Joined: Sep 02, 2005 Posts: 2969 Location: In a Nigerian compound surrounded by mighty dignataries
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:18 am Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed
frankthetank wrote:
I'd live in a shed in a heartbeat.
Can you insulate it?
On our old aluminum shed/cabin, we duct taped 1 inch thick styrofoam between the wood studs. Very cheap and effective. _________________ In other words, it's a huge sh*t sandwich, and we're all gonna have to take a bite.-from Full Metal Jacket
Joined: Sep 14, 2004 Posts: 6466 Location: Rural Virginia
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
Madpaddy wrote:
Kudos Heineken.
I'ld put up a mezzanine floor for my sleeping space and line the inside walls with that thin foam with the relective backing for insulation. Maybe a small solar fan to keep the place ventilated and mould free (possibly not a problem where you live).
Hi Mad!
Just now returning from "Silverdeer." I finished 95% of the deck yesterday. It was very pleasant sitting on it last evening, exhausted from my labors, having dinner, and sipping Jack Daniel's and Coke. Watching the darkness coming on and listening the stange night-critter sounds.
This morning after breakfast (Starbucks iced coffee, trail mix, yogurt, and canned fruit) I spent about four hours weeding the long, long rows of loblolly pine seedlings before packing up and heading out on the 90-minute trip back "north."
Actually there is a high, long, strong shelf that could serve as a sleeping loft. I'd just have to do a little carpentering to modify it, and add a ladder.
But it would be too hot up there, much of the year.
Although, by morning, I was actually shivering in my summer-weight sleeping bag. Got pretty chilly! I almost certainly will do some insulation work. _________________ "Actually, humans died out long ago."
---Abused, abandoned hunting dog
"Things have entered a stage where the only change that is possible is for things to get worse."
---Me and my brother
Joined: Sep 02, 2005 Posts: 2969 Location: In a Nigerian compound surrounded by mighty dignataries
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
Heineken wrote:
But it would be too hot up there, much of the year.
Heineken,
Are the studs strong enough to rig a hammock? I have found brazilian nylon hammocks a comfortable solution to sleeping in hot weather. _________________ In other words, it's a huge sh*t sandwich, and we're all gonna have to take a bite.-from Full Metal Jacket
Joined: Sep 14, 2004 Posts: 6466 Location: Rural Virginia
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:40 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
Yes, the studs should be strong enough, Mule. They're on 16-inch centers, and there's a double top plate. I could do further reinforcing. I'll keep your good idea in mind as I learn more about the characteristics of sleeping down there.
For now I'm sleeping on a Field and Stream collapsible cot (you can see it in one of the photos) with a sleeping bag on it. It's been comfortable, but the two nights I've spent there have been uncharacteristically cool. I figured on a hot night I could sleep on top of the sleeping bag instead of in it. _________________ "Actually, humans died out long ago."
---Abused, abandoned hunting dog
"Things have entered a stage where the only change that is possible is for things to get worse."
---Me and my brother
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:15 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
For security purposes, anything that gives the impression that the shed is occupied is highly effective at keeping undesirables at a distance.
I put an old pickup truck and some junk in front of my place, and leave a solar-powered light and radio on constantly. For lighting you could do something as simple as obtaining a solar landscape light and reconfiguring it. If you disassemble it and place the solar collector on the roof and aim the led light at a window through a curtain, it would be much better than darkness at night. _________________ "I eat the pretzel, it get stuck in the throat and I pass out..." - George W Bush
March 7, 2007 Remarks by the President to Political Appointees
Joined: Sep 14, 2004 Posts: 6466 Location: Rural Virginia
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 2:11 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
I leave nothing in the cabin to steal, except an old broom, a trash can, and a small table. You can look in the window and that's what you see.
Vandalism is the risk.
However, I would emphasize that the location is pretty secure. To get to it you have to drive a mile off-road through a dairy farm; the farmer's house is right at the turnoff into the right-of-way. The right of way is crossed by several electric fences.
Also, along the right-of-way, before you get to my land, is a clubhouse belonging to the hunt club that leases the 600 acres that surround my 50 on two sides (the farmer's land is on the third side, and the fourth side is occupied by a mysterious, private wildnerness called "Hyde Park Estate"; it's gated and appears to be patrolled. I am friendly with the hunt club and let them hunt on my land for free. They are older, sensible, trustworthy guys.
I don't plan to leave lights on or old trucks around.
Even if some nut burns the place down, I'm glad I've had the experience. It was worth it. _________________ "Actually, humans died out long ago."
---Abused, abandoned hunting dog
"Things have entered a stage where the only change that is possible is for things to get worse."
---Me and my brother
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 4:06 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
Heineken wrote:
I don't plan to leave lights on or old trucks around.
Heineken, it sounds like your property is in a good location and what you are doing blends in nicely with the surroundings.
But in many rural and suburban locations, structures that appear to be abandoned or vacant are being stripped clean by tweakers and other undesirables. My location is no exception and several nearby unoccupied homes have been virtually cleaned out.
A few items have been stolen from my place and I have since taken measures to give the appearance that the home is occupied. These measures seem to be working and I have not had further problems with theft or vandalism.
In addition to the lights, radio and old truck, I make use of the small but steady winds to produce sounds that resemble human activity. I have several objects that bang against something, and one particularly effective item is a small door with creaky hinges that is attached to a wall.
The impression I would like to make is that the home is occupied by a hard-core redneck, so I play Country & Western music and have the exterior decorated appropriately. It seems to scare away the tweakers.
Again, it depends on the location. Some areas are worse than others. _________________ "I eat the pretzel, it get stuck in the throat and I pass out..." - George W Bush
March 7, 2007 Remarks by the President to Political Appointees
Joined: Dec 26, 2006 Posts: 257 Location: Eastern Washington
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:35 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
Looks interesting, but I thought you had to take care of your folks and couldn't really move? Is this place just for you (if it actually gets to the point of leaving everything behind)? _________________ "Those who long for exaltation look upwards, but I look downward for I am the exalted."
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:52 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
I believe the ULTIMATE end times home would be a cellar type underground. That way you take advantage of the insulation value of the earth and will be cool all summer and warm all winter.
I built an earth sheltered home one time and it was wonderful. You can heat that with solar passive heat very easily. ANYONE can learn to lay concrete block and build one honestly. I think for what you ppl want, even a precast concrete small bldg would be good. Or a storm shelter that they bring out and place in the ground.
I saw a TV show about a man who dug a huge underground complex with open areas and fruit trees in those etc. Was neat. Of course, it takes WORK and most ppl wont do that. But remember NO HEAT or COOLING if you do that. Very nice living conditions. And hidden from most ppl.
Joined: Aug 03, 2006 Posts: 4290 Location: Graceland
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:11 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
Very nice, Heineken. I have always thought that approach would make for a great shelter.
It sort of has a Unabomber feel to it. Very austere.
Every time I walk out of a big box store with storage sheds outside I explain to my wife what a great little shelter they would make. I always deliver it like it's the first time I've ever thought of it, and she dutifully looks at me like I am insane every time.
joeltrout, I checked out those small cabins you linked to and I have decided upon "The Ridgedale."
All I need now is $32,500 and a wife mind control device and I should be good to go. _________________
Joined: Oct 04, 2004 Posts: 5425 Location: Oklahoma
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:29 pm Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
BigTex wrote:
All I need now is $32,500 and a wife mind control device and I should be good to go.
When you get finished with the mind control device, would you please pass it on to my husband? Thanks.
My mom just informed me that all the sheds at the local big box are 20% off for a few days. We may pick up 1 or 2 of them; we've been planning to do so this year anyway, and that's a pretty good discount.
Thanks for those tips, gw! _________________ "Every junkie's like a setting sun..." - Neil Young
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 2:17 am Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
joelcolorado wrote:
I saw a TV show about a man who dug a huge underground complex with open areas and fruit trees in those etc. Was neat. Of course, it takes WORK and most ppl wont do that. But remember NO HEAT or COOLING if you do that. Very nice living conditions. And hidden from most ppl.
Ah, you must be referring to the Forestiere Underground Gardens in NorCal. Forestiere worked as a subway tunnel digger in New York before he purchased land in California with hopes of starting a farm and raising a family. The property turned out to be unsuitable for agriculture due to hardpan just below the surface. He started digging out the hardpan by hand to escape the heat. What an amazing feat. _________________ "I eat the pretzel, it get stuck in the throat and I pass out..." - George W Bush
March 7, 2007 Remarks by the President to Political Appointees
Joined: Sep 14, 2004 Posts: 6466 Location: Rural Virginia
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 6:38 am Post subject: Re: I Buys Me a Shed for a Cabin---PICTURES!
Shannymara wrote:
BigTex wrote:
All I need now is $32,500 and a wife mind control device and I should be good to go.
When you get finished with the mind control device, would you please pass it on to my husband? Thanks.
My mom just informed me that all the sheds at the local big box are 20% off for a few days. We may pick up 1 or 2 of them; we've been planning to do so this year anyway, and that's a pretty good discount.
Thanks for those tips, gw!
Shanny, be careful when buying a shed from a big-box outlet. They are often poorly built. I recommend buying a shed from a smaller store that specializes only in sheds.
Things to look for: studs on 16-inch centers, at least 15/32 plywood, double top plate, strong rafters 24 inches or less on center, good siding (avoid vinyl; T-1-11 is good). Check the flooring and "foundation" system carefully, too. You want the shed resting on plenty of treated 4 x 4s (mine has five, one for each two feet of width). The floor should feel solid and have no "give" when you walk on it. Make sure the doors and windows are fitted properly and close and lock smoothly.
The joists are generally 2 x 4s, which is fine if there are enough 4 x 4s under them.
When the shed is installed use a long level to check for levelness in both directions. Setting up a shed properly is an art. My 10 x 14 has nine piers of blocks; the installer said this is state-of-the-art. Later on you will want to anchor the shed to the ground if it is located in an area with potential windstorms. There are various ways of doing this.
The shed man I bought from had nothing but contempt for big-box sheds and listed the many deficiencies they often suffer from, including hasty and poor set-up. _________________ "Actually, humans died out long ago."
---Abused, abandoned hunting dog
"Things have entered a stage where the only change that is possible is for things to get worse."
---Me and my brother
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