LOGISTICS: How to transition from city, to building log home?

[SnowFlower]

I guess the biggest issue is that the area we'd like to build our log home is 5+ hours flight away from where we live now and we are going to be doing this on a tight budget –*so I'm imagining that we will have to move out of our apartment (to save on rent), leave our jobs as we can't take so much time off, and move onto our empty lot living in a tent during construction.

I'm trying to figure out how we will make the transition with minimal flights, minimal renting etc. Has anyone done this on a budget, and how did you go about it? Or how would you go about it if you were in this situation?

Thanks

[3degreenerd]

I guess the biggest issue is that the area we'd like to build our log home is 5+ hours flight away from where we live now and we are going to be doing this on a tight budget –*so I'm imagining that we will have to move out of our apartment (to save on rent), leave our jobs as we can't take so much time off, and move onto our empty lot living in a tent during construction.

I'm trying to figure out how we will make the transition with minimal flights, minimal renting etc. Has anyone done this on a budget, and how did you go about it? Or how would you go about it if you were in this situation?

Thanks

Well first off welcome to the forum. Take a walk down memory lane and read through the numerous previous posts. I can't speak for everyone but a lot of the members have done what you plan on doing. It's not easy but plenty have accomplished it and more will in the future. That being said living on your property during construction seems to be the popular way to go. Some do commute and I believe there are members who fly halfway around the world to work on their homes. Some buy old mobile homes and park them on the property, fix them up and live there during the build. It ultimately comes down to you, if you plan on building fairly quickly then maybe a tent will work, if not you might want to find a more appropriate long term structure during construction. I haven't attended the class yet, going in September, but many members who have done this for years will tell you. Take the class! It seems to be the way to go and before you go quitting jobs and moving it makes sense. I can only offer so much advice since I haven't started my journey yet but you will find a ton of information in these forums just grab some coffee and start reading!

[SnowFlower]

@3degreenerd We will definitely take the class! I'm just trying to get a good idea of how realistic it will be for us to do this.

We'd like to get the basic 1 bed, 1 bath structure built with the roof and everything in a 2-3 month period. We'd probably start in late Spring, I guess, to ensure the weather is tolerable and that we have enough time to get set up before Winter.

[3degreenerd]

@3degreenerd We will definitely take the class! I'm just trying to get a good idea of how realistic it will be for us to do this.

We'd like to get the basic 1 bed, 1 bath structure built with the roof and everything in a 2-3 month period. We'd probably start in late Spring, I guess, to ensure the weather is tolerable and that we have enough time to get set up before Winter.

Completely understandable. Sounds like you have the drive and desire to make it happen so it will come together. Make sure you have a place to live on property first and then you can build as finances allow which is my plan. The goal is to be debt free by the end of my project!

[rreidnauer]

No doubt living on site is the best option, for both cost and time reasons. Cheap trailers are plentiful, but take some work to make true 4 seasons if in a colder climate. It's what I'm doing, full off grid. Cost of living is dirt cheap, as my only recurring bills are cell phone and internet. Being able to work right up until you're ready to quit for the day, and you don't have to worry about a drive home, is a big thing.

If you are worried that you can't find jobs locally while building your place, then it would indicate to me that the property is not a good primary home location. I can find tons of beautiful, cheap property, but they are usually hours away from anything. (including reliable internet for a home based business)

Sent from my Galaxy Edge+ using Tapatalk

[SnowFlower]

@rreidnauer Yes, Internet's a tricky one. We do need to be able to access it at least a few times a week.

As for work, we're hoping to save up enough so that we don't have to work during that time period of building, but it would be good to be able to work once we've moved into the home.


@3degreenerd Yes, being debt free is a big one!

[rreidnauer]

As for work, we're hoping to save up enough so that we don't have to work during that time period of building, but it would be good to be able to work once we've moved into the home.

That's what I mean. If you can't find work while building, what's to say you can once your place is complete? As I like to say, I can afford to buy it, I just can't afford to keep it.


Sent from my Galaxy Edge+ using Tapatalk

[SnowFlower]

That's what I mean. If you can't find work while building, what's to say you can once your place is complete? As I like to say, I can afford to buy it, I just can't afford to keep it.


Sent from my Galaxy Edge+ using Tapatalk

Right, yes. All things we will have to take into consideration when finding land.

[donjuedo]

Getting some Internet access is often not that hard. Getting high speed Internet access is sometimes a lot harder.

The land I bought is very rural, in West Virginia. While I have not yet explored high speed options, I did buy a "Mi-Fi" and monthly service. It's a small device, much like a cell phone, including having its own cell phone number. Unlike a cell phone, it has no speaker or mic, because the purpose is to connect to AT&T cell service and provide me Internet access by Wi-Fi. It's all about the Internet connection, not voice or apps.

My plan only offers 5 GB per month, so I will not be using this option to stream Netflix movies or anything like that. But email is easy, or loading normal web pages, etc. It will more than meet my needs during construction. Along the way, I will be looking around for high speed options.


Peter

[StressMan79]

"Huges net" offers hi speed satellite internet.

Sent from my VS986 using Forum Runner

[panderson03]

We'd like to get the basic 1 bed, 1 bath structure built with the roof and everything in a 2-3 month period. We'd probably start in late Spring, I guess, to ensure the weather is tolerable and that we have enough time to get set up before Winter.

if you build small enough (15x15 or 20x20), keep it simple (one level, open concept), and work on it full time as a team of 2 (or more). it might be doable
we're building in MN. we're not building small or keeping it simple...its taking us years to finish.

[allen84]

LowKey should have a good reply to this when he gets to an internet connection... He traveled a long ways and is spending about a month to build one or two small buildings to stay in when he goes back. I don't know about anyone else but I'm anxious to see his pictures!

[rreidnauer]

"Huges net" offers hi speed satellite internet.

Sent from my VS986 using Forum Runner

My neighbor has it, and hates it.

Sent from my Galaxy Edge+ using Tapatalk

[rreidnauer]

Getting some Internet access is often not that hard. Getting high speed Internet access is sometimes a lot harder.

The land I bought is very rural, in West Virginia. While I have not yet explored high speed options, I did buy a "Mi-Fi" and monthly service. It's a small device, much like a cell phone, including having its own cell phone number. Unlike a cell phone, it has no speaker or mic, because the purpose is to connect to AT&T cell service and provide me Internet access by Wi-Fi. It's all about the Internet connection, not voice or apps.

My plan only offers 5 GB per month, so I will not be using this option to stream Netflix movies or anything like that. But email is easy, or loading normal web pages, etc. It will more than meet my needs during construction. Along the way, I will be looking around for high speed options.


Peter

Steve Wolfe has the same thing through Virgin Mobile (hot spot device) and also hates it.

Sent from my Galaxy Edge+ using Tapatalk

[donjuedo]

If I had to guess, I'd expect Steve hates either the speed, or the monthly data limit. Do you know specifics of why he hates his?

[allen84]

Coupled with the bill, I doubt anyone is happy with what they have. I have nice high speed that usually works, sometimes slow or doesn't work. I like it when it works but I hate the bill any way you cut it.

[SnowFlower]

Thanks guys! The other thing is, what to do with the kids? We may have a baby (or two) by the time we get to the construction stage.

[allen84]

Thanks guys! The other thing is, what to do with the kids? We may have a baby (or two) by the time we get to the construction stage.

I wish I had the picture. The Clampett's have some relatives around here. I saw them doing yard work one day. The playpen was full of babies and hitched to the back of the riding mower. Dad was mowing. I really saw this.

[SnowFlower]

if you build small enough (15x15 or 20x20), keep it simple (one level, open concept), and work on it full time as a team of 2 (or more). it might be doable
we're building in MN. we're not building small or keeping it simple...its taking us years to finish.

This is 20x30. Looks reasonable for a starter cabin. The idea is that once we have somewhere to sleep and cook etc. then we can take our time building a bigger place on the same lot. And our 'starter cabin' will turn into a guest house.

[rckclmbr428]

With your requirements I would be tempted to build a "tiny house" on a 16' trailer and pull it to the site and put it up on blocks.

[rreidnauer]

If I had to guess, I'd expect Steve hates either the speed, or the monthly data limit. Do you know specifics of why he hates his?

Yea, the speed is really bad. All the more insulting when you add the monthly cost he's paying.

The neighbor with the satellite internet hates both the speed and limit.

I actually like my service. 5GHz wifi, unlimited data @ 3Mbps up and down, (easily watch 720p video at that speed) reliable in all but the strongest downpours, and around $45 a month. (I pay annually for a discount)

[mudflap]

I wouldn't quit your job before the class. My property is 30 minutes from work, so I'm lucky. I have access to city sewer (barely- 600 feet down the road is septic only). And we thought about living there in a trailer while we build, but with city sewer comes city rules- they are not issuing housing permits for trailers anymore- something about tornadoes having too much fun. And when I say "city", we're talking population of <1500. Anyway, I took the class before buying land. Septic or sewer didn't matter to me, but they were the same price - $5k. Things cost more than you think. Having a job going into the build is definitely a plus. And definitely take the class before doing something you might regret. Knowledge is power.

blog: https://loghomejourney.wordpress.com/
password: ABCD1234

[chokonen888]

I'm a good 3-5 hour drive from my land, depends on weather, traffic, and whoever is with me and how often they want to stop and pee....it's about $100 in tolls and $100 in gas round trip. I just keep telling myself every tree I fell pays for each trip. (you should see the cost of logs here in Japan)


Not sure how flexible your job is but to cut costs, instead of doing the weekend drive, I'm likely going to take a week or so off each month and try to get more done with less driving/cost. I also bought a cheap class B motorhome and had it delivered for less than 4K. Sleeps 4, LEDs in all the lights keep things lit at night, it heats/cools, has a kitchen & toilet, and is comfy enough for each stay with minimal maintenance. You should also explore the area on google maps as well as in person to find out what is in the area that will help make your life easier. I am near enough to a hydroelectric dam that there is electricity and amazing cell reception if you have the right carrier. Near enough a campground with $1 showers and $3 bundles of firewood. Friendly with all the staff and they often offer up advice and free veggies from the locals. There is even some sort of weird abandoned Russian village theme park that I am far too busy to go explore but I would have never known was there if not for the internet.

[SnowFlower]

@mudflap @chokonen888 For the job, my partner gets about 2 weeks off a year, so it's really not possible to do much while keeping it. We're hoping to buy the land while he still has that job, but when it comes to building, we're going to have to drop everything and move –*unless we decide to hire someone else to build.

Personally, I don't care too much about roughing it for a few months with no running water. It's my partner who's worried that he won't be able to shower each night.

I'm also hoping we can start raising guinea fowl and geese ASAP (even before we've built the house) so that they can start getting the grass and insects in check.


@rreidnauer I've heard Verizon SmartPhones have 3G coverage in the location we're looking at, so that may be what we go with. It doesn't need to be super fast, but we do need unlimited data.

[Arrowman]

@mudflap @chokonen888 For the job, my partner gets about 2 weeks off a year, so it's really not possible to do much while keeping it. We're hoping to buy the land while he still has that job, but when it comes to building, we're going to have to drop everything and move –*unless we decide to hire someone else to build.

Personally, I don't care too much about roughing it for a few months with no running water. It's my partner who's worried that he won't be able to shower each night.

I'm also hoping we can start raising guinea fowl and geese ASAP (even before we've built the house) so that they can start getting the grass and insects in check.


@rreidnauer I've heard Verizon SmartPhones have 3G coverage in the location we're looking at, so that may be what we go with. It doesn't need to be super fast, but we do need unlimited data.

I don't think it's a matter of roughing it as much as it's managing the logistics. Having electricity and running water onsite or available close by while make things a lot easier. Living out of old milk jugs full of potable water is possible, but after day 10 it starts to get pretty old fairly quickly.

I don't want to rain on the parade, Snow Flower, but I would seriously walk through the logistics of the route you are trying to go down. For your size, the time frame is doable, but there are some proviso's on that. If I were you, I'd analyze it a couple of different ways.

1. Physically. Are you and your partner physically and emotionally up to the challenge? To get it done in 2 months, you will be working most every day, for most of the day. If you are currently physically active working in active/outdoor jobs, this will help. If you work primarily in an office like I do, you will need some break in time before you can start logging 10+ hour days building a house. Depending on your climate, the sun/cold may be a factor. If your skin hates the sun like mine does, working long hours in the summer can be pretty tough. If you live in a cold climate, I don't envy you digging footer piers to a 30" frost line in January with a pick and shovel. When you throw the fact that you are roughing it on top of this, it can make it pretty hard. No baths for your partner or yourself to relax aching muscles in. The lack of a nice sit down meal in a properly conditioned room. Sleeping on the ground or on an air mattress for days on end. These things can start to take a toll after awhile. You mentioned possibly having children, I definitely would hold off on that until you are done building. Especially if you are roughing it.

2. Financially. The house will not be cheap, they never are, but make sure you have worked out how much it is going to cost you to build. Even if you do all of the work yourself, there are still material expenses that can be hard to save upon. You will have living expenses, on top of the cost to build. And your labor isn't exactly free. You can frame the home yourself, but you still have the cost of saw blades, levels, nails, screws, chalk, etc. that you have to take into account. You will have a fair amount of gas for your vehicles. If you are roughing it, your storage for perishable food items will be limited. You WILL be making trips to the nearest town quite often for both building and living supplies. I would definitely put together some quotes for materials and some labor and see if it matches what you believe you will spend. Some times this can be shocking. As would be the cost of quitting your jobs.

3. Building knowledge and experience. Taking the class will help quite a bit, but there are other things you have to take into account. Have you done due diligence on the land? Is there a suitable spot to build? What are the soil conditions? How deep will you need to dig your piers for code? Depending on your location, bedrock can be lurking just 12" below the soil. Can contractors and material suppliers reach your jobsite with trucks? If not, do you have a truck and trailer to haul those supplies to your build site? What about lot maintenance? Depending on the size, guineas and geese may not be enough. I am building on 10 acres with 6 acres of pasture. I am having to mow it every week to keep the grass down and keep my friendly rattlesnakes at bay. Your experience will factor into your time as well. The more inexperienced you are at building, the longer and more costly the process will be.

Again, I'm not trying to be a bad guy. I am happy you guys are trying to live your dream. It's what most everybody on here seems to be doing. I just know that building a house, even a small one, can be tough in the best of conditions. Much less when you put yourself under some pretty restrictive self-imposed deadlines (no roof over your head and no income coming in). I would take Rod's advice under consideration. If this land is where you want to live, a much better option would be to move there before the build, find jobs and a cheap trailer to live in onsite, and then start building. Working nights and weekends on the house will still allow you to finish in a good amount of time, eliminate these restrictive deadlines you are trying to work with, and also allow you and your partner to take a well earned day off every now and then where you can sit in some air conditioning after taking a nice relaxing bath for those tired muscles, eat a good home cooked meal, and enjoy the satisfaction you are getting from achieving your dream.

[SnowFlower]

@Arrowman Thank you. Yes, that's why I'm here asking about the best way to organise this. Having stayed in a trailer before (on vacation) and having stayed in tents, I personally don't think the trailer is worth the extra cost.

Of course we will have to plan the season carefully and come prepared for any weather extremes. I'm thinking that it's a safer bet to start in early Spring, as worst case scenario it's easier to work through summer than to work through winter.

If we get the well drilled first thing and install a manual pump, we'll have the ability to wash, drink (from a filter container), and cook (on a gas camping stove). And next on the agenda can be building a composting (water free) outdoor toilet. I guess the easiest way to get electricity for power tools is to buy a backup diesel generator.

The problem with getting jobs locally before we have built a house is that it's going to slow down our building process drastically. So I would rather put us under the pressure of a financial deadline and get it done faster.

My partner is very physically fit, while I'm pretty average. But neither of us are ones to complain about physical labour or muscle aches. The sunburn issue is a good point and we will have to stock up on sunblock, long sleeve shirts and hats etc.

I am worried about long grass so we may need to account for buying a lawnmower depending on the state of the site.

We will definitely hire a professional surveyor to determine whether the land is suitable for our use before we purchase it.

From the research I've done, I think that if we organise everything upfront and are ready to go by the time we get there that 2-3 months of construction to have a liveable cabin is a reasonable time frame.

I get that this is going to be hard, but we're willing to make sacrifices to achieve our goal.

[dvb]

"I get that this is going to be hard, but we're willing to make sacrifices to achieve our goal."

As long as that is your mantra, you will get it done.

[project]

My neighbor has it, and hates it.

Sent from my Galaxy Edge+ using Tapatalk

I had it and threatened to sue them over it. I used the tractor and pulled the whole thing out of the ground and told them to come and get it.

Also you can buy a camper pretty cheap as well. Mine is 35' with awning and superslide and only paid $8000.