Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Pondering

I've been doing a lot of research to figure out the best and strongest way to build the hut, but it looks like I may use a combination of old building techniques and new (Advanced Framing) The new method uses considerably less lumber, but it isn't good for high wind areas which it would be facing here. I think by using a little of the old method with the new I could still build a hut that would be strong enough to withstand the high wind. The newer method of building not only saves lumber, but its also about 30% more efficient as far as energy to heat and cool it and I really want it as efficient as I can make it.

I've also decided that it won't cost much more to add another four feet on one side to make it a 12x16 rather than a 12x12. That will give me the extra room for a small bathroom, small kitchen stove and maybe even a small closet and / or small fridge and still have pretty near a full 12x12 living space. I'd call that much better than only having an 8x12 living space if I'd tried to add all of that to a 12x12 building. That was basically the living area in the dungeon and it was too tight.

Main problem I have now is that my trailer isn't long enough to haul some of the lumber I'll buy and I really don't want to scab shorter lengths together to get the lengths I need. I'll have to figure something out on that. My neighbor plans to get a big order from McCoy's and have it trucked down here, but that won't be until he gets his tax refund so that may be a while away and I'm getting itchy to start pretty quick since I'd like to have it finished by the beginning of summer.

I plan to build bunks for it something like I did in the dungeon, but have them fold up against the wall when not in use to allow for more day time living space.

15 comments:

  1. Build it before it gets hot....

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  2. Fold up bunks / chairs / table are clever :)

    Reckon you need to do some networking at the GS and the Legion to see if anyone can help with the transport. Hope you come right.

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  3. rj, I'm limited by the amount of $ I can spend at one time and how much I can do without help. It will take a while to finish it.

    Dani, the GS still isn't open. Something will probably come up where I can get the lumber I can't haul on my trailer sooner or later. Its the longer lumber that I can't haul that will start the build so I can't do much until I get it.

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  4. Get JW to help you for a day....

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    1. Yeah right... I already have some help lined up, but will do everything I can do by myself until I just have to have help. This old dog ain't what he used to be so I may need a lot more help than I think I will?

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    2. What has happened to the old fashioned "barn raising" in the West? (...the west is the best)

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    3. jr, there is some talk going around about a barn raising party, but I guess time will tell whether that happens or not.

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  5. David, if you have the materials on hand to build a 12x12, by all means, build it now. You know what dry Terlingua weather does to lumber just sit'n round. At a later time in your life, add a second 12x12 to it.
    If I were in the area, I would assist you in the construction....I ain't got nuttin else to do ya know.

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    1. BB, I don't have enough lumber to build the 12x12 so I'm going to have to wait to get the rest. Since I'm going to have to wait about a week to get what I need I'll get all I need to go ahead and build the 12x16 instead. Hopefully the lumber will be ok by then. The 2x6s I'm going to use for studs are laying on a couple of pallets and all the OSB is stacked on top. A tarp is covering all of that and more pallets on top of that. I think the weight on the 2x6s should keep them from warping before I can use them?

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  6. Check out "Tiny Texas Houses",alot of ideas on building a 12x16 home.

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  7. As long as you are framed and covered and glued&screwed together for the bldg before the blazing HOT summer, you oughta have minimal warping, by keeping it covered.

    IMHO

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  8. BF, I hope to be that far along before the real heat comes. I'm going to either borrow a trailer long enough to haul everything I need or do a share the cost delivery by McCoy's one. Have another friend that needs some stuff from there and doesn't mind picking his stuff up here. $37.50 isn't bad for delivery. I'd be hard pressed to go get the stuff for that with the cost of gas.

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  9. Another interesting tiny house, this one is 12x12 and has 5 rooms...

    Innermost House

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  10. rj, that is an awesome little house. Thanks so much for the link.

    David, I really wish I could come down and help. I wish you luck with your building, and will be watching the progress. Happy that you've got the plan finalized, and are ready to start building soon.

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