fernnj

I'm looking to build a 1200-1500 ft2 cabin in the near future. It would also be used as a family getaway. I would need a 2 BR open floor plan with second floor loft. I would prefer to at least do the finish work myself. Time restraints may keep me from building the actual structure myself. I have obtained some quotes for a modular "shell only" (around 90k set w/o foundation), SIPS insulated panel system building (68k w/o foundation), and regular stick built cabin. I'm not really intersted in a log cabin. As of now, the best quote by far was from 84 lumber. All materials for a 1,245 ft2 cabin with plans came in at just over $36k. This includes everything down to the nails. Other quotes were double and some nearly triple that price. Can anyone suggest any other options? Anyone recently build a cabin? Any suggestions?

I do basic service on all of my vehicles including my atvs. It obviously depends on your experience level. I have no formal training, but have owned and worked on small engines and farm equipment since I was about 10 years old. I cross reference the parts and buy the best maintenance products at a fraction of the cost. I would estimate I save at least 50% off what i would pay at a stealership. I would definately recommend buying a service manual. They are pricey, but will pay for themselves several times over. They include the extra checks in the 100 mile including the drive belt ect. And as far as warranty, I do keep records for my own purpose of keeping track, but they can not require you to go to the dealer or even keep records. They would have to prove that maintenance caused the damage to the atv. Most atvs only have a one or two year warranty anyway.

I'm with "bubba". I dedicate one day of both small game and the deer seasons where I use one of my grandfather's guns. It really brings back the good memories and gives me a sense of appreciation for all he did in bringing me into the sport. They are the best family heirlooms I have and there is no sense leaving them locked away in a safe.

My setup: Older 30 ft leyton trailer, free from a friend - works fine until the cabin is built existing septic, directly connected 30 amp rv box electric hook up, w additional 20 amp supply submersible pump run to nearby creek for water supply w/filter - works fine for showers ect newer propane rv furnace - PLENTY of heat, uses little propane propane range, oven backup electric heater, electric 20 gal water heater quick connect winterize kit, a must have plan to connect existing well in future The rv propane heater works fine even on cold nights. I am leery of any type of heating system in confined areas, but i have multiple smoke detectors and a co detector. The propane does produce a lot of condensation on the interior of the windows. My 8 cyl f150 towed the trailer fine on a 300 mile trip (no 5th wheel). I will second buckhunter in having the roof resealed no matter what condition it looks like. I've seen trailers 3 years old with severe rot from a leaking roof. It cost me a few hundred bucks to have an existing meter pan updated and inspected. I would def look into having electric run, everything in the trailer uses it. Its often free to a certain point on your property depending on the power company.

I had great success as well. One trick that I did was "drill" holes for planting as opposed to using a shovel. I had left over ground anchors from my kids playset that I had recently installed. I took the anchors (that look like an oversize auger bit) and cut the loop end off. I then used the "drill bit" in my hd cordless drill and made holes as I walked along planting the trees. It was much faster even in somewhat rocky terrain.