Homesteading

[felineman]

So I'm new to this forum having done about 2 years research into log cabins and homesteading finally found this site. I'm currently writing a book on modern homesteading including everything from cabins to farming to acquiring land in Canada. I'm at about 900 pages so far and intend to add about 1000 more before I start to streamline what I have written so far. Been wanting to go back to the land for about 20 years but never been in the financial standing to do it, so I hope with my book done in about a years time I will make enough with it to do just that. Working on plans for a 15 x 25 foot cabin single floor with rain collecting solar cell and heater systems with myself doing the building. Only modern conveniences will be solar power system and running cold water. A portable sawmill and chainsaws will be used to construct the cabin. All electric will be either 12 volt DC or 120 volt AC converted from a battery storage system. Septic system will be a combination of outhouse and indoor washroom as time allows to construct. The cabin will be a 1 bedroom open kitchen living setup. With the primary living being either a converted trailer or RV camper till cabin is done. Time to build will be 4-6 months, with the building done with green logs. Log construction will be square notched logs and all wood will come from the building site. The only building materials being brought off site will be windows, shingles and metal products like hinges and nails or screws. There will be a 10 x 10 covered patio built on site for outdoor cooking and tools storage sheds also on the property. Total cost for said build will be under 5k minus fuel, food and other consumables. Later after building the cabin and outbuildings a Barn will be built for a limited number of chickens, cows and maybe a few horses. Then some fields for hay, gardens and other food or feed. The intent is to live out the rest of my life in a self sustaining lifestyle with bare minimum of contact with the outside world. Most of the work will be done with an old tractor with a set of front forks. So that logs can be moved and lifted into place, paid 400 for it and only needed new injectors. Being diesel it should run all day cheaply and only need basic maintenance. Anyways I need to get back to collecting info for my book or this plan will never happen.

[donjuedo]

I like the independence your plan will bring. Having taken the class, I can add, you should take it, too. There are at least a couple of points in your plan that can be even better (less work, less cost, longer lasting ...).


Peter

[felineman]

I wish I could afford to take a class but I'm currently on disability and can't afford to. Not even sure if I can afford to publish my book once it is written. But I'll take any advice anyone can give. I'll try to do some designs up to show people what I am planning to do.

[StressMan79]

Indeed, first off, double or triple the time and cost, good plan going minimal, but be aware that women don't like minimal. Mine wanted grid power, unlimited water (both hot AND cold)...your desire for notches and to build with green logs, and your rectangular shape will be your undoing.

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