Arnold, CA…On day eight we debated whether we should post at all. But I told myself I would be honest with you and show what it might be realistic for someone else to do as well when trying to do a project such as this while working full time and also has other commitments. So we were only able to spend a few minutes doing physical work on the cabin’s progress on day Eight. Day Eight in all its embarrassingly brief details is below…

But as we have said before our focus is on the possible. Can you build a small building you could actually live in for less than $1,000? We will see…we hope to complete the Chainsaw Cabin with our only costs other than wear and tear on a middle aged male body will be fasteners, window glass, door & window hinges etc.

Note I didn’t say windows, just window glass. Finished windows would run costs up more so we are just going to get simple panes of glass and make the wooden frames. Bolts, nails and hinges are very real costs but I still think we can bring it too life for under $1,000.

How many hours? Well…I’d rather not say in an attempt to preserve at least some shred of dignity.

About The Chainsaw Cabin
The Chainsaw Cabin is our first building, a small 120 square feet shed/cabin on Hewn Hill. All lumber will be hand milled with a small inexpensive electric chainsaw. This is to see if anyone can build a small functional building with literally tools you can find at a garage sale and our only costs will be roofing, fasteners & glass for windows.

Henry David Thoreau’s cabin was only 10 x 15 and not much bigger than you can legally build today without a permit in most counties. For the Chainsaw cabin while it will only be 10 x 12 it will have a sleeping/storage loft. So if you are staying for a night or two at least you will have separate work, living & sleep areas.

We are starting with outbuildings to get the property functional. Places to store tools, a solar shed & a place to sleep if need be. This is phase one and we hope to get that done this year starting with the Chainsaw Cabin then learning how to build a log structure on our next shed.

Next year, Lord willing we will start on our main two story, traditional log cabin built with logs from the property and probably a few other locally sourced ones as well.

About hewn.co
At Hewn we are going take you on a journey to see if it is still possible to build a functional, small homestead that anyone, even someone making minimum wage can build and own. We are going to try this in California no less. Join us as we attempt to build an off grid, solar powered, rustic, pioneer style homestead.

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