Quote of the Day
The benefit of controlling a modern state is less the power to persecute the innocent, more the power to protect the guilty.
- David Frum
Scope
A number of folks have asked that I post pictures of my cabin construction project. The project actually consists of two separate activities: a large garage (started last fall) and a two-story cabin. I will start posting photos here as things progress.
Old Cabin Demise
The process really began in earnest with the demolition of the old hunting shack that was built in the 1930s.
Figure 1: Old Cabin Demolition.
Garage
The garage is a 30'x60' Morton building. All the garage photos were taken from tree-mounted remote camera. The garage has a storage area, office, and woodshop. I will take more pictures this weekend. Initially, some of my friends suggested that I look for garage alternatives like a Quonset hut or a Carport. These are, of course, quite easy and cost-effective, but I had various needs with a garage, so I decided against it.
Figure 2: Garage Excavation.
Figure 3: Garage Framing.
Figure 4: Framed Garage.
The garage contains three rooms: (1) an office with a bathroom and shower, (2) a woodshop, and (3) a boat storage area. You can see the framing in Figure 5. HVAC installation is in progress. Electrical wiring and plumbing will follow. As you can see, there's plenty of storage space. But I still need to build cupboards to keep the outdoor extension cords, lawnmowers, and other tools safe. I might also have to consider getting a new garage air compressor because a lot of heavy work depends on it.
Figure 5: Garage Internal Framing.
House
The house is ~2000 square feet and will be my retirement home.
Wow! I never thought I'd say these words because, truthfully, I never thought it would happen. Like most people, I always thought that I'd spend my golden years at the property I'm in now but it is time for a change. A new chapter in a new home sounds good to me. Of course, there are a lot of things that will need renovating before I will be able to move in for good but I'm excited by the prospect. Who wouldn't be?
Though a lot of things need completing in the interior, I also want to place particular focus on the exterior too. After all, this is the first thing that most people will see when they come onto the property. My friend has the same thought process as me and has made the exterior of his home the main priority for his project. Like me, he also loved the idea of a concrete patio, and has since got in touch with somewhere like this Milwaukee Concrete Patio Installation company to see about getting it done for him. At least this way it can be done professionally. I think I will do the same when I finally get around to it.
This is where I'm spending my retirement years, so it just has to be perfect. I have a lot of ideas that I can't wait to turn into a reality. And the best thing is that you're coming along for the journey. Even better! You'll get to see the finished product just as it's been done. And that is very exciting.
Figure 6: Cabin From Driveway.
Figure 7: Stamped, Stained, Concrete Patio.
Figure 8: Southern Exposure of Cabin.
Figure 9: Garage and Septic Field from Driveway.
Do you require planning consent for your house and is it necessary to submit drawings and calculations to demonstrate compliance with building regulations?
Hi Malcolm,
There are documentation requirements that depend on the type of building you are constructing. The garage documentation requirements are minimal, which means pay for a building permit (~$30). The house required a design document and soil test for the septic system to ensure that it will not cause issues with any local groundwater ($200). To obtain a building permit, I needed to provide documentation that proved my lake home and garage would not be too close to the lake (i.e. less than 100 feet) or any local roads (110 feet) – I hired a surveyor to do this ($600). All homes must conform to the building code and there are required inspections at various points in the building process. That is about it. Remember that my home is in a very remote area where building requirements are minimal.
mark
Looks nice. You will love the in-floor heating - we put an addition on our house (in Ham Lake) about 10 years ago with in-floor heat and we love it.
The place is scheduled to be done in October. So I should be able to try the heating system out soon!
mark
WOW - I'm so jealous! Looks lovely. I especially like the concrete patio and the "man-cave"
Your favorite sister,
Katee
I have been saving to build this site for 20 years. The funny thing is that I do not hunt, fish, or boat – I am the last person who should own a cabin. I am doing this for my kids. My hope is to leave them a nice place for their families. Me -- I just need a computer, an internet connection, and a kitchen table to work at.
The garage photos are actually two months behind. I have just finished the wiring and the air conditioning/heating is in. Next milestone is drywall. All must be done before winter hits.
Your ancient, dinosaur brother
mark
It's a fantastic place, really beautiful! How cool to build the housing by yourself! 🙂
I am looking forward to have chance to visit your new house in some time.
Your friend from China
Henry Yang
Hi Henry,
My construction work is focused on the garage, which includes living space. The home is being built by a first-rate carpenter named Mark Utecht. You can see his work at this site. I could not be happier with his work.
mark
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