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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Advice for first time build
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Zf80
Member
# Posted: 17 Jul 2016 00:28
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Any help folks? I am only in the planning stages of my first home build. Looking to do about a 40x25 home. It's a lot to take on, I am excited yet nervous at the same time. I'm a little worked up about the roof. Just looking for any advice on the process. What to really pay attention to, any issues to run into for that size of floor plan. Type of foundation, etc. I appreciate any advice or recommendations on information. Thank you

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 17 Jul 2016 14:31
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Welcome to the forum. That's a big question- I think the only answer I can give is plan, plan, plan, plan.

We need more specific info on your build- start asking specific questions.

At the bare beginning, first issues that come to mind are-

-septic
-water
-building permits, zoning rules, setbacks, CCRs, etc.
-electrical

Where are you at with those?

For a building that size a full concrete spread footing is necessary for stability. Can you get concrete trucks in?

That's a start. Got pics?

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 18 Jul 2016 08:48
Reply 


Welcome !

Best advice I could give based on my own experience... Don't rush off in a hurry ! Of course that depend on your situation & need of course. Don't be afraid to ask questions and I'll reiterate something one of my old teacher's drilled into our heads... The only stupid question, is the one that remains unasked.

To get better responses and info, BldgInsp already pointed you to some of the key questions...

Something I would like to point out as you say you are looking at a 40x25 build. It costs more for a foundation & related works on average than to build upwards. Heating & Cooling are also affected by the size of the building footprint. Depending on your locality, that can also affect insurance rates, tax rates and property values as well, if those things are a consideration.

How & what you build depends on your finances as well... such as being self-financed from savings etc, or bank loans (which have requirements, timelines / milestones)... A good rule of thumb to keep in mind I think... If you think X will cost you $5000 plan on it being 10... The Murphy's Laws factor increases with the every complication & change...

Some other questions for you to ponder for a while:
- Are you building for self-sufficiency / efficiency ?
- Want to build as cheap as possible with recycling / upcycling ?
- Want all new & top of the line ? (feel that tug on your wallet ?)
- Do you want to build as "green" and enviro friendly as possible?
- Are you & friends/family going to self-build or outsource it all ? Or just sub-contract specific trades as needed ?


If you have land already, a good description of it & photo's would be helpful...
- What kind of soil / land surface ?
- What is the frost depth (if applicable)?
- Location in General (not st / rd address, just regional area)
- What permitting is required ?

Building a new place for oneself I think is one of the most exciting things anyone can do for themselves... I know a lot of other's here who would agree with that - it's why we are doing what we do LOL ! This also poses a big "what if" though too, because none of us knows what Tomorrow will bring. To that end, I'll relate that as I decided to build the place I wanted to be independent (off grid in my case) and to have a home that kept operational costs as low as I could get them, meaning cheap & easy to heat or cool, low power consumption without giving up the things I need or want. My choices for me, work for me today & hopefully for many many more tomorrows. I'm further reinforced on my own plans as I see the global situation continue to deteriorate and the costs of everything climbing through the roof.

BTW: RURAL PROPERTY SALES ARE INCREASING EXPONENTIALLY OVER PAST 6 MONTHS... The news stories have certainly had an impact on many folks who are looking for a 'haven' from insanity.

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