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smallcabin
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 02:29pm - Edited by: smallcabin
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...working on your cabin after 3 years since you started it? This is my 4th years going forward trying to finish the cabin. 2 weeks ago, I finally finished the flooring. I can tell you that from the beginning it has been FUN...but after the 2nd year....I kind of lost the momentum to carry on.
Anyone feeling the same???
First floor
My helper
counter top
Loft area
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Borrego
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 03:23pm
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I took 8 years to really finish...it is frustrating for sure with budget constraints and working weekends only..and the drive and remote area makes mistakes a nightmare, having to drive 3 hrs for a single part etc...
I am just so driven i couldn't/wouldn't stop.....
Your project looks great, just keep on goin' 
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Smawgunner
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 04:28pm
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Nice work! I'm still at it after 5 years. I'm 95% finished!
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jaransont3
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 04:53pm
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Been at ours for over 10 years and still not 'finished", but it is completely usable and comfortable (even in the dead of winter). Still want to replace the roof and need to finish some of the trim work.
I do have the excuse that the cabin is over 800 miles away from home and we only get there 3 to 4 times a year for a week each.
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bobrok
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 05:14pm
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12 years here, and I didn't even build it. I am at the point now where I make work just for an excuse to go and stay for a while.
"But honey, I've more to do up there than here at home."
Works every time. ðŸ˜
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rky60
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 06:53pm
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Just started my 4th year also  Went by fast....
Wouldn't know it from this pic but the left top gable on the cabin needs to be sided still and both top gables on the shabin still need siding. But other than that, its done.
If all the other cabineers would stop visiting and inviting me over every weekend for cooking out, drinking, standing around the fire tellin stories and just having a good time, it'd be done, well maybe 
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rockies
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 07:09pm
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I realized that the main reason projects drag on forever is because of stubborn male pride.
Basically, the lure of being able to boast that "I did it all myself! Of course, typically most men have never actually built a building before, or mixed concrete by hand, or done electrical work, or plumbing, or drywall BUT DON'T WORRY HON, I'll get it finished next weekend. lol.
The best thing to do is to admit that sometimes the experts have the experience, tools and time necessary to come in and at least get the shell finished while you're still young enough to enjoy it.
There's no shame in hiring a professional.
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naturelover66
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 07:18pm
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8 years. I have alot of projects 90 percent finished before i get excited about a new one!! Lol. LOVE the cabin. Going this weekend.
Lisa
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Fanman
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 07:32pm
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We've been in our cabin for 10 years now... we didn't build it but it needed major restoration, structural work, critter eviction, rewiring, all plumbing replaced. Everybody said, "you don't have to do it all the first year," but you can accomplish more the first year or two while you still have the energy. And we were only 5 years and not finished with the last cabin when this one (bigger and better location) came up. I think it was the second year we replaced the roof (and it already needs doing again), the year after that we finished the addition and the interior woodwork. From there it's been smaller projects, but it never ends.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 08:51pm
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OK, you have reached burnout. Taking too long. I used buddies, fed them well, when over there, we got lots done in a long weekend. I had a dried in shell in 8 days, then next trip, porch, stairs and railing. Then wiring, insulation and sheeting in one trip. Then cabinets, trim another. Than flooring.
Mine was small in size, so it moved faster. I am done and bored, so now I have moved to decorating the property using a national/state park theme mixed with united states forest service theme right down to the campsites, signage, markers etc.
I did sub out the concrete foundation, metal on cabin roof and chimney install, otherwise, 100% myself and my pals.
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Gary O
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 08:51pm
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Heh, newbies.
Bought our land in '99
Been peckin' at it ever summer since.
Now?
Our 3rd year living at the cabin
...and, know this, it's never 'done'...I hope
(love yer place, smallcabin)
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beachman
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 08:56pm
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I have always said, a cottage is a curse and a blessing. I do love our place and I am so impressed by those who can live at their places full-time. But as one ages, the little things that used to be fun are now painful chores. It will be 6 years now and trying to maintain an older (70yrs) camp is a lot of work. Always something to do. BUT - that's what keeps us young.
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Nate R
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 08:59pm
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I've got a family member who just hit 10 years since the start of his build. And it's not even close to done. Siding isn't complete, interior doesn't have walls, etc. He picks away at it here and there, but a decade in, FAR from over.
I'm bound and determined to not take THAT long. BUT, I know it won't be instant, either.
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skootamattaschmidty
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2018 11:51pm
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My place is 40 years old now and we have owned it for 9 years. In that time I did a Reno to the log cabin by closing in the back screen room and adding a shower and vanity and loft above. I have built two wood/ storage sheds, an outhouse for the composting toilet, a log sauna and installed a small pool/hot tub. This is on top of cutting trees and cleaning brush on my 11 acres and other maintenance. Every time I say "this summer I'm just going to relax up there." I start another project. I'm now building a 14x10 bunkie, framed with logs and sided with pallet boards. For me, relaxing is building something and working with my tools! So like GaryO said...I hope the work is never done! I'm sure it drives my wife crazy but it truly is our happy place. So at the end of the day is it truly ever done??
Your place looks really amazing so keep plugging! The end result is the reward!
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Rickkrus
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 03:36am
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2 + now. Thought it would be done in one summer.
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KelVarnsen
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 08:16am
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I'm coming up on the 3 year anniversary of owning my cabin. We bought it from the original owners who built it in 1967. I think that it became too much work for them so it was getting pretty rundown. I knew that it was going to be a lot of work getting into it. Sometimes I feel frustrated by the lack of progress but sometimes I like the challenge. We are basically rebuilding everything except the framing. I also have the challenge of living a 4+ hour drive away and having a full time job, so that slows me up a lot. I figure I'll have it the way I want it in another 5-6 years. It's a balance act between wanting to do it myself and wanting it done. I've paid a contractor to do a couple of the larger jobs (new piers, new roof) just to accelerate the process and not to have to spend my entire vacation every year doing heavy labour.
All that being said, I love it more and more each time I go up. The last couple of times I went I've been more relaxed than at any other time in my life. I still have moments of being disheartened by the amount of work left ahead, but I look at how much we've accomplished in 3 years and take heart that we are moving forward!
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creeky
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 08:42am
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I finished the washroom floor two days ago (my second one, the cork didn't like it when the washer dumped 20 gallons of water on them. I have a new washer now).
But I've only been at it 8 years.
I keep thinking I'll hire someone. I have some / lots of siding to finish. But there's something to remembering, one step at a time.
I don't look at the big picture anymore. I know where I want to go. I just look at the next step. Today I'm cutting up some tin to finish the washroom siding. The GF is mowing lawns and lending a helping hand. We'll probably go for a paddle on the creek. Watch some birds.
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FishHog
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 08:47am
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Well I'm going into year #4, and far from done. First year we worked our asses off to get the place comfortable enough to live in, and keep warm and dry. The place was abandoned for 4-5 years prior and was pretty bad. Pretty much gutted it.
Now that its liveable, I'm good with just puttering away, going fishing when I want, and not feeling the pressure to get things done. I like too have projects, but don't like to need to get them done. Don't really expect to ever be finished.
Did all that initial work on weekends with a 7hr drive to and from the cottage. Retired now and enjoying the place more than ever.
Some stuff needs to be done fast, but once your done those, slow it down and enjoy it. That's why we have these places. When it becomes too much work, its probably time to think about moving on. I hope I have a lot of years left in me before then.
FishHog
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Borrego
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 10:35am
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Notice the similar thread here? "I thought it would be done sooner" HaHahaha, me too, if you woulda told me how long it was gonna take and how grueling it was gonna be...I might have had second thoughts about it..
Maybe that's a blessing though, we are all still at it and enjoying the journey.....which is what it really is about, eh?
I like TMT's idea....if you are at a burnout standstill, beg some buddies for help, hire day labor, whatever...just to get to the next big stage (ie, roof on , frame finished, etc) will get you all excited again about seeing the finish line.....
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Wilbour
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 10:44am
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I really busted my but to get to a point where I was warm and dry.
Now I don't think I will ever be "finished". I just tackle things one at a time, but in reality I like making functional stuff so I don't really mind
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CootersShabin
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 11:23am
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We set out in 2012 on ours. That year was 11 weekends of busting tail to get it dried-in for winter. The following year was finishing the exterior and getting final approval. After that, we just pick things every year to do (Wood Burner, Toilet, Floors, Finish Loft, etc.) with no real schedule. I like tinkering with things up North at an up North pace - it's what the property is about. Keeping the Shabin as low-maintenance as possible helps frame this state of mind. Just show up, set down your bag, crack a beer, start a fire (outside in summer, inside in winter), and relax...
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Cowracer
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 12:24pm - Edited by: Cowracer
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We "broke ground" in July of 2013. Spent our first night in the cabin in October of 2015. "Finished" the cabin proper in Feb. of 2017.
Full details/timeline here: Link to Blog
Still have porch and outside shower to do. Maybe this year. One thing I noticed is that having the cabin 'done' to where we can stay in it really kills my motivation to do more work to it. I'll get around to the porch and shower eventually, but its not like I have to have them to use the cabin.
Tim
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Smawgunner
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 02:23pm
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It's funny, the more amenities I finished up with (electric, water, shower, toilet), the slower I worked and the more I relaxed....the last few miles have drug on!
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Borrego
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2018 05:33pm
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Quoting: Cowracer One thing I noticed is that having the cabin 'done' to where we can stay in it really kills my motivation to do more work to it. I'll get around to the porch and shower eventually, but its not like I have to have them to use the cabin.
I know....I never properly finished some things like the front eaves because the porch roof covered them, etc....Now that I'm all comfortable, I just sit and look at them while I drink a beer
Got it on next years list for sure though...honest. (opening beer ...)
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hattie
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# Posted: 24 Jun 2018 01:09pm
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We've been living in our cabin full-time since 2007. There are always small jobs that we need to do but it is comfortable and we love it. I had to spend a few days in a big city two weeks ago. Even though I was with my family, I couldn't get back to our cabin fast enough. This is home and I hope we can stay here forever.
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ILFE
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2018 05:07am
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smallcabin, danged nice looking cabin. It may be taking time to do it. But, the quality you are putting into is certainly is paying off.
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Eddy G
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2018 09:39am
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First off your place looks awesome.
We are into our 3rd year.
I get pretty frustrated at times as well at times.
After a year or so in to the project my wife talked me in to stopping what I was doing and just enjoying the place.
Even if it was just a few minutes here and there.
I was driving the 90 minutes after work on Fridays and working non stop til I walked in the door until I'd leave on Sunday...
I learned to take a few minutes here and there and just sit on the dock, walk in the woods, kayak, shoot a few arrows....
Put down the hammer for 20 or 30 minutes and it really did make a difference.
The other thing is pictures....Take lots and lots of pictures of before, during and after and you will feel a lot better about production.
When I'm feeling like ITS NEVER GOING TO BE DONE I look back at where we started and I'm always amazed how far its come....
Good Luck, it's coming out great. You have a lot to be proud of and it really will be done some day...
One more thing.
I noticed your kids where helping in the pictures. That right there makes it all worth while. The memories and experiences your giving them are priceless.
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RiverCabin
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2018 09:40am
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Finished? Never.
I was finished in 2002 when we bought the first property and we were going to fix up the existing cabin.
I was finished in 2006 when we demoed the existing cabin and installed a prebuilt on a slab and built an attached porch, who need anything else.
I was finished again in 2009 when we finished the interior of the prebuilt with flooring walls rooms etc.
I was finished once again in 2012 when I purchased some neighboring acreage and spent the entire summer clearing it.
I also finished in the summer of 2012 when I rewired the cabin and went back on grid.
Once again finished in 2013 when I built a bedroom addition on the cabin.
This year I am absolutely finished as I am refinishing the entire exterior of the cabin in vinyl to be maintenance free and to satisfy my wife's idea of "Caribbean Colors".
Like Cowracer said, it's never done. Like him I intend to build a nifty outdoor shower and then I'm on to the deck overlooking the river.
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NorthRick
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2018 04:10pm
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Ha! This thread is funny. Below is an email exchange from this morning with our friend who owns the lot next to ours. The subdivision is called Trapper Creek Glen, hence the references to "trapper."
It’s nice having a place like trapper to go and relax…well someday relax!
What are your thoughts on the dock? Drive steel posts in and attach to the dock with brackets?
From: Richard
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 10:09 AM
To: Stafford
Subject: RE: Trapper
Thanks for the update and fence maintenance. Right now, July 14/15 is my first opportunity to go out there. I may make it a 3 day weekend as it will probably take me a day to beat back the brush and finish cleaning up the trees I dropped. Then there’s dock repair and concrete to pour.
From: Stafford
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 9:59 AM
To: Richard
Subject: Trapper
Rick
The trail fairy must have come. Someone fixed the first big hole (boardwalk around) and the corner as well as a couple other spots that were coming apart. We cut open the trail to the south (3 trees across the trail) and though about starting on the bad spot near our driveway where all the rounds are in the hole. Gave up on that and just cut the roots out.
Had a decent-sized black bear on the game camera. Didn’t seem to mess with anything. I cut the grass under your fence, the south side was pretty tall and brown from getting shocked. Not sure when we will be back out; Francy wants to take the camper somewhere this weekend…
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smallcabin
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2018 05:23pm
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Hello ALL,
Spent this past weekend building my simple outdoor shower... I'm tired of driving 20 minutes to the nearest state park to take shower. So finally, bought the Eccotemp LP5 water heater for the cabin. Worked flawlessly.
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