Thought I would post a few photos(sorry for the cell phone quality) of my cabin build that I have been working on. I've searched the web and have not seen a completed cabin built from these plans, but I think it's gonna look nice sitting in the woods.
I originally purchased the Little House plans from the site, but eventually, my wife and I decided to go with a shed style cabin after coming across a design on the web that we both liked. We have kids and enjoy our privacy, so this 2 bedroom-though small will give us a little of that. The plans have a 4' wide porch, which seems totally useless for a cabin, so we're going with a 10' porch with a wrap around to the driveway side of the house.
The Great Escape
http://www.drummondhouseplans.com/house-plan-detail/info/1001168.html
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/cabin.jpg) (http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/floorplan.jpg)
My lot is pretty much all steep grade, so when I had my driveyway cut in I used the excess to form up a small but level building site.
For the foundation, the plans call for 15 steel screw piles, but I went with post and beam. This required hiring an engineer as my inspector was not keen on any post and beam foundation in clay soil. I dug my holes to 5' deep and then use 6x6 pt posts backfilled with concrete. This put me a little over budget, but it's solid.
The walls are pretty straight forward framing. This past weekend with the help of two experienced framer friends(whom I'm forever indebted to), we got the walls up and rafters on. Living 4 hours from my land, I'm optimistic I can get up there for one more 3-day weekend, before it gets too cold, and get it dried in...fingers crossed.
Posts In
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/posts-capped.jpg)
Subfloor
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/subfloor_9.17.2011.jpg)
Front and Back Walls with rafters
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/rafters-on.jpg)
Walls up
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/street-profile.jpg)
You're off to a great start! I really like the design of the cabin. :)
Nice design.
How long are those roof rafters? They look like they're well over 20 ft. I didn't know you could get dimensional lumber that long.
Yeah, those are 24 foot (special orders). I was surprised how nice they were though.
Quote from: archimedes on October 17, 2011, 12:37:25 PM
Nice design.
How long are those roof rafters? They look like they're well over 20 ft. I didn't know you could get dimensional lumber that long.
2 x 12's, 2 x 10's ? Either way, I bet they weren't cheap. ;)
Looking forward to seeing your project.
yeah, they were 2x8's.
Quote from: archimedes on October 17, 2011, 01:24:40 PM
2 x 12's, 2 x 10's ? Either way, I bet they weren't cheap. ;)
Looking forward to seeing your project.
Wow, Nice work. I really like the design.
I like it! [cool]
There must be a support beam near the center of the slope. It looks like there is a beam support in the wall over the foundation pier. Normal 2x8s can't span 19'. However, if there is a beam, why not frame shorter rafters to the center beam?
You should be able to work most of the winter in SC unless there is a blizzard like 2009. Looks like the front of the porch will be really high. I would not go less than 6X on the post and brace.
Quote from: chaddhamilton on October 17, 2011, 11:56:16 AM
For the foundation, the plans call for 15 steel screw piles, but I went with post and beam. This required hiring an engineer as my inspector was not keen on any post and beam foundation in clay soil. I dug my holes to 5' deep and then use 6x6 pt posts backfilled with concrete.
Q: I'm curious as to the size of hole (how many inches square x 5 feet deep) the engineer spec'd. as well if he spec'd. the concrete all the way, top to bottom, in effect making a much larger post face to the earth? And did he spec. a limit to how much pier height above the ground for the five feet in the ground?
I LIKE THE DESIGN. I'M WAITING FOR COUNTRYPLANS TO PUT OUT A 20X30. c* THATS MY DREAM ANY HOW... :)
Quote from: MountainDon on October 17, 2011, 05:41:37 PM
Q: I'm curious as to the size of hole (how many inches square x 5 feet deep) the engineer spec'd. as well if he spec'd. the concrete all the way, top to bottom, in effect making a much larger post face to the earth? And did he spec. a limit to how much pier height above the ground for the five feet in the ground?
Don, I don't remember what the engineer specified, and that paperwork is in my job box. The holes are roughly 18" wide by 5' deep with a 3'x3'x8" formed top...all done with an 18" auger bit. The piers are 18" above the ground.
Greetings,
I noticed this plan awhile back and I considered it myself for my property here in northwest Alabama. While I believe I've decided on another, I'm going to be watching your work and I'm glad to see somebody using this design. So far it looks awesome. :)
I really like that plan. I have looked at it several times.
I am in the piedmont of North Carolina. I wonder if the engineer you used for the foundation could do the same in my location. I look forward to your next update.
JH
HA! That's the cabin I've been using as a design inspiration for my build! The picture I've been using did not have the logo so I had no idea who sold the plans.
I was guessing the place at 16'*24' with a 6' porch from the artists rendering. Guess I got *one* of those measurements correct d*
Keep up the hard work, looks like you're making great progress
Quote from: JHall on October 24, 2011, 05:56:43 PM
I really like that plan. I have looked at it several times.
I am in the piedmont of North Carolina. I wonder if the engineer you used for the foundation could do the same in my location. I look forward to your next update.
JH
I don't know if he's licensed in N. Carolina and honesly, you may not need an engineer depending on your inspector. You're best bet is to go to the code office and explain what you plan to do and show them the plans. My issue was that I'm building on semi-fill and it's red clay. You may be ok down in the piedmont region.
Chadd
Thanks for the information. I live in a red clay area as well, however the new house will be built in Montgomery County with a view of Badin Lake. This area has lots of slate, yellow clay and shale.
As far as I know now post and pier foundations are allowed by code here. Pilings are for beach houses.
Maybe others local to NC can advise me on this. I live a couple hours away from code office and they are not willing to discuss such matters over the phone. They have a few office hours each day and you must come in to talk with them and get permits.
Great job on the house so far. Is your framing 2x6 for the wall studs? Again I am looking foward to future updates.
Thanks
JH
Hey Chadd- I was wondering what you were up to; I hadn't heard from you in a while. I just got started my self. The barn is up and weather-tight. Just in time; it's starting to get cold, and I've been living in a pop-up camper on site. I like the design you're building, and it looks like you're off to a good start. Right now, I'm in FL, but I'll be back in SC in a week. PM me if you ever want to visit our place.
Bump for updates!
Looks great!
Well, it's been a while and I've made some progress with the cabin that I thought I would share. In November, we spent a long weekend and got everything *mostly* dried in and dug the porch footings before calling it a year. Wifey could not decide on a door, and we ran short on osb for one wall, so we left that for this year.
We returned back up last week and spent 5 very long days getting things back on track and I'm really liking this little place. Wifey still needs to decide on a door(I know you're reading this :)
Wrapped up the sheathing and dug some footers for a little woodshed. Then started with the porch deck which took 3 days between the concrete(had to haul water in) and the rain that came through. We pushed the porch out to 10' wide (the plans call for a 4' wide porch) and it's got a good feel to it with lots of room.
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/april302012_2.jpg)
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/april302012_3.jpg)
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/april302012_5.jpg)
Then we started framing the interior walls and got those in. The bedrooms feel bigger than they are having one wall that's 10' high, tho that might change once we get the sheetrock up. Planning on 4 bunk beds in the kids room and queen in our room.
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/april302012_6.jpg)
I'm planning another 3 dayer this month to finish the porch and measure and prep for siding and roofing. Maybe i'll even bring a decent camera and take some real pictures.
Hope everyone is staying busy. Glad to be part of this little community.
Chadd
At least I'm not the only one who took the winter off! I went back to FL, hired on with my old employer, and am just now getting back to it. I'll be up later this week.
The cabin is looking great!
Are you putting in electrical? Nice cabin and I really like the shed roof design!
Hi Chadd, what a great build. I really like the shed roof.
I was wondering how you attached your deck beam to the posts? I see you used simpson brackets on the building piers but can't see clearly how you did the deck beam. I'm interested because I'm planning a cabin build on a slope and will have an elevated deck much like yours. Mine will be about 10' and I'm estimating yours at about 8'? Do you have any plans for bracing? Also have you any concern for the beam rolling or tilting?
Are you planning a roof over the deck? If so, how are you going to attach/support the roof beam and posts?
Thanks much. any info appreciated. I'm always amazed how much help one can get by being active on this site.
Markert
Chad,
Cool design I like a lot of other had looked at these plans but opted for more complication...lol Like we all don't have enough! I too have recently started a build project and can't wait to get it going this weekend. What are the plans for the interior, drywall or wood finish of some sort?
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=12139.0
Quote from: markert2523 on April 15, 2012, 01:42:04 PM
I was wondering how you attached your deck beam to the posts?
Are you planning a roof over the deck?
If so, how are you going to attach/support the roof beam and posts?
Markert
Hey Markert. I've been away for a while with stuff, but lemme answer your questions.
The deck posts have L brackets that attach them to the beam which I added recently because I know my inspector will require it. I called for a rough inspection yesterday, so i may have to add bracing....we'll see
Yes, I just got the roof on this past weekend and my framing buddy really made it look easy. We set the ledger board, then attached the simpson 6x6 uplift post brackets(the pricey ones...haha) to the deck. There are 5 roof posts and they were all notched to accept the double 2x10 header. We set the 5 posts and temp braced them, then cut a template rafter(2x8) that is fully notched(not just birdmouthed) to fit. It locks the whole thing in very tight...it was a lot more work cutting those pockets in the rafters, i will say that. When a rafter met over a post we had to cut for that. But it looks very nice and professional and we did it in one very long day so that we could ride dirtbikes the next. We'll see what the inspector has to say.
I'll post a few pics this week.
Any pictures? Bet it's coming along nicely. Can't wait to hear and see the progress. :)
I'm slowing making some progress. I took some friends up over the weekend for a boys getaway. Amazingly, we got the porch railings up, added some fire blocking to the walls, took down a dead tree and consumed significant quantities of cheap beer and nitratates. But we did complete everything on the todo list, so I'm thankful for that.
The railings turned out great. I was originally going to do wood balusters, but after replacing the rotted rails on my own home last year, I decided to go with painted aluminum balusters from Home Depot. Yes, they're a bit more money than wood, but they will last a lot longer with very little upkeep.
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/IMG_1745.jpg)
We also took some measurements of the roof and I have ordered my metal roofing which we've scheduled to do mid July. Should have my siding on before the end of summer as long as the money's there to do it.
As we left her:
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/IMG_1748.jpg)
The deck looks amazing. What did you use for your decking material. looks cedar! And I love the balusters touch looks really good. I look at that then I think of my build and I think that look will look well with a screen inserts for below and above the railing to close off the deck for bugs... hmm and now I'm thinking I like the idea thanks for the inspiration...
Quote from: ColchesterCabin on June 26, 2012, 04:27:05 PM
The deck looks amazing. What did you use for your decking material. looks cedar! And I love the balusters touch looks really good. I look at that then I think of my build and I think that look will look well with a screen inserts for below and above the railing to close off the deck for bugs... hmm and now I'm thinking I like the idea thanks for the inspiration...
Thanks, everything is PT pine. I think the red tint comes from all the red clay we've tracked onto the porch....god i hate red clay.
I love your railings, that's what we plan to do in the loft of our cabin. What size of wood did you use to create the railing, did you make a spacer or something to get the spaces exactly the same, then drill holes for the balusters? Your cabin is amazing :)
Quote from: mogie01 on June 29, 2012, 11:57:45 AM
I love your railings, that's what we plan to do in the loft of our cabin. What size of wood did you use to create the railing, did you make a spacer or something to get the spaces exactly the same, then drill holes for the balusters? Your cabin is amazing :)
Hey, Mogie. It was really a piece of cake doing these...just time consuming. The horizontals are 2x4's with a 2x6 top cap.
For each section, all you do is measure between your posts and cut your top and bottom 2x4's to that length. Then lay them together and clamp them. Take your tape measure and make a mark every 4 inches(per code). Here's the rub: visually, you don't want your last baluster to end too close to your posts, so you may need to offset your first mark so that your ends look "right". Easier to explain in person, but you'll understand once you get started. So once you have your marks, take your framing square and mark both rails.
The balusters came in packs of 15 along with with 30 nipples and screws. Screw the nipples to your top and bottom rails at each mark and then unclamp and lay on your deck. Now you just insert your balusters (better with 2 or even better 3 people) into the nipples and the section is ready to attach to your posts. Or alternately you can attach your bottom rail to your posts, then set the balusters in the bottom and then attach the top rail. We did it both ways...the former easier we thought. Each section took about 1/2 hour(1 beer :).
hope this helps.
chadd
Hey Chad, love your cabin - might use that plan for a guest cabin at the lake (if I ever finish rehabbing the old cabin). I used the same balusters on my deck at home. I found this handy picket spacing calculator that makes it simple - I like simple.
http://www.virginiarailingandgates.com/calculations_picketspace.asp
Any progress with the build since April?
Hey, yes, have made some progress. I started on the roof in mid July and got that done in two back-to-back weekends. Prolly not the wisest time of year to do that, but it's what I had. It's a standard 5v galvalume metal roof and getting those 26' panels up there was a huge PIA, not to mention it was close to 100 degrees. I can't believe I still have friends willing to go back up there after that...ha!
Moved onto the fasica and soffit in August and last weekend finished two sides of the house with Hardie siding. Planning on heading up in a few weeks and getting the siding completed and then start painting the exterior. I'm on schedule to have the exterior done and then start wiring and plumbing over the winter.
(http://depewhsclassof66.com/images/chadd/sept14.jpg)
Cheers and beers,
Chadd
Don't wanna stand out in the woods unless it's an area where people hunt.I like camo paint scheme.
Nice design, and it suits the site very well. I've always loved that single pitch, shed roof with clerestory windows and the covered porch/deck on the front. [cool]
Can I ask what town it is being built in South Carolina?
My property is in Pickens and borders Table Rock state park.
Longtime lurker on these boards...finally decided to join. I love your cabin design, especially the big porch. The more I look at the shed roof the more I like it. Are you satisfied with your choice on the roof?
Well, I'm making some progress.
I spent 3 days up over the weekend solo and have the exterior finished; After I got all the siding on, I realized that I didn't like the looks of the windows without trim. It was too bare looking. Wifey suggested that I make it pretty, so I brought up the ol' angle grinder, a pack of cut off disks and a fresh respirator and retrofitted some fancier-looking window trim. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but it did take some time carefully cutting all that hardie back with a disk.
New widow trim:
(http://i49.tinypic.com/ji2iir.jpg)
After that it was just caulking and painting for 2 straight days but I got it done Sunday afternoon.
(http://i45.tinypic.com/e7m35k.jpg)
I did take a break from painting to use my Alaskan chainsaw mill. I felled a pretty nice red oak back in July and I really wanted that wood to go in the cabin. With the mill, I was able to get two 4" x 9" x 12' beams out of it. The problem was the slabs were down the hill, and there was no way in hell I was carrying them up. So I borrowed my sons 4 wheeler and wagon ;D After alot of cussing and a hernia in the making, I was able to get them loaded aboard my not-so-OSHA approved setup and hauled up the hill. I would love to have been a bystander.
(http://i47.tinypic.com/2pzfmrn.jpg)
As I left her.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2iaesdt.jpg)
Hope everyone is keepin' busy and has a good holiday season.
Chadd
Hola, Shane! I was hoping to find some pics of a finished kitchen to show to my wife for inspiration and so you can only image my surprise when I saw your pics of your place...looks great and I love the floor.
I finished my plumbing last month and am working on my electrical and also building a small shed to store all my stuff up there. Looking like I'll be done in a year or so. Paid a deposit to a well drilling firm who are supposed to start drilling this week, so I'm planning to head up next month with a rented trencher and some buddies to run my water service line and destroy my driveway. One step forward, one step back :)
Hi Chad,
I'm following your project with much interest. I'm seriously considering a modified version of this plan for my site in Kansas.
Looks like you are pretty far along, and it would help me to get your opinion about whether or not you think there is enough space for a small loft open to the interior space below along the front. My interior configuration would be much different than the normal plan if a loft were possible. I figure if I'm going to spend the money for the plans to be changed, I'll get the interior configuration changed too.
Thanks in advance for your response.
Tim Allen
I thought your windows looked fine before, but the trim did really dress them up. I think that ended up being a good choice. Place is looking great, and I appreciate the time you spend taking and posting pics... Keep up the good work.
Quote from: allen80233 on July 27, 2013, 05:54:47 PM
Looks like you are pretty far along, and it would help me to get your opinion about whether or not you think there is enough space for a small loft open to the interior space below along the front. My interior configuration would be much different than the normal plan if a loft were possible. I figure if I'm going to spend the money for the plans to be changed, I'll get the interior configuration changed too.
Hey Tim. With the 12' front wall there is room for a loft but your headroom would be about 4' max at the peak. I do think it could make a good place to store sundries(extra beer), linens and whatnot; however, I would definitely consider your access point and ladder options because floor space is a premium. Once suggestion(if you're already considering changing the floorplan), is to increase the height of the front wall to 14' or 16'. That would give you more useable loft area for sure and it's something I wish I would have considered, but being a neophyte, I stuck to the plans.
Hope this helps, Tim. Post some pics when you get started.
Chadd
Chad yours was indeed a very nice build.
Would be great if you had some more photo's of the inside and exterior.
Hope you have many years of fulfillment in your lovely cabin.
Nice build. I have been looking at the 20x24 shed roof cabin for my hunting cabin.
Would you be interested in selling your plans?
Hi there. Love the looks of your place. We kicked around doing a shed roof design but ended up on a barn style. Question... would you be willing to share your green paint code or make/name? The wife and I have been looking for the right color green to use and she loves what you guys picked. Just looks awesome against the white trim.
Thanks alot. Coming along pretty good on the cabin front. I got a little side tracked and decided to build a shed for storage which took alot longer than I anticipated considering I was working alone alot of the time. Turned out good though.
(http://i59.tinypic.com/ih2iza.jpg)
The color is Rookwood Dark Green. Here's the link to the SW site.
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW2816-rookwood-dark-green/
Peace.
Chadd
gorgeous man! your quite the builder :D [cool]
Have to agree with the post above.....well done sir! Looking forward to more updates.
For some reason I can't open your pictures of you building your cabin, I can only view the finished cabin which look great.
Quote from: Dgmunger on March 24, 2014, 12:33:16 PM
For some reason I can't open your pictures of you building your cabin, I can only view the finished cabin which look great.
It appears that the site the first pictures are hosted on no longer exists. The domain name expired last year and has not been renewed. Unfortunate but that is what's going on.
Yeah, i just realized that. d* i''ll try to get those images sorted this week. thanks for the heads-up.
Chadd
Hey Chad,
I know this forum has gone stale but wanted to say this looks awesome. My wife and I are in the process of purchasing some land up by Table Rock too, between Table Rock and Caesars Head. Ironically, I was looking at this plan, along with ones from https://www.pinuphouses.com/small-3-bedroom-house-plans-amy/, to build myself too when I cam across this forum. We live on the south side of Greenville and hope to build on the weekends and etc. Did the process go pretty smooth throughout the build with Pickens County and the inspector? I'm still trying to figure out everything I'll have to provide to get the building permit if we move forward with the land. We are waiting on the perk test to finish before purchasing, as we will have to have septic and well.
Thanks,
Brandon
Hi Chad,
I came across this thread a while back and loved the pictures. I too am using this plan to build our camp on my grandparents land in NW Minnesota. As you know the pictures have been stripped off the posts. Can you reupload them or maybe email them to me? Your pictures and story helped me make some final decisions on design and material ordering.
Brent