Building my first small cabin

[jellyp0p$$$]

I have questions about code, lumber, andwWood stove. I am getting ready to build my very first structure, hich will be a small cabin to live in while I work on my main house and I want to keep it simple enough to avoid local residential codes.

I really like the 10x12 design by Bushradical, who lives in my area, but I am wondering if I should just go for a 12x12 footprint instead since that would be square and seems easier, unless there's some reason not to. Also the video I watched use rough cut lumber, but I plan to use standard dimensional lumber from the store, so I need to know if the plans will still work exactly the same way without any issues and finally, I want to use a proper small wood stove instead of a camp stove but I worry a high-efficiency option like a rocket stove might be overkill and require extra safety measures or weight that I want to avoid. If you have any good stove recommendations, I would appreciate it, and does anyone know why 10x12 is such a common size for these tiny structures?

 

[m4ri0o_th]

That's an exciting project! I suggest you stick with 10x12 if you want to keep things simple and to avoid residential code requirements. Switching to 12x12 will almost certainly trigger those permits and inspections. Using standard dimensional lumber is fine, but remember that it's smaller than rough-cut lumber so you'll need to account for this difference in the thickness of your walls when framing to maintain your overall dimensions. But in terms of the plan layout, that will be adaptable. Then for the stove, I think the rocket stoves might be an overkills. Look for small, non-catalytic tiny wood stoves designed for small spaces, like those by Cubic Mini or Dickinson. They are safer and lighter than full residential models. Also make sure to install a proper chimney system and non-combustible floor and wall protection. These aren't something to skip!

 

[sad LeX]

Going to a 12x12 footprint means you have a 144 sq ft structure and will likely push you over that common 120 sq ft limit and trigger a different set of zoning and code requirements, so the 10x12 dimension is a better choice, not just a random one. For a simple wood stove, skip the rocket stove for now and look into small, US or Canadian EPA certified cast iron stoves, coz they are designed for safety.