Hi,
I am currently trying to start the planning process to build a relatively small cabin. I live in Massachusetts and want to get around some of the more expensive aspects of building. I am looking for plans ranging from 400 to 600 sq feet. In regards to the plumbing situation I would like to get around buying a septic system so I was thinking of going for a composting toilet with a grey water system for bath/kitchen water. Is this something I might be able to do? I am planning to build it in Leverett MA and am having some trouble looking for the right person to ask this question to. I was also wondering if it would be better to build a reservoir for water or dig a well? How much per foot does a well out here generally cost? So that just leaves me with electricity, how much would it cost to get electrical lines about an acre into the property? I know that you guys probably can't give me exact answers because prices are different from region to region, but if I could get some ball park answers it would really help me get started with the planning process. Also if anyone knows where I could find plans online for this sized cabin that would be great as all of the plans I have been able to find have been either too small or too big. Thanks in advance for all the help!
Jon
w* Jon,
John has plans on the country plans parent site that fit size requirements.
Prices on utilities installation vary widely from state to state, county to county. In some places there's no charge. Some you need a building permit first.
We have a composting toilet. It seems to work well. Most gray water definitions do not include the kitchen sink. It is usually called black because of the food particles, grease and perceived health danger. Check the local authority.
Well vs cistern. That may be a local thing also. Cisterns can work where there is ample rainfall and adequate storage volume. Some folks use a cistern and have water delivered by truck. Well drilling prices vary from place to place. Where our property is a well estimate begins at $30 a foot.
Your local authority may be the county if you are in an undeveloped area. All these rules are set locally, but do follow general national guidelines.
So the first thing is to decide where you might want to build and then check with the county or municipality for what rules and regulations are in effect. If they tell you things you don't like, look elsewhere. There are also some folks who have a large enough property or are remote enough, they have chosen to work outside the system. That carries some risks.
That's not a lot of direct help I know, but it's more or less how/where to begin. After you know the ground rules for where you'll build there's lots of building planning and construction advice available here.
A further note regarding plans.
The length of most any plan is simple to change. Making it wider usually involves re-engineering structural components. So, if a plan seems a little on the small side look at it to see if the added space you want could be gained by lengthening. Conversely shortening can also usually be done simply.
Johns plans are here. http://www.countryplans.com/plans.html
20x30 single story is 600 square feet.
Go to your local town hall and ask the planning and zoning folks who does the permitting and what the owner-builder process is. They'll help point you in the right direction.
I had to go to a different group of folks for my gray water system than I did for framing and electrical.
I have heard scary things about Massachusetts for things like this... good luck!
-f-