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Starlytia · Sep 5, 2011, 02:43 PM

I have property about 6 hours from where I live currently. I have never owned anything in my life cept my kids and car, so what do I need to do to get it rolling to make it a nice comfy get away? It's on 2.15 acres in the Klamath national Forrest area close to Bonanza Oregon but out in the Forrest country. Is their any really cheap cabin kits, etc? Do I need to appraise the land? Do I need to get permits to build? I am really not sure and I don't want to sell it for it was my grand parents land that never got used. I inherited it and thinking about relocating to it but I'm poor and have bad credit.. Suggestions are welcome :)

twinkiedooter · Sep 5, 2011, 04:18 PM

There are log cabin kits out there but they are not cheap. You would have to have building permits issued to legally build anything on the land. I know a carpenter friend of mine who built his own 1,800 sq ft home from scratch but it took him several years to do. You won't need to appraise the land unless you intend getting a loan for the building.

Fr_Chuck · Sep 5, 2011, 04:20 PM

If you want to use the land to borrow money to buy the kit, yes it will have to be appraised. Yes you will have to have proper foundation installed, you will have to get a building permit and have each step inspected and approved according to local building codes. Also is there already electric to and on the property? Is there water there or will you have to drill a well ? Is there a septic system or will that have to be installed.

Starlytia · Sep 5, 2011, 05:24 PM

Ohhh OK, as fas as I know they said that water and electric are close, not sure what that means but I guess I'll figure it out. The land is only worth about 9 grand, not enough to get a loan off it. I just found some standard kit cabins for about 13k and up so with the foundation it realistically will cost me about 18 grand or so I guess. Ugh I guess it's time to save save save... well for now I'll just stick to camping on it lol

Fr_Chuck · Sep 5, 2011, 05:27 PM

You may see if they allow "camping cabins" which would not require electric, or perhaps sewers but the zoning and codes for your specific area will decide that.

ma0641 · Sep 5, 2011, 05:32 PM

Cheap and log cabin cancel themselves out unless you have a lot of trees on the property and are ready for a lot of labor. Consider building in panelized form, by owner, 4 ft sections. That way you can make the panels at one place and erect them in another, they fit in a pickup truck, can be screwed together quickly. I just finished a 16X24 cabin, used as a getaway. Pole constructed the floor of used lumber with OSB deck, built small trusses for the roof, $20 each. Each 4ft. Panel cost $18(5 2X4 and 1 osb),T-111 siding, minimal electric. We bought used windows and doors off Craigslist, interior paneling and romex in garage sales. Ice box, 2 burner gas cooktop, small bar sink, camper toilet. Gravity water from a camper tank in the cabinet, generator for electric . All volunteer labor, $2800, $7/ sq. ft. Quite spartan but cheap! Not for winter or very hot weather but you can do that later, small window unit and LP gas logs.

Starlytia · Sep 5, 2011, 05:40 PM

Wow!! That's awesome, how long did it take you? Yes there are thousands of huge trees but I wouldn't want to cut a lot down. My husband is a master craftsman in woodworking so that helps with the wood spectrum part. I would be buying all the stuff on craigslist too or garage sales. I would eventually like to have it as a retirement property. Small rustic town of Bonanza Oregon a few miles away, so it's do-able. I hope I can do it like you did! Wish I could see pics

twinkiedooter · Sep 5, 2011, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by ma0641

Cheap and log cabin cancel themselves out unless you have a lot of trees on the property and are ready for a lot of labor. Consider building in panelized form, by owner, 4 ft sections. That way you can make the panels at one place and erect them in another, they fit in a pickup truck, can be screwed together quickly. I just finished a 16X24 cabin, used as a getaway. Pole constructed the floor of used lumber with OSB deck, built small trusses for the roof, $20 each. Each 4ft. panel cost $18(5 2X4 and 1 osb),T-111 siding, minimal electric. we bought used windows and doors off Craigslist, interior paneling and romex in garage sales. Ice box, 2 burner gas cooktop, small bar sink, camper toilet. Gravity water from a camper tank in the cabinet, generator for electric . All volunteer labor, $2800, $7/ sq. ft. Quite spartan but cheap! Not for winter or very hot weather but you can do that later, small window unit and LP gas logs.

Sounds cozy and affordable. Great ideas. Sometimes just a little imagination will work wonders. No need for a kit. Just depends on how fancy or plain you want the result to be. You can also do without electricity if necessary. The Amish only use natural gas so you could use bottled propane for a gas run ice box. The gas fridges are expensive though.

Starlytia · Sep 5, 2011, 05:44 PM

Oh FR, I can camp there but no longer than 4 weeks. I have a tiny tent trailer that wouldn't do! I would LOVE to get a park model log cabin, they are anywhere from 16k and up and it has all the goodies in it but then on the other hand my hubby is a woodworker so it would be nice for him to actually build it to our own liking. I'm just going to have to try and save, fix credit and hope for the best. :)

SpringtimeHomes · Sep 6, 2011, 10:46 AM

I agree with consensus that Log Cabin is not the way to go. Many more cost effective and efficient options available. I like Ma0641 suggestion of DIY panels. Couldn't hurt to have some Lumber supply companies who do panels give you a price, they can be quite affordable. Not $1.18 per surface square ft though.. Thats cheap!If you are going to possibly live there year round, check out SIPS.

Starlytia · Sep 6, 2011, 11:26 AM

SIPS might work if I can find it in Oregon, isn't it predominately on the East Coast? I have heard about it when I was looking into solar panels a while back and SIPS was highly recommended paneling in a "green" fashion. I'll keep looking!

SpringtimeHomes · Sep 6, 2011, 11:39 AM

SIPS should definitely be available out there although the choices aren't as big. If you can afford it, getting the panels pre-cut will save some time headache. Upgrading to Polyurethane foam would be even better for performance but might be tough financially and hard to find in your area. Getting blank panels and cutting them yourself sounds like the best option for your circumstance. Your design can have a huge impact on the amount of waste produced and amount of on-site cutting. I would suggest talking to your preferred SIP supplier before design because they all have a little different ways of doing things. I think they are a great DIY product because they work with standard lumber and use the same framing labor techniques.

I would definitely look at Building Envelope improvements before Solar Panels. Building Airtight and Continuously insulated is the most Cost Effective approach for Green Building and Energy Efficient Construction.