Three years ago we purchased a lot by the lake at Pomme De Terre in Missouri. We paid cash so we would have no loan on it. The following year we had saved enough money to install the septic and run the water. We set up our camper there and enjoyed it that way until this spring when we sold the camper to start the cabin. We started in May of this year and it has been more work than we thought but very much worth it so far. We are building as money allows so it is a slow process. I had bought the 1 1/2 story plans from country plans about 3 years ago when we first bought the property. It seems odd after all these years to finally be showing the progress on OUR own home. I will try to figure out how to add photos and hope to post some today.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/footings3.jpg)
This is a picture of the footings. We only had one corner to pour the concrete and we dragged it with rakes and shovel to the rest of the areas. It was a hard two hours of work.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/blocks3.jpg)
This is my husband laying the block foundation. We had hired a man to do this but he worked for about 30 minutes and "took a break" never to return. My husband had taken off work and had to learn how to do this quick. He managed to get them laid in 2 weekends and it seems to be a really good job (a little messy with the mortar but strong).
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/blocks4.jpg)
A picture of the corner blocks.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/finishedfoundation.jpg)
This is the finished foundation. Glad to get it done.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/floor.jpg)
Floor joist and most of the subfloor installed. There is a beam running down the center so joist are 12 ft allowing 2 ft overlap at 10 ft center.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/walls2.jpg)
We started the walls this past weekend. Been over 100 degrees and hard to work to long at a time. Did get these 1 1/2 walls done. We are going with 10 ft walls.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/walls4.jpg)
Cabin from the front. Also got most of the rough-in plumbing done.
Looks great!
Looks Good!! We are South of you in MO. This heatwave is awful, if we get 4 piers poured on our day off we feel like we accomplished something :)
My husband is the hardest working man I know and it would have normally taken him half the time it has to get this far but the heat just takes it all out of him. Work 1 hour and take a break. Can't get very far like that. We bought powdered gatorade to mix and have while working - he drinks 2 gallons a day. Our house is right in the sun. Love to at least have some clouds.
yea I know, we go through lots of ice water, we are mixing our concrete for our 36 piers one bag at a time in a wheel barrow, we try to mix in the shade :).
It was 105 here yesterday. We decided to forgo pier making and bent rebar to connect to our simpson braces (in the shade). This heat is making everything take longer .
w* Great to see your progress! I used to work w/a nurse who bought 180 acres in Missouri w/2 or 3 nice sized man-made ponds that were stocked w/fish. He's a hunter & fisherman & he felt he'd found his piece of heaven - especially getting out of California!
All of you are getting the heat we usually have... we've had a really nice summer so far... only trouble is Glenn has been in the Bay area for the past 3 months working so hasn't been able to do much around here (except yesterday having to dig up the septic & pipes to clear out a backed up system :P - started at 5am & worked until at least noon). He surprised me by coming home Sat eve, ended up staying for most of Monday, due to the problem, but thank God he was here, otherwise, I'd be back using the outhouse d*
Keep us posted on your progress, glad you figured out how to post pictures. You probably know by now, WE LIKE PICTURES! :)
We started out mixing mortar by hand but bought a cheap electric concrete mixer from Harbor Freight. It was worth every penny.
Are you building near Nixa or over in that area? We don't have any codes or even any building permits here in Hickory County but I didn't know how many counties were left in MO that are that way.
We are in southern Laclede County. No codes or permits needed here. We moved to our woods 5 years ago and stayed in a tent till we got a shelter built. It was hot that summer too. :) We built a 24x24 post and beam house out of trees we cut down with a shed roof. We really messed up the floors, (didn't put the joists close enough and used 1/2 in plywood as a subfloor) When you walk through the kitchen the bed bounces.
Soooo we either had to tear the floor up and fix it or build another house, which is what we are doing.
The new house is about 100 feet back from this one. We have learned a lot and the new house will be "stout" and we aren't in a big hurry as we have a shelter and we are doing it as we can afford it. This house will become a barn/storage.
We are measuring and leveling the sonotubes as we go ( just in case it rains again). We can get a cement mixer from a neighbor pretty cheap but so far this is working.
Quote from: naturebug on August 02, 2011, 10:05:15 AM
Three years ago we purchased a lot by the lake at Pomme De Terre in Missouri. We paid cash so we would have no loan on it. The following year we had saved enough money to install the septic and run the water.
If you don't mind asking, how much land did you get? Also, how expensive was it for the septic and water install? I hate asking about money, but PDT is one of the places I have been looking for land. A lake view would be awesome, but I am tempted to settle for less of a view and more land. Any info you would be willing to share would be appreciated!
Looks like things are coming along well. I have work to do on the outside of the house, but 106 is hot enough to keep me inside with the AC cranking! Good luck, and keep it up.
Our lot is only 110 x 75. We paid $3000 for it three years ago but it does have a lake view and is in a very nice area. The home across from us is called the "lodge" and is owned by a group of bankers - has a vault in the basement. Because of that place the police patrol the area often. We were worried about the size of the lot due to the fact that we have always lived in rural areas and had plenty of land to play on. We are very happy with the size of the lot. I have my raised garden beds planned out and every inch of the place will be put to good use. There is a gardening class at Strafford, MO that we went to called "Gardening Len's Way" It is worth the time to go or at least look at his website. He is growing more food in the smallest gardening area that you have ever seen. We are going with his system since we have a small lot. To look at the lake everyday and smell the lake air is what we have always dreamed of. Think about the lake view long and hard before giving it up for more land.
We have been collecting materials for the cabin for the past 3 years and hope to have a total of about $10,000 in the cabin only (not including land or septic). We are doing this debt free.
A friend came to do our Septic system for his cost and it was about $1800. He said it would've cost about $3000 for normal people. We are on a shared well which cost us nothing to hook up to and runs us $10 a year (yes, I said $10 a year). Nice cold water with outstanding water pressure. We are located near Wheatland Park on PDT.
We live at Bennett Springs near Lebanon and it is about a 45 minute drive from our house to the lake property.
Thanks for all the info, I appreciate your willingless to share. I hear you, pretty hard to beat a lake view. No chance of finding a large piece of property for anywhere near $3,000 with the availablility of water and power. Sure helps to have friends who can help with septic and such, even so, the retail price could have been worse. I like your debt free approach. Keep those pictures coming!
The lake view is priceless - I do wish we had a lake, pond or stream I could look at from the house & the yard. We do have a couple small ponds where the spring is but that's way down the hill - I used to walk there everyday, but can't do it anymore... With all the trees & the lake in front - doesn't look like you only have a small lot...
That nurse I mentioned sold his house in Calif & got a really good deal on the place there.
BTW, I was in Branson last Sept - neat town...
My parents live in Branson and it is a neat town. Too crowded for our taste as far as living there.
Took the weekend off. Too hot and rainy to get much done. We did get a small beam out of a house that was built in late 1890's. Power washed it.This is a hand hewn beam that I just love. The house is going to be torn down and this was preserved perfectly under the floor joist. My husband had to use the chainsaw to remove everything blocking it and this was tucked under part of the outside frame - I thought the house was going to come down before he got it out.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8020162.jpg)
The beam is about 8 1/2 ft. It will be an exposed beam between the kitchen and eating area.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8020161.jpg)
Notice the ax marks. I just love this thing.
Next we sanded the outside of our clawfoot tub, primed it, painted it. Did the same with the feet. Looks great now. I wish I had taken a before picture as it was really rough looking.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8090171.jpg)
$50 garage sale find
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I tried 3 colors before I settled on this one. Our fixtures are old-rubbed bronze and this matches perfectly.
Worked this weekend on the cabin. Got all the outside walls up and most of the inside walls. Got the Loft joists in. This is the first thing we have ever built so it's taking us way more time to get it done than we thought it would. We are trying to do it right and not cut corners and have been happy with everything so far. We are really worried about the rafters. Wish us luck on them as we will start them in a couple of weeks.
This is a picture from the kitchen looking towards the living room and front of the cabin
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8270190.jpg)
This picture is taken from the corner of the living room looking towards the back of the cabin
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8270186.jpg)
From the kitchen looking into the dining nook - Notice the old beam. We will have a single wood slab under the window as a eating bar/computer area instead of dining table and chairs
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8270188.jpg)
A view of the bathroom from the hallway
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8270189.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8270192.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8270193.jpg)
Looking good! Don't let OJ see that tub. I got family that live in Mtn Home, Ark and friends that live in Nixa, Mo.
Wow you are getting so much done!! Looking Good.
[cool]
Thanks for the postive feedback. It sure has been harder than we thought.
Strange as it sounds, the clawfoot tub was the first thing we picked when we decided to build a cabin. We both have always wanted one. Terry has been worried to death that someone is going to steal it but they would have to take two walls out to do it and the thing ways about 500 lbs (felt like it when we had to carry it in).
Going to put OSB on the outside this coming weekend.
My wife wants one of those claw tubs. They are really beautiful. I'll probably get her one some day... it would make a great anniversary present.
It rained the entire weekend but we did get all the rafters up. A big thanks to Tony for all his help. We would never have been able to do it without him. Hope to get all the OSB on the outside next week and the metal roof on in the next couple weeks.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/rafters2-1.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/rafters.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P9180256.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P9180247.jpg)
Have been working on the house this weekend trying to prepare it for the metal roof. Got most of the osb on the outside and purlins on the rafters. Planning on finishing the osb and working on the little stuff around there next weekend. If everything goes as planned it will be the weekend of Oct. 22 when the roof is on. Can't wait for then. It will be nice when we start working on the inside for a change. Nervous about the metal roof and hoping we will have enough money to at least hire help for it. Wish us luck.
10 ft walls - the roof is not a place to be if you don't like high places (and we don't)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/PA020311.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/PA020309.jpg)
The following view is from near the main road
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/PA020306.jpg)
LOOKING GOOD!!!!! I don't like heights either. :(
When we did the roof on this house, DH sang the "spiderman song" constantly as he was crawling around on the purlins. :) I stayed on the ground and kept picking up the hammer when he dropped it and prayiing he didn't fall off.
We've been finishing the last of the outside sheathing - nailed all the rafter clips on and getting ready for the metal roof. Ordering the roof today - went with "Burnished Slate" color. We will be so happy when the roof is on and we don't have to worry about the inside getting wet. Metal will be here next Thursday (Oct 20). Hope to have it all on that weekend.
I do have to say the roof is the hardest part of the whole cabin build. It took us 3 weekends to get the trusses up, osb on, tarpaper, and metal. If you are going to contract anything out, that should be it. Find some out of work construction worker that knows what they are doing, offer him cash and save yourself alot of hasle.
I agree 100%. We had a friend help with the trusses and it just wouldn't have been done without him. We now have trusses up and purlins on. I think we are going to go ahead and attempt the metal (with the help of that same friend). We are building this cabin with the little we had saved (that money is already spent) and what we have left over in our check each week. No loan. The money to pay for it to be hired out could be put somewhere else for actual materials but if we start the metal and decide we can't do it then we are going to hire it done. This will be our biggest challenge so far. After this we KNOW we can handle the rest ourselves. I will say this to all those out there that want to build but don't think they can - If we can do it anyone can do it. It has been way more work than we thought and some things have been much harder than expected but we have enjoyed doing this. We have never done anything before that has given us such a sense of accomplishment.
No roof sheathing? Is the steel you're putting up rated as being structural (maybe that's not to correct term)? Or maybe you've got another way around that I'm not aware of.
Alan
Alan is correct, not all metal roofing is rated for use as a structural panel. Winds generate forces that will try to make the roof framing move, twist and a non structural panel may buckle under certain conditions. Not always, but it's not always the other guy who is on the receiving end for bad luck.
If the panels you have are structural rated what are the plans to prevent water vapor from condensing on the underside and possibly causing future problems? Some locations don't permit metal without minimal code approved sheathing and weather barrier before the metal goes on.
G/L
The panels are structural panels. We are using double foil bubble insulation directly under the panels with a 3 inch air gap between that and the cathedral ceiling insulation. We are working with a local company that specializes in this type construction - we have done everything according to their instructions.
Great. There have been some who have used the panels that the Big Box stores carry and those are not rated for that use. As much as a note for future readers as anything else. It looks like you have a proper understanding or at least are willingly following some professional advice. (https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/avatars/ththumbs_up.gif)
ED: I should proof read before posting
Since we have never built anything before we have tried to do our homework and not cut corners. It might be better that we didn't know what we were doing because it forced us to ask professionals that we trusted. I agree with hopefully preventing others from making big mistakes by thinking all metal is created equal. There is lots of time, money and stress in building your own home -it would be a shame to make a mistake that can cost you so much down the road. We have enjoyed building this house but sure want to build right the first time then sit back on the front porch drinking iced tea with no worries - LOL.
We had a long weekend but got the roof on with no problems other than taking a lot longer than we thoguht it would. We were off about 3/4 inch at the end on one side and about 1 inch on the other. We could live with that with no problem. We put the double bubble foil under the metal which was a little harder than we thought it would be. Overall it went great. We are thrilled that this part is done. We will install the windows and doors next weekend. My husband, Terry hasn't done it yet for fear of something dropping from the roof and busting a window. The color of the roof was a hard one to pick but after we put it on we knew that we made the perfect choice - we love the color. Now starts the siding debate. We have the shake shingles for the eave of the house so whatever we go with will need to look good with them. We keep changing our minds when we drive past a house we like but we both agree on no log siding - we are leaning towards cedar siding but still not sure.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/roof6.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/roof5.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/roof4.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/roof3.jpg)
Good job with the roof.
I went with cedar and am happy with it so far (only been on a month). Looks great and was easy to cut, handle, and install. I treated it front, back, and sides, with a water repellant preservative (make sure it's paintable/stainable) before installation and then put on a semi-transparent stain after it was up. You could stain it ahead of time too, timing just didn't work out for me. Or just stain all sides and forget the WRP.
Here's a link to my build page with the siding:
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=10497.60
I wish I would have put on a water table (something like a 1x8) for protection instead of starting the siding at the foundation. My siding hangs over the foundation about 3/4" and it's quite brittle. I caught it a little with the leg of the ladder as I picked it up and it put a nice split in it.
Alan
I love your cedar siding! You can't go wrong with that look. I would want the natural look like you have. My only worry is the upkeep on it. Do you know how often you would need to treat it. I sure wouldn't want it to start looking grey.
Great progress c* I like the roof color, too :)
Great Job!! That has got to feel great to have the roof on! Love the roof color!!! Can I ask where you got your metal?
Quote from: naturebug on October 24, 2011, 10:50:55 AM
My only worry is the upkeep on it. Do you know how often you would need to treat it. I sure wouldn't want it to start looking grey.
From what I've read I'm hoping for 4-5 years with the semi-transparent stain. The 3' overhangs should help by keeping the rain and sun off the walls so maybe a little longer if I'm really lucky.
Also hoping that reapplication won't be too big of a deal since there's no need for scraping like there is with paint. I was surprised how quickly the stain went on with the siding on the walls. I also screwed all my trim on so I can easily pull it back off when I need to paint it or stain the siding.
Alan
The metal came from a local company that only sells metal. They are the "go to guys". They have helped us through the whole roof process. Wonderful quality - has a 45 year warranty. The color is burnished slate. We are going to get the facia, sofit, gutter in the same color.
We have the windows and doors in. Most of the wrap on. We worked inside this weekend and ran electric, put some insulation up and a few sheets of sheetrock. I'll post pics from inside when it's not as messy as it was this weekend.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/cabin2.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/cabin1.jpg)
This is our view of the lake from the picture window at the cabin. The view is actually better and bigger than the camera showed. It's hard for me to get away from the window and get work done!
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/lakeviewfromfrontporch.jpg)
Worked on the cabin this weekend. Put the shingles up which took about 2 full days. The siding is just primer right now but we will be painting it a dark taupe. The bottom area will be cedar lap siding. It's a different look but was trying to make both of us happy and make our cabin a little different. Saw an eagle fly over our cabin while we were working on it. Thought it was an awesome sight.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/Terryshinglescabin.jpg)
your place is really taking shape..
I think the siding combo will look awesome together.
We have been working very little on the house - can't wait for warmer weather. This is a picture of the siding combo that we decided on. The front is done for the most part - it has been painted and the cedar is on. We do still need to add the battens on the siding part to give it the board and batten look. They are calling for a nice weekend this week so maybe we can get more done.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/frontofcabin2.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/frontofcabin1.jpg)
I really like how the siding looks - turned out really nice. Thanks for the update, been wondering how things are going. Will be excited when you have interior pictures to show.
We've been working on the outside to protect it from the weather but I sure can't wait to start on the inside - seems like the past few months have been really slow - I'm ready for inside work. I'm at the point now (for the first time since starting) that I feel like it's never going to get done!
Naturebug, you guys are making amazing progress, especially for a first build, and cash as you go! I'm impressed!
Put the cabinets in the weekend.
before:
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P3030760.jpg)
During install:
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P3030761.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P3030762.jpg)
AFTER:
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P3040763.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P3040764.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P3040765.jpg)
We still need to put the sink in and finish the outside of the snack bar. The cabinets are maple in a natural finish and were bought at our local home store. They were a display so we picked them up pretty cheap.
Here's the kitchen almost complete
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P7060824.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P7060823.jpg)
[cool]
The display cabinets worked out very well. I have often wondered why more people building cabins and guest houses do not take advantage of that. How do you like the corner sink? Myself I think they offer a very good option sometimes to a dead corner. I like it. What did you use for a kitchen ceiling?
There is a counter top appliance next to your toaster oven. Hot plate or a ???
I love the sink in the corner. It's hard to get enough countertop space anyway and it seems the sink is always right in the center making it a small countertop on either side. Nice large countertop area now even though it's a small kitchen. We have a toaster oven and hot plate on the counter right now because we don't yet have the propane hooked up but that will be done in the next couple weeks and those will be gone. The kitchen ceiling is hundred year old beadboard that we removed from an old house, power washed it and put about 4 coats of white paint on it. It is one of my favorite things in the house. The beam you see over the fridge is a hand hewn beam from that same house. It has been forever building this cabin but we've only been working on it sometimes a few days a month so all in all it's coming along well. Thanks so much for your comments. - Angie
This is a picture of our dining area. I opted for a table height bar under the window instead of a table and chairs. There will be a small shelf in the back of the bar to hide the outlets. I wanted outlets in order to use the bar as a desk and be able to plug-in the laptop and any other stuff I need. We will be setting up a bird feeding area outside that window. There is storage on the right under the staircase with cabinet doors. Now looking for some nice old wooden chairs for the bar.
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8310838.jpg)
(https://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc512/naturebug/P8310837.jpg)
Your cabin looks beautiful - love the kitchen :) Can't wait to see more!
keep it up very inspirational for my build project. Love the interior
Very nice! What did you use between the sheathing and the log siding?
Y'all have done a great job with your cabin!