So we're just about ready to break ground this weekend :) - provided the neighbours tractor backhoe is working (He's waiting for an altenator but reckons he should be good to go by then.) Did think about digging it by hand but the ground is so strewn with rocks that it would just result in much needless suffering and we want the process to be fun.
This weekend past we set out the cabin we are going to concentrate on first.
We eventually plan to build the a 20 x 30 1 1/2 storey on a daylight basement but we know we can't afford to finish it this year so we need somewhere to live/camp and store our tools/posessions. We first thought of a 12 x 16 similar to the one BishKnite built but decided we would need a little more room as we may well end up living in it full time until the house is habitable. We have settled on 12 x 24 based again on John's small house plans and other projects and ideas from country plans. Having had a long winter to bargin hunt and plan we have all the windows, doors, bathroom set etc. for the cabin already to go.
Here's a few pics from our preparations.
Window frames made after seeing Snatapov's Ontario cabin. The frames fit glazed door inserts which we managed to pick up either second hand or clearance price.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/007-1.jpg)
My painter examining the windows for draughts.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/013-1.jpg)
This rebar for the cabin founds we got second hand, 90 pieces for less than a dollar each. They are about 5' foot long plus 20" bend.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/007-2.jpg)
My cleaner scrubbing the rusty bar ..
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/006-1.jpg)
Setting out for the cabin. The watering can with a bit of clear hose doubles as our level.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/009.jpg)
site ready to dig for bigfeet and sonotube piers
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/013.jpg)
The bank on the left behind the well head is where the daylight basement will be eventually.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/020.jpg)
Tomorrow I'm running some more tools and materials down to the site (about an hour away from where we rent) and I plan to pick up the footing molds and tubes too.
Hope to have made some more progress and pictures to post next week.
Al
Congrats on the start!
good luck with your project. if i were you...i would build the house, it is only a little bigger than the project you plan now. i have been taking my time with my cottage (2 years now). my lot was a perfect for a walkout basement. but i still went with piers for cost reasons. so far i have about 15,000 into it. like you i bought when when the deal was to good to pass up.
Miman, I hear what you are saying. A few others have said the same. Several of my neighbours put makeshift roofs on their basements and lived in them for a year before they could finish their houses. However our choice boils down to finances and timing. As a recent immigrant I have no credit rating and am unable to borrow in Canada (not that I want to anyway.) We can get a long way towards completing the cabin for what little we have but could barely get out of the ground on the house. My aim is to have a habitable (not necessarily finished) structure by the end of July so we can stop paying rent (our biggest outlay) and live on site instead of having to camp or travel an hour everyday. Also it will give us a chance to learn and practice on a smaller structure. Although I have been involved in a few friends builds I have never taken on a complete project myself before and I'm certain there will be a lot of things I've overlooked or misjudged in my preraration. As the house will be our primary residence rather than a hunting cabin or holiday cottage we are happy to take our time go with the basement etc and to put the cabin on piers - in the future the cabin may be a rental, workshop, guest accommodation etc etc.
Cheers,
Al
Great Start, Al.
The painter looks pretty Jolly. She must be having fun. :)
Congrats Alasdair...Ive been lurking here for about a year with the intention of building a small cottage /house in the maritimes. Where are you in Cape Breton? I looked at quite a bit of land there last summer and will probably purchase this summer. Good Luck with your project..i'll be watching for updates
Glen,
Pretty jolly and jolly pretty I've always thought :D
Retired Poor,
Our site is about 10 minutes out of Port Hawkesbury along a dirt road off the 105. There's a fair bit of land available at reasonable rates but as my neighbour said "once you move to Cape Breton you're never moving anywhere else." I thought he meant it was so beautiful you would never want to - but he meant you'll never be able to afford anywhere else! ;)
One of my neighbours is selling some land on our road PM me if you want and I'll find out more about it .
Regards,
Al
No question there, Al. :)
I think you will enjoy your small cabin while waiting to build the big one also.
Spent the morning on the phone getting quotes for the house basement and the afternoon making wire and rebar cages for the cabin footings. Basement is coming in at $12,500 CND for ICF and $10,500 for regular formed and poured concrete. These prices are for a 20 x 30 daylightbasement with no extras and the floor still to do. Both seem like reasonable prices and might not be much in the big scheme of things but it's a lot to us just now! I guess we have to work out if it will cost us $2,000 to insulate the regular basement to the same standard as the ICF. I know this one must have been done a few times on the forum I'll have a search and see.
Anyway here's my cages - not as tidy or hardcore as Beaver's job but more than enough for my piers which will only show 1ft above grade. I used no.5 rebar and pig fencing wire to support it all.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/001.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/002.jpg)
have you thought about a concrete block foundation to save some $$?
Oh Al....there are things you don't know that you don't know....but its ok, because it seems that they come up when one is ready to learn them. Things as simple as door knobs...I bought the front door...no door knob. Ok, so you buy the door knob....except there are "Thousands" of different kinds of door knobs...who'd a thunk it.
I think planning and preparation is good, even wise....but like the Pirate's Code, I found the plans to be more like "guidelines".
I'm pleased to see you join the forum, and the folks here are wonderfully helpful, and have gotten me through many a time when I have come up against something I knew NOTHING about. I knew mostly nothing about building when I started. I've learned a lot, but mostly have a greater appreciation for how much I still don't know, and the cabin is about 1/2 done. I know you can do this, if I can, you certainly can.
Thanks for posting the pictures as well. I really enjoy them.
Cbc58,
We did briefly consider a block foundation but for a variety of reasons have decided against it. (I must admit the cost factor was very attractive.)
Considerations,
Thanks for the well wishes, it's great to be here and finally be building! I'm already discovering how little I know - but I'm pleased to have a great forum like this to help me muddle through.
So here's the weekend's progress..
Bigfeet and sonotubes plumbish, squareish and levelish - ready to backfill and pour. We wanted to pour these on Monday but the building inspector was pretty busy and didn't show up til the afternoon which scuppered our plans for concrete that day. Pretty frustrating since we both took time off and missed a days wages in order to be there to pour the concrete. (Lessons learned - "the morning" is a very flexible term in the Maritimes! Don't try to do too much at once)
Still we are happy with our progress.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/032.jpg)
The well trench started and nearly ready to install pump and pitless adapter
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/031-1.jpg)
We made some forms for pavers in case there was any concrete left over - the rocks are there to stop them blowing away.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/035.jpg)
Our camp on monday morning when we woke up ... there was an inch of unforcast snow ... it was not a warm night in the tent ... I will say no more
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/023.jpg)
Still the neighbours seem to be getting on well with their building projects ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/013-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/015.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/009-1.jpg)
cheers,
Al and Anita
That's some nice looking country you are building in...great view too!
I can't really tell from your photo's, how did you secure the sonotubes to the bracing?
I'm still trying to get mine braced and have been doing a little ??? ???
Beavers,
I found your pictures very helpful when I was making up my rebar cages. Thanks. :) Are those any relations of yours down the road from us? They sure build a nice dam!
The sonotubes - I just screwed 2x4s right onto them with a few 2 1/2 inch deck screws. Then I double checked it all for plumb and square and fixed them to stakes at the other ends of the 2x4s. I also fixed the bigfeet to the bottom of the trench with a few ground staples we got at a garden store. I just drilled some small holes through the mould and hammered them in at an angle. (Quite a few bent on all the rocks but enough stayed firm.) The building inspector seemed quite happy with this and it seemed a pretty sturdy arrangement to me. The bracing is just to hold them in place whilst I backfill. I will remove to use for framing before we pour. I have backfilled around the footings by hand to make sure there was not too much movement and we will hopefully do the rest with a machine.
Al
Looking great, Al and Anita, and what an industrious group building the dam.
Thanks for the info Al, glad my pic's were helpful.
The Bigfoot footings look like a real slick deal...would be nice to be able to pour the whole thing at once instead of doing the footings seperate.
Beavers,
Yes the bigfeet certainly make it simple - there's another company that makes plastic footings and tubes all in one - even easier still.
Well, we backfilled on Saturday and will pour the piers early this week.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/002-1.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/009-2.jpg)
I'm making up my lumber list right now and Anita is making up her seed/plant list.
Al
So we got our concrete poured on Wednesday and are moving along in our usual haphazard style... :)
The concrete truck was early (!) by half an hour which put me on the back foot for the rest of the morning - My photographer had to work so I was by myself during the morning and didn't get time to think about photos until I had leveled all the tubes and set the post holders.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/019.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/004.jpg)
Here's our home made pavers...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/005.jpg)
and here's what we did with some of them ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/010.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/011-1.jpg)
Whilst we were waiting for this to arrive ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/016.jpg)
Naturally the lumber we needed first was at the bottom of the piles so the next job was to handball the whole lot the other way round!
before ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/017.jpg)
and after ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/018.jpg)
Next I laminated up some beams from 2 x 12s and 1/2" ply. They were glued and then nailed from both sides.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/023-1.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/024.jpg)
A little tip for anyone else as daft as me - if you're by yourself, build the beams right where you're going to use them or else you will have to resort to some silly techniques to move them around - they are NOT easy to move!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/020-1.jpg)
I had expected to have to shim some of the posts but surprisingly, didn't need to, in the end they were bang on for level!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/025.jpg)
I had a visit from the neighbours that evening - wondering what all the noise was about ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/027.jpg)
some brought their toys with them ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/031.jpg)
even Rocky the building Inspector showed up...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/030.jpg)
here's our well line trench and, in the background floor joists, crowned and marked out. We plan to install the well pump and line this coming week before fixing the joists.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/033.jpg)
Here's a little trick for marking out if you need to measure and mark 3/4" under.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/037.jpg)
That's all for now - hope to have some pics of well pump installation by the end of the week
Al and Anita
Wow, you are making great progress & I love the steps you made with the pavers!
Looks great Alasdair..off to a great start
Looks like you two are making great progress Al. Makes me tired just looking at your pictures. :)
What Glenn said! ;D
Is that all of the lumber for the framing, or is there more to come?
At this pace you guys should be dried in within a month or two!
Thanks for the kind words all.
Beavers,
that is most of the lumber for framing - there will doubtless be more stuff I forgot or 'misunderestimated' but it was at best an educated guesstermation anyway. I wasn't worried about being too precise as we plan to build a 1 1/2 storey straight after so any leftovers will get used and it's not far to nip out and pick up anything we forgot.
Got our well pump installed in the last couple of days. As it took me quite a while to sift through the info available on the internet and work out what was good and what was B.S. I took a lot of pics in the hope that it will help someone else. I'm not suggesting that this is the best way to do it but it made sense to me. (Sorry if like us you are on dial up - now is the time to make a cup of tea...)
First we checked the well depth. The report said it was 99ft deep with a static level of 12ft. In fact it was deeper than 100ft with a static level of 6ft. (How much deeper I don't know the tape was only 100ft.)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/001-2.jpg)
First we had to cut through the casing to install the pitless adapter.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/002-3.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/004-1.jpg)
Here it is ready to install. The handle remains in the well for any future maintainence. We stuffed a polybag in the pipe to stop the female part sliding off and down the well. Don't forget your safety rope - or to remove the polybag!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/005-1.jpg)
Here it is nipped up on the casing.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/008.jpg)
Here is the pump being prepared. We opted for a grundfos 3 wire pump. It has a slow start feature which is supposed to stop the torque jerking the assembly and chafing it on the sides of the well at start up.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/009-4.jpg)
The heat seals for the wire splice.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/010-1.jpg)
The "torque arrestor" - another anti chafe device required by law in Nova Scotia. There was some debate surrounding these between local pump intallation folks. Some held that it was more likely to cause problems if loose rocks dropped off the well sides on top of it making the pump difficult to pull - I made sure it was a loose fit. Note that the wire doesn't run under the hose clamps.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/011-2.jpg)
I slid some spare pipe over the splice as this area will be one of the weakest and most liable to chafe.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/012-1.jpg)
I also put a good amount of slack in the wire as the pipe can apparently stretch. The wire was taped to the pipe about every 5 ft. I also slid another couple of short sections of pipe over it to help protect it.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/013-4.jpg)
The pump ready to drop. The wire and pipe has been run out straight along the ground next to the well and safety rope attatched.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/014-1.jpg)
Down we go...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/016-1.jpg)
It really helped having someone else in the trench to help locate the pitless adapter.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/017-1.jpg)
The well cap with wire and safety rope.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/019-1.jpg)
Some metal conduit to protect the wire where it enters the ground.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/020-2.jpg)
The water line is attatched to the pitless adapter.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/022-1.jpg)
We protected the wire and waterline with some heavy duty poly pipe we picked up that was the remains of old fish farm cages. The "soil" was pretty much rocks and gravel some of it quite sharp.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/026-2.jpg)
The wire and pipe entering our homemade inspection chamber...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/033-1.jpg)
and exiting it ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/034-1.jpg)
I fixed a few bits of bigger pipe together like so -
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/035-2.jpg)
this means if there is any frost heave the pipe should "telescope" with the movement.
We slid yet another piece of pipe over the wire and waterline and into the chamber - this is the area in danger from freezing. We insulated the pipe and placed a heat tape inside it. I put some expanding foam around the top to seal it all. If there are any problems with freezing or the heat tape we should be able to remove/replace it easily.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/036-1.jpg)
Here's the finished results with the floor joists. It will eventually enter the cabin under one of the cabinets in the kitchen area.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/039-1.jpg)
Now we're ready to insulate and lay the subfloor.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/041.jpg)
Hopefully by this time next week we'll be thinking about walls!
Looks great to me, Al - but then what do I know... :)
When it comes to wells, quite a bit more than most of us! I'm glad to have your seal of approval. :)
The weekend's progress
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/001-3.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/003-2.jpg)
And in good countryplans tradition
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/014-2.jpg)
Hope to have some walls up by next weekend
Al
Moving right along. Each little success empowers you to tackle the next. It sure is fun.... Looking good there.
Quote from: Alasdair on May 29, 2009, 02:05:25 PM
When it comes to wells, quite a bit more than most of us! I'm glad to have your seal of approval. :)
Thanks, Al....even though it may have been a baby seal..... [waiting]
....umm ??? ....that was sick..... d*
.... She can dance too :)
Al, any chances of seeing you there on the deck with pipes and a kilt? rofl
As you requested ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/kiltandpipe.jpg)
But I don't see what's funny about it...
;)
Funny would be Glenn in a kilt. rofl rofl rofl
I think that would make a lot of people Ralph....
I meant bagpipes.... :)
Now you look rather dashing, Al.
Me in a kilt ???
Like this?
(https://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k234/Cal_Jennings/Political/FatBastard.jpg)
When I think of Scottish dancing I think of Kilts and Bagpipes.
Somehow I think I wouldn't look so hot. [rofl2]
Anita looks great dancing on the deck - I should leave well enough alone d* :)
Just for giggles I looked up my country traditional dress - Lithuania
...and came up with this....
(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/giedrius-knits1small.jpg)
Is it true? Could I really look like that?
You mean to say - you don't look like that? But I always thought ...
Anyhow here's the pic's of the weekends progress.
Friday after work and we're loaded up with goodies ... this freed up a little more of our living room!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/001-4.jpg)
Framing ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/003-3.jpg)
Anita makes me wear this bag on my head when she's sick of the sight of me..
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/004-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/005-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/006-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/007.jpg)
Squaring things up with a ratchet strap.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/009-5.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/010-2.jpg)
Rain stopped play early today but I'll get the last wall up tomorrow and pick up the metal for the roof on Tuesday.
Can't wait to get dried in and out of the flies!
Al and Anita
So you are a two bag date, eh? , Al. hmm
One for your head and one for her head in case yours falls off? ::)
Looks good, Al and Anita. :)
Making good progress AL. Once the roof is on and dried in you can switch to a lower gear somewhat. ;D
Well, my roofing didn't arrive when it was supposed to but we got the rest of the walls up and paper on ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/003-4.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/004-3.jpg)
Some of the paper they sold me had the writing the wrong way up but we didn't return it - I'll be expecting a discount on my next purchases though!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/006-3.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/007-3.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/008-1.jpg)
An old shipmate called into our part of the world so we took a break this weekend and took a trip to Prince Edward Island. It was Anne-tastic!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/009-6.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/013-5.jpg)
Hoping to get the roof on this week
Al and Anne-ita
Great progress. At least they only printed your plastic wrap upside down. The silly nuts at the plant were completely off they day mine was made. They printed the words on the back of my plastic. Really ruined my day. Looking at your wrap now makes me think my tires are upside down on my truck.. I just can't win.
Wish you two lived closer, Al and Anita.
I'd love to pull them there little pig tails - or at least dip them in the ink well. [waiting]
Great job on the building.
At least they managed to get the central portion of the house wrap in the right place. hmm
The week's progress ...
Getting the ridge board up
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/001-5.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/002-5.jpg)
rafters going on
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/003-5.jpg)
There was a bit of head scratching involved in framing the gable overhang but I got there in the end
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/003-6.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/002-6.jpg)
first sheet of sheathing going on
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/004-5.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/006-4.jpg)
installing the strapping to bear the metal roof - I bought steel from the farmers coop - lots of the barns here have the same steel on them and plenty of them are 50+ years old
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/008-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/001-6.jpg)
Hope to be wind and watertight by next weekend!
Al and Anita
Looks great, Al and Anita. Pros already. :)
Al good job. On the false rafter if you had someone to help you could have attached the supports (face nailed) to the last rafter after measuring the notch outs of the second rafter and put it up in one piece. That way you would have only had to nail them to the 3rd rafer (face nail) and down into the second rafter through your supports. Oh Well you "Got -r. done" which is the important thing.
So the rafter was notched to allow the "outrigers" (not sure what to call them)?
Some call them standouts. The last rafter on the house is notched. The supports or standouts are cut long enough to reach from the inside of the false rafter to the 2nd rafter on the house. They are face nailed on the false rafter(outside) and on the 2nd rafter on the house. Then nailed down onto the edge of the first rafter of the house (notched rafter)
John,
When I built the standouts I was expecting to put the false rafters up myself. I did the first one alone by clamping a L shaped block to fascia to hold the bottom end of the rafter and sliding it down from the top. Worked OK but I was glad to have a neighbour help with the other three!
A friend back home has an easier method which I would have used if I hadn't thought I would be doing it by myself. He simply makes the last true rafter a little smaller than the others (The same length but sitting lower on the plate and ridge) builds the whole gable ladder down below and slides the whole thing up the small end rafter. Much quicker, but a little heavy if you are alone. The sarking boards (roof decking) hold the ladder up as much as the support of the rafter.
Al
No we have not been on holiday - perish the thought! We took one weekend off for a family wedding - a great time!
Apologies though to friends, family and fellow country planners for being so slack about updates. We moved out of our rental at the start of the month and are currently staying with neighbours (didn't know how much we lucked out when we bought the land but all our neighbours are fantastic!) The dial up connection we now have is painfully slow - it took 30mins to upload the one picture. Apparently the provincial govt. has promised all Nova Scoitians high speed connections within a year but I'll believe that when I see it! I promise I will take a trip to somewhere with high speed and put on a bunch more pictures.
Anyway, thanks to inlaws and other friends and family that stuck around after the wedding we have made some good progress on the cabin. (Although everything still takes twice as long and costs thrice as much as you initially think!)
We have a roof, chimney, plumbing, doors and windows, boards on three sides and should have the bulk of the exterior work finished by the end of this weekend I hope.
Here's the one picture I had the patience to up load.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/055a.jpg)
More to come soon I hope!
Al and Anita
Wow, looks really great! I like the color combo of the roof and siding.
Your cabin looks really good. [cool]
I am curious about one thing. I noticed that the roof strapping allowed for open channels running up the roof from the eves.
Is that for venting, and if so what kind of ridge vent did you use?
Poppy, yes the strapping also provides venting, the ridge venting is provided at the ridge cap by the steel's profile giving a gap of about 1/2 inch - some sections were filled in with foam draft strip others with insect screen.
Here's some more progress pics.
ready for the roof
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/009-7.jpg)
the strapping also makes for good footing
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/010-4.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/044.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/011-4.jpg)
siding going on
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/030-1.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/051.jpg)
Harry my building inspector looking pretty happy (thank goodness! ;))
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/001-7.jpg)
A couple of visitors
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/008-3.jpg)
my attempts at plumbing - and yes it all works! :)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/013-6.jpg)
itchylation going in
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/015-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/017-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/019-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/020-3.jpg)
We still had time to do a little gardening
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/021-3.jpg)
and get some firewood - with help from the neighbours
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/022-2.jpg)
Thanks for looking,
Al and Anita
Wow, looks great! [cool]
Gotta feel good to be in the home stretch.
I have a question on your roof. What is the benefit of the strapping, other than making it easier to work on the roof? Do you not need to vent the ceiling then? ???
Oh yeah...the board and batten looks awesome. ;D
Looks like you two have been busy, Al and Anita. Nice pex.
It's great when you get into an area with good neighbors.
Wow you guys flew through that. Good job. I like the siding and roof, looks nice. I wonder, does a metal color roof give similar benefits of a white roof in terms of heat deflection in the summer? If so I'm inclined to go with the metal because it looks great.
Wow, you folks are really plowing through the project. I am impressed!
Thanks for all the positive comments,
I guess we have been lucky in terms of weather and speed (although I have not thought so all the time!) This comes down to a mfew things - 1. I am a substitute teacher so can take time off if I need to and have long summer holidays 2. I am at present a kept man and poor Anita goes to work to keep us afloat and pay for materials. 3. We have great neighbours!
Beavers,
Quote from: Beavers on August 13, 2009, 09:29:48 PM
I have a question on your roof. What is the benefit of the strapping, other than making it easier to work on the roof? Do you not need to vent the ceiling then? ???
The venting is done above the roof decking
I have R40 insulation on the underside of the decking, tyvek on top and a 2inch gap between that and the metal. (I have since been told it should be 3 inches but it's too late now!) The idea is that the air space below the metal is very close in temperature to the air above it, so stops condensation and sweating. I think it should be ok where we are as it's atop a hill and there's plenty of air movement and it has lots of venting.
Mike, I also like the metal look too but must say I'm looking forwards to the zinc dulling down a bit - it's pretty dazling on a sunny day!
Al and Anita
Thanks Alasdair!
I'm glad you posted pics of your roof. I thought you could just slap the steel right down on top of the tar paper.
I did a little reading online about venting steel roofs, but really couldn't find any solid answers on what to put under a steel roof... ???
Can I ask why you didn't just use perlins instead of a solid deck? Seems like that would give better ventilation.
Sorry for all the questions, just trying to figure out this whole steel roof thing. Don't really want my roof to rot out in a few years because I didn't vent it right! :o
Whats the insect screen for? Termite prevention? Was it your first time doing plumbing?
Beautiful job on everything. I like the fascia/soffit work too.
BishK,
The bug screen is required by code here if you use board and batten. (At least the inspector said I had to put it there!) Hopefully it will stop a few creepy crawlies moving in. I don't think termites are a problem here though. It was my first time installing a whole plumbing system I had done a few small jobs before but mostly repairs and never with the crimped pex. I was pleased with the outcome and ease and will use the same system in the house. Thanks for the praise - it means all the more as it was your own projects in part that inspired us and convinced us we could do it - thanks!
Beavers,
I agree that purlins would seem to afford better ventillation - but the roof deck made it much easier to insulate, work on and I think I read somewhere on the vicwest site that a domestic installation should have a decking under the steel. I like the fact that we have the boards and some tyvek there in case of any possible sweating water should run down the deck instead of soaking into our insulation.
Good luck with your roof - your place looks great, I like the little gable at the front, coming along nicely.
Try this site it has some good information if you sift through the sales B.S. http://www.vicwest.com/english/?local=east (http://www.vicwest.com/english/?local=east) http://www.vicwest.ca/images/literature/enDoc73.pdf (http://www.vicwest.ca/images/literature/enDoc73.pdf)
My own tips would be to make one sheet a template and predrill all the holes before you get up there. Make sure the first sheet goes on dead true - we have a slight run out at the back and every second sheet jumps up a couple of inches (Well half an inch anyway.) The companies really gouge you on the price of the steel and trim extras for residential stuff. We bought steel and ridge cap for barn roofs - much cheaper! The extras we improvised using foam draft excluder instead of their expensive profiled foam closures and laytex/silicon sealent instead of their own brand tape and sealent. This saved us hundreds of dollars. Most importantly WEAR GLOVES. I learned this the hard way. (11 stitches and two lost days!)
Al and Anita
Thanks for the tips, and the link to the PDF. It's way more info than I've been able to find anywhere else, should be very helpful.
I really love your cabin. I love your board n batton look with the metal. We are building a 12x20 cabin
in western maryland with a pole barn structure with 6x6's. We put avantec on the exterior to close
with Tyvek and are planning on board n batton. Your technique which help me alot. Can you tell me
what board you used and the stain color and brand?
We went to Cape Breton a couple of years back for the 60th anniversary of the Gaelic College and it
was such an inspiring event of young and old dancing and celebrating the gaelic and scottish culture.
My husband is scottish and I am irish. My ancestors (acadians) were from the Cape Breton area who where forced out of the area in ships and landed in the swamps of Louisiana and are known as Acadians. Have you ever of the poem Evangeline? It is a story inspired by the Acadians who were from Cape Breton.
Your country is simply beautiful and I can't wait to go back and you are so lucky to be able to live and
build your dream cabin. I can't wait for your next posting.
Karnf,
We bought rough sawn 1x6 spruce boards from a small local mill. Rough boards are supposed to shed water better and are warmer. It was very cheap and green. I ripped some boards to about 1 1/2" for the battens. One of the advantages of board and batten is that you can put it on green as the battens cover the shrinkage. Although I wish I had put all my battens on sooner - I still didn't get round to all of them yet and some of the boards are starting to move in the sun.
The stain was "olympic" semi transparent natural cedartone 716. It was actually much oranger (orangier, orangeyier?) than we intended but we're used to it now and are pretty happy with the results. I recommend getting a pressure sprayer to paint them with (a brush would take forever with rough boards) and stain both sides of the boards before you put them on to help them dry evenly.
good luck,
Al and Anita
P.S. I havn't read Evangeline but I will definately check it out thanks!
Thanks Alasdair; you have got me motivated and excited w/ all info given to me. Happy Building!
Karnf, glad you like the place and delighted to be of some assistance - I've picked up so many great tips and ideas from this site that it is very rewarding to be able to reciprocate and help get some others going! [cool]
A few more pics.
Ready for drywall
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/008-4.jpg)
and the dry wall on
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/012-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/013-7.jpg)
My sister in law came over to give a hand which was much appreciated
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/015-3.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/017-3.jpg)
painting
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/021-4.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/024-1.jpg)
and some tiling
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/027-1.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/030-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/032-2.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/033-3.jpg)
We also bought some more rough sawn lumber for a small shed (8x12)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/034-2.jpg)
there won't be enough room for us and the tools in the little cabin - especially as there's going to be THREE of us soon!! :) Anita is due some time early March :o ;D
Cheers,
Al and Anita
Looking very nice. :)
Al looking real sharp. Nice job on the tile ;D
Great news (your March arrival).
Looking great Al. The tile (as well as the rest) looks professional. Thanks for the pix.
Time to add on already. :)
Must be those cold winters..... [waiting]
Great project!
Congratulations - you know they figured out what causes that now... :o
Thanks for all the congratulations, We are very excited!
Here's a couple of pics of my wee shed - I plan to have it finished in the next couple of days. It will certainly make it easier to finish the cabin without all the tools in it!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/001-8.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/002-7.jpg)
I think I will have enough lumber left over to make a small deck for the front of the cabin. :D
Al
Nice shed Al. It really does make building the cabin with a tool shed available. Too bad many places don't allow that order of construction.
Alasdair I like the shed. I am with you on the deck. Probably an after thought but if you would have cantelvered the roof it would make a nice place to sit and think out of the rain ;D
The shed is a beauty, Al.
that is a really fine looking shed
Ive been really impressed with the color of your roof its awesome if you don't mind me asking what kind of square foot price did you get on yours I'm planning on doing metal roof and want to get an idea of what I'm getting into.
BobM,
We got the roofing at a local farming supplies store it is Vicwest Victoria profile. If I remember correctly (I'm visiting family in the UK just now so I don't have the info to hand) it is 29 gauge steel and for the steel, ridge cap and screws cost us around $780 CAD
The total roof area was approx. 500sqft so it was just over $1.50 a sqft I think. This was about half of what we were quoted for regular domestic steel roofing.
Hope that's helpful - there's a link to their site somewhere else in this thread I think.
Here's a couple of pics of jobs we finished before we left:
The Shed
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/002-8.jpg)
The stove
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/0013.jpg)
Al and Anita
Good Job Al.
The slate tile look great as does the sturdy shed, nice work
Thanks for the info on the roof, love the slate around the fireplace!
I adore the slate. Love it.
We only remembered after returning home from the Celtic Colours Festival last month you were near Port Hawkesbury:( Well. Next time. And if you are ever driving through, we are just on the NB-NS border.
both very nice areas of the country I grew up in Sussex NB, and have a few friends in the pugwash/oxford area [cool]
You're gonna have a wee in the shed? The video game machine or...your tools might get rusty from the humidity and ammonia. House looks good though. Maybe you put a toilet in the WC? Mozel to the tov on the oven bun. Cheers.
Here's a few more recentish pics. We have slowed down on any major projects and are finishing the interior of the cabin when we have the time and inclination. We plan to add a deck in the spring and start on the house. The house will be slower progress - as and when we can afford it - but we hope to pour and close in a walkout basement by the end of next fall. Will all depend on time and money.
Anyhoo the pics ...
Clearing snow
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC060069.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC060065.jpg)
Getting started on the kitchen ... this is going to be the next project after the holidays!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC170075.jpg)
A few interior shots. The hardwood floor made a big difference. We got it super cheap as it was end of line stuff - makes the cabin feel quite luxurious!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC170071.jpg)
The bench has some storage under it and will be upholstered some time in the new year. We got the fabric cheap too!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC170072.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC170070.jpg)
The most recent addition - no not the gin, the ladder - now we don't have to sleep on the sofa bed but can curl up in our cosy loft!
Cheers!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC170076.jpg)
How is the stove working out for heat?
Looking great, Al, but a bit cold looking outside, eh?
The stove is working out great although is the source of some heated discussions - Anita likes a temperature of around 20C whilst I prefer a comfortable 28C! We were still getting used to it in the fall so it was often too hot but now it is a little colder it's perfect.
Glen, I must admit that this is not so much fun ....
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC260086.jpg)
but if it wasn't cold how would you do this?
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC280090.jpg)
or this?
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC280093.jpg)
or this?
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/PC290114.jpg)
We feel sorry for you poor folks down there in the warm ... ;)
Here's how we do it, Al and Anita.
Borrowed an ancient California history pix to illustrate.
(https://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy62/the_troglodyte/grassslide.jpg)
"The stove is working out great although is the source of some heated discussions - Anita likes a temperature of around 20C whilst I prefer a comfortable 28C!"
don't let it get you all fired up there.
Glenn, we used to do that all the time!
I have a great steep mountain that will work... it's the occasional rock sticking out of it that bothers me. [ouch]
Touché! lol
:)
I must say the picture looks good ... but until I see a picture of Glenn and Jens sliding down the mountain I remain an unbeliever ... ;)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/March2010046.jpg)
Sammy Alfred, born March 10th 8lbs 15oz.
All back in our cozy little cabin and doing well.
Have to get a shift on with the house now before the wee fella wants his own room!
What a cutie! Congratulations to the proud Poppa & Momma!
Sorry I missed the reply on the grass slide, Al. No worries though - we have to wait til it dries so it will be slick. [ouch]
Congrats on the little one Al and Anita. Thanks for posting a pix for your Countryplans family. :)
Congratulations. Another hammer swinger. ;)
Congratulations, there is no more sincere grin than that of a new parent. Hold that thought... ;D
What a beautiful baby! Congratulations! [cool]
redover, it would be great if they could swing a hammer :) (well and hit nails ) congrats....welcome to the jungle...
Congratulations on the baby!
It's great that you were able to bring him home to a house that his Mom, and Dad built! [cool]
Sammy's first project ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/april28th025.jpg)
Not bad for a beginner I thought!
Wow, Al [cool]
That little rascal is talented. :)
Thanks for posting the update. Here's hoping all is well with all of you in the Great White North. [ouch]
Wow...that is one fancy chicken coop! [cool]
Well it feels like a long time since we were here on countryplans. We have had no internet connection and were pretty busy on account of work and some new arrivals... So as we just got a high speed connection and as it's raining today I have enjoyed catching up with everyone's projects, new and old. :)
here are our new arrivals - Sammy ;D
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/sammy/august3rd006.jpg)
and the chickens :D
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/P1000419.jpg)
This building season has been kind of slower for us as there is less pressure now we have somewhere to live (and also on account of a herniated disc ...) >:(
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th061.jpg)
Still we have managed a few projects with help from neighbours and visitors. [cool]
We put a deck on the front of the cabin
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/july19013.jpg)
and a pergola on the deck
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/august3rd016.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th005.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th025.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th003.jpg)
Anita was busy in the garden ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th019.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th058.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th059.jpg)
and we got along with some of the trim inside too ...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th037.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th028.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th055.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th056.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th034.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th035.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th042.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th033.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th038.jpg)
It's still a work in progress but we can finish off at our leisure. The real business now is the house - Sammy is asking about his new room!
We got a start on it and just got the go ahead to pour the footings this morning. But that is another story...
Wow! What a great little cabin. The covered deck looks great and really expands a small house.
Thanks for the great pics of the project, little Sammy and the rest of the homestead team. I feel like you could be neighbors - just 3500 miles or so down the road. :D :D :D
Turned out very nice indeed! Belated congrats on the baby! Can't wait to follow the building of the new house.
Nice work. Looks like a home now instead of a house.
Really nice, Al and Anita.
Storage, garden, rock work, and little Sammy's already having himself a brew. :)
Great job you guys! Real attention to detail. I need to make a similar ladder to our sleeping loft. It looks like there is a birds-mouth type cut where it rests on the loft? Is the ladder attached permanently or removeable? Also, looks like the treads slide in from the back (blind dado)?
Al, Do you have any more pics documenting the construction of the built in bench? Or could you describe the details of it's construction?
I'd like to do something very similar. I think everything looks great!
Jesse
Looking very nice! You really used the space well! 8) The little one is sure a cutie!
Thanks for all the nice comments,
Jeff - The ships ladder is just as you describe it and it is removeable. It is fixed above with a couple of sliding bolts. Loved your cottage by the way and am currently suffering from a little tool/workshop envy... ;)
here are a few study pics I took before I made them hope they are helpful
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/006-5.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/007-5.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/009-9.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/011-3.jpg)
Jdhen - here is a pic of the bench being made and some better pics of the ones i copied it from. (One day I will finish it - perhaps when we move into the bigger house!)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/010-3.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/004-6.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/003-7.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/053.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/005-6.jpg)
My pal Alan who built the other benches is a boat builder and I got loads of great ideas from him.
Sassy - he sure is cute isn't he? :D
I thought I saw a banjo in the bunch. ;)
Sure is. :D
I play a tenor myself but I love the 5 string stuff too :)
Thanks so much for the pics! I'm starting to get a concept visualized. :D
Quote from: Alasdair on August 05, 2010, 07:25:57 PM
Sure is. :D
I play a tenor myself but I love the 5 string stuff too :)
My son is into Old Time playing Claw Hammer style. Take a while for it to download. Not real professional video but I enjoy.
(https://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/redoverfarm/hightop/Banjo/th_100_4074.jpg) (https://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/redoverfarm/hightop/Banjo/?action=view¤t=100_4074.mp4)
I put railings on the deck last weekend. The cabin has since been described as "spiffy" which I decided to take as a compliment.. ;)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/august18th013.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/august18th014.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/august18th015.jpg)
Just when I was posting this I had a visitor! This little guy flew in and had to be helped out. Anita already caught one in the house a couple of months ago. They are at the feeder all day having battles and squabbles. Pretty fun to watch :D
Sorry about the quality of the video the camara is not really meant for it.
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/th_Hummingbird001.jpg) (https://s256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/?action=view¤t=Hummingbird001.mp4)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/th_Hummingbird002.jpg) (https://s256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/?action=view¤t=Hummingbird002.mp4)
We occasionally get one in our porch but tons of them eating about a quart of sugar water a day or two.
Very sharp looking cabin you built!
Spiffy IS a compliment, and well deserved. Great progress and good looking too. I enjoyed the hummer adventure, it pleases me to see the care with which the rescue was accomplished. I've had two in the house, both arriving in the mouth of my youngest cat. Totally freaked out, but undamaged. I think he brought them to me to show off. I raised the feeder about 8' and seemed to have ended the issue.
Here's a few winter pics of around the cabin
The front steps on Wednesday morning...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th052.jpg)
The view...
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th107.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th105.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th110.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th111.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th115.jpg)
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th114.jpg)
Here's the top of a 4ft pole marking the well head!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th116.jpg)
The little fella's first snow angel!
(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/February9th118.jpg)
So you're trying to say you get a little snow? ;D
I guess that is what you call a "skiff" up north. ;) Do you wish you would have put a solid roof in front of the door? Stay Warm.
Way too much snow, Al. I can think of a lot better things to do than go out in it..... [ouch]
"The front steps on Wednesday morning..."
There are two white things outside the door on your step. One of them is the snow built up on the storm door...what is the other one? it looks like the back side of an appliance?
Considerations,
It's the side of the caravan you can see in the other pictures. We parked it there for the winter as a wind break and cold room. The snow drifted on the other side of the caravan was really deep. This was a serious matter ....
the beer was in the caravan... :o ;)
Ooopps, I was slow....
It's the RV that's in the 5th picture, camouflaged by the snow. ;D
If was was standing on the other side of the ocean I'd call it a caravan too. ;)
On a positive note, Al, I bet the beer was cold....