As life would have it - things have come to a screeching halt at completing the cabin. Seems that everything else is taking up my time of getting things done. But there is time. One of the great things about this cabin is time is on my side. There is nothing pushing me to get it complete except "wanting to finish".
I did get two more windows installed and they are really looking good. By the time I get the last two in I will have figured out the most efficient method of installing them. While I realize it may sound simplistic, but until you have lived in a cabin with no windows, you cannot fully appreciate the feeling of letting natural light in through glass. It changes the whole mood of the cabin. Transforming the feeling from a "cave" to a real cabin.
Next is the 12 volt lighting system, kitchen cabinets and insulation. Stay tuned.
However in an effort to keep the blog fresh, I will have to deviate from the cabin construction to other elements and come back to it when there are more updates.
Ramblings from a Sportsman's life
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Building a Hunt Camp - Phase 6
The Cabin is still waiting for more work. I haven't had the time to get down there and add some more to the construction. This weekend I am heading down to do a bit more. The plan now is to put in a few more windows, if the rain holds off. If not, I will spend the rainy weather installing the 12 volt lighting system.
I will say without shame I am no engineer. The road to 12 volt lighting has been long. But we decided months ago we wanted to be "off the Grid" and to do that we have to be self sufficient. After months of research it appears the best solution is 12 volt LED lighting and other appliances. It seems the RV world has plenty of appliances that are accustomed to running off of 12 volt. As of now I am not intending on using a power inverter to move the power from 12 volt to 110. But that may come if the need arises. Fortunately, there are plenty (as of now) low voltage lighting, fans, refrigerators etc. that will not only function on 12 volt but are designed for 12 volt.
I want to save the details of the install for a future post and include all of the engineering details for those who are interested. Photos will come and show the process.
Windows, 12 volt lighting, insulation who knows - it depends on the weather. So we will see next week what progress has been made.
I will say without shame I am no engineer. The road to 12 volt lighting has been long. But we decided months ago we wanted to be "off the Grid" and to do that we have to be self sufficient. After months of research it appears the best solution is 12 volt LED lighting and other appliances. It seems the RV world has plenty of appliances that are accustomed to running off of 12 volt. As of now I am not intending on using a power inverter to move the power from 12 volt to 110. But that may come if the need arises. Fortunately, there are plenty (as of now) low voltage lighting, fans, refrigerators etc. that will not only function on 12 volt but are designed for 12 volt.
I want to save the details of the install for a future post and include all of the engineering details for those who are interested. Photos will come and show the process.
Windows, 12 volt lighting, insulation who knows - it depends on the weather. So we will see next week what progress has been made.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Building a Hunt Camp Phase 5
It has taken us months to get to this phase. Actually after the concrete was poured we went ahead and set the door. But then hunting season arrived and everything else was put on hold until after hunting season was over. But to this point we have the building sealed and dry. Roof, concrete floor and we started moving in.
I don't have pictures of it, but I used the spray foam sealant to seal the gap all the way around the bottom of the building. There were gaps between the wall tin and the flooring due largely to the shape of the wall tin. So the spray foam worked great at sealing it off. The top - where the corrugated roofing met the top plate left gaps in the shape of the roofing. After a lot of research, we went with the foam insulation used around window unite air conditioners to press into the gaps It was inexpensive and worked well. All of the rest of the gaps will be sealed with spray foam or fiberglass insulation. (gaps too large for spray foam - this is only in the corners around the corner posts) We will cover the rest of the insulation later.
For now we are putting in the door and windows. Or the front windows. So cutting the door was interesting, let me say clearly, when cutting metal siding, ear plugs are a necessity! But the hole was cut and the door installed. (Still needs painting but its too cold to paint it now) And last weekend we installed the two front windows. Having spent the last four months of deer season in a building with no windows, it is very refreshing to have some natural light into the building. The cabin was more like a cave for the season. Needing full lantern power during the day or night! Now with two windows it give great light. We will be putting in four more windows later.
- - to this point we have done all we can. As the budget allows we will be doing the following:
installing four more windows
Installing 12 volt LED lighting through out the building
Building and installing kitchen cabinets
Installing a wood heat stove
Installing a small propane cook stove
Designing and installing water system.
Building our Outhouse
Building our shower house
Building a covered front porch
I don't have pictures of it, but I used the spray foam sealant to seal the gap all the way around the bottom of the building. There were gaps between the wall tin and the flooring due largely to the shape of the wall tin. So the spray foam worked great at sealing it off. The top - where the corrugated roofing met the top plate left gaps in the shape of the roofing. After a lot of research, we went with the foam insulation used around window unite air conditioners to press into the gaps It was inexpensive and worked well. All of the rest of the gaps will be sealed with spray foam or fiberglass insulation. (gaps too large for spray foam - this is only in the corners around the corner posts) We will cover the rest of the insulation later.
 |
| Door before windows installed |
 |
| Front Windows Installed! |
For now we are putting in the door and windows. Or the front windows. So cutting the door was interesting, let me say clearly, when cutting metal siding, ear plugs are a necessity! But the hole was cut and the door installed. (Still needs painting but its too cold to paint it now) And last weekend we installed the two front windows. Having spent the last four months of deer season in a building with no windows, it is very refreshing to have some natural light into the building. The cabin was more like a cave for the season. Needing full lantern power during the day or night! Now with two windows it give great light. We will be putting in four more windows later.
- - to this point we have done all we can. As the budget allows we will be doing the following:
installing four more windows
Installing 12 volt LED lighting through out the building
Building and installing kitchen cabinets
Installing a wood heat stove
Installing a small propane cook stove
Designing and installing water system.
Building our Outhouse
Building our shower house
Building a covered front porch
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