cabin.  I have heard it is a common way for termites, carpenter ants, and the like to find their way into a structure.

Next year we plan on doing the riverrock around the foundation and posts under the porch so we will be moving the wood then.  Thanks for the warning, I have also heard that wood piles bring pests. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 07, 2012, 05:55:16 PM
Quote from: BenB on December 06, 2012, 09:13:48 AM
A BEAUTIFUL build, tastefully done and just a joy to see. I've followed from the first post - a wonderful and truly inspiring job you have done.
I'm UP bound and intend to use your home as my model to work off of.
Just impressive as he!! is all I can say . ;D

Thanks for the lovely compliments BenB, we'll be sure to follow your progress.  Best of luck :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 18, 2012, 06:39:17 PM
A few additions to the cabin....  (I forgot my camera and had to use my phone, sorry for the picture quality)

Our new stove and microwave
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0698.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0697.jpg)

some new decor in the livingroom
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0699.jpg)

Our sign
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0704.jpg)

Our bench
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0706.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMAG0707.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Mike 870 on December 18, 2012, 08:18:45 PM
looks great guys.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: itpdk9 on January 08, 2013, 05:16:42 PM
Mogie,
Your place is a huge inspiration and I am stealing a lot of your ideas. So thank you  ;D  I have a question for you though, I know that you put baseboard heat in your bathroom and bedroom, I was wondering how much you are using these with the wood stove in place.  I am in the planning stage and trying to figure out if it is worth it or not.  Second question, is there anything that you would change with your floor plan now that you are in and settled.  It seams like it will work really well but just figured I would ask.  Thank you again, your cabin is awesome and you should be very proud of it. 

Scott
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 08, 2013, 09:11:31 PM
Thanks Scott, now that we have most of the work on the inside done we are really starting to enjoy our trips up north to relax and forget about work.  We're looking forward to reading about your build and don't hesitate to ask us anything, we'll help where we can :)

The wood burning stove does a fantastic job of keeping the place toasty.  We find that as long as we keep the doors to the bathroom and bedroom open they stay warm, but cooler than the  main living area.  Most of our guests like the cooler temps in the bedroom but they have the option to set the thermostat higher, we keep everything set at 62 while we're there so if the stove goes out at night it still stays comfortable.  We also have a fan/heater in the bathroom which we use when taking a shower just to take the edge off.  So far our electric bills haven't been bad at all, highest has been $50, though we have had a mild winter so far for Michigan.  I like having the baseboard heat in all of the rooms.  We also stop loading the stove up about half an hour before going to bed because the loft is always a bit warmer than below and we try to keep the maximum temp at 68.
We run the overhead fans all the time

I'm not sure if I would really change anything, the bathroom could be smaller and the hallway closet bigger if you wanted more storage, but when we add the washer and dryer I think the space in the bathroom will be nice.  If we never add a washer and dryer the storage in the bathroom is great too.  Actually, I really like how everything has worked out.  We've had family up at the cabin all throughout the holidays and every one of them commented on how comfortable it was and just the right size.  I don't think I'd change anything.

I hope this helped a little
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: itpdk9 on January 08, 2013, 11:14:00 PM
Thanks Mogie... It helped a lot.  We are planning to do the full second floor as I know that the loft can get hot and it will be nice to have the extra room for a bunk house style room.  I was also thinking about tweaking your plans and adding a mudroom type area, but still kicking that around.  I was also planning on extending it the extra 10 feet as a few others have done.  From the pictures of yours it seams even the extra 4 feet is nice.  A friend of mine built the 20x30 1 1/2 story, he did a full 2nd floor which is nice, but I think a little more length will work better.  So thanks again.  I really appreciate your help.

Scott
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: itpdk9 on January 13, 2013, 07:27:52 PM
Mogie,
One other question sorry to be a pain... Did you guys use 2x6x10 or 2x6x12 side walls? I can see in your pictures in the loft but can't tell what size you used.  Thanks again in advance.   ;)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 14, 2013, 07:26:15 AM
They were 2x6x10. :) .... and don't think you're being a pain, we asked lots of questions on here too.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: itpdk9 on January 24, 2013, 11:21:21 AM
Mogie,

Another question for you.  Do you know or can you ask your Hubby the length of your roof rafters for both your cabin and for the porch.  It appears that you used 2x10's for your rafters 16 o/c, But I was wondering the length.  I am guessing 16 ft length for the roof of cabin and 12 ft length on the porch roof.  Also do you know what the pitch of the porch roof ended up?  I know the cabin is 12/12.  I think that is it for now.  I am in the process of getting my material list together...wow have material prices gone up from 3 years ago when I put an addition on my house.  The numbers add up quick  d* but.... it will be worth it in the end.  Thanks again for your help.

Scott
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 27, 2013, 07:59:49 PM
Scott the rafters were 2x10s x 16 and cut to fit, I think they ended up just under 15' on the cabin, on the porch they were 10'.  The pitch is approx 5:12.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: itpdk9 on January 27, 2013, 08:15:50 PM
awesome.  Thank you Mogie. You are a huge help.  ;D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on February 05, 2013, 07:45:06 AM
We had a couple of visitors up at the cabin this weekend.  This picture was taken from our bedroom window in the loft.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/f6b2e69c-9ddc-44ea-8515-80121fea2812_zpsdca811bb.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on February 05, 2013, 08:23:11 AM
Always nice to wake up and see all that nature has to offer.  With the winters bearing down they often get closer to houses in search of food.  We see them constantly in the front yard pawing through the snow to reach the bluegrass lawn.  I really don't have any landscaping trees or bushes so I guess they are welcome.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on March 18, 2013, 12:11:55 PM
We were finally able to save up enough money to buy our fridge for the cabin, it's great having all that space for food :) 

Spring won't be long in arriving and we have started drawing up plans for a deck.  We'll start that in late spring, once the ground thaws.

Our new fridge
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0016_zps47d9fe13.jpg)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0015_zpsf9b9762d.jpg)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ponygirl1 on May 30, 2013, 11:52:53 AM
Hi this is the Ponygirl. Can you message me who did you well and septic? we are getting some quotes I find too big. I think when they hear I am out of state and female it makes contractors think I fell off a turnip truck yesterday...which I did not.
Who was the guy the did the foundation? What did the well and septic cost? I really need some insight.  It is very frustrating. Do you know of any local guys to help do the exterior shell? Brad will be able to go up soon the get things rolling but I need some local help. Thanks, Ponygirl
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ponygirl1 on May 30, 2013, 12:12:02 PM
your cabin is beautiful. I hope we can ride by to take a peek at it when we come up in october. just from the ouside of course. how hard was it to put in the cedar panneling? we are planning the big enchilada with two bed rooms so we decided to shrink the existing bath room to a powder room, build a full bath in the master suite and get more kitchen space by shrinking the one bath into a powder roo. we gain a ton of kitchen space. also we ae going to build an enclosed porch on the back that will be heated to house washer and dryer in a closet and then leave an open pass through from the kitchen. kind of a mud room really so we can enjoy our view. the lot is already cleared so we save there. did you tile the bath area? and did you run all the flooring before you put in the cabinets? again anything you can tell meille huge.



Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 31, 2013, 10:18:53 AM
Ponygirl,

We had the same contractor (Carpenter Excavating) do the following:
Well – 160' wired with pressure tank
Septic tank and drain field
Cleared land
Poured Foundation (crawl space 20 X 34 X 4)
30' Road grade gravel Driveway with culvert/drain tube

It totaled about $15,000.00.  Sorry, we framed the cabin ourselves so we don't know any framers in the area.

Let me know when you are in the area and you can come by the cabin and take a look.  The panelling wasn't too bad to install, it just takes a while, but we think it's worth it :)
We tiled the bathroom floor and behind the bathtub/shower.  We ran all the flooring before installing the kitchen cabinets.

Your plans sound fantastic, the mud room will be really nice and the bathroom in the main bedroom.   [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ponygirl1 on May 31, 2013, 01:31:47 PM
Mogie,  Thank you for the info I am going to call them today! We dont need the clearing part but the foundation well and septice we do need. Dont need the driveway either since there is a rudementary one there already. We will be up on the Weeke end of OCtober the 3. I hope we can meet with everyone on that week end. I expect we are going to be in the 10k range with what we need which is closer to what we wanted to pay.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 17, 2013, 01:54:31 PM
We've been taking it a bit slower since completing the inside of the cabin, waiting for the nicer weather. 

Over the past few weekends we built storage for our wood for the woodburning stove, we wanted to get it out from under the front porch. 

This weekend we started the deck on the back of the cabin.


(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps249e9a18.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps249e9a18.jpg.html)

the beginnings of a deck

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsd910f2d5.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsd910f2d5.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps89261437.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps89261437.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on June 23, 2013, 09:45:36 PM
We spent another work-filled weekend up at the cabin.  Next week we will work on the stairs and maybe stain the railing if the weather is nice.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0166_zps520d2f10.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0166_zps520d2f10.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0165_zps2aea7ea2.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0165_zps2aea7ea2.jpg.html)

I made a sign for our wood storage

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0171_zpsdccd26a6.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/IMG_0171_zpsdccd26a6.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 25, 2013, 09:55:41 AM
You might try to do something about your railing post.  Since they appear to be a soft wood they will be prone to rot quicker than hardwoods (ash, oak or locust).  Leaving the tops flat will leave the endgrain open to where water will sit on top and penetrate.  You may want to round them off or find a coffee can lid to tack onto them. Just put a gasket around the nail or screw to block water from entering the attachment hole.  If you decide to round off you can use a belt sander w/ 60-80 grit.  Just drop down the post about 2" and draw a line around the post and sand from the center of top to that line.  It doesn't have to be that sharp of a point in the middle top but some incline will allow the water to run off the top.  Just saying.....
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: OlJarhead on June 25, 2013, 10:18:23 AM
Very nice!  Did you make the tenons yourself?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 02, 2013, 06:37:54 PM
Thanks Redoverfarm, we'll shape them a bit, they are cedar so they should last a long time.  :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 02, 2013, 06:40:28 PM
Quote from: OlJarhead on June 25, 2013, 10:18:23 AM
Very nice!  Did you make the tenons yourself?

Thanks OlJarhead, we can't take credit, we purchased the railing from the same place our porch railing came from.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 02, 2013, 06:56:58 PM
This past weekend we were able to finish the deck, all that's left is to stain it once it has weathered.  Yaaaay :)  My husband utilized a great new hidden fastener for wood decks called Camo.  www.camofasteners.com


Some pictures, because I know everyone loves pictures....

Building the stairs
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps67efd0be.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps67efd0be.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps535ab226.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps535ab226.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps67d05871.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps67d05871.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps93f45092.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps93f45092.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ajbremer on July 05, 2013, 08:22:47 PM
That looks excellent!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: ponygirl1 on July 10, 2013, 05:54:38 PM
Mogie  it looks excellent. I will be in Bear Lake Saturday. I would like to see your cabin!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 11, 2013, 10:26:53 AM
Ponygirl, I sent you a msg.  Hope to see you this weekend :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on July 11, 2013, 10:30:48 AM
Thanks AJ, how is your cabin coming along?  I really like the log siding you used, it's going to look great  [cool]
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 19, 2013, 01:16:46 PM
This weekend we worked on installing lights on the deck steps, staining the deck rail, staining the ski equipment storage box, preparing the site for a hot tub and assembling a patio heater we purchased during the sales a while back.

The lights
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps6d8a4929.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps6d8a4929.jpg.html)

the stained deck railing
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps7bfaaf53.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps7bfaaf53.jpg.html)

site for the future hot tub
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsc58132ff.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsc58132ff.jpg.html)

our new patio heater
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpse0277882.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpse0277882.jpg.html)

stained storage box
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsaf6e2786.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsaf6e2786.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: C.Oden on August 19, 2013, 05:37:34 PM
Your place remains my inspiration!
Love love love it !! ;)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 04, 2013, 06:37:53 PM
Thanks C.Oden  :)

We've been spending time working on the outside of the cabin like cleaning up the yard, getting rid of weeds.  In the fall I'd like to plant some wildflower seeds and see what happens.  We want to try to keep it more natural as we don't want to have to mow or spend a lot of time gardening.  We were thinking maybe having some perennials around the deck with a couple of paver paths to the hot tub and the fire pit and the rest wood chips.


stained wood hut

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps10eb3740.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps10eb3740.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps1d303ea2.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps1d303ea2.jpg.html)

hummingbird feeder, I love watching these little birds, within half an hour I had 2 fighting over the feeder

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsb06319c9.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsb06319c9.jpg.html)

the backyard after weeding, foamboard set for the hot tub

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps18cc9495.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps18cc9495.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps3eb3b100.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps3eb3b100.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps635fd0a1.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps635fd0a1.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 04, 2013, 07:03:30 PM
This was last year but there were plenty this year as well.  Got to the point that I was filling 2 feeders (16oz) each day.  Set one at the front and the other at the rear of the house to keep them from fighting.  But a lot of them have already started their southern journey.  Few remaining til the last minute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtlqAldj2cU
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 05, 2013, 07:23:46 AM
Wow Redoverfarm I've never had that many hummingbirds on any of my feeders!  Do you make you own juice or buy it?  I've just been using store bought.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: rick91351 on September 05, 2013, 08:09:44 AM
I'm not John; but we make our own feed four cups water to one cup sugar.  (Use good quality cane sugar)

(https://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/rick91351/DSCN0430_zpsc154afcf.jpg)

We had a couple interesting observations this year with the hummingbirds we feed or fed as they are now leaving and going south.  One was when we pulled the fifthwheel out to evacuate due to the fire.  We moved 2.5 miles away on an escape route and stayed there for several days.  Ellen continued to take them food.  However without us and the fifthwheel there we had a huge decline in birds.  Or was it the smoke driving them away.  Or the time of the year?  The males had left weeks before.  We had a lot of female Black-chins, Calliope, and Rufus and juveniles hang here till then.  We moved the fifthwheel back and some of the females and juveniles returned.  Now after a couple weeks they are packin' up and goin' south.   ;)  In the height of the hummingbird season up here they will drain both of our feeders in about eight hours.  Right now two full feeders will last a couple days.

Next year if ants become a problem at your feeder use product called Tanglefoot on the pole.  Couple inches up on the the base for about a foot.  Ants will take over a feeder and make them unusable.  When the ants find it and become established they will just over power your efforts of washing and cleaning.  They get stuck down on the feed holes, they will be floating in the bottle.  The birds do not like that at all and will go somewhere else.  But with Tanglefoot from you local garden store they will not come around.                     











Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 05, 2013, 08:30:39 AM
Rick I had a problem with ants as well.  Quick remedy was to put "Vicks" on the approach to the feeder.  I had mine hung from the soffit and they would make the trek to them.  In addition I put out some terror type product at the top of the chain against the soffit ( birds could not get access) .  Not sure what actually worked but the ants disappeared.

Mogie mine is the same as Rick's. 4:1 ratio.  They can break you up.  I have used almost 16 pound of sugar this season.

At the cabin I only have about 4-5 visible.  They say you can double the numbers of ones around by what you see.  When they fight they don't care who is around.  My wife is constantly ducking when they chase each other.  I just sit.  She ducks like your are driving and a bird comes at your windshield.  Just human nature to duck.  I laugh but don't reveal who I am laughing at the most the birds or her.  ;)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: rick91351 on September 05, 2013, 08:40:26 AM
Vicks never heard of that.   [cool]  We use Tanglefoot on the beehive stands.  They will over take a beehive like a humming bird feeder.

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 06, 2013, 01:29:52 PM
Thanks everyone for all of the helpful tips.  I am going to make it my mission to have at least 4 hummingbirds at my feeder.  I did use one of those contraptions that hold water that you hang the feeder from, I'm not sure how successful that will be.  I am concerned about bees etc as we tend to get a lot of bees by the cabin so I recently purchased a hummzinger feeder which is supposed to stop bees from getting to the nectar.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: rick91351 on September 07, 2013, 09:47:16 AM
Quote from: mogie01 on September 06, 2013, 01:29:52 PM
Thanks everyone for all of the helpful tips.  I am going to make it my mission to have at least 4 hummingbirds at my feeder.  I did use one of those contraptions that hold water that you hang the feeder from, I'm not sure how successful that will be.  I am concerned about bees etc as we tend to get a lot of bees by the cabin so I recently purchased a hummzinger feeder which is supposed to stop bees from getting to the nectar.

We have honey bees here on the ranch or homestead.  They share well with the hummingbirds on the feeders.  I think some what because hummingbirds  are not the neatest eaters in the world and a certain amount of dribbles and spills filling them.  The bees just clean all that off.  We find that they like / or do not mind their feeders right next to the house / cabin or windows.  They love feeders even just under the eves of a cabin or house.  Hummingbirds are hardly non aggressive to each other and take great delight in chasing each other all over God's creation.  Some species are way worse than others.  This morning we only have two here and they will not let the other eat.  Yesterday there were a few.  Last night there was just one here that I seen.  I think it was just passing through.  I would image it took time to recharge and spend the night and most likely to head on out this morning at first light.   

It is often written about that you have to take feeders down or the poor little things will stay around and die because of the cold and freeze to death.  Then I read recently,  "Hey leave them up even during their migration periods."  It gives them a chance to refuel and rest if they stumble on to them while traveling.  So we are this year we are doing as such.  This seems to be proving itself out as being correct.                 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: old_guy on September 10, 2013, 09:46:19 AM
Regarding your "new patio heater".

We have one which seems identical, except that the top reflector is folded down on one side.  It was covered and stored against the south side of the house, and was tipped over by a strong wind.  It has been secured with a simple bungie cord for the last year without incident.

I really like your place.  Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 16, 2013, 06:48:04 AM
Thanks old_guy, did it tip over with the gas bottle inside?  Ours has a base that you can add water or sand to for extra weight, I haven't done that yet but I should do it soon.

This past weekend we did a few little things around the cabin.  Our wood shed is now ready for wood, we built a small frame on the ground to get the wood off the ground.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsb4e99fca.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsb4e99fca.jpg.html)

This is our new addition to our deck...

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpscdeef976.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpscdeef976.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsc16bab2b.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsc16bab2b.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpseef9e148.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpseef9e148.jpg.html)

We also cleaned up the closet and added some shelving

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps21b098a2.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps21b098a2.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps57b7717c.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps57b7717c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 16, 2013, 06:52:53 AM
I just use pallets for the base in my sheds. Redily available.   But then whether they would fit in yours or not. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 23, 2013, 08:53:51 AM
We worked on a few little things this weekend.  The under-cabinet lighting is done, the lighting on our deck is done and we worked on waterproofing the storage box outside.

under cabinet lighting
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps8f603e6f.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps8f603e6f.jpg.html)

the deck lighting at night
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsf4001773.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsf4001773.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: CjAl on September 25, 2013, 04:49:58 PM
What stain are you using on your porch railings?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on September 26, 2013, 10:35:27 AM
Quote from: CjAl on September 25, 2013, 04:49:58 PM
What stain are you using on your porch railings?

CjAl, we used TWP stain - Pecan is the color.  It's actually the same color that's on the cabin, just hasn't been weathered yet.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: old_guy on September 27, 2013, 04:26:31 PM
"Thanks old_guy, did it tip over with the gas bottle inside?  Ours has a base that you can add water or sand to for extra weight, I haven't done that yet but I should do it soon."

Our heater had a full gas bottle when it was blown over.  I need to check if there is a place for water or sand in the base.  We bought it used and I never looked.  Thank you for THAT tip : - )

- John
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: CjAl on September 27, 2013, 08:42:11 PM
Are you happy with how your concrete countertops came out?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 04, 2013, 06:38:47 AM
Quote from: CjAl on September 27, 2013, 08:42:11 PM
Are you happy with how your concrete countertops came out?

CjAl we are really happy with the countertops.  The process was a lot of work but we really like how it turned out.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 20, 2013, 06:45:12 PM
We are back to working outside again.  We finally have our hottub!! :)  We spent most of the weekend cleaning up the backyard and doing some landscaping.  It was worth all the hard work just being abe to soak the sore bones at the end of the day.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsdd078e17.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsdd078e17.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps35e9d7bb.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps35e9d7bb.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsb54cdf6a.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsb54cdf6a.jpg.html)

Some paving stones at the bottom of our front steps
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps2f0ffdf4.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps2f0ffdf4.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsdf01c2b4.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsdf01c2b4.jpg.html)

wood hut is full
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsd55d3a8d.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpsd55d3a8d.jpg.html)

another addition to the house
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpscfc68ca3.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zpscfc68ca3.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps7397b2c1.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/null_zps7397b2c1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Cougr67 on October 25, 2013, 05:46:39 AM
Where did you get your spiral staircase from? (sorry if I missed it earlier) I have been struggling to fit a stair in the 20 wide plan without taking up too much space. Cost?
Thanks
Todd
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: rick91351 on October 25, 2013, 08:21:25 AM
mogie01 I missed your latest post.  We been sort of busy  ;)

Love your little cub bear climbing the corner of the cabin.

Your TLC sure pays off inside and out.   [cool]   
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 25, 2013, 12:53:41 PM
Quote from: Cougr67 on October 25, 2013, 05:46:39 AM
Where did you get your spiral staircase from? (sorry if I missed it earlier) I have been struggling to fit a stair in the 20 wide plan without taking up too much space. Cost?
Thanks
Todd

Cougr67 we purchased the stairs from a company called Salter Spiral Stairs, here is the website http://www.salterspiralstair.com/.
The company was very helpful in helping us come up with the correct layout for our stairs to make sure our hallway wasn't blocked and that we had enough headroom
in the loft.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 25, 2013, 01:06:23 PM
Quote from: rick91351 on October 25, 2013, 08:21:25 AM
mogie01 I missed your latest post.  We been sort of busy  ;)

Love your little cub bear climbing the corner of the cabin.

Your TLC sure pays off inside and out.   [cool]

Thanks rick91351, we sure do love our cabin :)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on October 25, 2013, 01:09:26 PM
Quote from: Cougr67 on October 25, 2013, 05:46:39 AM
Where did you get your spiral staircase from? (sorry if I missed it earlier) I have been struggling to fit a stair in the 20 wide plan without taking up too much space. Cost?
Thanks
Todd

Sorry, I missed your question about the price.  The stairs cost us about $4,000.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Cougr67 on October 25, 2013, 02:26:36 PM
4K Ouch!  Thanks for the info!  You have great attention to detail in your place. Very impressive!

Todd
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on December 15, 2013, 08:42:07 PM
We spent a great weekend up at the cabin, snowboarding at Crystal Mountain, decorating for Christmas and sitting in the hot tub.  Life is good  :)

decorating a tree
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/TREE_zpsfa342557.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/TREE_zpsfa342557.jpg.html)

lots of snow
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/SNOWONWOODHUT_zpsc17394b9.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/SNOWONWOODHUT_zpsc17394b9.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/SNOWONBENCH_zpsf2d26b2a.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/SNOWONBENCH_zpsf2d26b2a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: old_guy on December 16, 2013, 09:46:20 AM
It was a bit brisk over the weekend, even a bit further south.  2 degrees when I left for work this morning.  The snow really brings out a different beauty.  Any cabin issues from the weather?

The tree is a nice touch.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: North Sask on December 16, 2013, 08:46:55 PM
Hi mogie. What a great cabin. I just finished reading your thread from top to bottom. There is a lot of inspiration contained in your words and photos. I really like what you did with your rafter ties and collar ties. That stone wall is incredible. Coming home to that cabin after a day on the slopes would be amazing.

Did you design it yourself or did you purchase plans? I am working on a design that has a lot of similar elements. I noticed that you opted for a ridge board with rafter ties on half the cabin. Were you planning for the loft joists to tie together the other half of the cabin? I was considering that arrangement but I am now leaning toward using a ridge beam.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 03, 2014, 03:47:53 PM
Quote from: North Sask on December 16, 2013, 08:46:55 PM
Hi mogie. What a great cabin. I just finished reading your thread from top to bottom. There is a lot of inspiration contained in your words and photos. I really like what you did with your rafter ties and collar ties. That stone wall is incredible. Coming home to that cabin after a day on the slopes would be amazing.

Did you design it yourself or did you purchase plans? I am working on a design that has a lot of similar elements. I noticed that you opted for a ridge board with rafter ties on half the cabin. Were you planning for the loft joists to tie together the other half of the cabin? I was considering that arrangement but I am now leaning toward using a ridge beam.

Thanks North Sask, we purchased the plans from here, if you click on CP-Home from the menu above you will see the list of plans they have.  We made some changes using 3D Home Architect, that program was a great help, it even gives you a visual idea of what the home will look like.  Yes, we planned on using the loft joints as ties. 

Good luck on your build!!  Keep posting updates, we'd love to watch your progress.  w*
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 03, 2014, 03:56:34 PM
Quote from: old_guy on December 16, 2013, 09:46:20 AM
It was a bit brisk over the weekend, even a bit further south.  2 degrees when I left for work this morning.  The snow really brings out a different beauty.  Any cabin issues from the weather?

The tree is a nice touch.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Weather has been so cold up north, last week it was 7 degrees.  We have no complaints at all about the temp inside the cabin.  We get a fire going in our little woodburning stove and once it gets going we can easily keep the temperature between 66 and the low 70s (my husband does have to get up in the middle of the night to add more wood but he's getting that down to a fine art and now he's figuring out the best way to keep it giong).  We leave all of the inside doors open and keep the overhead fans on to circulate the heat.

Happy New Year everyone!!   ;D
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on January 03, 2014, 04:11:36 PM
I found this old youtube video of our build, as you can see there has been a lot done since this video but I'm adding it in here in the hopes it might help give some perspective to the size of the cabin and the rooms etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMj8VXAXcwc
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on March 03, 2014, 06:12:55 PM
We had a great time up at the cabin with the kids.  My son and his friend helped us frame the cabin so it was neat showing them the fruits of their labor.

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/fa216484-000a-4004-b217-ad225d5fb9f6_zps7432ee86.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/fa216484-000a-4004-b217-ad225d5fb9f6_zps7432ee86.jpg.html)

We've had so much snow we're running out of places to put it!  Second snowiest winter on record  :o
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/B64EA38C-AE11-4B99-8AB0-B24DDA4F71BD_zpsjk7hsrs5.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/B64EA38C-AE11-4B99-8AB0-B24DDA4F71BD_zpsjk7hsrs5.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: UperJoe on March 05, 2014, 08:11:57 PM
Really love your place and remember  that video from some time ago ....
What you up to in total snowfall?
It's been a dilly for sure. Ready for summer and even them stinkin' skeeters at this point will sound nice ;)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on May 05, 2014, 08:15:54 PM
The snow is gone and the sun was out so we finally got around to making a video of how the cabin looks now. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA1yVEgc8aI
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Adam Roby on May 05, 2014, 08:23:54 PM
Absolutely awesome cabin, I love it.  You are definitely not "roughing" it with that hot tub!  :)  Congrats.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 07, 2014, 09:45:36 AM
It's been a little while since we last posted an update.  This year so far we have stained the cabin and have started working on placing river rock on the foundation wall, we also bought some bark to clean up around the cabin. This weekend we are going up to grout.


(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/C2E638B0-F622-4DBA-A73F-41384D85B16F_zpsdulo89ip.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/C2E638B0-F622-4DBA-A73F-41384D85B16F_zpsdulo89ip.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/32915C9F-6EFC-4FDD-A622-B966559559D5_zpsf2x6bj3q.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/32915C9F-6EFC-4FDD-A622-B966559559D5_zpsf2x6bj3q.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/3401B0CD-58E6-44B3-B016-505706DDB89F_zpspqzhfw6b.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/3401B0CD-58E6-44B3-B016-505706DDB89F_zpspqzhfw6b.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/5AC2401A-A593-4B1D-8928-F557D67892B5_zps9srpog8r.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/5AC2401A-A593-4B1D-8928-F557D67892B5_zps9srpog8r.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: pocono_couple on August 07, 2014, 02:40:14 PM
looks great.. hope you are enjoying some leisure time there as well as work - it looks like a very restful setting..  jt
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 13, 2014, 06:20:51 PM
We got all of the grouting done and we're really happy with how it turned out.  We are now starting to clean up the yard a bit, we spread some wood chips and then worked on our fire pit, next week we should be able to sit and enjoy it :)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/2FE63E3E-2D30-4D36-8A42-250180FE2C95_zpsksee76ce.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/2FE63E3E-2D30-4D36-8A42-250180FE2C95_zpsksee76ce.jpg.html)

spreading wood chips
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/FBBA466D-E2F7-4AD8-B587-8E65AFBED249_zpsa3zy3l1y.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/FBBA466D-E2F7-4AD8-B587-8E65AFBED249_zpsa3zy3l1y.jpg.html)

(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/143C0642-1D27-4EBD-BA37-7F55B6DF7B41_zps38ljluwc.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/143C0642-1D27-4EBD-BA37-7F55B6DF7B41_zps38ljluwc.jpg.html)

more landscaping
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/20FCD7D3-4A53-4048-BCE6-7959572F2EBC_zpst1ye7jri.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/20FCD7D3-4A53-4048-BCE6-7959572F2EBC_zpst1ye7jri.jpg.html)

fire pit
(https://i983.photobucket.com/albums/ae320/mogie01/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/75113E22-0580-4DE4-BFE8-C3C6B24E108B_zpsmb1rutxb.jpg) (https://s983.photobucket.com/user/mogie01/media/Our%20up-north%20dream%20cabin/75113E22-0580-4DE4-BFE8-C3C6B24E108B_zpsmb1rutxb.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: dablack on August 18, 2014, 07:42:46 AM
The river rock looks awesome!  I'm currently looking for iron ore rock (native to east texas) for post columns as well. 
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: Rys on November 04, 2014, 10:48:54 AM
I've been reading all the different threads about the 20X30 cabins and have fallen in love with yours! Can't wait to make my dream a reality. Thank you so much for sharing your progress!
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: rickeyleee on August 01, 2017, 06:47:28 PM
Do you have a link to view your pictures on this build.  I can't see any of them......all show errors.
Thanks
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: MountainDon on August 01, 2017, 07:38:06 PM
Quote from: rickeyleee on August 01, 2017, 06:47:28 PM
Do you have a link to view your pictures on this build.  I can't see any of them......all show errors.
Thanks

The missing images are due to photobucket's change of their rules regarding what we can do with images stored on PB's servers. It is sad, but they wreaked havoc all over the interent with that change.

OP has not been online here for over 6 months, so updates to the image links may not happen. A work around is to right click on the PB notice image and thren select to open image in a new tab/window. That usually opens the PB page with the missing image.
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: mogie01 on August 04, 2017, 02:16:35 PM
I had now idea photobucket did this.  Yeesh.  I went on their website and I'm even finding it really difficult to download my libraries, I keep getting an error message.  I'll have to download each picture separately.  Does anyone have a suggestion as to the best website to store the pics?
Title: Re: Our 20 x 34 1-1/2 story cabin in Michigan
Post by: azgreg on August 04, 2017, 02:45:38 PM
Quote from: mogie01 on August 04, 2017, 02:16:35 PM
I had now idea photobucket did this.  Yeesh.  I went on their website and I'm even finding it really difficult to download my libraries, I keep getting an error message.  I'll have to download each picture separately.  Does anyone have a suggestion as to the best website to store the pics?

Currently I'm using https://postimages.org/