Slim, insurance adjuster here and a former contractor. Just a word of advice, start with the roof. Your video shows that it is near life expectancy on the front as well. Bite the bullet, if in budget, and start there as it will protect any other investment that you make. Great project! Love the videos.
You can't really start there first, though. The back porch roof needs to come off before a new cabin roof goes on, and if that comes off, then the back wall of the cabin would have to be rebuilt before even that.
As an engineer, my biggest concern would be the foundation - tilting & rotting. What else could be going on under there? Fixing foundation issues can be very costly. My first choice, with it being an investment, would be to buy a small rustic cabin kit and place it somewhere else on the property and use the existing structure for a workshop and storage. My best friend just completed a totally off grid solar cabin kit in the mountains and it's a place I hate leaving. However, if you're sold on fixing it up, the priorities should be as follows - foundation, roof (including tear down of extension), exterior, and then the interior.
This is going to be fun to follow! Knocking down the extension is the right choice. But maybe you can still use the main structure as the base for the deck.
I'm really grateful for your honest but positive outlook on the process. You've been a truly calming voice in a year of tumult - so thank you for that. :) I cannot wait to see what happens next with the Spud Shack!
Love "Spud Shack"! Get the B-52s to redo their video on site OR Have Weird Al Yankovic do a parody, "The Spud Shack" In either case, Slim could have a cameo in the video as the older dancer groovin' with the other dancers like in the original!😁
I agree that his voice is so calming. I have several serious health issues that cause horrible anxiety. Last night, his voice vis the only way i was able to relax without using large doses of meds. Plus I love hearing about his adventures. God bless you and yours.
Good morning, Slim! Yes, after all the renovations and repairs have been done, you're going to have a fantastic cabin to call home. I hope you'll let us follow along as you move toward that goal. Your idea to tear off the addition and create a deck is spot on. The structure of the cabin appears to be quite sound, except for straightening the piers, as you said. Don't forget space for storage: you must own a great many tools and a plethora of camera equipment. Oh! I can't wait to see this unfold. I love renovation projects. My hall bathroom renovation begins in two weeks! I can't wait!
Slim, this is so exciting! So cool to be a little part of this new adventure of yours! So, I have my small contribution here from a family of construction engineers and cabin dwellers. Firstly, and somebody already mentioned that here, please work with geodesists to insure your cabin gets appropriate support without drainage damage. Then put good roof on. Doesn’t have to be metal but more importantly very well insulated! Then be creative and make it cozy. Now, we have a cabin in the woods for ever, our heaven on earth. There three mostly important things we love and I wish you had at the end - a good wood burner with the stove to cook (we ended up also having outdoor summer kitchen gazebo style), composting toilet for all seasons and, most favorite, sauna ( waterfront property must all year round). Also consider a generator for emergency use even when you have a power line or solar. It’s going to be great! You will be very happy there!
I am much more optimistic about this now. Looks like first move is to find a House leveling company. They can jack that up a small amount (or even one area at a time) and straighten those blocks and reset them straight. Second thing I would consider is having the front roof covered with snow and ice shield roll roofing. Next rebuild the back wall that was taken out fixing the rotten portions as well. Then remove the add on so that you can snow and ice shield the back half of the original roof. Then you can look at metal roofing. With gutters you could collect rain water to fill a cistern although it might be better to put a cistern near the road and have water delivered that has been treated. Some areas that is common some not so much. Hard to tell from video but cistern by road might be high enough for gravity feed and actually have decent water pressure without a pump. Also not sure of climate for freezing. Local septic/cistern sales folk might be more help on that. Also suspect that you will find it hard to have septic tank due to no soil for drain field and strong codes due to tidal basin below you. Might not be able to get occupancy permit if they have such. As to a trail to the shore, you should look at switch backs on a trail as the direct way you went down will cause erosion over time. By going less steep back and forth across the hill you do not create a easy pathway for the water to gain speed and eat into the hillside. Anything straight up and down the hill is bad for it. Also trim up any trees you cut for thinning and lay beside the trail on the uphill side to divert the water and break up it's speed. It will cut it's own shallow ditch over time. Hard to tell if that old stove is worth it. Back then they sold a lot of sheet metal stoves that were not very efficient. If it is heavy cast iron that will retain heat it might work, but you need to see if it is refractory brick lined or asbestos lined. The stove pipe above with the damper is an easy fix. Just replace it with new. But also check that it is double or triple wall pipe from the interior ceiling and all the way above to the rain cap. If not that needs to be fixed for fire hazard. Yes those beams in the back can be reused for the deck you want and much can be salvaged. Seems like it is workable, but you might look into alternate heat for when you are away. Counting on a wood stove for the only heat is no good if you are going to have water lines and such. I lived that way for five years but I also put in a furnace for when the fire went out. Which was every time I left the cabin for more than an hour or two. Christmas day at my sisters an hour away? fire went out and furnace saved the pipes. You get the picture. Plus buying firewood is not cheap and you do not have enough land to supply your own. Plan on another heat source with the wood fire for atmosphere and pleasure when you are there. It is a pretty nice place for weekends but living full time might be a challenge. That is a lot of trees for solar and orientation matters which way is south or south west and how much sun does it get. There are solar calculators online that will help you estimate the cost/benefit of solar for that area. Being on the water like that I bet you get a lot of fog in some seasons. That will cut into your hours of sun light a bunch. Also so coastal areas are prone to cloudy days like the British Isles. Just not enough sun to make solar work very well. Just some thoughts and hope it helps.
Mark Pashia - Your comment is really interesting, as far as I could get. BUT with no paragraphing, it is very, very difficult to read. Please repost with a line (hit "enter" twice) after every paragraph - i.e., each time you switch to another issue or topic or subject insert a line to separate.
@@wendyweaver8749 I am much more optimistic about this now. Looks like first move is to find a House leveling company. They can jack that up a small amount (or even one area at a time) and straighten those blocks and reset them straight. Second thing I would consider is having the front roof covered with snow and ice shield roll roofing. Next rebuild the back wall that was taken out fixing the rotten portions as well. Then remove the add on so that you can snow and ice shield the back half of the original roof. Then you can look at metal roofing. With gutters you could collect rain water to fill a cistern although it might be better to put a cistern near the road and have water delivered that has been treated. Some areas that is common some not so much. Hard to tell from video but cistern by road might be high enough for gravity feed and actually have decent water pressure without a pump. Also not sure of climate for freezing. Local septic/cistern sales folk might be more help on that. Also suspect that you will find it hard to have septic tank due to no soil for drain field and strong codes due to tidal basin below you. Might not be able to get occupancy permit if they have such. As to a trail to the shore, you should look at switch backs on a trail as the direct way you went down will cause erosion over time. By going less steep back and forth across the hill you do not create a easy pathway for the water to gain speed and eat into the hillside. Anything straight up and down the hill is bad for it. Also trim up any trees you cut for thinning and lay beside the trail on the uphill side to divert the water and break up it's speed. It will cut it's own shallow ditch over time. Hard to tell if that old stove is worth it. Back then they sold a lot of sheet metal stoves that were not very efficient. If it is heavy cast iron that will retain heat it might work, but you need to see if it is refractory brick lined or asbestos lined. The stove pipe above with the damper is an easy fix. Just replace it with new. But also check that it is double or triple wall pipe from the interior ceiling and all the way above to the rain cap. If not that needs to be fixed for fire hazard. Yes those beams in the back can be reused for the deck you want and much can be salvaged. Seems like it is workable, but you might look into alternate heat for when you are away. Counting on a wood stove for the only heat is no good if you are going to have water lines and such. I lived that way for five years but I also put in a furnace for when the fire went out. Which was every time I left the cabin for more than an hour or two. Christmas day at my sisters an hour away? fire went out and furnace saved the pipes. You get the picture. Plus buying firewood is not cheap and you do not have enough land to supply your own. Plan on another heat source with the wood fire for atmosphere and pleasure when you are there. It is a pretty nice place for weekends but living full time might be a challenge. That is a lot of trees for solar and orientation matters which way is south or south west and how much sun does it get. There are solar calculators online that will help you estimate the cost/benefit of solar for that area. Being on the water like that I bet you get a lot of fog in some seasons. That will cut into your hours of sun light a bunch. Also so coastal areas are prone to cloudy days like the British Isles. Just not enough sun to make solar work very well. Just some thoughts and hope it helps.
Good advice. Helped me too as I am also looking for a place to fix up and get out of Central AZ. I hate it here. Getting too danged big for my tastes. So, I'm wanting to get out of her-WAY OUT.
Slim, I’m so happy you found such a great spot and such a great project for yourself. Thanks for the update, I look forward to more. Take care and thank you.
Anyone who takes on such a project is going to run into many unknown problems! Having the guts to take down the first board is what will get you through the renovation. How much land goes with the property? Do you have neighbors? You can, if the weather permits, camp here on the land. In short…..this is a diy dream come true! A fantastic view, the potential for a cozy cabin and as you have demonstrated in the past, the ability to complete such a project. I am so happy for you and like the others who follow you, look forward to following you on this adventure! Love from Colorado, USA. Thanxz
JMHO: I like the idea of an "Open Deck." BUT: Keep it covered. A covered deck will last a long long time. If you allow weather to come down on the wood deck it will need replacing every ten or fifteen years or so. My deck lasted 25 years and it was in dangerous condition when I finally put a new one on...but the portion that was covered by the eves of the roof was in perfect condition. I left that part and had to replace100% of the uncovered portion. If you can keep it covered in the long run it will save you thousands of dollars AND TIME and stress. A wood deck will need pressure washing and new stain EVERY YEAR. A covered deck might need washing but not staining however new stain always looks nice. JMHO
Absolutely keep a roof over it. Speaking from experience. We started out with an open deck. Several years later we put a roof over it and then screened in the "porch". During the winter, we wrap it with 6 ml plastic. This helps insulate that side of our home from the prevailing winter winds. All of this is done to have maximum usage of our deck/porch, all seasons of the year. In summer, it's a nice way to spend time outdoors when it's raining. Outdoor furniture is both protected and usable all 4 seasons. It's a temporary storage area, from time to time. A place to keep store lumber for a project. A place to store extra firewood in the winter. It is definitely an outdoor escape from summer insects!!! That alone makes a screened porch worthwhile.
Congratulations on taking on saving a slice of paradise! So tarps over the roof, cribbing and jacks underneath, and direct the flow of water away from underneath the structure. Get the structure bone dry before you salvage materials. Anyplace that looks even a little damp now spray down with a garden sprayer with bleach and water. Be generous in application! My abandoned cabin was a mouse house for decades then we took it back. Best of luck and happiness there.
Fabulous location! Cabin seems repairable. Local building rules and budget constraints will guide your process I'm sure. LOVE the greenhouse idea from those old windows. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Hi Slim, thanks for the tour. We bought a lakefront cabin built in 1913 in ‘99 that was literally falling into the lake. The footers were disintegrating, so we poured new footers….everything had to be rebuilt, BUT it’s a beautiful place now, and like your cabin will be, many memories over the years have been well worth all the efforts we put into our little slice of heaven 😊. Looking forward to your update!
I'm ticked pink for you! You have your own little piece of Heaven. Doing away with the front addition in favor of a deck is perfect. I'd make it a screened porch (bugs). Lot of work, but it'll be well worth it.
Great to see you back again slim. I will be very surprised if you do not get offers of help on this project from some of your subscribers. I would certainly be one if I lived closer. Maybe I should plan a trip from Ontario in the new year with my camper and work belt of course.
I was think the same. That maybe it become a new series for the channel. Help Potato build. Invite other retired people or youtubers that contact you. It surely will bring extra views but also increase subscribers. Look at what youtuber channel Bobblehead Homestead is doing.
I’m not an expert on cabin restoration by any means but am so delighted you decided to take on this renovation project. Call me crazy but I love old cabins, houses and hate seeing them torn down to be replaced with brand new. I’m excited to see how you work with what you have.👍😍
This place is going to be amazing when you’re done with the reno. I’m seeing the waterfront view in my head and an awesome cabin. Congratulations Slim! You seem so happy and I’m happy for you!
I have always thought that having a "landing spot" would be an ideal setup for a nomad. I consider myself a part time nomad as I love to travel and wander, but also enjoy a home to escape from my wanderings. I love your place as a place to just kick back and enjoy a little respite from the wanderings, which can produce their own sets of stresses. The main thing I saw you may have missed is, I would treat all wood exposed to the elements with a preservative and use treated lumber or plastic lumber there. I am to old and crippled up to take on a challenge like that, but love the location. CONGRATULATIONS!
Wow, Slim! You have been busy! Beautiful land! And some fun projects! My parents bought a run down old shack like that in the Rocky Mountains in 1969. If anything it was significantly more run down than yours actually. But it turned out to be one of the best moves of their amazing lives. I wish the same joy and adventure for you. .... As my mom said, “little by little.” And “it’s the journey not the destination!”
I've heated with wood for close to 40 years, so take this for what it's worth. My advice is to get rid of the woodstove, and replace the pipes (do this regardless). Check Craigslist or whatever the Canadian equivalent is for a replacement if you don't want to spend for a new stove. If you're going to spend your winters there a good stove will pay for itself in both lower wood usage and comfort. That cabin isn't very well insulated so, when in doubt, go bigger on the stove. I highly recommend the Jotul Carrabassett. Birch is nature's perfect firewood.
The used old 1970-80's weldement and fire brick woodstoves are EXCELLENT. New stoves are significantly on backorder. I have loads of stoves here (like 7-10) cookstoves and woodstoves.
Love the squeaky door. Location. Location. Location. Yes, a metal, snow will shed off and the sound of rain is magical. I agree do not tear the whole thing down. Use and reuse what you have it will be great. Love the idea of repurposing the windows for a greenhouse. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
I’ve never seen a more challenging project. You are ambitious. You have much confidence. It is a beautiful area. The best of everything to you. Hoping you have help.
Metal shipping containers can be a water-tight, cost effective alternative for a storage/work shop area. I agree with the composting toilet suggestions.
Yes, I was just going to mention a composting toilet, though I have no experience with it. Just enough experience with an outhouse to recommend trying something else. 🙂 Good luck, Slim.
Casual, sensible timeline. Would have expected nothing less. So refreshing to see someone taking time to think, "What do I NEED to do, what do I WANT to do and what do I HAVE to do to make the place work for me?" I think that traveling and exposure to all different people, places and things has given you a very pragmatic point of veiw. Good JOB!
Slim, you have a wonderful place to restore & call HOME! Taking the addition with all the windows will be a good move, as you said to have less to heat & you don't need all that room. You have been use to small space in living & this will be a large area to spread your wings. I have restored 7 homes in my life. Like your present place had a home like that when got it. Took me a few years to restore totally. The rewards of restoration are priceless. I remember cassette decks I have a boat load of cassette tapes & play them often! LOL! You say Travel still. Oh a contractor? Never used one. I was going to say once you get working on the place time disappears & you stay 100 mph on working to get done what needs get'n done. I wish you the best & then some. Always, Tommy :-)
I don't know about permits up there but around here you never demolish something, you renovate it and that makes a big difference. They may not allow you to build a "new" deck, however you can renovate an existing deck. In the states especially here, "existing" can mean the difference between being able to do something and not. So before you lift a finger, make sure you know what the permitting and regulations are in your area. Even working on that foundation could be affected, so tread carefully. Looking forward to your future work and updates.
Slim, what a great place! I think your rationale is typically very sound. I think I would attack this project the same way you have chosen. The addition is repairable, but you have no need for it. An open deck will be more pleasant in warmer months. I salute your energy and resolve! Looking forward to seeing this place come to life.😄
Slim…first of all, thank you for talking! You have a fantastic voice for narrating! (It shouldn’t be silent)! Second, wow I can see you sitting in a chair, looking out the window watching the snow fall. Wood stove glowing behind you, and telling us how things are going, what you are seeing and what your smelling! Should be fun! Glad you will still be traveling!
I agree as a house carpenter, salvage what you can, make the roof weather tight, remove the extention and you have a nice deck. The pile is reasonably easy to fix by propping and replacing with a more deeply seated pile.
I think this place has some nice "bones" but as other subs have advised. I'd start with the roof. Then I'd do the foundation and remove that front area. I would leave it as open as possible if you gonna heat with your wood stove. I'm kinda jealous of your cabin. Seems like a great place to land after playing all day.
Reno for sure, good choice Slim. As a seasoned renovator, I can see that original frame has good bones. My recommendation would be to build a good sized garage/ workshop first, somewhere to keep your tools and equipment. (and trailer) Can’t wait to see how this rolls out.
I am happy to hear that you plan to continue your travel adventures. Hopefully we will see some of your typically informative and entertaining travels through our New England states. As for the cabin I look forward to Slim Potatohead ingenuity applied to making it livable again. Bon Chance!
It's so nice to see your enthusiasm for this new project. You look healthier too, although that may just be camera angle and lighting. The open deck sounds good, but I wonder about wind direction during those harsh winter storms. That window wall offers a lot of protection from onshore winds. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the place. "Keep on truckin" as they used to say.
You have us on the hook, agree with the rest of the follower's roof first, and then the sliding foundation, that stoves a relic but will warm your bones this winter, looking forward to the next video, always keeping us entertained with your commonsense approach and Marlin Perkins video narration.
Instead of an outhouse I would install a composting toilet inside. It would be very convenient on cold nights. I love the idea of a metal roof and your removing of that extension. As for those windows...you may need them for your wall (seaside) you will be replacing. But I do love your idea of a greenhouse. If it were mine and I were 20 years younger, I would probably consider your improvements in a flash. I look forward to seeing you start on this.
I added an indoor sawdust toilet years ago (suburbs of Atlanta, GA). It looked like we would be selling before we even finished the gut job and I had just seen info on the Jenkins humanure toilet. Well we never sold but I love the simple no water, no flush and no smell method and we never bothered to reinstalled the master john. I will be adding another in 3rd B'room / laundry area. Only one kosher potty for guests !
Once the front deck frame is disconnected I would consider jacking the whole cabin up a little and put in substantial concrete posts for a new foundation. Possibly a little higher than the current cabin floor. Instead of just corners and middle I would put additional posts. I hope there are some foundation points under the center of the cabin as well.
Or even dig and pour a whole new foundation. It would be pricy and may do damage to the surroundings, but worth it in the end. You might even get a small basement storage area out of it.
Hello Slim. Nice that you touched base with us again. I can understand your enthusiasm for the cottage and look forward to seeing it restored. As you have mentioned, it is important to look after the foundation first and patch the roof. Perhaps you can spend a few weekends there as well. Good luck with your new venture.
Slim, I love, love, love this project!! I am so excited to watch the progress and then see the final project. Looking forward to some vlogs from your cabin during the snow with a fire in that woodstove. Living vicariously through your adventures!!
You are so 'right on' about this cabin and the fantastic setting. It's going to be great watching your videos of fixing it up; and making it sooooo nice. If I could- I would pitch in and lend a helping hand. It's going to be fantastic, Slim. God Bless
The icing on the cake is the view . This project if you decide to accept it will last until your golden years. Yes I would take off the extension room. The roof and foundation would be first in line . The yard clearing would be in between . Enjoy your next adventure.
Youu have a diamond in the rough! Glad you are keeping cabin instead of the nightmare of building. You will have a lovely home with a perfect view. Looking forward to the remodel!
CABIN IN THE WOODS 🌲 A cabin in the woods A. cabin with a view A cabin for Slim A cabin for me and you New places to see New adventures ahead But most of all Slim's got a HOMESTEAD
Well friend you've got a job and of you. I missed the first video of this place. You have a great imagination and I'm sure it'll look great when you get through. I'm glad to hear you're going to keep traveling. I'm sure you know that the more you do yourself the more you will save. So keep us updated and stay safe. Have a great day and keep your powder dry!
Slim, just fix what you can. We know that you are extremely handy. I am pretty sure that you can find contractors that can do small jobs here and there. And, I won't tear it down. For the looks of the cabin, it has good bones!!! Keep it up and keep traveling!!!
The lumber prices in the US have come down so Canada shouldn't be far behind. Glad to hear the addition is coming down the 4x4 holding it up should be good for a deck.
I just love this little place and I love the location. Anywhere near water suits me down to the ground plus the trees. I look forward to watching your progress with this little beauty.
Good morning 🌄. This is an great place, and has good bones to it. Yep it will be a lot cheaper to repair it than building a new house. I worked as a saw operator for over 15 years, and live in Florida now. Repair, and level the foundation would be a good start. Congratulations and blessings
Slim, what a beautiful spot you have ! Congratulations! You'll have the building in shape before you know it and you'll have lots of time to enjoy the views. You have a winner here! Thanks for bringing us along on the journey!
Slim, hello and you've done so much already to get a good feel what's ahead for your cabin? You can easily fix the worst of the wear on the roof and blue tarp all of it. Pay attention to the foundation first; we've learned this lesson here in Florida with the collapse of the Surfside high-rise Condo building! Obviously, there is no hurry since your Spud-shack has not been used in the past three decades and you have other living arrangements to fall back on. Like my hubby used to say: "... the house will still be here even when I am long gone" Enjoy the process!
How wonderful that you have found a perfect place. I am truly happy for you. I too once found a perfect place on the shore of Lake Superior with over 200 feet of shoreline and rocky outcroppings on either side of the property that gave the shoreline privacy. It had road access and power. Alas, I had to let my heaven on earth go to someone else when I discovered the price was $5,000,000.
I'm really excited for this. I love the creative mods you do to your trailer, a cottage should be amazing. For a kayak, maybe an electric winch to bring it up top? or just build a dock. Not sure what laws exist for you to build one on the water.
your monarch model 24 does indeed have asbestos in it. however is fine to use, just dont try to dissassemble or remove it without proper ppe. cheers mate
Nice digs Slim. I'm sure a guy with your abilities will be able to handle most projects. I would start with the roof as it will protect the rest of your restoration. Take care and stay safe, my friend.
Slim, insurance adjuster here and a former contractor. Just a word of advice, start with the roof. Your video shows that it is near life expectancy on the front as well. Bite the bullet, if in budget, and start there as it will protect any other investment that you make. Great project! Love the videos.
Agree, get that fixed first.
A new roof and rain gutters, barrels to catch rain water
You can't really start there first, though. The back porch roof needs to come off before a new cabin roof goes on, and if that comes off, then the back wall of the cabin would have to be rebuilt before even that.
I think foundation first due to snow coming and it would mess up a roof job with later adjustments to foundation.
Totally agree get a roof on it first.
Love that you’re saving the cozy little cottage. Where I grew up they are Tearing them down and building these hideous monster homes . It’s so sad.
As an engineer, my biggest concern would be the foundation - tilting & rotting. What else could be going on under there? Fixing foundation issues can be very costly. My first choice, with it being an investment, would be to buy a small rustic cabin kit and place it somewhere else on the property and use the existing structure for a workshop and storage. My best friend just completed a totally off grid solar cabin kit in the mountains and it's a place I hate leaving. However, if you're sold on fixing it up, the priorities should be as follows - foundation, roof (including tear down of extension), exterior, and then the interior.
This property fixer is a good material for videos for the next 2-3 years. Congratulations 👏
Are you going to name the cabin? Ya know something like "The Potatoe Bin"......?
The spud shack lol.
Carbohydrate Hut?
Slims tater hut!
Yukon Gold.
Looks more like a root cellar in quality :P
Your narration is perfect. Proud of you for taking this on, takes guts and stamina. You're doing a great job. 🙂👍
This is going to be fun to follow!
Knocking down the extension is the right choice. But maybe you can still use the main structure as the base for the deck.
Here on the Missouri River we have to cut steps and lay either stones or boards for steps. If the boards get wet it is a slipping hazard.
Nice investment Slim, your own little slice of heaven.
Location, location, location! The view and owning ocean front property makes it well worth it! Looking forward to the rebuild!
I'm really grateful for your honest but positive outlook on the process. You've been a truly calming voice in a year of tumult - so thank you for that. :) I cannot wait to see what happens next with the Spud Shack!
Oh my Lord. I can hear the song "spud shack baby spud shack" perfect 👍👍👍
Love "Spud Shack"!
Get the B-52s to redo their video on site
OR
Have Weird Al Yankovic do a parody, "The Spud Shack"
In either case, Slim could have a cameo in the video as the older dancer groovin' with the other dancers like in the original!😁
I agree that his voice is so calming. I have several serious health issues that cause horrible anxiety. Last night, his voice vis the only way i was able to relax without using large doses of meds. Plus I love hearing about his adventures. God bless you and yours.
Good morning, Slim! Yes, after all the renovations and repairs have been done, you're going to have a fantastic cabin to call home. I hope you'll let us follow along as you move toward that goal.
Your idea to tear off the addition and create a deck is spot on. The structure of the cabin appears to be quite sound, except for straightening the piers, as you said. Don't forget space for storage: you must own a great many tools and a plethora of camera equipment. Oh! I can't wait to see this unfold. I love renovation projects. My hall bathroom renovation begins in two weeks! I can't wait!
Glad you closed the screen door at the end of the video. Don't want to let the bugs in. 🤣
Roof and foundation are your most important first projects. Great fun recreating in your style. I’ll enjoy the journey.
Slim, this is so exciting! So cool to be a little part of this new adventure of yours!
So, I have my small contribution here from a family of construction engineers and cabin dwellers. Firstly, and somebody already mentioned that here, please work with geodesists to insure your cabin gets appropriate support without drainage damage. Then put good roof on. Doesn’t have to be metal but more importantly very well insulated! Then be creative and make it cozy. Now, we have a cabin in the woods for ever, our heaven on earth. There three mostly important things we love and I wish you had at the end - a good wood burner with the stove to cook (we ended up also having outdoor summer kitchen gazebo style), composting toilet for all seasons and, most favorite, sauna ( waterfront property must all year round). Also consider a generator for emergency use even when you have a power line or solar.
It’s going to be great! You will be very happy there!
I am much more optimistic about this now. Looks like first move is to find a House leveling company. They can jack that up a small amount (or even one area at a time) and straighten those blocks and reset them straight. Second thing I would consider is having the front roof covered with snow and ice shield roll roofing. Next rebuild the back wall that was taken out fixing the rotten portions as well. Then remove the add on so that you can snow and ice shield the back half of the original roof. Then you can look at metal roofing. With gutters you could collect rain water to fill a cistern although it might be better to put a cistern near the road and have water delivered that has been treated. Some areas that is common some not so much. Hard to tell from video but cistern by road might be high enough for gravity feed and actually have decent water pressure without a pump. Also not sure of climate for freezing. Local septic/cistern sales folk might be more help on that. Also suspect that you will find it hard to have septic tank due to no soil for drain field and strong codes due to tidal basin below you. Might not be able to get occupancy permit if they have such. As to a trail to the shore, you should look at switch backs on a trail as the direct way you went down will cause erosion over time. By going less steep back and forth across the hill you do not create a easy pathway for the water to gain speed and eat into the hillside. Anything straight up and down the hill is bad for it. Also trim up any trees you cut for thinning and lay beside the trail on the uphill side to divert the water and break up it's speed. It will cut it's own shallow ditch over time. Hard to tell if that old stove is worth it. Back then they sold a lot of sheet metal stoves that were not very efficient. If it is heavy cast iron that will retain heat it might work, but you need to see if it is refractory brick lined or asbestos lined. The stove pipe above with the damper is an easy fix. Just replace it with new. But also check that it is double or triple wall pipe from the interior ceiling and all the way above to the rain cap. If not that needs to be fixed for fire hazard. Yes those beams in the back can be reused for the deck you want and much can be salvaged. Seems like it is workable, but you might look into alternate heat for when you are away. Counting on a wood stove for the only heat is no good if you are going to have water lines and such. I lived that way for five years but I also put in a furnace for when the fire went out. Which was every time I left the cabin for more than an hour or two. Christmas day at my sisters an hour away? fire went out and furnace saved the pipes. You get the picture. Plus buying firewood is not cheap and you do not have enough land to supply your own. Plan on another heat source with the wood fire for atmosphere and pleasure when you are there. It is a pretty nice place for weekends but living full time might be a challenge. That is a lot of trees for solar and orientation matters which way is south or south west and how much sun does it get. There are solar calculators online that will help you estimate the cost/benefit of solar for that area. Being on the water like that I bet you get a lot of fog in some seasons. That will cut into your hours of sun light a bunch. Also so coastal areas are prone to cloudy days like the British Isles. Just not enough sun to make solar work very well. Just some thoughts and hope it helps.
It's funny how the wood "leveling" has two meanings in this context.
Mark Pashia - Your comment is really interesting, as far as I could get. BUT with no paragraphing, it is very, very difficult to read. Please repost with a line (hit "enter" twice) after every paragraph - i.e., each time you switch to another issue or topic or subject insert a line to separate.
@@wendyweaver8749 I am much more optimistic about this now. Looks like first move is to find a House leveling company. They can jack that up a small amount (or even one area at a time) and straighten those blocks and reset them straight.
Second thing I would consider is having the front roof covered with snow and ice shield roll roofing.
Next rebuild the back wall that was taken out fixing the rotten portions as well. Then remove the add on so that you can snow and ice shield the back half of the original roof.
Then you can look at metal roofing. With gutters you could collect rain water to fill a cistern although it might be better to put a cistern near the road and have water delivered that has been treated. Some areas that is common some not so much. Hard to tell from video but cistern by road might be high enough for gravity feed and actually have decent water pressure without a pump. Also not sure of climate for freezing. Local septic/cistern sales folk might be more help on that. Also suspect that you will find it hard to have septic tank due to no soil for drain field and strong codes due to tidal basin below you. Might not be able to get occupancy permit if they have such.
As to a trail to the shore, you should look at switch backs on a trail as the direct way you went down will cause erosion over time. By going less steep back and forth across the hill you do not create a easy pathway for the water to gain speed and eat into the hillside. Anything straight up and down the hill is bad for it.
Also trim up any trees you cut for thinning and lay beside the trail on the uphill side to divert the water and break up it's speed. It will cut it's own shallow ditch over time.
Hard to tell if that old stove is worth it. Back then they sold a lot of sheet metal stoves that were not very efficient. If it is heavy cast iron that will retain heat it might work, but you need to see if it is refractory brick lined or asbestos lined. The stove pipe above with the damper is an easy fix. Just replace it with new. But also check that it is double or triple wall pipe from the interior ceiling and all the way above to the rain cap. If not that needs to be fixed for fire hazard.
Yes those beams in the back can be reused for the deck you want and much can be salvaged. Seems like it is workable, but you might look into alternate heat for when you are away. Counting on a wood stove for the only heat is no good if you are going to have water lines and such. I lived that way for five years but I also put in a furnace for when the fire went out. Which was every time I left the cabin for more than an hour or two. Christmas day at my sisters an hour away? fire went out and furnace saved the pipes. You get the picture. Plus buying firewood is not cheap and you do not have enough land to supply your own. Plan on another heat source with the wood fire for atmosphere and pleasure when you are there.
It is a pretty nice place for weekends but living full time might be a challenge. That is a lot of trees for solar and orientation matters which way is south or south west and how much sun does it get. There are solar calculators online that will help you estimate the cost/benefit of solar for that area. Being on the water like that I bet you get a lot of fog in some seasons. That will cut into your hours of sun light a bunch. Also so coastal areas are prone to cloudy days like the British Isles. Just not enough sun to make solar work very well. Just some thoughts and hope it helps.
Good advice. Helped me too as I am also looking for a place to fix up and get out of Central AZ. I hate it here. Getting too danged big for my tastes. So, I'm wanting to get out of her-WAY OUT.
What a beautiful place to live. If anyone can bring that place back to life it's you. Thanks for sharing.
Slim, I’m so happy you found such a great spot and such a great project for yourself. Thanks for the update, I look forward to more. Take care and thank you.
Anyone who takes on such a project is going to run into many unknown problems! Having the guts to take down the first board is what will get you through the renovation. How much land goes with the property? Do you have neighbors? You can, if the weather permits, camp here on the land. In short…..this is a diy dream come true! A fantastic view, the potential for a cozy cabin and as you have demonstrated in the past, the ability to complete such a project. I am so happy for you and like the others who follow you, look forward to following you on this adventure! Love from Colorado, USA. Thanxz
JMHO: I like the idea of an "Open Deck." BUT: Keep it covered. A covered deck will last a long long time. If you allow weather to come down on the wood deck it will need replacing every ten or fifteen years or so. My deck lasted 25 years and it was in dangerous condition when I finally put a new one on...but the portion that was covered by the eves of the roof was in perfect condition. I left that part and had to replace100% of the uncovered portion. If you can keep it covered in the long run it will save you thousands of dollars AND TIME and stress. A wood deck will need pressure washing and new stain EVERY YEAR. A covered deck might need washing but not staining however new stain always looks nice. JMHO
Absolutely keep a roof over it. Speaking from experience. We started out with an open deck. Several years later we put a roof over it and then screened in the "porch". During the winter, we wrap it with 6 ml plastic. This helps insulate that side of our home from the prevailing winter winds. All of this is done to have maximum usage of our deck/porch, all seasons of the year.
In summer, it's a nice way to spend time outdoors when it's raining. Outdoor furniture is both protected and usable all 4 seasons. It's a temporary storage area, from time to time. A place to keep store lumber for a project. A place to store extra firewood in the winter.
It is definitely an outdoor escape from summer insects!!! That alone makes a screened porch worthwhile.
Congratulations on taking on saving a slice of paradise! So tarps over the roof, cribbing and jacks underneath, and direct the flow of water away from underneath the structure. Get the structure bone dry before you salvage materials. Anyplace that looks even a little damp now spray down with a garden sprayer with bleach and water. Be generous in application! My abandoned cabin was a mouse house for decades then we took it back. Best of luck and happiness there.
Fabulous location! Cabin seems repairable. Local building rules and budget constraints will guide your process I'm sure. LOVE the greenhouse idea from those old windows. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Hi Slim, thanks for the tour. We bought a lakefront cabin built in 1913 in ‘99 that was literally falling into the lake. The footers were disintegrating, so we poured new footers….everything had to be rebuilt, BUT it’s a beautiful place now, and like your cabin will be, many memories over the years have been well worth all the efforts we put into our little slice of heaven 😊. Looking forward to your update!
I'm ticked pink for you! You have your own little piece of Heaven. Doing away with the front addition in favor of a deck is perfect. I'd make it a screened porch (bugs). Lot of work, but it'll be well worth it.
My wife and I really enjoy your show, you look happy with your new home, we wish you the best of luck .
Great to see you back again slim. I will be very surprised if you do not get offers of help on this project from some of your subscribers. I would certainly be one if I lived closer. Maybe I should plan a trip from Ontario in the new year with my camper and work belt of course.
I was think the same. That maybe it become a new series for the channel. Help Potato build. Invite other retired people or youtubers that contact you. It surely will bring extra views but also increase subscribers.
Look at what youtuber channel Bobblehead Homestead is doing.
@Ronald Cumpsty He’s on the east coast somewhere I believe. At least closer than west where he once was!
I’m not an expert on cabin restoration by any means but am so delighted you decided to take on this renovation project. Call me crazy but I love old cabins, houses and hate seeing them torn down to be replaced with brand new. I’m excited to see how you work with what you have.👍😍
This place is going to be amazing when you’re done with the reno. I’m seeing the waterfront view in my head and an awesome cabin. Congratulations Slim! You seem so happy and I’m happy for you!
You have a hidden treasure to unbury...some of your ideas are great and as you put them in play other ideas will develop. I will enjoy your journey.
I have always thought that having a "landing spot" would be an ideal setup for a nomad. I consider myself a part time nomad as I love to travel and wander, but also enjoy a home to escape from my wanderings. I love your place as a place to just kick back and enjoy a little respite from the wanderings, which can produce their own sets of stresses. The main thing I saw you may have missed is, I would treat all wood exposed to the elements with a preservative and use treated lumber or plastic lumber there. I am to old and crippled up to take on a challenge like that, but love the location. CONGRATULATIONS!
You always need a place to keep your stuff and rest up for next adventures.
Wow, Slim! You have been busy! Beautiful land! And some fun projects! My parents bought a run down old shack like that in the Rocky Mountains in 1969. If anything it was significantly more run down than yours actually. But it turned out to be one of the best moves of their amazing lives. I wish the same joy and adventure for you. .... As my mom said, “little by little.” And “it’s the journey not the destination!”
I've heated with wood for close to 40 years, so take this for what it's worth. My advice is to get rid of the woodstove, and replace the pipes (do this regardless). Check Craigslist or whatever the Canadian equivalent is for a replacement if you don't want to spend for a new stove. If you're going to spend your winters there a good stove will pay for itself in both lower wood usage and comfort. That cabin isn't very well insulated so, when in doubt, go bigger on the stove. I highly recommend the Jotul Carrabassett. Birch is nature's perfect firewood.
Birch? We do oak and any other hardwood. Being loggers though makes it easy though.
I doubt he will be spending his winters here.
The used old 1970-80's weldement and fire brick woodstoves are EXCELLENT. New stoves are significantly on backorder. I have loads of stoves here (like 7-10) cookstoves and woodstoves.
@@trevors8577 Birch is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae.
Love the squeaky door. Location. Location. Location.
Yes, a metal, snow will shed off and the sound of rain is magical.
I agree do not tear the whole thing down. Use and reuse what you have it will be great.
Love the idea of repurposing the windows for a greenhouse.
Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
I wonder who the camera assistant was...old Slim, he always adds some mystery. The squeaky hinges are a great touch.
I’ve never seen a more challenging project. You are ambitious. You have much confidence. It is a beautiful area. The best of everything to you. Hoping you have help.
Metal shipping containers can be a water-tight, cost effective alternative for a storage/work shop area. I agree with the composting toilet suggestions.
Yes, I was just going to mention a composting toilet, though I have no experience with it. Just enough experience with an outhouse to recommend trying something else. 🙂 Good luck, Slim.
You can do this slim. You have a wonderful mind and we all believe in you. God bless you Slim.
Casual, sensible timeline. Would have expected nothing less. So refreshing to see someone taking time to think, "What do I NEED to do, what do I WANT to do and what do I HAVE to do to make the place work for me?" I think that traveling and exposure to all different people, places and things has given you a very pragmatic point of veiw. Good JOB!
Slim, you have a wonderful place to restore & call HOME! Taking the addition with all the windows will be a good move, as you said to have less to heat & you don't need all that room. You have been use to small space in living & this will be a large area to spread your wings. I have restored 7 homes in my life. Like your present place had a home like that when got it. Took me a few years to restore totally. The rewards of restoration are priceless. I remember cassette decks I have a boat load of cassette tapes & play them often! LOL! You say Travel still. Oh a contractor? Never used one. I was going to say once you get working on the place time disappears & you stay 100 mph on working to get done what needs get'n done. I wish you the best & then some. Always, Tommy :-)
I don't know about permits up there but around here you never demolish something, you renovate it and that makes a big difference. They may not allow you to build a "new" deck, however you can renovate an existing deck. In the states especially here, "existing" can mean the difference between being able to do something and not. So before you lift a finger, make sure you know what the permitting and regulations are in your area. Even working on that foundation could be affected, so tread carefully. Looking forward to your future work and updates.
In Alberta permits aren’t needed if you are using the same footprint & not extending or moving things from their original location
Slim, what a great place! I think your rationale is typically very sound. I think I would attack this project the same way you have chosen. The addition is repairable, but you have no need for it. An open deck will be more pleasant in warmer months. I salute your energy and resolve! Looking forward to seeing this place come to life.😄
Congratulations! I am looking forward to the transformation.
Slim…first of all, thank you for talking! You have a fantastic voice for narrating! (It shouldn’t be silent)! Second, wow I can see you sitting in a chair, looking out the window watching the snow fall. Wood stove glowing behind you, and telling us how things are going, what you are seeing and what your smelling! Should be fun!
Glad you will still be traveling!
I agree as a house carpenter, salvage what you can, make the roof weather tight, remove the extention and you have a nice deck. The pile is reasonably easy to fix by propping and replacing with a more deeply seated pile.
A nice slice of heaven you have there!
I cant wait to follow this. I hope you'll let us follow along as you move toward that goal
I think the cabin is awesome. And it's right down your alley. I hope you continue to show us the progress. 😊👍👍
I think this place has some nice "bones" but as other subs have advised. I'd start with the roof.
Then I'd do the foundation and remove that front area.
I would leave it as open as possible if you gonna heat with your wood stove.
I'm kinda jealous of your cabin.
Seems like a great place to land after playing all day.
I hope you can save the old stove, if anyone can you can. I often see old cabins and wish I could do what you are doing. What a beautiful spot.
Reno for sure, good choice Slim. As a seasoned renovator, I can see that original frame has good bones.
My recommendation would be to build a good sized garage/ workshop first, somewhere to keep your tools and equipment. (and trailer)
Can’t wait to see how this rolls out.
Hey slim congratulations on your little slice of heaven ,I'm looking forward to seeing your progress .It's just beautifull even the way it is now
I am happy to hear that you plan to continue your travel adventures. Hopefully we will see some of your typically informative and entertaining travels through our New England states. As for the cabin I look forward to Slim Potatohead ingenuity applied to making it livable again. Bon Chance!
OMG... I am soooooo looking forward to watching this project unfold... 😁👍💯☀️👌
It's so nice to see your enthusiasm for this new project. You look healthier too, although that may just be camera angle and lighting. The open deck sounds good, but I wonder about wind direction during those harsh winter storms. That window wall offers a lot of protection from onshore winds. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the place. "Keep on truckin" as they used to say.
You have us on the hook, agree with the rest of the follower's roof first, and then the sliding foundation, that stoves a relic but will warm your bones this winter, looking forward to the next video, always keeping us entertained with your commonsense approach and Marlin Perkins video narration.
Instead of an outhouse I would install a composting toilet inside. It would be very convenient on cold nights. I love the idea of a metal roof and your removing of that extension. As for those windows...you may need them for your wall (seaside) you will be replacing. But I do love your idea of a greenhouse. If it were mine and I were 20 years younger, I would probably consider your improvements in a flash. I look forward to seeing you start on this.
I added an indoor sawdust toilet years ago (suburbs of Atlanta, GA). It looked like we would be selling before we even finished the gut job and I had just seen info on the Jenkins humanure toilet. Well we never sold but I love the simple no water, no flush and no smell method and we never bothered to reinstalled the master john. I will be adding another in 3rd B'room / laundry area. Only one kosher potty for guests !
Others focus on problems; you focus on potential. I like that! 👍
Once the front deck frame is disconnected I would consider jacking the whole cabin up a little and put in substantial concrete posts for a new foundation. Possibly a little higher than the current cabin floor. Instead of just corners and middle I would put additional posts. I hope there are some foundation points under the center of the cabin as well.
Or even dig and pour a whole new foundation. It would be pricy and may do damage to the surroundings, but worth it in the end. You might even get a small basement storage area out of it.
Hello Slim. Nice that you touched base with us again. I can understand your enthusiasm for the cottage and look forward to seeing it restored. As you have mentioned, it is important to look after the foundation first and patch the roof. Perhaps you can spend a few weekends there as well. Good luck with your new venture.
Slim, I love, love, love this project!! I am so excited to watch the progress and then see the final project. Looking forward to some vlogs from your cabin during the snow with a fire in that woodstove. Living vicariously through your adventures!!
You are so 'right on' about this cabin and the fantastic setting. It's going to be great watching your videos of fixing it up; and making it sooooo nice. If I could- I would pitch in and lend a helping hand. It's going to be fantastic, Slim. God Bless
I’ve made many mistakes of tearing down before I really understood the problem, you have a beautiful property I’m excited to watch your progress.
The icing on the cake is the view . This project if you decide to accept it will last until your golden years. Yes I would take off the extension room. The roof and foundation would be first in line . The yard clearing would be in between . Enjoy your next adventure.
This one will be fun. I like your idea for a deck. Good luck!! I'll be watching. Cheers!! 🤓
Youu have a diamond in the rough! Glad you are keeping cabin instead of the nightmare of building. You will have a lovely home with a perfect view. Looking forward to the remodel!
you have lots of work ahead. good luck and stay safe.
What a great spot! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with it.
loads of potential, looks like a fun project hope you bring us along.
A project of love. Good for you Slim.
CABIN IN THE WOODS
🌲
A cabin in the woods
A. cabin with a view
A cabin for Slim
A cabin for me and you
New places to see
New adventures ahead
But most of all
Slim's got a HOMESTEAD
A little piece of heaven on earth...happy its yours....keep going and be safe
You should build a screened in porch, a must in insect season.
Well friend you've got a job and of you. I missed the first video of this place. You have a great imagination and I'm sure it'll look great when you get through. I'm glad to hear you're going to keep traveling. I'm sure you know that the more you do yourself the more you will save. So keep us updated and stay safe. Have a great day and keep your powder dry!
It's absolutely beautiful. Ok it does need a little stabilization underneath. The view is amazing.
Slim, just fix what you can. We know that you are extremely handy. I am pretty sure that you can find contractors that can do small jobs here and there. And, I won't tear it down. For the looks of the cabin, it has good bones!!! Keep it up and keep traveling!!!
This looks like a great opportunity for yourself Slim, and I feel you have a great idea on what to do with the building.
You got this Slim! Slow and steady buddy! You are brilliant and will figure it all out. Recycling the windows is a great idea! Perpetual progress
The lumber prices in the US have come down so Canada shouldn't be far behind. Glad to hear the addition is coming down the 4x4 holding it up should be good for a deck.
yep.. lumber prices have fallen a great deal here.. almost back to normal with just a little inflation
A month ago plywood was $68. Now $ 26. Tucson area. I need 10 sheets
Prices came Down we’re
Because I’m in the middle of a
Home extension. And lumber
Is as high as ever 🤣😂😂
Yep. It’s almost back to pre-spike prices. Plywood is still a bit elevated in my area (Georgia)
I would love to see you Slim working on the house and watching the progress ,it would be beautiful lived in I wish you the best luck with it .
Looks like some good “bones” to the house, agree with other to make the roof your first priority.
I’d get that foundation sorted out first thing.....
I just love this little place and I love the location. Anywhere near water suits me down to the ground plus the trees. I look forward to watching your progress with this little beauty.
Good morning 🌄. This is an great place, and has good bones to it. Yep it will be a lot cheaper to repair it than building a new house. I worked as a saw operator for over 15 years, and live in Florida now. Repair, and level the foundation would be a good start. Congratulations and blessings
I’m looking forward to seeing all you do with your new cabin!
Love the place and will be very happy to see what you do with it.
Congrats on your new project. The view is worth it!!
Slim, what a beautiful spot you have ! Congratulations! You'll have the building in shape before you know it and you'll have lots of time to enjoy the views. You have a winner here! Thanks for bringing us along on the journey!
Slim, those windows are fabulous! Have fun with the fix up!
Leave that door till the very last, when the project is almost done ... that squeak just add something nostalgic to this cottage ... have fun
That squeak should stay, people pay lots of money for such classic sounding squeaks these days
A serene, peaceful, sanctuary. Great find slim.
I have been following your channel. I really look forward to see new ventures of yours ! All the best with your cottage venture !!!
Slim, hello and you've done so much already to get a good feel what's ahead for your cabin? You can easily fix the worst of the wear on the roof and blue tarp all of it. Pay attention to the foundation first; we've learned this lesson here in Florida with the collapse of the Surfside high-rise Condo building! Obviously, there is no hurry since your Spud-shack has not been used in the past three decades and you have other living arrangements to fall back on. Like my hubby used to say: "... the house will still be here even when I am long gone" Enjoy the process!
That's amazing, I bought that stereo at Cantire when I was 13!
lol
great project. i am a retired 71yo carpenter, and in my younger days i would have loved a project like that
How wonderful that you have found a perfect place. I am truly happy for you. I too once found a perfect place on the shore of Lake Superior with over 200 feet of shoreline and rocky outcroppings on either side of the property that gave the shoreline privacy. It had road access and power. Alas, I had to let my heaven on earth go to someone else when I discovered the price was $5,000,000.
Well done you!!
Pam Flowers Haha.. that was a rude awakening!!
That cabin has fantastic possibilities. You can really make a wonderful place of it. I think you made a great buy. Enjoy.
Foundation first, then the roof next.:)
I like how the drone followed you down to the waters edge, very clever.
I'm really excited for this. I love the creative mods you do to your trailer, a cottage should be amazing. For a kayak, maybe an electric winch to bring it up top? or just build a dock. Not sure what laws exist for you to build one on the water.
I love your cabin Slim it has a ton of potential and the view will always be there.
your monarch model 24 does indeed have asbestos in it. however is fine to use, just dont try to dissassemble or remove it without proper ppe. cheers mate
Nice digs Slim. I'm sure a guy with your abilities will be able to handle most projects. I would start with the roof as it will protect the rest of your restoration. Take care and stay safe, my friend.