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doo-drew
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 21:52
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As the topic says... What's the pro's/con's to the sizes listed? We're torn in how big to go on the actual cabin so the wife and i are debating going small until we plan the actual cabin... plus more time we can save, the bigger it could be. Its just me, wife, and 2 young kids + our lab. The structure will then be a storage building after. We have an outhouse on the land i built, our 4 place sled trailer, and 10x20 canopy . In the spring, summer, and fall we camped in the trailer. Its a process to get all the sleds out to camp for the weekend + it won't work for the winter... and the winter is the time we really want to be there. We get a ton of snow so we can't leave the canopy up in the winter but that thing was the best $$ I've spent in a while. So, any suggestions? ? I should say all three sizes could be built with a loft and was quoted $2500 built on site by a local Amish carpenter. Also, with it being under 200sq, i do not need a permit.
Here's a shot of the view of where the big cabin us going to go. We're 500+ ft from the road and only have 1 neighbor that i can't hardly see. Its nice and peaceful.
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doo-drew
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 21:54
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Sorry... Don't know why photobucket links are so big. 
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 21:58
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IMO, it is a matter of personal choice or preference.
BTW, be certain the 200 sq ft & no permit permits a habitable building. In many places, such as where we are, the actual rule reads
"A building permit shall not be required for the following:
1. One story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet."
Here at least 'they' do not want that to mean it can be used as even a part time residence.
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trollbridge
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 22:28
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I would say it depends on if you want just 1 open room or maybe a separate bedroom area. If you want a small bedroom for you and your wife then a 10x20 would work well for putting a bedroom on one end.
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MikeOnBike
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 23:01
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I think the answer is going to come from sketching up some sample floorplans and thinking about how you would use the space. You mentioned a loft, will a ladder work or do you need stairs. Will you have dry kitchen or fridge, stove and sink. Your outhouse will save you a lot of indoor space. Will everyone sleep in the loft? A futon couch can serve double duty.
Many questions that only you can answer. But I'm sure many here would be happy to help with.
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doo-drew
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 05:48
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Thanks for the ideas and please keep then coming. The unit will be dry. I will have a mini fridge and micro. I have a generator and inverter up there to use for power. We have a cook station/wash basin in the canopy. For the loft I was thinking of space for just me and the wife. My kids are 3&2and don't need them using a ladder in the middle of the night for now. Actually found some plans for toddler sized bunk beds. I also need the space for a couple guys during hunting.
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ShabinNo5
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 06:38
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Overall we have the same basic plan. Which is to build a shed/bunkie first then later build a larger cabin.
I would have to agree with sketching out ideas that you and your wife can discuss. My wife and I spent many months reviewing and refining the initial plan. If you hire out the job that may allow your initial plan to stay intact .. Since we have been building ourselves the plan has had lots of time to morph.
Things that we required: Room to occationally sleep 6; porta potty or toilet (I know that you have an outhouse, but since you want to use the building in the winter you may want to consider a private space for a porta potty); room to relax or play board games on those nasty weather days; heat source (propane or wood).
Not required but nice: kitchen; shower
Things we learned: Do not under estimate the value of windows. In our original design we were only going to have one window and two doors with imbeded windows. We now have seven windows and not one regret.
Our shed/bunkie is approximately 10 x 20
Good luck and keep posting.
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doo-drew
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 08:42
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ShabinNo5... You have any pix? I haven't ruled out building it myself but my 6x8 outhouse took 3 weekends to build by myself at a cost of $600. So it cost me $12.50 per sqft.... And they can build it for the same per sgft in a day.
Quoting: schlot I've been thinking about this too. I was looking at a 12'x16' because it worked out well with the 4'x8' sheets of plywood. No waste that way. Love the site you have. Reminds me of the place I use to go as a kid in Wisconsin.
Thanks! We have only had it since April but it feels like we've had it in the family for years. Good point on having no waste and less cuts. I think the 12x16 will yield a better loft size. Just wish the rule was 250 because 12x20 just sounds better. Oh well.
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ShabinNo5
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 09:43
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doo-drew
Just a friendly warning... I tend to over build and make things more involved the necessary. However I do enjoy the process
The following thread includes our final floor plan.. Although one window is missing that is behind the chair on the lower right.
http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/2_2742_0.html
This other thread includes a number of pictures along the way.
http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_618_0.html
Recall my warning above. Our project has been going on for some time. Getting materials to the site involves carrying through the woods and down a steep grade approximately 200 feet.
Steve
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doo-drew
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 12:44
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Steve, Wow... that 10x20 looks like it could be 20x40. That's awesome!! What a great way to ulilize the space. No warning needed... I tend to over build as well.... hence why I have a $600 outhouse. LOL! I could build up as well, I think my height restriction is something like 18ft staying the no permit route.
MtnDon... In our area we are zoned recreational/forest so I can stay in anything just as long as I am not there more than 120 days per year. Then we would have to have a residence in place. I am also allowed to build a rustic cabin up to 500 sqft.... in talking with the building inspectors assistant. She said unless you are building a full fledge residence you will always call it a "storage building". She then instructed me to do an application for reclassification of dweling more than 2 years after whatever I build. She was very informitive. 
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Just
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 15:09
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It goes: budget,timing, needs , wants...
Do not let: wants: get ahead of any of the others..
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 16:21
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Quoting: doo-drew zoned recreational/forest
That is cool! Many states do not have such a category. Having that available is a very nice option. I just wanted to make sure that you had done the homework on that as I have run into folks who have misinterpreted or had incomplete info.
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groingo
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 23:36 - Edited by: groingo
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What I originally did is make a taped outline to my dimensions onto my garage floor to see just how it felt to move around in, I ultimately found 10 by 20 to work best for me.
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oldgringo
Member
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# Posted: 15 Jan 2013 07:44
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A square structure yields the most area per linear ft of wall, making it marginally cheaper to build, and easier to heat. There's more to consider, of course, including aesthetics, but just putting that on the table.
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forestfirst
Member
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# Posted: 24 Jan 2013 23:48
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I spent a lot of time figuring out the right size and had a < 200 sf limit as well. This helped me tremendously:
- 1) determine items that you want that have a footprint on the floor (counter, stove, bed/futon, table, chairs etc.)
- 2) draw different floor sizes/dimensions on graph paper
- 3) draw and cut out the items in step one from graph paper to their scaled size (making sure to use the same scale as the floor drawings). Coloring them with pencils will help them visually stand out when you place them over the floor drawings
This allows you to move items around quickly and easily to try out different floor plans vs a bunch of time erasing and re-drawing. Make sure to draw in, or place cut outs for door and window placement. The goal is to make sure everthing you want not only fits, but fits conviniently (e.g. the door when opened clears other items, you're not bumping your knees trying to get around the bed, enough space is available on both sides of the bed so you can put sheets on easily, the stove has proper clearance from combustibles etc.). With that small of a dwelling it's crutial to make sure everthing works to limit frustration later. Drawing a few of the final candidate floor plans actual size with chalk on your garage floor or driveway will make it more real and help you get a feel for the layout.
One other thing - certain dimensions do limit cutting/waste of 4'x'8' sheet goods, but given all the time you'll spend in there I'd prioritize the flow/feel of the place over that benefit.
Good luck and post on your progress!
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toofewweekends
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2013 01:44
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Our place is 16x20 with a large loft. There's 2 of us most times and it's fine. If we had 2 young kids, I'd be pleased with a few more square feet as they won't get smaller or friendlier. I think rectangles are more pleasing to the eye, but mostly I'd think about doing the largest allowed/affordable so you have more options as you add guests, kid's friends, more dogs, etc.
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tcmatt
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2013 22:07
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one thing to keep in mind is final, actual exterior measurement. I, too, needed to stay under 200 sq ft on the exterior. So, I did several sketches on graph paper similar to what forestfirst suggested. Ultimately, I went with a 12x16 (thinking it would be 192 sq ft) and it worked out great - everything fit great. it was also handy in terms of not having to make a lot of cuts on the plywood subfloor.
When I was all done I measured and it as just over 199 square feet (but under 200). 1/2" wall sheeting and 3/4" siding bumped my final dimensions that I had simply forgot to take into consideration. Luckily, i stayed under 200. If i had gone 14x14 or 10x20, I would've been over.
just a thought I wanted to share
matt
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Jeremy165
Member
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# Posted: 29 Jan 2013 15:36
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Mine is 12x16 with a loft. I think a rectangle is more visually appealing than a square.
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