#off grid cabins

As reported in previous posts, the sisters now own an acre of trees, slopes and poison ivy. I’d like to get something in place there this summer, using minimal effort, money and available resources, materials. Its going to be temporary and off grid for a little while until grid connections are available. Not exactly roughing it, as one sister, 5 goats and 3 dogs live across the road. Everything else is walking/biking distance - people are always trying to get rid of stuff that maybe I could use- but new & specific materials are mostly available only the mainland.

I think I can budget around $5K for a small off grid place to stay sometimes. The plan is for a deck on which a small tent could be set up adjacent to a shed. I have a really nice shed already, built by the same person that built this tiny house, which seems to be for sale.  In addition to the details below I’m thinking about a

a composting toilet  Like this ‘cabin can’ $200 - but I can probably make one that’s not as nice for free

outdoor shower, This one is cool

Portable power station - here’s one by GoalZero $300

Step one - poison ivy mitigation of area [ DONE! - sept 2020 ]- this will be the goats job. I watched several fun videos about goats eating up unwanted growth. There are several different fencing options. Probably going to go with goat/cattle panels ($30 ea) & T-Posts ($5 ea)- I think I can do this myself. Materials to be purchased new, but are reusable. Cost - maybe $500?

Step one & halves - install steps down to where the deck will be. I already made post about this.  and make a compost bin. Cost very minimal - I think I can do this myself, maybe from some cut down trees on the property.

Step two - build a deck & adjacent structure to support shed - the challenge here is the deep slope of the ravine. I am inspired by the decks and structures built in the forest by Elevated Spaces - Maybe costs cost $2-3,000? - Jan 2021 note - Lumber costs are very high right now, maybe significantly more expensive.

Step three - Plan and prepare a site to put a shed (much info available on the web on shed site preparation). Would like something more stable than concrete blocks. Either move an existing shed to this area or buy or build one.  in 2019 we got a quote for $1,000 for moving a shed across the road from a local contractor. New good quality sheds (or shed kits) which are up-gradable to 3 season useability would cost around $4-5,000 delivered to or built on the site. 

Step four - insulate the shed and make it a bit nicer by adding a floor and interior walls. I’m inspired by the videos on the Darbin Ovar Channel about the transformation of a shed to a studio.  Maybe these materials could cost around $700? I may be able to do this myself.

Insulate the walls with Sheep Wool. There’s a bunch of videos of installing sheep wool in houses and sheds seems its really popular insulation or vans and converted school buses. There’s a lot of sheep on the island but seems like I’ll have to buy the specially prepared stuff. Wool insulation costs around $1.50 a sq foot.

Floors - I’ll probably use whatever is obtainable as surplus. But I love end grain flooring. Seems like it would be a lot of work to make an end grain floor tiles. DIY is possible from from cord wood collected in a forest  or cut from beams as was done in a blacksmith shop.

I hope it will be possible to get under the shed to install foam board insulation too.  Also considering radiant foil bubble wrap barrier too.

Prepping for That Mid-Winter Visit at your Off-grid Cabin

If you are like us, you typically make a mid-winter visit to check on your cabin to make sure all is in order—no vandalism or damage from winter conditions.  Knowing that all is well gives you peace of mind and alleviates the cabin-fever that inevitably rises after long absences from your favorite getaway spot.  A good, comfortable winter visit requires some good preparation in the fall before…