I want to build a new cabin

[nube]

Hey guys I want to build a new cabin and wanted to see if anyone had any ideas for the cheapest way to build it. I was thinking a basic extra large shed basically with 2x6 walls for extra insulation. Maybe a 16x20 in size. Where is the best place for a building package of this sort?
If you have any other ideas let me know as well. I want to build a new cabin on the northern part of my line so I can alternate trapping areas year after year type thing

[Torkdiesel]

Originally Posted by nube

Hey guys I want to build a new cabin and wanted to see if anyone had any ideas for the cheapest way to build it. I was thinking a basic extra large shed basically with 2x6 walls for extra insulation. Maybe a 16x20 in size. Where is the best place for a building package of this sort?
If you have any other ideas let me know as well. I want to build a new cabin on the northern part of my line so I can alternate trapping areas year after year type thing

You can get a garage package from Rona or Home Hardware. Get siding, shingles, windows the whole deal for 4-6K. My buddy did it for a cabin a few years ago. They credited him the value of the garage door and he just added interior walls himself.
Personally I would go at least 20 by 20 if you're going to be taking the family or friends with you. Not much more cost wise but the extra room really comes in handy.

[nube]

What size are you allowed to have?

[Torkdiesel]

Originally Posted by nube

What size are you allowed to have?

I've been trying to get a straight answer from SRD about this but have not been successful yet. I've been told 440 square feet (20 by 22) but I was also told by a F&W associate that I could build it as big as I want. That is until somebody complains and SRD investigates it.

I would stick to the 440 square feet and I'd think you would be safe.

Personally I would advise against building a cabin you could drive to. It makes it way too easy for people to find and do what dishonest people do. A 4-5 km ride off a road in that country will eliminate 99% of the people from ever finding your cabin. Just my 2 cents but I would never build where it could be driven to.

[calgarychef]

A good trappers cabin is completely sheathed in metal siding and you might as well do the roof in it too. Get some metal shutters made of sheet metal with hidden hinges and damn good locks. That'll keep out the honest people and stop the critters from chewing their way in. Put a wood burning heater in it and try to find an old propane stove with an oven to cook on if you want to get fancy. Put a 50 or 100 gallon food safe spray tank up in the rafters and when you get to the cabin use a pump to fill it with water. Have it plummed to your sink and you'll have running water, the heat from your wood stove will rise up and preheat the water so it'll be Luke warm. Have an overhanging roof over your door and deck it in so you've got a place to sit and to put the bbq, also good for storage out of the rain and snow and a passable place to fix quads etc.

[North]

A good idea for a maintenance (and porcupine free cabin) would be to build your 2x6 walls, cut in and install a metal T-brace (for lateral strength) instead of sheathing. After this just strap the exterior with 1x4s and install metal siding. It is durable and animal proof and would be easier to transport the materials as you would need less sheathing for the exterior walls.

A simple stick framed gable roof would be the cheapest, tin is another good option for this.

How difficult is the access to the build site? That would factor into decided what to build. The package idea isn't bad either. I suspect those would come with trusses which would be difficult to transport into a remote area.

[nube]

Good idea thanks. This is what I need is some ideas guys. I plan on finding a spot that I can drive up to with a truck

[Torkdiesel]

You could do something like this one tucked back in the trees



Or like this one on a little lake

Just a couple ideas for you bud

[Marten1576]

The alberta trappers association has a copy of the trap cabin policy. Main cabin max 650sq ft one shed 144 sq ft line shacks 256 sq ft . Min distance between cabins 6 miles. Srd says this is the law but I know it was not in the alberta lands act the last I looked. They will give you Greef but not enforceable the way I understand the law. If you call for fun ask them wher you can find it in the alberta lands act, just for fun.

[fenceline]

Modify a container .

[CanuckShooter]

Originally Posted by fenceline

Modify a container .

Or 2.....if you search the internet it's amazing what some people have done with these things.

[waterninja]

It's nice to hear your building a new cabin, and I'm sure you'll build one that is comfy and also practical. I just hope you don't run into miles of red tape before you finally finish it.
eg......All new homes (inc.cabins) that will have people sleeping in them, have to have a new home warranty, and pass inspections if they are over 215 sq. ft. My brother ran into this in B.C., but wouldn't surprise me if there are similar regs. here. Hope it doesen't apply to you out in the bush, but we are talking about the govt.

[fish_e_o]

Originally Posted by CanuckShooter

Or 2.....if you search the internet it's amazing what some people have done with these things.

thats absolutely what i'd do. everything is secure when you leave and pretty much bomb/bear proof while you're gone.

but they'll drop it off as far in as the truck can drive. would you then have to pay a cat to drag it a couple of km's?

[waterninja]

My bro was going to have a fairly large log cabin built on his property, but after getting snarled up in red tape he got so P'OD that he built this little hunting shack. 13.25'x16'...212 sq. ft. (just under the 215 sq.ft. rule). Kitchen, sm bathroom, sitting area, bunk bed on lower level and 2 singles in loft. Did not require a single permit. He plans to build a few more.

[Stinky Buffalo]

From what I hear, the Morinville Hutterite colony does some good work. Might want to consider that option:

http://morinvillecolony.com

The Holden colony builds portable buildings:
http://holdencolony.com

[Torkdiesel]

Originally Posted by Stinky Buffalo

From what I hear, the Morinville Hutterite colony does some good work. Might want to consider that option:

http://morinvillecolony.com

The Holden colony builds portable buildings:
http://holdencolony.com

They sure do some quality work those boys eh. By the looks of that manufacturing facility they must be doing well

[pikeslayer22]

Originally Posted by Torkdiesel

They sure do some quality work those boys eh. By the looks of that manufacturing facility they must be doing well

Rumor has it...The Holden boys Grossed over 3 Mil in sales last year

[Bigwoodsman]

Originally Posted by Stinky Buffalo

From what I hear, the Morinville Hutterite colony does some good work. Might want to consider that option:

http://morinvillecolony.com

The Holden colony builds portable buildings:
http://holdencolony.com

Some really good ideas on these sites for a little line cabin.

BW

[Sled Ed]

My brother makes these also has some that the window and door a have metal shutters when you leave to keep it secure

[Torkdiesel]

Nothing like heading back after a long day on the line and pulling up to the old seacan