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stices
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2016 05:02pm
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I am new here and have read a lot of posts but would like the opinion of others.
First excuse me if this question has already been posted or talked about already. Is 12x16 adequate?
So I have recently purchased some property and have had a dream for years of building a cabin for a weekend getaway now I finally have the key piece to my puzzle. The land.
I really would like to build something that is large enough to have family get togethers but I also want to build this project out of pocket. Big equals expensive and permits. So, I have sized down my expectations because if I were to get a permit there are a lot of initial costs that I don't really want to pay for right now (I.e. Septic and well).
So if I don't want to get a permit I am allowed to build a structure that is up to 200 sq.ft. without a permit. So those of you who have built a cabin no larger than 200 sq.ft. have you found that this is big enough? Or do you wish you would have just waited and not spent the money on a structure to just get you by for the time being and saved that money to put towards the ultimate goal?
My thoughts are that someday I could use the smaller cabin as a guest cottage when I finally have the funds to put in a septic AND build a larger cabin.
There is also the option of building multiple small cabins and each cabin would act as a different room. Family room and kitchen another for a bathroom and bedroom. Thus, eliminating permits altogether.
This will be in Oregon so I need a wood stove, simple kitchen, loft, bathroom with a composting toilet and small shower would be nice but I can always build a separate smaller building for the bathroom needs.
This will be off grid.
Thanks in advance.
P.s. Hopefully we can get Hick to respond because his and hers camp is in the same county.
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rockmtn
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2016 05:31pm - Edited by: rockmtn
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Thats do-able for a Cabin, but extremely tight. If you want to have amenities (sink, stove, bathroom/shower?) then its going to be suitable for 1 person, maybe 2 part time, or a group for a few hours.
Going permits can really up-complexity though.
Multiple buildings can work, but aren't fun if the weather is poor, and your area may limit # of structures. At the very least, having a "bath" cabin or tiny house (on trailer) and then a "living-- kitchen + sleeping loft" is a nice break down. Keep in mind building a number of small structures can quickly get more expensive than one larger structure (especially if each one needs heat, plumbing, or electricity).
good luck!
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2016 06:59pm
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Before you jump in with both feet and start building that 200 sq ft cabin re-read the regulations. In many places the under 200 (sometimes 120, 108....) sq ft rule applies specifically to accessory buildings. Buildings like storage sheds, playhouses, etc. And buildings that are built after the main building is built; with permits. As soon as you sleep or cook in the small building, in many places, it becomes a habitable building and subject to all the rules and permits. Just saying to check carefully now before you start. Otherwise you could get a surprise.
I believe OR is one of those places.
As for the size, that is largely a matter of individual desires and abilities to adapt. We started thinking of a small cabin about that size and ended up with a 16 x 30. Go figure.
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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2016 02:16am
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Yep, I want to underscore what MtnDon wrote. I'm building in Oregon and the building department says that you don't need a permit for a structure under 225 sq. ft., but only a structure OVER 224 square feet is an HABITABLE structure. Meaning that people can live in it, even briefly or for recreational purposes.
If you're in a very remote area, especially in eastern Oregon, you can take your chances and build without a permit. People do. A lot depends on the county and the location for whether that will work out for you or not.
Personally, I'm not taking any chances because I already know there's a buttinsky in my area.  But I also know that the county building and code enforcement folks are pretty decent so if I make the effort, they'll work with me and be helpful. At least, that's the impression I've gotten from speaking with them and what folks in the area have said.
Make sure you clarify that square footage thing and talk to people in the area so you know the score. Oregon is pretty by- the-book when it comes to septic and such but they do offer options that might not be too expensive for you. In my area, you don't have to drill a well; having a cistern is acceptable.
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Shadyacres
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2016 06:38am
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If you do decide to go with the 12 X 16 you could design it as if you are planning to add on to it at a later date. When I built mine I placed two 6 foot door headers and jambs in where someday I expect to add on a 12 X 20 room. It is usually not too expensive to add a few studs or joists in the initial build but it is very nice when and if you decide to expand.
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silverwaterlady
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2016 10:54am - Edited by: silverwaterlady
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Are you allowed to camp on your property?
Since it's new to you moving a tent around to various building sites will help you determine the best spot to build. You should also see your land in all four seasons before you build.
We could have built a small cabin but waited and saved for 25 years so we could have what we really wanted in size,a 1200 sq ft. log cabin. Thing is we didn't save enough to totally finish. Certain things are costing much more than we thought. But that's ok. We have a roof over our heads. It's a work in progress that does not seem like work.
Edited to include: Have you visited the Building Department in the county in which you plan to build? We did this and told them our plans. Than we knew how to proceed legally. Don't assume you are able to build until you do this. If we had assumed we were allowed to build the way we wanted we would have been in trouble right from the first building we wanted which was for storage. This in a unorganized township in Northern Ontario,Canada.
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suburbancowboy
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2016 11:23am
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How remote is your spot? I built a 12 X 16 1 1/2 story bunky/shed. We used it as the cabin the first 2 years then started the big cabin 1400 sqft. We have had up to 15 persons in it. Whether it is big enough depends on how much time you plan on staying in it. We are an outside family so this worked as a glorified tent for us. Now it stores tools and 4 wheelers until the garage gets done. Our build has been pay as you go, so this worked for us.
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stices
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# Posted: 4 Feb 2016 03:54am
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Thank you all for the great responses. I do need to look into the habitable aspect of something below the 200 sq.ft. threshold.
suburbancowboy those were my exact thoughts was to build something like a glorified tent for now and then eventually build a 24'x32' cabin with all the creature comforts (i.e. electricity, toilet and water).
Our stays would likely be limited to 4 days (max) at a time and only during spring through summer. My thought too was by building a smaller cabin to start with we could at least start using the land the first year versus waiting and strictly camping for many years before starting the bigger build. It would also provide a more comfortable stay when we are finally able to build the bigger place.
Again, thank you all for your input.
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WeekEndHack
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# Posted: 24 Feb 2016 12:09am
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Definitely echo what shadyacres said. Make a plan that you can build onto at a later date if & when. I built a 16x20 with a large 5' patio door on one side that will eventually be romoved to allow for a 12x20 expansion when I have the funds/time, etc. Just to get this 16x20 to where I'm at now (all exterior done, interior starting) has taken a few year, everything takes longer than you think!! Now I'm working it entirely on my own and its a remote location but dont underestimate the work involved!
Make a modular plan that incorporates everything for the future, and do one module at a time which starts w/your 12x16. If you decide not to continue the structure down the road, u still have something cheap/manageable/maintainable to get away to! Good luck!
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