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General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: RIjake on May 07, 2011, 02:18:42 PM

Title: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on May 07, 2011, 02:18:42 PM
Well I figured that it was about time that I started my own thread for my build.  The clearing has begun and work will continue in earnest throughout the summer so stayed tuned to this station for updates!


I thought that I'd throw up a few scenic shots and raw land shots so that you can all get a feel for the area.

These two are views from the back part of my land.  This is not where the house will be but is a short walk from it.  If you look around the middle of the picture and to the right a bit, that is the house lot.  We have a beautiful ledge with a peak that is behind the house.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCN2385.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF0025.jpg)

The next few shots are where the house will be. 

This shot is our temporary camping area.  We camped here last summer.  Mud season in full swing!
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF1041.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF1040.jpg)

Here's a couple shots of the house lot.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF1039.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF1037.jpg)

Still some trees to take out and plenty of slash to burn!
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1038.jpg)

Next weekend we start the road.  I got a CAT 311 rented and a buddy who is an operator coming up.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Sassy on May 07, 2011, 02:48:38 PM
 w*  looking forward to seeing your progress!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: ajbremer on May 08, 2011, 05:59:52 AM
I'm excited about watching your progress. I'll be starting my own build thread very soon. Thanks!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: MushCreek on May 08, 2011, 08:18:29 AM
Great looking land! We're at about the same point- some smaller trees have been felled, and a clean-up done. I should be starting the first building (a barn) next month. I'm looking forward to watching your progress.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: das fisch on May 13, 2011, 09:44:27 PM
nice view. what town are ya in? I have a place over in Avon and I know there's a few others on here from the western mountains.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Jeff922 on May 14, 2011, 08:41:06 AM
Hi there.  Glad you started a thread.  Great piece of land!  My project is over in Wyman Twp (between Sugarloaf and Stratton).  I hope you get some good building weather this summer.  Good luck! 
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on May 15, 2011, 06:13:55 PM
We're in Temple, just west of Farmington.

I hope we get good building weather too.  I was up Saturday with an excavator and got alot done but the wet weather is slowing progress.  The mud season is still on unfortunately.  I think the road is going to slow us done a bit. :-\
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on May 15, 2011, 06:22:07 PM
Here's a few pics from yesterday

The clearing continues with stumps and slash
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1212.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1215.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1216.jpg)

We managed to drag the container on the land as well!  You can see the CAT 311 way in the background.  It blew a hydraulic hose late Saturday.  Today was a washout anyway, plus the rental company gave me a credit for the day for the blown hose.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1219.jpg)

Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: duncanshannon on May 18, 2011, 09:00:00 PM
 [cool]

excited to follow your project!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on June 04, 2011, 05:36:41 PM
Wednesday and Thursday I worked with a buddy (he happens to be my neighbor as he bought the land right next to mine.)  I'm going to let him use the road to access his property until he can do his road.

Things are starting to dry out so I got a skid-steer for two days and laid 72 yds of material.  Most of it was over Geo-mat.  For those unfamiliar with geomat it's a woven polypro product that acts as a soil separation and allows you to use half the thickness of gravel or whatever your surface material is.

We finished about half the road to my house site.  The road is 1100' long.

Here's some pics

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1291.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1284.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1290.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1288.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1282-1.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF1281.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Don_P on June 04, 2011, 08:03:53 PM
Geotextiles work great, we've brought heavy loads across areas where we've sunk trucks prior to installing it. The downside is be careful plowing, it makes a mess when you hook it.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: umtallguy on June 05, 2011, 01:00:06 PM
yep textile is great, make sure to bury the ends well, as he said, it is hell ive you catch it.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 15, 2011, 05:29:59 PM
Ok, now things are really progressing!

Here's two shots of the well rig
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_0091.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_0090.jpg)

Foundation was started today.  As some may remember from another topic, I've gone back and forth between post and piers, pads and a frost wall foundation.  Well, I settled on the foundation, no slab, just crushed over the vapor barrier.  It's 4' down and will be a crawlspace accessed by a hatch.  I know I'll be glad that I popped for the foundation down the road.

I'll be going up at the end of the week with a rental excavator to grade off the lot and move the connex to a different location.

First lumber delivery scheduled for the 25th then it's nail banging time!  My schedule at work just changed yesterday so it gives me 5 days off in a row.  I had 4 previously but this is even better, plus the timing couldn't have been better.  I like to set a schedule for myself to stay motivated so my plan is to have the camp tight to the weather before the snow flies.

Stay tuned, more pics next week of the foundation.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: das fisch on August 16, 2011, 06:15:36 AM
looks like good progress to me. do you mind if I ask how far you ended up drilling down, and possibly what he charged you? our shallow well, not far from you. is just that; shallow, with a static level that seems to be only about 3ft up from bottom. if this doesn't work we'll be drilling too.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 16, 2011, 10:09:19 AM
He may be just finishing up today, when he's done I can tell you exactly.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 17, 2011, 11:00:40 AM
Well head.  The total depth is 200', there's 65' of casing and it produces 20+gpm

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_0094.jpg)

Standing on the A/B corner

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_0095.jpg)

Standing along the B side

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_0096.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 21, 2011, 03:52:13 PM
Here's some updated pics from the last few days.  The foundation is complete with vapor barrier and gravel for the floor, the back filling is done as well.  I saved $1000 by foregoing the concrete.  The trench from the well head to the house was dug, water line and wire for the pump were run in pvc conduit, into the cellar and back-filled.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/foundation2.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/2011-08-26_11-53-45_810.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/2011-08-26_10-42-40_603.jpg)
as the water line and wire were being laid
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/trench.jpg)

First load of lumber is scheduled for Thursday and I'll be building by the end of the week!


Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on August 22, 2011, 06:43:06 AM
Looks great.  How tall are the concrete walls? 

You are lucky, it looks like you have good drainage for that road.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 22, 2011, 09:18:54 AM
The walls are 4'.

Yes once you get below that first 6-8" of loamy peat that Berkshire soil drains great! 
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 22, 2011, 03:38:15 PM
Also this past week I got a price for my septic.  At $6100 it is going to break the budget.  ??? So now I'm looking at a gray water system and a composting toilet or possibly a privvy.  The privvy is allowed not sure about the gray water system yet.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Barry Broome on August 22, 2011, 03:50:55 PM
RIjake.... I really envy you with such a wonderful view of the surrounding hills. This is a great location for a cabin. I'll be following this thread and look forward to your updates
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Turkeyhunter on August 22, 2011, 08:36:44 PM
$6100 for a septic is insane!!!!!
beautiful lot ....i love maine.....
always enjoy fall up there........
any color in the leaves yet????
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on August 23, 2011, 05:31:02 AM
You seem to have very good soil.  I wonder why it is so much?  Is it a conventional septic?  If so, I would shop around.  The conventional septic ones aren't brain surgery.   Dig level trenches, install pipes, fill with gravel.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: MaineRhino on August 23, 2011, 07:08:32 AM
For a seasonal spot, I would (and have!) go the gray water route. Much less expensive. I like the idea of composting toilets, more so than a conventional septic system.  [toilet]

Get the book "Humanure", it explains alot!

Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 23, 2011, 08:06:57 AM
The contractor showed me his numbers.  I believe whats causing the high price is the Elgin system that the septic design calls for.  I think that his labor and excavating was about $1700 and the rest was materials.
I have a call into my engineer, he led me to believe that the Elgin was going to save me money!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on August 23, 2011, 08:42:30 AM
Do you not have enough good soil?  Do you have to pump up hill?  What is the "Elgin System"?

I have done some recent research into this area.  I am going my own system this month.  In ny state a grey water system has to be designed to dispose of almost as much water as a conventional septic system.  So I had to have a leach field designed for almost the same size as a conventional septic system.  The ARC Infiltrators are to run around $800, but I save almost $700 by not having to buy gravel or geotextile fabric.  I did my estimates for my system from based on the worst soil for a two bedroom. 245 ft lines Table 4A - http://www.nyhealth.gov/regulations/nycrr/title_10/part_75/appendix_75-a.htm

Here are the breakdown of costs in my area. It is upstate NY, so it shouldn't be too different.  I went over them with the building inspector to see if I had all the parts, rules and inspection process correct.
1 day excavator rental $400.
1000 gallon septic tank delivered in hole $650
100 ft of 4" line from house $170
250 ft perforated 4" pipe $250
24 yards (2 loads) of stone $600
1 roll Geotextile Fabric $100
1 Distribution Box $75
Probably another $100 on fittings
Whatever 2 days of your time is worth.
So around $2400 plus tax in materials for the largest two bedroom system by code.  My composting toilet alone is going to cost that much.  This is assuming a gravity fed conventional system.  If not, composting might be an alternative.

Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Jeff922 on August 23, 2011, 08:57:32 AM
I think I paid about that for my septic and my system is very simply - 700 sq ft leech field and 1000 gal tank.  The excavator was $95/hr.  If it's not in your budget, than there are always alternatives (like grey-water systems you mentioned).  I wonder if it would be cost effective to rent an excavator and buy your own materials and DIY.   Another thing to consider is how a greywater system may affect resale value, property value (taxes), and insurance...
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: rick91351 on August 23, 2011, 09:10:17 AM
Quote from: Squirl on August 23, 2011, 08:42:30 AM
Do you not have enough good soil?  Do you have to pump up hill?  What is the "Elgin System"?

Glad Squirl asks that question as I am not having any luck finding any reference to it.  Is it called by any other names?  (Cussing and swearing not an option.)

I get rerouted to Elgin, Or (been there) and Elgin, Ill (don't think I have been there.)  I did find some other sites questioning asking about Elgin septic systems and no real answers.  This is one area I do try an stay up on and I never have heard of it.  Also what Squirl quotes is about standard right now for around here as well.

As Jeff922 says do it yourself.  It is not all that hard.  I have put a couple in do it yourself.  If I can do it....   
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 23, 2011, 02:37:24 PM
Here's a link for the Eljen (sorry, I spelled it wrong the first time) http://eljen.com/Pages/GSF/GSFoverview.html (http://eljen.com/Pages/GSF/GSFoverview.html)

Squrl,
The soil is very well draining and there is no pumping required.  It's a very simple system using two 14' legs for the leach field.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on August 23, 2011, 03:40:56 PM
14 feet is super short.  Do you not have enough room to go longer or wider?  Is the slope to great? (15%)  Do you know the perc rate?  I would be happy to help walk through the rules of a basic system. Remember you get what you pay for, so you can take it or leave it if the information doesn't suit you. You can always (and maybe should) double check my calculations. There are around 5 pages of total rules for a basic gravity fed systems.  I like rick's point, if I can do it...  My understanding is you are not in a code area, but I can try and do a few basic calcs under NY guidelines.

In theory if you have the best perc rate under the tables you could get away with 92 feet of leach field lines.  If you used infiltrators you could get a 25% reduction in that, or 69 feet of lines. That would be a distribution field of 3 lines wide for 23 ft.  That would be around a 23x26 leach field. That would be a very small field, and I can't imagine take up that much more space than your current two 14' line system. 
A few additional basic rules to follow that I kept jotted down for when I designed my own system.
The bottom of trenches must be 18" below grade.
The maximum is 30" below grade. (The higher the better, nitrogen uptake)
Gravel must be 6" below the pipe.  Gravel must be 2" above the pipe. Pipe must slope 1/16 in. per foot.  Add in the 4" of the pipe, the 2 feet wide trench and the length of your trenches to estimate how many yards of gravel you are going to need.
Trenches are 2 ft wide with 4 ft of undisturbed soil.  So they are 6 ft on center (from my septic engineer).

You can skip all the gravel stuff with infiltrators. 
Dig the same trenches.  Rake the bottoms and sides. Snap together infiltrators. Run the pipes all the way through the infiltrators.  My building inspector said this was the most common mistake he flagged contractors for.  He said it is in only some of the manufacturer's literature for installation. He stated that without the pipe, the effluent doesn't distribute property in the chamber and it fails faster.

Gravel is probably cheaper, infiltrators are probably easier.

You have what would be considered an alternative design by most standards.  I have only seen that done when there were problems with the site.  All you should need is what is listed under the "Conventional Subsurface Treatment Systems" area, unless there is a problem with your site.  It is only about 2-3 pages.

The major intuitive thing I had to overcome was frost depth.  That is taken care of by the separation distance tab chart.  This usually assures the D-box, Tank, and Field are far away from cleared or trafficked areas.  In areas that would have a frost depth below 18" would usually also have snow cover (insulation).  This combined with the microbial effect and residual heat in the water can keep most systems from freezing.

I also remember you are from Rhode Island?  If you have suburban family and friends like mine, they are reluctant for a composting toilet, and won't visit for the Humanure method.  That was another consideration of mine.

Sorry for the long post.  I am still trying to wrap my head around why you would need the Eljin System.
???
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on August 31, 2011, 02:08:46 PM
I went up to the land Thursday after work with a couple friends to bang out the first floor deck and get everything buttoned up before Irene hit.

Here's some pics
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/2011-08-26_15-17-44_795.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/2011-08-26_15-18-02_630.jpg)

Everything wrapped up for the weather.  Advantech subfloor and tarp
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/2011-08-27_17-07-15_988.jpg)

And the obligatory "deck dance"  I'm not Irish and don't want to be mistaken for an Irishman ;), so no jig for this guy.  How about Peewee Herman
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/2011-08-27_13-54-52_442.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/2011-08-27_13-54-58_17.jpg)

Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on August 31, 2011, 04:35:35 PM
I love the PeeWee.

That has to feel good.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Barry Broome on August 31, 2011, 07:12:55 PM
That has to be the best country plans 'jig' I've seen yet.... very impressive!!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: speedfunk on September 01, 2011, 12:41:03 PM
Yeah the pee wee herman is great!  You just raised the bar for dances.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Sassy on September 02, 2011, 12:58:56 AM
 [cool]
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 13, 2011, 07:28:13 PM
Three days alone at the site and all I got done was this
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_0113.jpg)


Actually I also had to finish nailing the subfloor and fix a stupid mistake that I made

Here's the series of events that conspired to form my nightmare:
-Install vapor barrier before the floor was on
-Cover vapor barrier with anywhere between 2-4" of gravel
-Install first floor deck including Advantech T&G
-Cover the entire floor with a huge tarp
-Then a little hurricane named Irene dumping 5" of rain on the above :(

Well when I went down there it was soup.  Between the three days I must have spent 3 hours hunched over in that hell hole of a crawlspace, shoveling mud, slicing the v.b. into 2' strips and pulling it all out.  I've got about 75% of it done.  Even after a day the areas that I removed the v.b. were already significantly drier.  The vents that I have installed and the beautiful warm dry weather we had helped too.

I'm starting to question if trying to frame this myself was a good idea............
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on September 13, 2011, 08:54:22 PM
Don't beat yourself up.  If you want to see some mistakes, check my thread.  It actually sounds like you are making good progress.  I know it is a hard thing to do, but try and enjoy the process as a learning experience. You will make plenting of mistakes and have set backs. Rushing or beating yourself up only leads to worse mistakes.  I learned that the only way I learn anything, the hard way.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 14, 2011, 06:50:59 AM
I've decided to hire out the framing.  This will get me tight to the weather before it turns cold and nasty.  I feel I got a good NTE number from a highly recommended carpenter who needed a little fill in job before he starts a larger project.  He's going to raise the 4 walls, sheathed, no windows, set the roof including the metal roofing and set the loft joists.  

This takes a lot of stress off me.  The 4.5 hour ride is making it difficult to get friends together, plus, often my time off is during the week when all the "normal" people are working ;D

I didn't want to sub out anything but the foundation but it just wasn't realistic.  My main concern was leaving the deck exposed during the winter.  Once it's done the interior stuff can be done at a slower pace.  
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 14, 2011, 08:51:22 AM
Quote from: das fisch on August 16, 2011, 06:15:36 AM
looks like good progress to me. do you mind if I ask how far you ended up drilling down, and possibly what he charged you? our shallow well, not far from you. is just that; shallow, with a static level that seems to be only about 3ft up from bottom. if this doesn't work we'll be drilling too.

The well is 200' and it produces 20 gpm.  Total cost was right around $6500, ready to go, just plug it in.  It's great having water up there.  I have it wired to plug right into my generator until I get permanent power (solar/batt)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 17, 2011, 03:49:46 PM
My framer took a couple shots of the progress today.  Wishing I was there instead of stuck at work for 24  [waiting]

Initially I was a bit concerned that the loft joists were going to be a problem, that maybe I would get too much bounce and the floor would not be stiff enough.  Both the PM at the lumber company and the framer both said that I was probably at the outer limit of those doubled 2x12.  I figured on sandwiching plywood to stiffen them up even though some here didn't think that that was going to make a difference.  Well, the framer was impressed with the rigidity of the joists.  He commented that it felt a lot stronger than he thought it would be and attributed that to the plywood.  I know a few here scoffed at the idea and for some reason thought that I was mistaken for assuming plywood sandwiched between the 2x12s would help.  I was very surprised that some thought that this common sense approach was ill-conceived. [noidea'  Well, I'm happy to report that it worked out as I had planned and the minimal added cost and labor was well worth it and added considerably to the rigidity and lack of deflection in the joists.


(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_7004.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_3730.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 18, 2011, 06:52:10 PM
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/IMG_0129.jpg)

Today's progress
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: das fisch on September 18, 2011, 09:00:12 PM
very nice. i was up there today working on our place just up the road... weather was perfect; albeit a bit warm for my liking!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: ajbremer on September 25, 2011, 03:14:38 AM

That looks great RIjake. I'd guess your very excited about it being dried-in now.

How long did it take the framers to dry it in and how much did it cost to just dry it in?
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 25, 2011, 09:27:35 AM
The framer worked with a crew of 3 men and it took them five days to get to where they are today.  What they did was raise the 4 walls and gables sheathed and typar.  Roof framing including fascia and rake trim as well as the metal roofing which is going on today and is not included in the 5 days.  No windows, doors, stairs etc.  I have a NTE price of $5200 which i believe will end up coming in a bit lower.
It's money that I did not want to spend and i really wanted to do this work myself but it unfortunately wasn't realistic for me to do at this time. 
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 25, 2011, 09:51:20 AM
I'm having a little trouble figuring what to do with the blocking at the top of the exterior wall between the rafter bays.  I do not want to use any vinyl on the house so vinyl soffit is out.  I like the look of Dug's painted rafters and underside of the roof sheathing so I have to close in the rafter bays.  Ventilation may be a problem. 

I have not seen many pics of this detail on the forums. 

Can anyone help me out here?
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: PEG688 on September 25, 2011, 11:37:12 AM

So you want open soffit's ?   Vented bird blocks /  anti-rotation blocks , generally are installed before you sheath the roof , after you roll trusses or set the rafters and ceiling joist.  It's easier to nail them in then , than it is after you sheath the roof.

  I don't have any photo's of this , but you can buy pre-bored bird blocks , generally three 2" holes  in a standard block.  You can cut "V" notched in the top of the block and make your own.

  When you insulate you need to make sure you keep the vent hole clear of insulation to keep the air flow path open.

   
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 25, 2011, 11:48:26 AM
thanks Peg,
Yes I like the look of open soffits but i missed the window to put them in before the sheathing so i guess i gotta struggle with getting them in.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: PEG688 on September 25, 2011, 12:10:07 PM
  The easiest way at this point would be to nail  short blocks to the rafter sides gauging them say off the outer corner of the top plate. Then face nail your rotation block to those. You'd get them straighter than attempting to toe nail that many blocks in.


What I generally do is square across the truss or rafter to that outer point of the top plate on either end of the building then snap a line  across the top of the rafters / trusses , then you use the snapped line for the top of the block and eye ball the back corner of the block to the top plate corner.  The result is a  straight  row of bird blocks that project out enough that most siding   can die into with a decent reveal line that can be caulked in  top of siding to bottom of B/B.

Hopefully you have some scrap rafter stock you could nail along side your rafters , they'd only need to be 12" long or so, square cut on the one end that you line up with the top plate corner.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on September 25, 2011, 01:59:23 PM
Ok, I understand.  Thanks
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 06, 2011, 04:06:52 PM
I spent a couple days at the camp this week and got a few things done.  

The bird blocking is done, with 2 1/8" holes that I bored out with a forstner bit and covered with screen from the inside, three windows are in, and one short interior partition is built.  I need a second set of hands to get a couple of the windows installed cause they're too big for me to lift.

Here's some pictures

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3026.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3025.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3024.jpg)


(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3027.jpg)
In this shot you can see the access to the crawlspace basement that will be under the loft stairs.  I have not changed John's layout much except that I may not do the half wall between the kitchen and dining.  I've got a nice butcher block that will look good there.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3028.jpg)

Here's a couple shots from the nubble at the back of my land showing the placement of the camp.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3030.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3029.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: das fisch on October 09, 2011, 06:41:03 PM
You need to get me into that beaver bog in those pictures! season's fast approaching.
Also, please tell me you didn't just put window screen behind the holes you bored out in the soffits!!! hate to say it but you'll have either red or flying squirrels in there in no time. I'm a nuisance wildlife trapper by trade and I see this all the time, the get thru that window screen in no time at all. and I know for a fact we have flyers, up that way... they were all over my bait.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on October 09, 2011, 07:07:19 PM
great pictures
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: AdironDoc on October 09, 2011, 10:53:31 PM
What a stunning view! Your land is very nice indeed!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 10, 2011, 07:16:19 AM
Quote from: das fisch on October 09, 2011, 06:41:03 PM
You need to get me into that beaver bog in those pictures! season's fast approaching.
Also, please tell me you didn't just put window screen behind the holes you bored out in the soffits!!! hate to say it but you'll have either red or flying squirrels in there in no time. I'm a nuisance wildlife trapper by trade and I see this all the time, the get thru that window screen in no time at all. and I know for a fact we have flyers, up that way... they were all over my bait.

Ok I won't tell you that I put window screen on the inside.........I put "special insect screen" on the inside! ;)

Seriously what do you recommend?  I've seen the round metal inserts at Hammond.  You think that's the way to go?  I really like the look of the open soffits and don't want to close it in.  I am planning on painting the rafters to give it a more finished look.

Funny you mention the "bog" in the picture.  I was surprised when I saw it because it's normally full of water and a nice little pond.  Never seen it like that before.  Unfortunately from what I hear it's a 'private' pond and access to it is kinda off-limits.  The owner lets kids fish it but that's it.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: das fisch on October 10, 2011, 08:13:41 PM
I always recomend at a minimum 1/4" hardware cloth, 1/2" being a bit more substantial though. those round inserts will be an improvement indeed. just that the insect screening is good for the bugs, but once a critter gets a tooth or claw on there it tears very easily. I'm assuming you do not have access to put hardware cloth over the back of the insect screening now, then you could keep the simpler look of the holes you have currently.
thanks for the info on the pond, I'm assuming that's down at the bottom of the mountain we talked about between your place and mine?

are you going to be up there this coming weekend? I'll be up at my place from thurs evening to saturday late afternoon, you're welcome to stop by... Troy that goes for you too!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 10, 2011, 09:15:28 PM
Actually I do have access.  Maybe I'll put the hardware cloth in too.  I'll be up just for a day on Wed into Thurs. I do want to stop by soon though. 
The pond is actually almost directly across the main road from me.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: TheWire on October 10, 2011, 10:15:25 PM
If its too tight to get your hardware cloth nailed or stapled, consider putting a bead of construction adhesive around the hole then pressing the cloth into it.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 11, 2011, 11:21:23 AM
Quote from: TheWire on October 10, 2011, 10:15:25 PM
If its too tight to get your hardware cloth nailed or stapled, consider putting a bead of construction adhesive around the hole then pressing the cloth into it.

Actually I used caulking, when I was caulking the blocking I ran a circle around the screen and stapled it.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 13, 2011, 02:57:22 PM
My buddy and I made a quick trip up for an overnight last night.  My mission was to install the rest of the windows, two of the windows that I had left to install from the last trip were too big for me to install by myself.  All the windows went in smoothly but the door I have for the loft/second floor deck was framed incorrectly so I'll have to address that at a later date.

At this point in the year we (wife-Sue) decided to move inside and pick away at the interior over the winter.  The harvest is starting to pay a bit so I think the stove pipe will be my next big purchase.  Next spring the finish grade will be one of the first things that I'll tackle, that and the siding will be priority.

Here's a couple updated shots.  I'm calling it tight to the weather!

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3032-1.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3031.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: archimedes on October 13, 2011, 04:16:05 PM
Nice looking place.  Nice proportions.  Did you go with the 10' side walls?  I can't remember.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Turkeyhunter on October 13, 2011, 05:22:25 PM
nice place---good job on gettting in the dry before winter. ......20' x 30' is the perfect size for a camp. I was up up in Maine last month for a few weeks, i really love it up there.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 13, 2011, 05:54:43 PM
Quote from: archimedes on October 13, 2011, 04:16:05 PM
Nice looking place.  Nice proportions.  Did you go with the 10' side walls?  I can't remember.

Yup, 10' walls per John's plans with the ledger for the loft floor at 8'.  I added 2' overhangs with exposed eaves and a 16" overhang on the gable ends.  I'm real happy with the results.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: archimedes on October 13, 2011, 06:27:17 PM
Thanks for confirming that.

The proportions look really nice.   d*.    Nice job.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: duncanshannon on October 14, 2011, 08:14:03 PM
looks really nice.  I have the 1 1/2 plans.. hoping in a few years we will build.

what did you have to actually to do to 'add 2' overhands and 16" overhangs on gable end'?  Just add an extra two trusses and have them longer?

Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 15, 2011, 08:40:15 AM
Duncan, it's not difficult really. I don't have trusses. The house is stick built. I didn't frame the roof but it's just a matter of buying and installing longer rafters. The gable ends are extensions off the last rafter on the gables and carry the roofing off it.

Hey, noticed your picture there in your sig.  What dept. do you work for?
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 15, 2011, 08:45:47 AM
Duncan, here's a couple detail pics
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/DSCF3013.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/DSCF3012.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: duncanshannon on October 16, 2011, 04:05:08 PM
oh, that seems easy enough. thanks for the pics.

i was on the local (Long Lake, MN) volunteer dept, but too busy with the kids, both parents working full time, and wife is in grad school... so I couldn't make the minimum commitments on page response (33%) so the booted me out. :(

Got thru all the training inc. an EMT...so wasn't time wasted but is frustrating to get kicked out.

are you a FF?
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 16, 2011, 04:50:45 PM
Yea, I work for Woonsocket, RI FD.  We're a medium size dept with 125 uniformed members.

Here's a link to our local

http://www.local732.org/ (ftp://http://www.local732.org/)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on January 14, 2012, 08:08:04 PM
Work has slowed down a bit as funds are a little low after Christmas!  I have managed to get the stairs and wood stove in.  Now we can work inside and be warm!  Here's a few cell phone pics.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/014.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/013.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/012.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/011.jpg)

We've been enjoying the winter weather too!

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/010.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: ajbremer on January 16, 2012, 05:57:22 AM
Monday Morning - January 16th, 2012 @ 4:52am Oklahoma

Hi RIjake,

Your place looks great! I'm building the 20x30 w/loft also and I'm gleaning a lot from your build.

It's going to be real cozy in your place with that wood stove, we are going with a wood stove also. Do you
plan on going straight up through the roof with the pipe - I'd imagine so. I kind of hate poking holes in my
roof if I don't have to but through the roof, apparently, is the best way to go?

Those stairs look really nice too. Did you buy the stringers? Did you first build the platform and then go from there? And lastly,
did you stick close to Johns plans for those stairs?

You must really be excited about your place. I'm doing mine little by little but it's coming along.

Thank you for all your hard work sir...

al
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on January 16, 2012, 06:07:20 PM
Al,
The stove pipe is straight through the roof.  Because of the metal roof I needed a special flashing piece that I can mold to the ridges in the metal.  It takes some work to get it right and careful caulking to make it water tight. 
Yes, I feel going straight up is the best.  The less turns you have in your chimney the better it will draw.  My original plan was to put the stove in the bend in the stairs but I didn't have the clearances required without the stove being out in the middle of the room.
The stove pipe is Duravent DVL double wall from the stove up to just below the roof line where it transitions to triple wall galvanized Duravent DuraTech outside.  It was around 0 degrees the night after we got it in and the stove ran great all night with a couple fill-ups.

As far as the stairs, the stringers were cut on site.  The platform was done first after I was sure where it would be.  The stairs are pretty steep but they follow John's plans closely.  I used plywood treads and overhung them a bit to gain some more run but am probably going to replace them with oak later.  Fortunately I don't have to worry about inspections so I'm not too worried about the steepness.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: das fisch on January 16, 2012, 08:39:18 PM
looking good. how much snow was up there? is that pic on the four wheeler on the mountain between your place and mine looking up towards saddleback? anyone riding sleds yet on the narrow gauge trails? want to get up and ride here soon, with a new (to me) sled sitting in the garage it's killing me with no snow!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on January 17, 2012, 11:52:28 AM
That picture was taken the week between Christmas and New Years.  There was about 2-3" of fresh powder.  Perfect for tracking.

That picture is taken from the top of the nubble on my land but looking almost east toward Strong and New Vineyard.  I was up again last week and there was only a dusting left but they got about 6" after I left.  No sleds yet! 

BTW, where can I get a snowmobile map of Temple, Avon, Phillips area?
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: das fisch on January 18, 2012, 08:52:16 PM
can't believe we're not sledding yet. I would contact the guys at the Narrow Gauge Trail Riders Club. They maintain those trails between you and I and up into Phillips. Also look on the Snowmobile Maine site. There is a bunch of info on trails and local clubs.
http://www.mesnow.com/
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on April 01, 2012, 09:57:27 AM
Work at the camp has been progressing slowly over the winter.  You almost can't call it a winter here in New England.  A couple weeks ago we had temps in the 80's, then last week a quick snow hit giving us 2-3" up at the camp.

Anyway, the loft floor now has 2 coats of Tung oil on the underside, so that's ready to nail down.  Then once it's nailed down I think I might use it on the topside too.  It really looks beautiful.  The finish is matte and the color isn't at all yellow like polyurethane tends to do and the knots really pop!  Plus it's very forgiving to apply.  It's mixed one to one with either citrus solvent, mineral spirits or what I used, odorless thinner.

I've got two prices coming for the finish excavation/grade.  That will be done as soon as the heavy trucking road closures are lifted. 

The siding is ordered and will be on site after the grade work is done.

I don't know if I mentioned it in a prior post but a good friend of mine and fellow FF bought a piece of land next to me last summer.  He may be building soon but for right now he just comes up with me and helps and we enjoy the land and wildlife.

Here's a couple visitors

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/PICT0245.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/PICT0244.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/The%20Last%20Resort/PICT0238-1.jpg)

Big Tom!
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0322.jpg)

My cheapy harbor freight solar setup mounted on the top of my connex.  I've got one battery in there now so I can have lights, radio and a couple 12V computer fans on a timer at the vents to give me some air circulation.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0317.jpg)

And last a view from on top of the connex towards the camp.  You really can see from this angle what I have for excavation left to do.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0314.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Alan Gage on April 01, 2012, 12:30:57 PM
I've been reading a lot about wood finishing lately and I found it very interesting to find out that most of what's sold as tung oil doesn't even have any tung oil in it. Usually it's just a thinned down varnish (wiping varnish) that you apply like tung oil; wipe it on, let it sit a while, then wipe most of it back off. Unlike tung oil it does slowly build a protective film with progressive coats since it's actually varnish.

No real reason for mentioning it other than your post made me think of it and I thought others might find it interesting too. Or maybe everyone but me already knew that.

Alan
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on April 01, 2012, 01:35:48 PM
Good point Alan.  [cool]  That's why I wanted to include the link for where I got mine.  I did a lot of research on it before I bought it and the place where I got mine is 100% pure.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on May 13, 2012, 12:15:41 AM
This week I took delivery of the siding and the final grading will be started Wednesday.

Siding is 7/8" x 10" Wavey Edge Pine.  Some may know it as Waney edge, live siding or Adirondack.  I've always though that look is classic on a camp in the woods. 

The salesman recommended a product called Outlast Q8, here's a link http://www.applog.com/Portals/46354/docs/Tech_Q8_Log_Oil.pdf (http://www.applog.com/Portals/46354/docs/Tech_Q8_Log_Oil.pdf) 

I'd love to hear from anyone who's used it. 



Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: AdironDoc on May 13, 2012, 08:35:10 AM
Quote from: RIjake on May 13, 2012, 12:15:41 AM
This week I took delivery of the siding and the final grading will be started Wednesday.

Siding is 7/8" x 10" Wavey Edge Pine.  Some may know it as Waney edge, live siding or Adirondack.  I've always though that look is classic on a camp...

Live edge siding is known as "crazy man" siding by many mills/builders in the southern adirondacks. Can't imagine why but it made me chuckle when I first asked about "live edge" and drew blank stares.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on May 13, 2012, 06:32:40 PM
Crazy man! Love it.  I'll add that to the growing list of names for this stuff when I do a search online.  It's a pain trying to find info on it cause it's known by so many names.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: AdironDoc on May 13, 2012, 10:28:34 PM
Quote from: RIjake on May 13, 2012, 06:32:40 PM
Crazy man! Love it.  I'll add that to the growing list of names for this stuff when I do a search online.  It's a pain trying to find info on it cause it's known by so many names.

I had the same issues when I tried to find information and photos. Looks nice though. Good luck!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on May 15, 2012, 07:37:32 AM
No one's used Outlast Q8 huh?
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on June 12, 2012, 11:44:01 AM
Work on the camp has slowed quite a bit.  We've really been enjoying every minute we've spent up there but the funds have slowed us down.  The following are some highlights over the past couple months.  The siding is still waiting to be hung.  I've got some vacation time and a few buddies around the 4th so I'm hoping it will be finished soon.

I did manage to get an excavator on site for 2 days and was able to finally finish the site work.  I really should have had this done last fall but it never came together.  Fortunately I didn't see any signs of water or frost damage to the foundation.  I installed a 4" perimeter drain and coated the foundation.  My foundation guy did an excellent job on the actual pouring but he let me miss the opportunity to get these things done.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0416.jpg)

After the backfilling and grade work I've got this.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0406.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0405.jpg)

One angle looking out the back

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0404.jpg)

Here's what it looks like coming up the driveway.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0402.jpg)

And a poor cell phone shot from the peak.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0409.jpg)

We've had some critter sightings too.
Here's a bobcat print, I know I forgot to put a reference marker out but I did measure it at 3.25" long.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0430.jpg)

She's been hanging around a lot

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0422.jpg)

And this young bull was caught sprinting up my skidder road!

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/50912-1.jpg)


Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: AdironDoc on June 12, 2012, 12:04:07 PM
Camp's looking great! Glad you got your perimeter drain in. Love the view too..apparently so do your "wild" neighbors!  :P Had some bobcat tracks here too but they're quite rare. Hope your moose are well behaved during the rut! Keep those photos coming...

Doc
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on June 14, 2012, 05:21:30 PM
Looks good.  Thanks for the update.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: das fisch on June 18, 2012, 08:31:23 PM
nice update and nice pics. we were up last weekend, had a bear at camp over the last few days. left us a few presents.
going back up this weekend, the moose lottery drawing is on Saturday up to Rangeley so we'll be up there for the event. My luck will turn one of these days.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on July 06, 2012, 05:12:01 PM
Better luck next year!  My buddy and I both struck out this year too.  Oh well. 

Here's a recent picture of one of our neighbors

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/PICT0084.jpg)

And a couple nice bucks

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0454.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0453.jpg)

I just got home from two straight weeks upta camp.  We had 4 consecutive days of rain but managed to get the loft floor done and install the door in the loft.  You can see it in this picture.  There'll be a 12x6 deck off the loft.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0484.jpg)

My friend and I got the gate hung that I built.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0475.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0481.jpg)

Also got some siding up.  I made a few mistakes but am getting used to the tricks with working with wavey edge.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0477-1.jpg)
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0480-1.jpg)

We also got a new temporary set of front stairs built until the front porch goes on.  I got a lot of raking done along the foundation and many other little projects.

Here's a shot of some entertainment during a beverage break, 16 nails balanced on one.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0474-1.jpg)

And on one atv ride when we stopped I noticed my wife had this stuck to the front of her machine.  She didn't put it there either, perfect!
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/suedaisy.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Sassy on July 06, 2012, 06:37:29 PM
Love the siding  :)  Glenn has used that on our RV garage.  You're making great progress!  Nice animals.  Also like the decoration on your wife's atv...
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 23, 2012, 06:57:49 PM
Here's a quick update on the progress. 

I've got the siding done

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0561_zpse603c2e7.jpg)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0558_zps926f4470.jpg)

The rest of the trim will have to wait till the spring

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0549_zps2856ec87.jpg)

The front porch will have to wait until the funds are there.  It's not the progression that I wanted since I'll have to go back and cut out the siding for the porch roof ledger.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0559_zpsdb1c08b0.jpg)

I took out the window in the back wall and we put a full glass door with the internal blinds.  Very cool, this will give us two means of egress and a great view out the back of the house.  There will be a porch off the back with a deck above. 

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0548_zps99156792.jpg)

V-match pine under the fly rafter and along the overhangs.

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/IMG_0565_zps0e08b2ac.jpg)

And lastly, our resident bull.  We consistently see him, an older cow and her young bull born last year.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on April 19, 2013, 06:25:56 PM
Well the winter was kinda slow.  I managed to get the insulation and wiring done.  So now I can plug my genny into the outside receptacle and have lights and water. 

I did just pick up a new toy. 1979 Case 580C, hydraulic thumb on the backhoe and a 4 in 1 bucket.
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/20130409_172600_1_zps5b3f4b60.jpg)

There's plenty of work to do with her.  Septic and final grading, snow removal, rock wall building, stump removal, digging the footings for the front porch, etc, etc, etc.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: C.Oden on April 19, 2013, 09:27:36 PM
 [cool]  Sweet toy!
If ya don't mind my asking ,,, curious as to what a bugger like that goes for? I can see lots of use for one ((not to mention just playing around)) but before I even think of bringing the idea up I best now a general "ouch" figure.  ;D
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on April 20, 2013, 01:02:52 PM
It actually wasn't too bad especially because I split the cost with my friend and neighbor.  We looked at many machines and set the max at $10,000.  We could have spent less and certainly could have spent more (especially if we went 4WD).  This one cost us $8000.  About $2000 in spares came with it too.  We are putting some time and money into it which is to be expected for a 34 y/o machine.  Nothing too crazy, some hoses, all new fluids, couple seals and brake work.

We knew that an enclosed cab was a requirement for plowing in the cold winters here in Maine.  We really got lucky with this machine in that it has the 4 in 1 clamshell loader and the hydraulic thumb.  Both of which are very helpful where we are for slash and stump removal as well as rock moving.  4WD would have been nice but put us outside our budget, plus with a backhoe and a little practice getting stuck is a mild inconvenience.

Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: C.Oden on April 21, 2013, 08:53:08 AM
Seems pretty fair priced to me for machine and spares. Hear ya on the 4wd being on ones want list as in heavy snow belt myself and be nice to have use of bucket in the slick conditions and mud in spring. Like everything - nice = more $$ usually.
Thanks for the info - now to catch her in the right mood when she wants a new saddle for her Arab.
"sure thing hun - BTW, I need badly a ....."  ;D
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Atone on April 22, 2013, 05:44:13 PM
Love the look of your cabin. What did you end up using for stain, (how did you apply it) on the wavy board and how is it holding up?
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: umtallguy on April 22, 2013, 08:49:54 PM
you see any other nice backhoes around with a thumb?
I  may be in the market in oxford county as well.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on April 23, 2013, 04:52:58 PM
Quote from: Atone on April 22, 2013, 05:44:13 PM
Love the look of your cabin. What did you end up using for stain, (how did you apply it) on the wavy board and how is it holding up?
Thanks.  The stain is called Outlast Q8 log oil.  It was applied with a garden sprayer on front and back and a brush on the ends.  It goes on very easily and spreads out well with no brushing needed.  It's holding up very well.

Quote from: umtallguy on April 22, 2013, 08:49:54 PM
you see any other nice backhoes around with a thumb?
I  may be in the market in oxford county as well.

I didn't see any others with the thumb or the 4 in 1 FEL but I'm sure they're out there.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on May 22, 2013, 01:56:37 PM
I started the septic install last weekend.  The new backhoe performed great in the bony soil I have on my property.  The system is pretty simple.  750g tank.  Rock and pipe leach field with (3) 36"x40' trenches.  Here's some pics

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/20130519_140500_zpsb78a2836.jpg) (https://s268.photobucket.com/user/RIJake/media/20130519_140500_zpsb78a2836.jpg.html)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/20130519_131748_zps0fa7c54c.jpg) (https://s268.photobucket.com/user/RIJake/media/20130519_131748_zps0fa7c54c.jpg.html)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/20130519_115228_zps3bcd3670.jpg) (https://s268.photobucket.com/user/RIJake/media/20130519_115228_zps3bcd3670.jpg.html)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/20130516_112439_zps4698d017.jpg) (https://s268.photobucket.com/user/RIJake/media/20130516_112439_zps4698d017.jpg.html)

(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/20130518_141106_zpse6d64b72.jpg) (https://s268.photobucket.com/user/RIJake/media/20130518_141106_zpse6d64b72.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: Squirl on August 28, 2013, 01:16:12 PM
I love the look of the live edge siding.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on December 08, 2013, 09:29:55 AM
(https://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/RIJake/20131013_162821_zps0568a827.jpg)

Here's how it sits presently.  Septic complete.  Plumbing roughed in.  I finally have a toilet!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: speedfunk on January 22, 2014, 12:36:36 PM
man..that siding looks great.   [cool]
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: astidham on January 22, 2014, 08:21:16 PM
Love the siding, im wanting to put simular siding on my addition.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on October 13, 2020, 09:28:33 AM
   It's been quite a while (years actually)since I've posted here.  Life has taken some unexpected turns that have recently landed me here as my full time residence.
   Here's a bit of an update to my house for anyone who may be interested in building a camp/house/cottage like this. Quite a lot has been done since my last post but it's not 100% yet.  Obviously, this is based on the 20x30 house plans.  The house sits on a concrete foundation with about 5' of headroom.  Now let me just get this out of the way right off the bat.  The decision to not put an 8' deep basement is one that will haunt me for the rest of my life life.  To anyone contemplating their foundation choices, just do it.  Spend the money for the full basement.  You'll never regret it.
   The framing is 2x6, fully insulated.  I went with 10' walls with 8' first floor ceilings.  This gives additional headroom and usable floor space on the second floor.  The roof is a 12 pitch with metal roofing. The house is wired for grid power but is not currently connected, at the moment my power comes from a small off grid solar system with a generator.  More on the electrical later in this post  It has a 250' drilled well, conventional plumbing and a rock and pipe septic system.
   I made some changes to the interior layout shown on the Country plans.  I went with an open layout with 2 bedrooms on the second floor.  As I add some interior pictures in the future you'll be able to see that.
   Here's what it looks like right now.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KVpGwvj/1/551c5d7a/XL/i-KVpGwvj-XL.jpg)
   
    The list of items will be completed soon
   -Bring in grid power.  I'm about 900' from the closest pole.  After speaking to a utility contractor, I think I'm going to go above ground with poles
    down my driveway until about 150' from the house, then I'll go under ground.  I own a Case 580 backhoe, so I can do the digging.  This will
    save a lot of money.
   -Finish floor on first level.  Well, since I'm in Maine, wood would seem appropriate.  Probably old school wide pine, face nailed with forged cut nails. 
     I love that look.
   -Some sort of permanent heating.  My wood stove has been serving me well and will continue to do so into the future, however my work schedule
     has me away from home 3 days out of every 8.  For those three days I need to keep the house at about 50 degrees.  Since I already have propane
     in the house for stove and water heater, I'm considering a blue flame heater in the basement.  Again, I want to do this inexpensively and am
    looking to just keep the house above freezing while I'm away.
   -Upgrade my battery to a LiPo battery.  This will give me backup with out running the generator when the grid goes down.
   -A kitchen island with dishwasher.
   -Miscellaneous finish trim.
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: jsahara24 on October 16, 2020, 05:56:16 AM
Looks and sounds good!  Anxious to see some more pictures of your progress. 

Thanks!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: pocono_couple on December 08, 2020, 09:45:29 PM
Looks very comfortable!   I love the idea of wide pine floors with forged or cut nails.   Last year we were back in PA , visiting my father in law , and I was snooping around what they refer to as the shanty  which is actually the one room cabin that the ancestors lived in while they built the homestead in 1856.   The second floor has a layer of dust half an inch thick.. I might have been the only one up there in the last 20 or 30 years..  The point of the story is that I found nearly a full  wooden keg of cut nails which i promptly loaded in my van!   I am actually putting a southern yellow pine floor in our current project in mid-coast Maine, but , someday, I will lay a wide pine floor with those nails :) 
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on December 11, 2020, 06:28:50 AM
Awesome, nice find!

Quick update.
The propane heater is working great.  The basement hasn't dropped below 48°.
The LifePo4 battery is also performing flawlessly.   
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: pocono_couple on December 11, 2020, 06:23:05 PM
My wife has been antsy and wants to do a day trip.  about half and hour ago, I proposed that we drive to Temple  tomorrow.. not realizing that this is where your house is!   in fact, we are curious about Temple because  we just both finished the book Upcountry by Robert Kimber  who happens to live in town.. maybe he is your neighbor!    I just logged on there and saw the first page of your thread where you reported that you also live in Temple... very cool :)   jt
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on December 12, 2020, 01:56:34 PM
There's not much going on here!
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: pocono_couple on December 12, 2020, 04:17:28 PM
nope.. not much going on, but   it seems like a nice quiet, friendly place where everyone waved to us :)     and, on the way over we found a wonderful bakery in  Belgrade Lakes.. so  it was a nice trip :)   
Title: Re: 20x30 Western Maine
Post by: RIjake on December 14, 2020, 08:37:41 PM
I know just where you mean