starting a cabin

[lauersix6]

 am thinking of building a 20' x 24' cabin.  instead of putting on post and beam foundation,  could i build on skids placed on 6" of rock.  there would be no plumbing or electric.  might want to relocate this in the future.  would anchor down with auger anchors.  your thoughts are appreciated.  thanks.

[MountainDon]

It's my belief that moving a 20 x 24 would be a job best not tackled by a home owner himself, but then I am a tad conservative.  I can't imagine dragging a 20x24 over the ground on skids. It's beyond the reach of my imagination. On wheels, yes.

I'd place that 20x24 on a proper foundation; pier and beam, perimeter stem wall, whatever. A pier and beam system would then be easy for a house mover to get his transport beams and trucks under. A stem wall could be designed with that in mind. Those are my thoughts.

[rwanders]

I agree with Mtn Don----trying to drag a 20x24 on skids would almost certainly result in a badly racked structure at best----or structural collapse at worst. You could build on skids but moving it would be very very dicey.

[lauersix6]

ok,  so i won't plan on moving it.  jeez.   what are your thoughts about having the structure on skids,  instead of a post and pier foundation.  i live in iowa.  would there be any problem with putting on 6" of rock.  and anchored down.  thanks.

[rick91351]

One problem I see being that large, over 200 sq ft. you most likely would have to be permitted.   Unless you can get it in under the radar. That said most likely planing and zoning and code would never let it fly.

Yesterdays it worked okay but then cement was very expensive or not available at all.  I agree there are hundreds of examples of that type of construction still there.  Yet thousands were destined to fail.  Another thing to think about, if you were to put several tens of thousands of dollars into a cabin and literally hundreds of hours of sweat equity into a dwelling.  Don't you want to give it the best chance to let it live a long full life?   

[MountainDon]

Rick raises a good point with the question on permits. I suspect that you may be in an area with no code enforcement since you mentioned no water or electricity.  That is an important point as I seriously doubt that size of building would get an official go ahead to be slid built. I should have asked the question before I jumped into stating my opinion on moving the structure.


For a small utility building on skids I'd point out the usual stuff about possible shifting with frost. That depends so much on local soil conditions.  I have no idea what you have there.  Soil would need to be extremely well drained to avoid any frost movement. Have you thought about doing a Frost-Protected Shallow Foundation? Those can be approved by most building permit departments.  If you don't mind my asking, what is the reason for trying to avoid any usual foundation type? Strictly cost, or is it that you really will be wanting to move it?

My other question would be about what kind of skids do you envision using?  I would be concerned with preparing the ground, the crushed rock sufficient to support the skids in such a manner that they remain level for years.  You wouldn't want them to sag or hump anywhere along their length.  I suppose the skids would be doubling as support beams for the floor joists. It does not take much movement to cause a door or window problem.