Well today I talked to a permit man from Calgary, who did'nt like my foundation plans. They're not up to code. lol. I really think they enjoy saying that, "you can't do that". lol. That was the first one of those I heard out of probably many more to come. I guess my plans simply made too much sense. It is too logical to put a simple treated wood post foundation under a cabin in Alberta, I guess. No, they want to treat my little cabin, like it is a mansion or something. If I had my way, she'd have skids under it. If ever it decided it wanted to shift or sink a little I would take a jack, and level it. If I decided I did'nt like the spot where she sat, I would drag it somewhere else. It's going to be 16x24, and it needs a perimiter wall type foundation of some sort. The footings need to be 4 feet below grade. By the time I build those walls 4 feet and then the additional above ground, I almost should go with a basement. After all, I am building the walls anyway. I'm not real sure, but I think thats what they want. Then I can get the thrill out of paying more annual taxes. It kinda all goes against everything that I have been planning though. Makes sense in away though. Well here I am with all this smoke coming out of my ears, my brain is working overtime, and my guts are gnawing away at me. I have decided not to be in a hurry anymore. It seems the more I want to get after things, the more that obstacles keep jumping in my way and it is stressing me out. Things are at a stand still until I draw up some different plans for a foundation and get it faxed to mr permit guy. Today, I was at the public library looking up building codes and all that. I'm thinking about throwing some good money out there and purchasing some internet rights to all the codes, but the damn things arn't really written in the same language that I speak anyway. A bunch of mumble gumble. I did'nt come across it, but I'll bet that there is a code of which way to hang the toilet paper roll. I think I'll look that one up.
Anyway the foundation change is just a small obstacle, but already an obstacle, kinda makes me wonder whats next. I could go with the foundation that I had drawn up, but the way I understand it, is that it would have to be drawn up (or designed) by a professional building engineer. Or something. I phoned a couple of those, and did'nt seem to get a whole bunch of help. I guess it's not a big deal, but it is more cash, and it is also another delay as I have to re-educate myself now, quickly before I know what to fax the man. I'm thinking that the new style foundation could be alot better in the long run though and I am getting closer to knowing what to do all the time. Any good advice would surely be welcome.
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Shoot Mark, sorry to hear about that.
ReplyDeleteIf you have to go with a foundation, would the dry stack cinderblock method work for part of it? Run rebar through the blocks every few feet, fill those with quickcrete. Fill the remaining holes with dirt and cap with quickcrete or cement?
Not sure if it is allowed for a foundation wall, but if it is, it would save you some cash.
Seems like something the size of your cabin wouldn't need a thick foundation...
Sorry to hear of your delay, hope it is the only obstacle you run across.
I'll look into it. It could be a way to go. Thanks Jeanie. I was kinda planning on building a framed foundation out of pressure treated wood. I think if the water drainage is right, I just might get alot of years out of it, I also think that it would be the quickest. The delay, is no longer a problem. lol. What ever happens, happens, I'm not goig to worry about it.
ReplyDeleteHermit,
ReplyDeleteTake your time with it. Seems the more you really and truly want something the harder it seems to get. I know all about that. Maybe spend the rest of the year making careful plans in a couple of designs. I know, easier said than done. Its like you wanna be living in your cabin right now. It will all come together for you. And you're right, there probly is a code for which way the toilet paper should go..lol. Hang in there!! ~jen
I know I am wrong-I ain't gettin no stickin permits to build on my land.
ReplyDeleteThey may fine me, or make me tear it down, but until then I'll do it my way. I'll just plead stupid....I'm going to build the shack in the middle of 5 acres, and see if they can find it.
Don't follow my advice, we red necks do stuff different.
Good luck with the code police.
Hang in there, Bud! I know it's insane, but it's pretty typical of what you're going to find all along the way of your building adventure! Keep your chin up!!
ReplyDeleteHey Jen, ya I did'nt want be in right now, but I was kinda hoping to have it at least liveable before the cold of winter hits, then I could take my time all winter long and do some finishing as time allows, but whatever happens, happens.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan Tony. If I were hidden more away, I might have tried something like that. But there is some good about getting it all code approved also and in the end, I will probably be glad that it was. It will have good resale value and the banker will let people borrow money to purchase it. Then maybe I will go and buy my hide away somewhere and go primitive on it. lol.
ReplyDeleteCathy, it will be a good learning experience. That experience could come in real handy somewhere down the line for sure. Thanks Cath.
ReplyDeleteI am learning too as you go with your land Frug, your paving the road for me, heh thanks. Any thought of just using a rv instead of a cabin?? long term for resale, a code approved cabin would be the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI paid next months rent on my shop today, it really irked me. 3200.00
Hey Coal, ya I have thought of a bunch of ways I could live out at my land including an RV. I even thought of building a residence inside of a cargo van, like that 45 footer sitting on my property, but there are alot of different reasons why I chose this route. And even this route, I am not totally sure about, but I gotta do something or I will never do anything. One other reason why not an RV is because I kinda had my heart set on burning a little wood.
ReplyDeleteThere was 3 48 foot dry vans in the city that they converted over to living homes, they all looked run down and they had been there for years. I stopped in one day and talked with one guy and he let me tour his home made trailer home. It was'nt all that bad on the inside, kinda homey. The trailers are long gone by 5 years, but thinking now, I wonder how they ever got away with it due to zoning and all that jazz.
ReplyDeleteIm thinking, I should have done that Coal. lol. Maybe I still can. Could've had a wood burner in there and living happily ever after.
ReplyDelete