Building a small log cabin “shed” (dry cabin) on high elevation mountainous terrain this summer. We are beyond excited and have been spending time up there most weekends with our 8 (!) young kids.

It’ll be under 200 square feet so probably 12x16 (interior floor space) with a loft. Using fire-touched ponderosa because it’s what we’ve got plenty of. We can’t move any dirt until May due to weather. We have a sketch out of our plan. I’ve done a frame built with log components many years ago. Partner is the brawn/skill but hasn’t done log before.

What can we do in the next month to prepare? We need to move some dirt or at least do some clearing for a "logging road" to the area with the best logs so can’t gather much yet. We could in theory clear a few trees but there's still snow on the ground. We are planing to hand strip logs, chainsaw mill them as necessary, and use granite rocks for foundation, adhering to a strict K.I.S.S. philosophy haha.

Other than just hanging out on the land, what can we do in advance of being able to move dirt and get started? I'd also be interested in hearing any thoughts and comments on the kid component of our endeavor. We are in a warming hut and pop up right now and it's going just fine, but even smoother is always better. :)

Much love, offgridders. xo

I'm preparing to build a couple outbuildings using some Northern White Cedar logs, but I'm having trouble finding suitable spikes. Looking at DIY stores, 10-12" spikes (long enough to secure two logs together) seem to come in two varieties: "Bright" (unfinished) and "Hot-dipped galvanized". I've read both are prone to issues with corrosion when used with cedar.

I imagine galvanized would hold up better, and for an extra $40 on a 50lb box, I'd hope so. Just wondering which route to go before I spend a bunch on nails.

Am I overthinking this? Would unfinished nails of that size work fine for these kinds of projects? Would galvanized be a better choice? Should I just forget about using cedar logs for this kind of work?

Self built on the weekends over the course of about a year and a half. Board and batten white pine siding was milled off the property.

I want to drill a shallow well on my property ~100' from my lake. How far does lake water extend horizontally underground? I only go to my place a handfull of times a year, so I don't mind pumping by hand, I just don't know if I'll hit water. Lake is fed by a very small creek if that makes a difference

I am on the lookout for an off-grid cabin nestled in the beautiful landscapes of Slovenia, preferably in the Provence Primorska or Gorenjska regions. If you or someone you know is selling such a property, I would greatly appreciate any leads or information.

My ideal retreat would be a cozy cabin surrounded by nature, offering tranquility and seclusion away from the hustle and bustle of city life. While I have a preference for Primorska or Gorenjska, I’m open to exploring other regions as well if the opportunity arises.

Please feel free to reach out to me here or via private message if you have any leads or if you’re looking to sell your off-grid haven. Your assistance in my search would be immensely valued.

Thank you in advance for your help and recommendations!

I imagine there might be a setback rule before it's considered a separate building or maybe there are maximum buildings per acre rules or such? just curious. seems like a fun loophole.

https://youtu.be/cBVZ3S-w7Bk?si=MOyJsfgia1_N6U-4

Hey all. We have a semi-remote off grid cabin we need some security ideas for. Every time we start gathering supplies and building things up we get hit with thieves. We’ve had thousands of dollars worth of gear stolen and our place smashed up multiple times.

We just got a Vosker camera system set up which is awesome as it works off solar and celular. We can monitor the property now but need to figure out some kind of alarm system we can trigger remotely to scare these assholes off if they try to hit us again. Any ideas?

Advice on what to look for in buying used panels for small use off grid cabin? Seller’s description says 245 watt and want to make sure we don’t get scammed but understand they are used.

I'm thinking about building a septic system at my off grid cabin, but I dunno if it's my best option, so I wanted to get some opinions. My property is only used a handfull of times a year, but now that it's getting more comfortable, it'll be used a little bit more. I'm estimating 50-75 poops a year in the system, so I was wondering how often it'd have to get cleaned out. I'm leaning toward using 55 gallon drums or 275 gallon totes. There's no shower, or laundry, or sink, so the only thing going into the system would be a single toilet (mostly for my wife and daughters. I've been pooping willy nilly in the woods out there my whole life). Hopefully I can get enough pressure to add a bidet and try to outlaw paper in the system. Thoughts?

i'm thinking of installing a 120v-to-12v converter box right at the mains because i need 120v only in one place (kitchen area). it would be complete overkill to wire the rest for 120v because the only things getting plugged in anywhere are led lamps, ipad chargers and the like.

how do i calculate what awg i need to install? at 12v i suspect the current loss isn't dramatic within 25' or is it? i was thinking of getting #14 and making custom outlets featuring usb a and usb c females.

i get the importance of not skimping on gauge but i also don't feel like spending a ton of money on wiring that i have no actual need for.

the kitchen area will have its own 240v circuit and i'll be getting that one looked over by a licensed electrician before i plug anything in.

Building a off grid "camp" (large tent with platform, only used on weekends and camping weeks but also a base camp while I develop and build a true cabin.) Not looking to 115% rough it out here as I'm not living full time it'll be more of a atv camp, recreation etc. That being said we have no utilities. A small stream isn't far but for quick access to water I was debating doing a rain catch off of the tent. Whats my best bet to pressurize this water for shower usage? Obviously will need to do a first flush divert and treatment (documentation on treatment would be great too) this would mainly be setup to rinse off mud from riding ATVs and such. I'll likely haul water for cooking.

Did anyone here have any support in ther decision in going off grid? Family or friends? If not, how did you overcome that?

I don't have many people that play an active role in my life right now, and of them, nobody is even minimally supporting my desire to build and live within an off grid lifestyle. I'm willing to do it all without their support, but the constant backlash I receive can still get to me sometimes.

It's something I've wanted for years and have been very open about to everyone in my life. Maybe they just didn't think I would ever actually do it?

Any advice would be appreciated. TYIA

Cut a big hole in my floor this weekend for diesel heater flange. Kind of scary. Was thinking I should maybe add another layer of rigid foam and OSB for the big Mac floor

• reflectix

-3/4 inch ply -rigid foam -1/2 OSB

So I'm based out in Cali. (yes I know >.> ) I am looking for land currently to buy in hopes of being able to have a well, solar energy and the possibility of building a log cabin (or a tiny home). Would anyone know how possible that dream is or how much would it be in cost as I know California is notorious on its permits. :D

I've been looking into and loving this kind of lifestyle for years. However, I only just recently worked my way into a job where I can support myself. Its been a journey. As you all know, its not a great time to buy a house. It probably wont be for a long time. I'd rather live simple for as long as I can. I've spent plenty of time doing so in my own ways. Adding nature into the mix would just be an improvement. I grew up in the country and want to return to it.

The problem I'm facing is that I don't have much money saved up to get started. I have enough to get a build started, and my flow of income should keep it going after the initial bulk cost. I do have some experience building, and some folks in my life in the trades that could help out. That is not the issue.

The issue: I can pay cash for raw, cheap land OR I can pay for the build in cash. I cannot afford both at the moment. I would rather have a payment on the land, but I will also need a septic and well installed. How exactly does someone finance the cost of land, septic install, and well install? I understand a construction loan will need to include the build of the house. I simply cannot afford that much right now. Id like to build a small (under 500 square foot) cabin myself. I know that nobody will give you a construction loan for you to self build. What other options are there?

A side note to get ahead of potential comments. I will not be able to sustain my living situation long enough to save up for everything and pay cash. If I don't figure something out, I will eventually have to get an apartment, and then the rental cost will eat up anything more I can save anyway.

The world looks a whole lot different than it did even 5 years ago. I need a plan that works for the present, and I need it soon. Your input is greatly appreciated.

TLDR: I want to finance the cost of land, septic, and a well, and then pay cash to build the cabin myself. What options do I have for financing?

Edit: I appreciate everyone's concern, but I'm not planning on doing anything without proper permitting. Ill do every bit that I can myself, including the septic or well if possible, but only within the legal bounds of the law. I have no desire to draw that kind of attention to myself.

Needed some away time..

I've always used freezer safe ziploc bags for meal prepping chicken. Are reusable bags a good idea? The thought of it doesn't sound appealing to me, but maybe of them say you can wash them in the dishwasher. Any thoughts?