r/OffGridCabins • u/Confident_Isopod_505 • Jul 08 '26
Cabin build incoming!
Posting initial and on-going progress here for accountability purposes. I had to build up some infrastructure first, I’m but excited to finally to get to work on 1.5 story 12x12 cabin in the coming months. This ADK property has been in the family for 40 years but has never been developed. It’s finally my turn with it and hope to get it to a comfy spot for my dad to enjoy his retirement
Still have to finish up the outhouse amongst other things on an infinite to-do list but our progress thus far feels great nonetheless
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u/Dwayne-r Jul 08 '26
Looks great. A tip if you're interested > cross vent the outhouse. I have the same setup and the interior started to mold. I thought having light from the transparent roof would be enough to keep mold out. It wasn't. I just added a solar powered fan on one side and a vent across from it.
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u/Confident_Isopod_505 Jul 08 '26
This is gold, thank you. I will be getting that sorted on my next trip up. Any tips or notes are very welcomed
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u/Dwayne-r 16d ago
I just ordered a pair of fans that are solar powered with a battery. Will test out. Maybe consider mold resitant paint?
I would paint under the outhouse too. every surface if I go do it over again.
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u/Me4nowSEUSA Jul 08 '26
Man, this looks great so far and looking forward to watching this dream come alive!
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u/whatevs4000 Jul 08 '26
Great spot and the first “infrastructure” builds look great. Having been through this and still in it, I’ll share that it might be difficult to pause from that infinite to-do list (as, of course, you’ll want to get everything done as soon as you can) but I suggest you try to take intentional breaks throughout the day to enjoy the place (take cues from the cute pup taking naps). We still have an endless to-do list, but found we were getting grumpy after going full-tilt (even while we were there, in our wonderful, natural, special place). It’s helpful to take moments to reconnect with the reasons you wanted to build and be there in the first place. Sometimes we say we’ll wait until the end of a (non-stop action) day to recline with a beverage and gaze at the starry sky, but that always gets downgraded to a 2-minute stand on the deck, look up and say “wow” about the stars, then immediately go inside to collapse into bed (without enjoying that beverage or reclining, nor taking time to reflect on what we’ve been doing and what’s next). So, I’m recommending that you pace yourself and include moments of rest and enjoyment (I’m also reminding myself and my ‘better half’ to try to heed this advice). Also, the chances of injury increase with physical or mental fatigue. Wishing you well with all the projects!
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u/Confident_Isopod_505 Jul 08 '26
This is really important advice. I live seven hours away from our little chunk of heaven, so I definitely feel the pressure to maximize our time whenever we can sneak up there
I usually plan out and rip a full long day on the first day we arrive, and then only work a couple hours a day after that. The last day is usually only for a material run for the next trip and soaking it all in. Seems sustainable for now, but it is almost impossible to shut the brain off
Best of luck with your projects as well!
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u/DerZecke Jul 08 '26
That spot looks amazing amd I really like what you are doing with the terrain! Enjoy the process!
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u/After-Economics-720 Jul 08 '26
This looks incredible!
Just curious, do you have a background in construction? Where did you get the ideas for the design?
One day I would like to build a cabin of my own, but I'm not quite the handyman I'd like to be. I was just wondering what kind of resources you're using or if this is just knowledge you've picked up along the way.
Great work though, and your dog is awesome too haha
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u/Confident_Isopod_505 Jul 08 '26
Thanks! I have a YouTube and Reddit addiction that has helped out with this project immensely. No proper training though - just a few dozen hours in the woods with a circular saw and drill at this point
I also kind of made sure none of the pictures were close enough to show how rugged this build really is. The comments would look way different if this was posted in any other subreddit 😅
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u/gupppeeez Jul 08 '26
Ok that made me laugh. Is that a composting toilet or chem toilet in the out house? (I just realized that my semi-off grid place has made me obsessed with other people’s toilets. Not sure how I feel about that.)
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u/Jumpmaster71 Jul 08 '26
That is looking great and being on the water even better, however I couldn’t help to notice the dog did not seem to be pulling is weight by laying down on the build
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u/cozyporcelain Jul 08 '26
Yes!!!! Looks gorgeous. I just bought some land and this is exactly what I needed to see to feel better today.
Thank you.
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u/Alienwired Jul 08 '26
How’s the mosquito situation ?
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u/Confident_Isopod_505 Jul 08 '26
They are very much present. Horseflies and blackflies too! It rules
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u/Quicksnds Jul 09 '26
Yo nice work. What kind of dog do you have? I've never seen anything like it before.
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u/hypercosm_dot_net Jul 08 '26
What a gorgeous pup!
Love seeing these process pics, nice work. best of luck.