Building a small cabin to live in

[i'm nobody]

I'm getting ready to build my first cabin while I save up for a proper house. I want to build a simple, small cabin to live in that's simple enough to be built without needing a permit. I'm taking a lot of inspiration from the cabin Dave Whipple built. It seems like a great project. Also, he used rough cut lumber and I plan on using regular dimensional lumber. Will that work the same? Have you ever built a tiny cabin yourself? What are some things you learned that a beginner should know?

The cabin measures 10 by 12. In 10x12, why do I see so many tiny structures? Wouldn't using 12x12 be simpler? I would rather use 12x12 if there is no reason not to.

So I'm wondering whether the roof would be a problem with the snow accumulation, but he insists it isn't. It is a modest building with a metal roof.

In the video, he makes use of a camp stove. I'd like to put in a better wood stove than a camp stove. Do you have any suggestions?
To make it easier to satisfy code, I had thought of purchasing a liberator and moving it to the house after it was finished. However, based on my limited knowledge of rocket stoves, I think the liberator could be unnecessary in this small cabin. In any case, I wouldn't add mass. Furthermore, I think that extra safety precautions would be required because of the high temperatures, which would also make the cabin heavier, wouldn't they?

In addition to completing several PEP BBs, I intend to make a number of improvements that will make the area more livable. like a mulch pit that receives its drainage from a sink. And a willow feeder indoors. With this, I want to knock off a lot of BBs.

Thanks for anyone who can help!

 

[bbq r1bs]

The cabin measures 10 by 12. In 10x12, why do I see so many tiny structures? Wouldn't using 12x12 be simpler? I would rather use 12x12 if there is no reason not to.

yeah, the reason you see so many cabins at 10x12 is because a lot of places have a 120 square foot rule for needing a permit.
That size lets you build without getting permission, which makes things a lot simpler. If you go to 12x12, you'll likely need a permit and more inspections, so that's the reason not to do it.
As for dimensional lumber, yeah, it works the same, probably even easier since it's already square and true

 

[ferrari.father]

Dimensional lumber will work fine for a 10x12 cabin and rough cut isn't necessary

 

[trurorow]

I agree with @bbq r1bs. A small EPA certified wood stove sized for under 1000 square feet is usually safer and more efficient than a camp stove. For extras like a mulch pit or willow feeder, those can be good low cost ways to add comfort and function.

 

[i'm nobody]

Thanks! That makes sense. I never thought about the permit and that's also one of the things I need to consider.

 

[offgridrv]

I'm getting ready to build my first cabin while I save up for a proper house. I want to build a simple, small cabin to live in that's simple enough to be built without needing a permit. I'm taking a lot of inspiration from the cabin Dave Whipple built. It seems like a great project. Also, he used rough cut lumber and I plan on using regular dimensional lumber. Will that work the same? Have you ever built a tiny cabin yourself? What are some things you learned that a beginner should know?

The cabin measures 10 by 12. In 10x12, why do I see so many tiny structures? Wouldn't using 12x12 be simpler? I would rather use 12x12 if there is no reason not to.

So I'm wondering whether the roof would be a problem with the snow accumulation, but he insists it isn't. It is a modest building with a metal roof.

In the video, he makes use of a camp stove. I'd like to put in a better wood stove than a camp stove. Do you have any suggestions?
To make it easier to satisfy code, I had thought of purchasing a liberator and moving it to the house after it was finished. However, based on my limited knowledge of rocket stoves, I think the liberator could be unnecessary in this small cabin. In any case, I wouldn't add mass. Furthermore, I think that extra safety precautions would be required because of the high temperatures, which would also make the cabin heavier, wouldn't they?

In addition to completing several PEP BBs, I intend to make a number of improvements that will make the area more livable. like a mulch pit that receives its drainage from a sink. And a willow feeder indoors. With this, I want to knock off a lot of BBs.

Thanks for anyone who can help!

I saw a video on youtube of a guy who took another persons idea that has a small home above ground and a massive house underground, like a massive basement that had several bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, dining room, game room, and a huge kitchen and dining room. That is what I might do. Anything below ground you cannot get taxed on.