My dream has always been to have a cabin in coastal mt. range of no. ca. I found an auction of old LP timber land with sealed bid and no realtor fees. After several unsuccessful bids, I finally bought 160 acre parcel surrounded by National Forest just after 9/11. Mine was the only bid and it was accepted for $42K. The property was logged in 2000 using silver culture method where only the largest trees were removed. There was a lot of slash but county road access, good roads, a locked pipe gate and a great spring.
In 2003 I purchased the 20x8 ships cargo container and had it delivered to the site. I then put an old 20ft travel trailer and put them close together and put a tin roof with steel posts and the cargo container to hold it up. In 2004 I started to develop the spring but it is still not drinkable water because the bears keep using it as their swimming pool in the summer.
In 2007 I bought the 1 x1/2 story 20X30 plans and have started excavation for the footings. We towed a bobcat up the mountain and a friend dug the trenches for the foundation. After some hand digging and steel placement, we ordered 7 yards of concrete delivered. The driver said it was the most remote delivery she had ever made!!! MY son and his college roommate and I laid cinder blocks to 4 feet above grade on the downhill side of the foundation and about 18" on the top end. Last summer we filled the blocks with grout and bagged cement with an old Sears cement mixer and water from the spring. We used lots of steel (vertical and horizontal) because I don't want to build a monument to under engineering.
Once the snow melts in May, I can haul the lumber on my pickup to frame the floor, walls and roof. The plan is to have a weatherproof shell this summer. Double hung windows have been purchased off Craig's list and I am storing them in the cargo container.
I have been reading the builders forum for the past 4 years and have gotten lots of enjoyment and ideas from other peoples projects. I will be posting more photos as I progress on this adventure.
I will be adding photos in the next few posts...once I figure it out!!!
w* Sounds like a great place!
There is a photobucket tutorial under the Forum News section; near the top in the sticky section
photos we hope
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/camp.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/foundation.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/porchview.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/westview.jpg)
You had the wrong links chosen and pasted in. Select and copy the bottom link for the photos; IMG . If you reopen this post with the "modify" link in the upper right of the message window you can see what it looks like when pasted in here.
Nice trees and foundation. :)
Lots os slash to get rid of, eh?
Nice place - w* to the forum.
160 acres for 42k? sweet deal! Are you in the trinity alps then? any towns nearby? my in-laws have a cabin in Horse Creek, near Yreka.
I like it. [cool]
The closest towns are Willows Ca. and Willits Ca. My place is about half way between them in the Mendocino National Forrest.
Willows? My mom lives on a ranch up in Orland. Small world, innit!
https://s581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/?albumview=slideshow&newest=1
Here are some pictures of my foundation construction over the last two years. The concrete foundation might make the building more fire proof, and if it burns down I will have a good place to start over. The costs were as follows:
Bobcat rental 550.00
Rebar 120.00
7.5 yds concrete delivered 1200.00
+/_ 400 blocks, mortar 1120.00
+|_ 3.5 yds bagged concrete 600.00
Grand total $3590.00
plus time and fuel
Last Saturday we got into the building site, but it is very wet. Soon it will be time for nails and boards. For sure it will be 20 by 30 with ten foot walls, but the roof pitch might be less than 12 in 12. I get scared on steep roofs, and might be all alone where the cell phone does not work.
There will be a door centered in the south wall with a porch for shade. Maybe no interior walls for a while, and evenly spaced windows.
I always enjoy other posts, and look forward to better weather.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/R1-9A.jpg)
We have made some progress...next is the roof...I went with 8 ft. studs instead of 10 ft. because it is easier.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/R1-12A.jpg)
I spent 2 days framing walls. Luckily it was cool weather and had friends that helped...
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/R1-24A-2.jpg)
We used 2X8's and a great electric nail gun which made the job go fairly fast...it took 2 of us, 2 days.
handyman when you say you used 2X8 I take it you were referring to the studs. Will that cause you any problems with windows and doors or had you planned on extending the jambs anyway.
Rendover
the floor joists are 2 x 8s because of the center beam down the middle of the foundation. With 5/8 plywood subfloor it is a little springy. The studs are 2 x 6 x 92 1/4.
Next I want to put 2 x 12 x 20 on top of the walls at 20'' on center with a box plate just like building a floor. On top of that I will put 3/4'' attic floor, then roof rafters. I guess it will be more like the 20 x 30 single story with an attic.
Bryce
Bryce I wouldn't had thought you would have used 2X8 but you were talking about studs and framing the walls. Yeah maybe if you had used 3/4" ply or OSB it might feel a little more solid. Still good progress for 2 days.
If you put down a real wood finish floor that will solidify that 5/8" subfloor. If you do a non-wood finish floor you will probably want underlayment to stiffen the span between the joists.
Any progress lately? Pictures!!! Pictures!!!
Quote from: Jens on March 14, 2009, 11:36:30 AM
160 acres for 42k? sweet deal! Are you in the trinity alps then? any towns nearby? my in-laws have a cabin in Horse Creek, near Yreka.
Jens...Horse Creek? No kidding! We worked as caretakers for a few years for about 68 remote acres in the Siskiyous. Nearest town was called, alas, Happy Camp. That's practically next-door neighbors out there.
Handyman, that was SOME deal all the way down there near Mendocino. We used to say we were six hours north of "Northern California"...you're at least two, right? Beautiful land. Glad this thread got bumped up; I missed it the first time around. More pictures, please!
Thankyou for the interest in my project. I just got home from putting up the rafters and am tired.
The weather was cool, thunder storms already, and no one fell.
I will post pictures soon
Bryce
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_4316.jpg)
I have been making some progress on the cabin. The rafters are up and it is time for roof sheathing.
The sun twisted my rafters a little, but I think they will work.
The weather is hot in California, and I might get a roof on before it rains. Here are some pictures.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_4316.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/FH000018.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/FH000007.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/FH000006.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/FH000002.jpg)
With the help of Dennis, a professional carpenter, the roof sheathing and fascia boards and barge boards are on. The use of 2 by 4 chicken boards made it possible to work on the 10 in 12 roof. As fast as I could get the plywood up it was nailed down, then more chicken boards, and on up.
My steel roofing is on order, it will be here in 2 weeks.
Some of the windows are now in,and the walls are wrapped with tyvek. My wife helped me do this last weekend.
The exposed beams are propped up so they will not sag while using them for scaffolding.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/100_2121.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/100_2118.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/100_2112.jpg)
There will be a 8 x 20 loft over the bedroom and bathroom. Access to the loft will be a ladder.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/100_2111.jpg)
We are almost closed in to the weather
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0829JPG.jpg)
This roof is called Metal Sales brand. It is a job to install but should last.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0831JPG.jpg)
On Sunday we took a day off to go hunting. It had just rained 3 inches a few days before.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0824JPG.jpg)
The metal roof panels are all on, but we still need to finish the ridge and rake pieces. We were two weekends with 3 or 4 guys except the hunting day.
ED: image links needed fixing - MD
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0829JPG.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0831JPG.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0824JPG.jpg)
Everything's looking really good so far, you're almost there. Once you've got it in the dry, you can sort of relax and focus on the interior. Your roof looks good, if I'm not mistaken, those are called "raised ridge" because they attach from beneath the sheet metal and no screwing through the metal is needed. Cost a little more, but in my opinion, is well worth it.
Thanks for sharing with pictures and keep us informed on your progress. [cool]
Looking good. Thanks for the update.
I have added up my costs and so far materials are at $13000. Foundation $3600, Framing $5500, Roof $3500 and Windows $400. Labor is some where around $3000. There is no electrical or plumbing yet. Luckily no one got hurt.
There was no inspector or permits, but I tried to build to code.
Would love an update - this house is almost exactly identical to what I'm building! Just dug the footings.
Sardonic
The snow drifts are probably deep on top of the 7000 ft mountain pass. The road won't be open until May probably.
If I was doing my foundation again I would put vents in the block foundation. I waited to long to cut vents in my floor joist blocking, and mildew was already starting.
The first thing to do is trim the windows and doors, and then install hardie board lap siding. Also I'd like to install the wood stove chimney and hearth, and insulate.
Good luck with your digging.
We had exactly the same problem (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3854.msg108897#msg108897) with mildew (in Plumas County). 6 mil polyethylene sheet over the dirt, taped to the walls, fixed it (along with some vents, but they got snowed over so it was mostly the vapor barrier).
We also ended up with the same metal roof (Metal Sales standing seam), but in green. Installed it was $8K, including a porch, so you saved a fair bit installing it yourself.
Davidj
Thankyou for the information. I think the ventelation problem is O.K. now but I will have to cut the siding around the vents.
Installing the roof was a job that is good to have finished, and I paid Dennis (the guy with the buck) to help.
Have you penetrated your roof for a stove pipe? They sold me a silicone roof jack at metal sales but it is not for a 10 in 12 slope. My roof ribs are 18'' apart and my double wall stove pipe is 14''. Maybe I need to get a sheet metal shop to make one.
Quote from: handyman on March 04, 2010, 02:17:20 PM
Have you penetrated your roof for a stove pipe? They sold me a silicone roof jack at metal sales but it is not for a 10 in 12 slope. My roof ribs are 18'' apart and my double wall stove pipe is 14''. Maybe I need to get a sheet metal shop to make one.
I had the suppliers of the stove put the stove pipe through before the roof went on as I really wanted it in for winter and ran out of time and ladder enthusiasm to do it myself. I can't remember offhand exactly how they flashed it - there's a picture here (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3854.msg108465#msg108465). The rectangular chimney support box comes through the roof, standing above the roof an inch or two at the bottom and pretty much flush at the top. I.e. the hole in the metal is rectangular. Note the white patch above the chimney is snow, not part of the flashing, and it's since gained a snow splitter.
The bear came to visit the trailer.https://s581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/?action=view¤t=IMG_0389.jpg
It must have been trying to get the mice.https://s581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/?action=view¤t=IMG_0390.jpg
The bear also worked over the cabin.https://s581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/?action=view¤t=IMG_0398.jpg
My trailer is ruined between the bear and the mice. Must demo it and move into the cabin.
I have seen that many times over the years. There is place known as Williams River which has a bear sancuary nearby. Unfortuneately it is a well used camping area. You guessed it the two do not mix well. Most are done as the campers leave windows cracked and food on the table. Sorry that you got robbed but I guess you can look at it as a motivational factor. Looked at the house and it appears that you are getting closer anyway.
Rendover
The bears live here in the National Forest. It is called Bear wallow ridge,so I guess they were here first.
They hibernate near by and are hungry in the spring.
Here is more of what they did(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0402.jpg)
They tore up my screens but at least not the windows(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0405.jpg)
The next thing to do is window trim, siding and shutters.(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_0404.jpg)
Man, that is a kick in the pants. I heard from a biologist that some kinds of insulation create a smell that bears think is food. I believe in smells like grubs or somehing like that, and they tear into RVs quite a bit because of it.
Handyman this is in the National Forest as well. They are quite common in this area. Just last week my son saw one at the cabin. I had just hung a Hummingbird feeder up but it was still there two days in a row. Can't say as much for the Huckleberries though. ;D
Here are some photos of cabin progress.
Most of the hardi board siding is up.
I got a roof jack made and put in an Aladin wood stove that came free from a job.
The kitchen cabinets and marble counter tops were also free salvaged by my son.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_3725.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_3719.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IMG_3717.jpg)
I hope to finish the siding, and paint it soon.
The stairs are almost dangerous, but there is so much to do.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/100_2694.jpg)(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/100_2693.jpg)(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/100_2692.jpg) F
Put up the last piece of hardiboard siding yesterday,and it's nice to be done going up and down the ladder.
The weather was nice, but it might be next spring before painting.
The snow must have been too heavy for my roof safe. The tape is covering a gap in the sheet metal. (https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P5290022.jpg)(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P5290021.jpg%5B/IMG%3Cbr%20/%3E%3Cbr%20/%3EThe%20bears%20are%20looking%20for%20something%20to%20eat. %20My%20new%20trail%20camera%20photographed%20them%20two%20weeks%20ago.%5BIMG%5Dhttps://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IM000001.jpg)[IMG]https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IM000
picture(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P5290021.jpg)
The bears returned(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IM000001.jpg)[IMG]https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IM000
What's that tool you used to hold the Hardie board in place with while nailing. looks pretty neat.
[IMG]https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IM000
Archimedes I think it was called the Gheco, sold at the bldg.supply. Wish I bought it earlier.
We went to our cabin for the weekend. The weather has warmed up, and wild flowers are out.(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P7030046.jpg)
The local rocks shaped into a fire ring.(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P7030030.jpg)
My daughter with her .22 shooting targets.(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P7020026.jpg)
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P8290002.jpg)
This is my second roof jack for the wood stove. Above it is a snow splitter that I had made at a sheet metal shop in Lake Tahoe, Ca. where they have lots of snow.
I haven't gotten much done this summer, But have started the ABS sewer plumbing.
Great idea with the snow splitter! Very innovative, not much call for one of those where I live but we had more snow last year than we have had for years.
THAT LOOKS GREAT. AND YES THE SIDING HOLDER IS CALLED GHECO'S. THEYRE ABOUT $45-50 FOR THE PAIR. WELL WORTH IT DOING HANDIPLANK BY YOURSELF. HECK I THINK THEYRE WORTH IT WORKING WITH 2 PEOPLE. I SEEM TO GET HELP FROM PEOPLE THAT CANT SHOOT POOL(THEY CANT MAKE A STRAIGHT LINE TO SAVE THEIR LIVES :) )
THATS WHY I FINISHED THE ROOF BY MYSELF AND AM DOING THE SIDING
Thank you , I hope it works.
This chimney is getting expensive, and a little frustrating.
This weekend finally installed stairs, and drilled vent holes in the freeze blocks. Hope to insulate the roof this fall. (https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P9250010.jpg)(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P9250007.jpg)(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/P9250009.jpg)
If you haven't already you might consider putting screen/wire over the holes to prevent bee,bugs and anything else you don't want in there.
Rendover
I put wire screen on the inside over the holes , the wasps like the hot dry area under the eaves.
(https://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/handyman02/IM000058.jpg)
I went to my cabin, to open it up for the springtime. My camera took a picture of a big black bear. Last fall I put up plywood shutters, and a full sheet of plywood over the door, so it would not break any screens. There is a bite mark on one corner of the cabin that is 6 feet high.
I did some prospecting for water near the cabin, by driving a sand point into the ground. Hit a little water at 10 feet, but I hoped to get more water by going deeper, and got no water at 16 feet. Trying to jack the sand point back up did not work. I can still haul water from my spring, but it is a long ways down the mountain. It would be nice to find some water near by,rather than burying a long pipe up the hill. I use a water tank in a trailer that can hold 250 gallons, but not drinking quality water.
It is always fun to see progress on countryplans.com