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spee
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# Posted: 3 May 2012 02:20pm
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Hey all,
I'm going to do a 12 x 8 deck block foundation this weekend for my mini cabin.
My dad says i should just buy the Costco shed they have for sale for 799.99 and use that....
My concerns?
Not air tight? will bugs and little mice get in and cause a disaster... My wife will never come back 
Cant properly insulate? i assume i could stick on some insulation to the inside walls but definalty not a finshed project.
Windows dont appear to open? probable show stopper
Thoughts?
http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=10365116&whse=BCCA&topnav=
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MikeOnBike
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# Posted: 3 May 2012 04:28pm - Edited by: MikeOnBike
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I have always been leery of the pre-fab garden sheds for a cabin. At least for us the roof is too light to handle snow loads.
Have you checked to see how far $800 will go with conventional building materials?
I don't see how you will make any modifications to it if you need more light, insulation, electrical, plumbing, want to add on, etc.
You can probably build a pretty quick materials list by looking at these plans.
http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/free-plans/8x12%20Tiny%20House.pdf
http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/ebook/free-plans/
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Rebel300r
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# Posted: 3 May 2012 11:22pm
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Hi there, Spee, I don't post often but I have one of those in SE Alaska and it has worked fine. For me, it was a fairly narrow window of parameters led me to it. 1) No bear activity where I am at (knock on wood) for the last 3 years but I keep it really clean. 2) Limited snow load under the trees. 3) I put extra rafters inside. 4) Much cheaper price. 5) Great rot resistance. 6) I only use it in place of a tent while I am building the cabin.
It was quick to put together and with all the above going for it, it has worked out very well for 3 years now.
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 12:42am
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My thoughts are all negative unless it was to be strictly used as a temporary shelter while building something permanent. Then turn it back into the shed it is and always will be.
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Rebel300r
Member
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 07:21am
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Yep, mine will become the generator shed and tool storage once the cabin is complete. In the meanwhile, I have lights, electricity, heat, 4 windows, clean floor and can sleep up to 4 so better than a tent in many respects.
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Viking
Member
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 08:14am
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Hey Spee, looks like you have the same idea as I did..
Check out this thread.
http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_2075_0.html
@Rebel300r:
How did you hook up heating? I'd love to know!
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spee
Member
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 10:30am
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WoW looks like the same shed, my main concern with it is the lack of openable windows, id like to just have screens open at times which seems impossible with the plastic shed.
Also, id like the option to heat it in the fall/winter, which doesnt seem possible.
Looks good though!!
good links!! im going to review and see how much it would cost me !
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Viking
Member
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 10:49am
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The model that I have actually has a sliding main window. Good enough to get some ventilation when you need it. It also has two vents onthe sides near the top.
Viking
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Rebel300r
Member
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 01:12pm
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Spee, I ran electrical in from the floor for lights and a plug in. I use a Mr Buddy indoor propane heater with the door or window cracked open. I have a small propane cook stove on the counter for use when I have good air flow.
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exsailor
Member
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 01:24pm
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When I read the description it said the window did open. " 2 shatterproof windows that can open for air circulation with decorative shutters." I would only use it for a bunky while I was building a permanent structure. Once you have the cabin built then you have a shed or guest quarters.
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spee
Member
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 01:54pm
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Quoting: exsailor When I read the description it said the window did open. " 2 shatterproof windows that can open for air circulation with decorative shutters." I would only use it for a bunky while I was building a permanent structure. Once you have the cabin built then you have a shed or guest quarters.
I noticed that just now.. not sure how i missed it ... I guess i could add a screen to them somehow to not let the bugs...
I think im going to go with a forest location, so there should be a tone of bugs.
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Viking
Member
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 06:51pm
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Rebel300r
Quoting: Rebel300r Spee, I ran electrical in from the floor for lights and a plug in. I use a Mr Buddy indoor propane heater with the door or window cracked open. I have a small propane cook stove on the counter for use when I have good air flow.
Are you running the Mr. Heater at night? I have one too and used it in a trailer that was ventilated and had a giant headache in the morning. Not sure if it was a hangover or the carbon monoxide.. ;)
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Rebel300r
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# Posted: 4 May 2012 09:18pm
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Once in a while I will wake up and turn it on for a bit. The place is pretty air tight so it is often better to just leave it off and body heat seems to do ok down to about 30F.
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