Get Free building training :-)

[NM_Shooter]

If you want to take a good look at what might be involved with building a cabin, consider volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity site.  I worked on a house yesterday, and actually thought it was quite a bit of fun.  There were one or two folks who were pros, a handful of people like me who have some experience, and a bunch of folks who had never held a hammer but were eager to drive nails. 

Zero experience is required, and this is a great way to take a look at the mechanics of putting together a structure.  Due to the nature of the crew however, things tended to be a little bit out of alignment, and we had to do some tweaking as we went.  But it occurred to me that for someone who wanted to know how to build, this was an excellent opportunity.  Bring a notepad and take notes as you go.

We had a ~1000 square foot house framed and sheeted (interior walls up) in about 6 hours.  No trusses yet. 

For those of you with some experience though... beware.  If the framing captain knows you have experience, you will find out that he is so overwhelmed with things going on, that you will get "promoted" and answers to your questions about misalignment, stud spacing problems, plumb issues and others will typically be "just fix it" 

[MountainDon]

Yes, Habitat's a good place to do some learning, and to do some good too.

Plus their ReStores sometimes have things you can use at good prices. And sometimes they don't.

You're right about being promoted if you have some knowledge. I volunteered for a team to wire one of the local schools with for a local network several years back. When it was discovered I knew how to do more than how to plug LAN cables into computers I found myself in charge of one of the building wings. 

[Willy]

Yes, Habitat's a good place to do some learning, and to do some good too.

Plus their ReStores sometimes have things you can use at good prices. And sometimes they don't.

You're right about being promoted if you have some knowledge. I volunteered for a team to wire one of the local schools with for a local network several years back. When it was discovered I knew how to do more than how to plug LAN cables into computers I found myself in charge of one of the building wings. 

I have learned over the years to use real simple words when it comes to electricty when I talk about it to others. This way they don't know for sure that I am a Journeyman in the trade and I can help when "I" want to. Electrical work is one trade that you will find abused by neibors all the time fixing things. I have told a few you know how to mow a lawn and I am not good at it come on over! No takers yet?? Mark

[NM_Shooter]

Willy... i will mow your lawn if you come over and install a transfer switch in my garage 

-f-