Building advice from an old pro

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This post will go into the Construction sub-series of the off-the-grid main series of posts.  These posts can be accessed from a table of contents and read individually or in series from beginning to end.

Originally posted 12.2.17, updated on,

5.30.18:

At the rate I am going, this will take years and years.  After reading the below, and reading some stuff online, I am not getting any closer to a system that I like.

I want something simple that I can construct myself.  Alone, if necessary.

That would seem to be something like I have already done.  But, if I do that, I run the risk of failure, unless I do a few things differently.

To break this down to a manageable size, I figured on doing it in 8x8 foot sections.  In order to expand to something larger, just add another 8x8 section.  If I had 3 of them, end to end, that would given me an 8x24 foot cabin.  It doesn't seem so hard then, I should hope.

I like the footer idea, but I want to try a modification upon the idea.  The modification idea would be to drill using an auger bit on an electric drill.  Frame out a square area around the holes.  Drop a rebar down the hole, and attach the rebar to wire screen inside the frame.  Pour out the concrete, giving a footer pad.  Then build on top of that.

The tricky thing is the details of how it all fits together.  Also, need to keep it simple.  I figure using a 2x4x8 board as a measuring stick between the posts.  The center of the 4x4 post will be drilled so that the rebar will bit into it.  Measure out using the 2x4 from each post to where the next post will be.

It is very tricky to get these dimensions right so that there isn't any cutting necessary.  That entails using a method of setting the footers so that the center rebar isn't necessarily 8 feet apart.  Have to remember that a roof has to go on top.  The roof needs to cover everything, and what I see is also available in 8 foot sections.  If it is too big, the roof won't cover it all.  There is wiggle room to the sides, but not to the length of the thing.

Perhaps I could practice it around here so that I can feel confident that it will work as I envision.

The foundation has to be right, or the rest won't work, or not fit right without a lot of cutting.

I'd like to use sliding doors, because I made a few of these before.  There would be one on each side, so that each new addition will have another entry point.  Screen doors on the outside of these, so as to allow the doors to be open, while screening off the bugs.

Shiny metal on the roof, if I can find it.  Always looking to keep things cooled down as much as possible.

Considered glass, but this plan doesn't include any.  Sliding panels for any side to side additions may be considered later.

That is all for now.



12.4.17:

Even though I have ruled out Quonsets, a final decision on what to do has not been made.  Now, I get to cogitate further on the possibilities.

The newest point of indecision is whether or not to build the structure mentioned originally on this post, or to just build a carport like structure that will allow me to park the trailer under it.

It will need to be bigger than 10x20 feet.  Maybe 10x30 or 10x40.  It will need to be expandable on the sides so that it will have a sufficient overhang.  The sun cannot be allowed to touch the walls of the living quarters.  That is what I don't like about putting walls up.

Ten feet is more width than the trailer has, but isn't enough for an overhang.  It will have to be extended at least 3 feet on each side.  Since the trailer is 8 feet wide, that means it must be 14 feet counting the overhang.

Two feet on each side would be enough.  That brings it up to 14 feet total.  I would guess that the overhang would have to be reinforced in order to be structurally sound.

The eight feet in height needs to be changed to about eleven.  What that entails is another question.

More study is needed.

Before I end this  post, I noticed a concrete breaking tool more powerful than a jackhammer.  A way to save labor is something I may want to consider.

Not to mention that it may also be useful in digging a hole for holding tank.  Perhaps I shouldn't give up on a holding tank as opposed to a septic tank.  If I can still get the incinerating toilet, that is.

All of this could add up to savings, which in my financial position, could be attractive.

The original post follows:


One of my older brothers has built many a house.  So, why not listen to his advice on what to build out there?  So, I went over his place earlier this week, and we talked it over.

I bounced some ideas off him, and he knocked 'em down.  One idea that he approved was to use concrete footers for foundations.  This would require an 18" deep hole be dug out, which will in turn require a jackhammer to loosen up the soil in there, so that a hole can be dug.  Six of these footers would support a 10x20 foot structure in lieu of a concrete foundation.  A concrete foundation was his first choice, but not mine.  He did say that this idea should be sufficient for a structure that could last 25 years.  Good 'nuff fer me.

How big were the footers?  I think two foot square.  A cylindrical pier can be poured on top of it.  The pier will support a 4x4 pillar on to which will be built everything else.  That means the floor and the roof.

The materials may go for less than 3k.  It is conceivable that I could build the thing myself.

Anyway, it is a plan that could work.  However, it may need some refinements.

The bottom line is that the Quonsets are out.