It began on my birthday. I picked Blackberries, made a pie, had dessert with family. Uncle Ed was there. He said "when are we ever going to build that cabin of yours?" I said can you start next week? and so three weeks ago he, retired truck driver aged 68 and me, 51 yr old photographer with zero carpentry experience began this project. My original intention was to keep a weekly running blog, tracking time and expenses and showing photos throughout the build. Truth is each day I come home so exhausted that I take a shower, do my real job for a few hours then collapse.
some basic info:
- bought 6 acres 5 years ago, intended to dig a well and build a cabin.
- begin to collect recycled materials to build my "green cabin"
- 5 years later, I have not saved the 15-20 thousand needed to drill a well.
- decided to sell the property in August, drove up alone to say goodbye.
- could not to do it. Love the place. it's beauty and peacefulness is what keeps me sane.
- drove home with determination to simplify and rethink my "cabin plan"
- discovered that one can build a shed without water/electricity or permit if under 120 sq feet.
- new vision of cabin is teeny tiny small, cute, simple, practical, inexpensive, a place to glamp (glamorous camping). It is a starting point for a beautiful outdoor room with firepit, BBQ, lounge chairs, hammocks, swing, trampoline (for Max).
- Cabin will henceforth be called "the shed" to officially be named Uncle Ed's Shed after my kind hardworking uncle who's only payment for his labor is biscuits and gravy each morning, a sandwich for lunch and one pepsi a day.
- total budget $1000
day one - clear the weeds.
corner stone of foundation.
We have a level foundation.
the crew.
This cat showed up on day one and is there each time we come up.We bring cat food from the dollar store. Although I did not want one, I think I have a cat now. Suggested names so far, moochie, smokey, uncle eddie.
savoring that pepsi.
three walls and some extra help. yeah!
Shopping for a used door at Restore the Habitat for Humanity store. We found one for $45. A comparable new one was $375.
Ed's grandson, Evan visits. He and I make a teter-totter out of scrap wood while others work.
Although the shed will be about 80% recycled, we did have to get some supplies at Home Depot.
Reclaimed 2x4s
Reclaimed wood to be used for siding. After 2 years wrapped in tarp sitting on the property, termites moved in. So each piece is sanded, treated for the termites with a green stain called copperbrite, then stained, quite a process. My Mom and Brother have been helping me with this part.
Ed's breakfast at J and A cafe in Prather. Each morning I have 2 eggs, potatoes and a biscuit. I'm not much of a breakfast person but I like the routine of a quiet start to our work day and need the fuel for what is usually a 10-12 hour work day. This includes the 1 hr commute each way and the loading and unloading of all tools including a very heavy generator.
I'll miss the view through the roof, but anxious to get it covered. It rained and hailed a bit this week. We went from 100+ temperatures to low 40's in one week.
Max working on the roof. He has done 2 work days with us. Ed is a patient teacher and I'm glad my son has the opportunity to learn some of these skills.
OK, so here we are at 3 weeks. I really cracked up when I saw this photo. It looks sooooo small. 8x14 with a door and 4 windows. I bought the windows at the Restore store a year ago and paid less than $100 for all of them! I have not tallied my spending yet but seriously think I will spend more on gas and food than building materials.
The sense of accomplishment is profound.
I wholeheartedly recommend building something yourself, but if you don't have an Uncle Ed, maybe start with a potting bench.
