Update on the Cabin Build and Future Plans
Hello everyone! We’ve had many requests about the cabin’s cost, so today, we’re providing a quick update and tour to show what we’ve done so far and what’s in store. The cabin has been great, with no issues like settlement or cracks, and everything is still intact. We’ve had a little snow (about an inch) mixed with some ice, but there’s no water or moisture issues.
Plans for the Cabin Expansion: We’re planning an addition to the cabin, which will be around 6 or 7 feet wide by 30 feet long. This will include a composting toilet, a hot shower (with a propane water heater), and rainwater collection with a container. The addition will be covered under the existing roofline. We aim to make this space fully insulated.
Other Cabin Updates: The cabin has no major issues, and we’ve built a stone heart for a fire pit using rocks collected from our own woods. The firebox we’ve made isn’t a rocket stove; it’s a regular stove, but it’s set up with a firebox for small wood storage. We have an overhang that keeps firewood dry.
Energy and Off-Grid Setup: While we don’t have solar power yet, we plan to install a 400-watt solar system in the future. Right now, the cabin is fully off-grid. We’re using a backup system to manage the electric bill, but we’re also planning to focus on more off-grid-friendly options, like water collection and hanging our clothes outside to save on energy.
Costs and Build Details: The total cost for building the cabin (including a 12×16 structure and a 12×20 deck) was just under $10,000. We spent very little on windows ($10 each) and a door ($50). Most of the materials were sourced cheaply, including inexpensive cement for the stone heart. The cabin was mostly built using secondhand materials and a lot of personal labor.
Self-Reliance and Future Projects: This build is focused on self-reliance—everything was done by me, with no outside help. That’s the core of the channel: doing everything ourselves to rely on our own skills and resources. We have many more projects planned, so if you’re interested, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along.
