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Rifraf
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2011 11:54 - Edited by: Rifraf
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Got myself 3 acres of nice flat green pasture with treeline in the back and nice trees peppered throughout, nice and flat gravel access too!
Now for the cabin, this will be a full time residence. Because i'm a novice builder, ive been looking at easier setups. Gravel pit foundation, and garage kit for the cabin.
first my question on the gravel pit foundation.. Ive been told to make the pit about six inches over on all sides and trim it with treated lumber. But nobody has been able to confirm how deep the pit should be, a few inches ? a foot ? any insight here would be helpful.
My cabin.. I was thinking of this
URL
i dont think it comes with a floor, so ill have to add that ill be putting it on skids and plopping it onto my gravel foundation.. do you think this kit would work ? Seems ill have to moisture barrier from the inside when I insulate and add my inside sheathing.
I was also wondering , given the smart panel siding of this kit, if theres any tricks or tips on painting that will give it a more rustic look and less of a garage feel on the outside.. even outside decor tips would be appreciated in this respect.
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PA_Bound
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2011 14:01
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I'm doing something similar, converting a shed into cabin (not full time, however). The guidance that I have been given regarding site prep is:
•Gravel pad should be 2 feet longer and 2 feet wider than building. Example: a 12' x 24' building should have a pad 14' x 26'.
•Gravel should be 4-6" deep.
•Gravel should be within 1/2" of perfectly level over the length of the building.
My instructions don't included PT trim, but I can see how that would prevent the gravel from spreading out and allow you to only need 6" oversize on each side as you were instructed, not the 12" suggested by my directions.
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Just
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2011 14:08
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the next step is to get a permit" to build" do that befor you buy anything ,you will need a plan to get the permit , if this company will not sell or give you a plan without a building package do not deel with them ..
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Rifraf
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2011 14:10 - Edited by: Rifraf
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Thanks ,
Fortunately the county i'm in doesnt require permits to build anything, the guy from the county I spoke to said I could build a barn out of toothpicks if I wanted to , but they would still tax it :) . The one rule they have is that I need 3 acres or more to put in a septic tank
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Just
Member
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2011 16:18
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when building a slab on grade i remove the topsoil down to were there is very little organic mater, usualy 6 to 8 in .. you do not want organic matter decomposing beneath your footing .
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 25 Oct 2011 17:36
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Right, Just. There should be no organic material left there at all.
But what is the underlying soil like? Is there expansive clay? Does it drain so well that there is no danger that the soil will contain a lot of water when the weather turns cold enough to freeze? For a full time permanent home especially these can be big concerns. Through my eyes that is a problem for even part time use. But that's me.
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Cabingirl
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2011 14:40 - Edited by: Cabingirl
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I put my foundation on the best possible area that would not need trees removed. I also wanted it by the electric pole (see right of picture), so I can run electric. Now someone said that I would not get a permit since the line would run over my cabin. I am not sure if they knew what they are talking about, because I got the permit.
I thought they wouldn't give me a permit if it was a problem. Any thoughts?
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Rifraf
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2011 14:52 - Edited by: Rifraf
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Thanks,
I scrapped the land bare with a tractor bucket, and had the local quary drop 20 tons of 2 inch rock , and 15 tons of surface grade gravel on the area, as well as pour a road to the cabin using the same type or rock.
In this shot the cabin is on blocks, but since then I have taken a backhoe in there and dug trenched and placed peers in there.
Have my power on the pole now, and a utility plug for my tools, next step is framing.. im still confused on one thing though
Since this cabin shell has t1-11 siding and no house wrap, some folks have told me not to wrap the inside over the insulation with 6mil ply, because it will cause moisture buildup right beneath my finished walls, and not allow the walls to breathe, while others have said the 6mil ply is a needed barrier, what do you all think ?????
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AYP1909
Member
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2011 15:54
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Quoting: Cabingirl I also wanted it by the electric pole (see right of picture), so I can run electric. Now someone said that I would not get a permit since the line would run over my cabin. I am not sure if they knew what they are talking about, because I got the permit. I thought they wouldn't give me a permit if it was a problem. Any thoughts?
There is a potential health risk from the electromagnetic field associated with the presence of the power line. Since you are only in proximity to a distribution line and not a transmission line the effect may be reduced and, thus, you were able to obtain the permit.
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AYP1909
Member
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2011 15:57
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Rifraf:
Please check out this link regarding vapor barriers--
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/infinsul2.html
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Rifraf
Member
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2011 16:19
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Very easy to understand information, thank you.
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