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Small Cabin Forum / General Forum / Going solo off grid
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CraigK
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2017 21:21
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Long story short...My marriage is on the verge of ending and I've always wanted to live a self sufficient/off grid lifestyle, but the thought of going it alone can be a little daunting. It raises a lot of questions...Like, how would I do any kind of construction without any help? Will the quiet and solitude be too quiet? Is anyone doing this already? I would like to hear your experience.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2017 21:41
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We did have a member doing it and he was sounding lonely in his post. I am trying to remember his user name.

I dont think the cabin would be any fun without the wife, family and friends to share it with.

But you need a place to stay, so a cabin would do it.

neb
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2017 21:52
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Are you an outdoors person and a person that has no problems doing things alone. A lot of people live alone it is just where they might live. It doesn't mean living in the country that you will never be with people again. You still can be involved in all the things that you want and still live off grid.

Living close to nature and living self sufficient can be very rewarding life.

darz5150
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2017 22:07
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If you search you tube there is a ton of videos that might help you with some ideas. Just search " off grid" and all kinds of stuff will pop up.

There is someone on this site that may be able to answer some of your questions. Out of respect for his privacy I won't post his name, but maybe he will see your post and offer some first hand knowledge to you.
Best of Luck.

sparky30_06
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 06:50
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depending on your skill set building a cabin alone can be done. Just have to think about things several times before you do them and make sure your safe. you will have to build things to help you lift or push or hold where a second set of hands would be helpful.
there are many times I think life would be easier with just the dog around.

CraigK
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 07:12 - Edited by: CraigK
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I do enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and outdoors cooking. So, if I have to go it alone maybe it might as well be where I can do the things I enjoy? I think any construction projects I can tackle alone as well until some heavy lifting might be involved, but that may not be very often.

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 08:34
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Craig, you would be surprised what you can accomplish by yourself if you take time to breathe, think it through and plan for the tasks. Sure there is some tasks that need extra hands and there is always the option of hiring a local "helper" for a day or two when you need to. Winches, Pullies, Ratchet Straps, One Hand Quick Grip Clamps, all become your best friends when working alone. BTW: Nail Gun, Screw Gun are MANDATORY when working alone. Try to hold two wall sections together while whacking away with a hammer.... answer = nailer.

We are talking about building a "Cabin" and not a 3500 square foot Cape Cod house with all the trims & fixings.... and if you consider that a typical 1 Bedroom Apartment is average 500/600 square feet, how much space do you need for living ? Not including workshop, garage etc which you can always address later as needed and as budget allows.

The biggest problem we all encounter is $$$ Having enough on hand at the right time to get the good deals when it's timely to get that job done... The timing is a PITA and often does not work out as hoped / planned. Unless you have a wheelbarrow full of cash that is...

Sit down and take a personal inventory of what you NEED & Must Have, things you want, would like to have and what would be "nice to have". Can these be accomplished in stages over time ? (be realistic a 5 yr project for doing alone is fair)

Have Land or need to get land ?
Have cash in hand or not ?
Have Materials & Tools (hopefully at least tools, they are $$$)
Have time to design & build ? Always double the time you THINK it will take and even then....

One thing above all else... Simplicity ! Keep it simple and work up from there, trying to incorporate too much too fast will overwhelm you and make the task more daunting. One step at a time, one accomplishment after another, never look too far ahead at the "to do list" as every job done is another steps to the next one.

Don't worry about the EX - Hammering & Sawing is a great way to de-stress and to get angst out. Have a decent radio tuned to your favourite music, avoid alcofool and stupid stuff and build fresh.

sparky30_06
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 08:48
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Quoting: Steve_S
Don't worry about the EX - Hammering & Sawing is a great way to de-stress and to get angst out. Have a decent radio tuned to your favourite music, avoid alcofool and stupid stuff and build fresh.


couldn't agree more, plus your hunting and fishing buddies will always be there. Getting back to nature and the simple life clears the mind, body and soul!

SE Ohio
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 09:18
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Might try watching "Alone In The Wilderness", true account where a guy moves to Alaska and starts from scratch. I think he stayed there by himself for 30+ years! from his 50's til his 80's. You can also find his journal online, look up Dick Pronneke (sp?)

For starters, try solo camping/backpacking for a weekend or two, and maybe a week. This might give you an idea on how you'll feel on your own. It's not for everyone, but I've always enjoyed the special peace (though I found such trips more enjoyable when I had a dog).

Shadyacres
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 09:48
Reply 


Plus you can always have someone put up a shell if you have the cash to handle that. The shell goes up fast but is probably the hardest with no help.

Greenland South
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 10:18
Reply 


I've done a few renovations and built my cabin pretty much unaided. Years ago I bought and read a book, I think was called Working Alone. I looked for it this morning, can't find it.
The other part of your equation is not so easy. Do you like yourself? If not you'll likely not enjoy being around yourself. I like myself, and spend days and days alone. But on the other hand I really enjoy when friends drop in unannounced. The physical stuff is easy, the mental stuff, not so much.

FishHog
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 10:32
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Quoting: CraigK
Will the quiet and solitude be too quiet?


I think if you don't already know the answer to that question, then it probably will be. But at least experiment a bit with being alone before you commit if your not sure.

Rickkrus
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 11:57
Reply 


Same boat as you. Retired early, recently divorced, going off grid. Bought 90 acres in CO and am homesteading it. Cabin is going up completely solo. Don't try to lift too much weight, think things out carefully, and proceed at a slow pace. I've found slower is safer. Do it. I have to say it is the coolest thing I have ever done. Loving every second.

hueyjazz
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 12:26
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I do go to my cabin alone at times. Well, me and two dogs alone. I do have a wife and she does go with me often but sometimes that just doesn't work out and my cabin is deep in the woods. My M-F home is in the city on a business street near a major university/hospital and across the street from a large park.
IT IS NEVER QUIET
The cabin is my place of peace. The woods has always been my church. We plan to retire to our cabin such that we bought the log home that borders our land.
The thing that concerns me the most is when I'm in the woods cells don't work out there. I've already cracked some ribs while in the woods and dragged myself back to the cabin where my cell repeater gets me service but the woods is a different story.
I've taken to carrying a handheld shortwave and GPS while in the woods. I figure if I get hurt I can contact someone.
As far as building alone, I find that also dangerous but do-able. You just use physics and proven techniques to your benefit. Safety is more vital when working alone. I would prefer to have at least one more body but that's not always possible. My backwoods building is part of my solitude and it what makes me happy.
My cabin also has a nice sign that reads this. "You're not drinking alone if your dog is with you" I talk to the dogs a lot. And they never give me grief back.

drb777
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 13:07 - Edited by: drb777
Reply 


My cabin, out-buildings, etc are all 100% solo builds.
Yes, one has to think, re-think and plan, but there are so many info sources, it's not really that difficult. Slow & steady works so well.
I found that my log-by-log structure, as opposed to panel or framed-wall was much more solo-build-friendly. 'Even had a tractor w/ front-end loader available, but found it was more trouble than w/o.
In my business, I've worked in the field solo for 35 years. So not new to me, but one must keep in mind the inherit risk of injury (& keep the cell phone handy just in case).
I did everything, clearing, foundation, assembly, electrical, plumbing, heat & air all solo. 'Found that nothing was all that difficult with patience & planning.
Good luck and enjoy the adventure.
Micco Creek cabin
Micco Creek cabin


creeky
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2017 13:11
Reply 


Quoting: Rickkrus
Loving every second.


I started 7 years ago now (my blog). Wow. How time flies. I found that my level of joy increased as time went by. I never found it too quiet.

Okay. Couple of nights waking up to this weird booming sound. Only to realize it was my heart. It does get quiet out here.

It is wonderful experiencing the growth. You know. i started with a gazebo and a deck. Then I had a trailer with 250w of solar sitting in a field. Added a solar shed with 1kw of panels. Built a washroom. Added a "great room." Sold the trailer. Built a winter bedroom. Built a tractor shed/workshop.

Played with so much stuff. Designed solar systems, built 'em. Designed solar powered cooling/heating. Built 'em. Designed habitats that responded to my environment. Built 'em. Painted dozens of paintings. Wrote essays, short stories. Finishing a novel. Made friends. Found a girlfriend. Actually stopped drinking just cause it slowed me down too much.

Life goes on. Faster than you think. The silence becomes something you treasure. There really is never enough of it. I hope, like myself, you find yourself living a life of joy.

Oh. And for building. The lever is your best friend. And a tractor with a fel helps too.

PS-I always remember Michelle Obama's words. "you will meet people who will judge you by their own limited experience. They don't know you."

CraigK
Member
# Posted: 28 Jan 2017 09:38
Reply 


All these replies are so helpful. Thank you all so much.

Wendigolake
Member
# Posted: 28 Jan 2017 19:01
Reply 


I have done a lot of renovation and new construction on my cottage all by myself. I take my dog with me so I am not totally alone. Currently putting a 800 sq ft 2 story addition on. Building a cabin by yourself is far from impossible. You need to take your time and think about what your doing since there is nobody around if you get into problems. Use a safety harness if your working at heights, watch your fingers when your cutting with a power saw, tie your ladder off and THINK before you do anything risky. My cottage is accessible only by water so if i get hurt, help is a long way off and not easy to get too.
One nugget of advise is to always have extra batteries for your radio. If your batteries in your radio die, the total quiet really makes you feel more isolated and alone.

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 28 Jan 2017 20:05
Reply 


I live in the city in a condo complex with 104 families on nine acres. Then I go to my property in the mountains and have 5 acres to myself, and the surrounding properties are not occupied. It's very nice to be alone for a while, but then I begin to want company. If I move there when I retire, I will sign up for volunteer work locally doing trail maintenance, bird watching or whatever, so I can occasionally get out a bit, then return to my solitude.

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