Apr 19, 2018 - Apr 29, 2018 - Since retiring we've spent a lot of time in the country with Kev's Dad. Bob has a trailer that has been his weekend get-away for the last 20 years plus. He said it was OK if we built a small cabin on his property so we were comfortable while we were visiting. Kevin came up with some shed plans and we decided to try our hand at building. We figured it would take a weekend...right?
We spent a few days getting supplies
and setting up for the build
Kevin wanted to add a bathroom to the Shabin, (Shed + Cabin = Shabin) and decided to tap into Bob's septic.
I was a bit skeptical
Kevin was determined
He laid the pipe between the structures and dug down to join them
He cut into the trailer's septic line and connected an elbow to run to the Shabin.
the initial Shabin plans
We prepped so we had a level area. Then we built the floor (we're pros at that, since we already built a deck!). At this point we could see that it was more than a weekend project for the two of us, so we enlisted Ann & Erich.
We were happy to see them!
and they were ready to work!
well, maybe not ALL work
We set up a makeshift shower since we were all camping while working and needed a way to get clean after a long day of work
Kevin bought a propane instant water heater that got us hot showers.
some relaxing after a hard day's work
back to work!
the door
Time for some windows
Deb, Chuck and Casey came out to help out.
Picnic lunch
more work
The siding is looking good
The supervisors
Ann & Erich had to leave, but Chuck came back for the day to help Kevin with the roof
Kevin installed some solar panels on the roof so we could run some lights in the Shabin
Bob is set up to paint the trim
note the septic to the right of Kev's foot
a couple of nice "lofts" for storage at each end
the final trim
Pretty much complete, after 10 days
Our first night in the Shabin on our Bunk-O Cots
Next an outdoor shower and sink
getting ready for fence picket around the shower
We found the perfect sized utility sink
We bought a large garbage can that we fill with water for showers and the sink and hung the instant water heater on the wall. Who's going to take the first shower?
the propane tank runs the instant water heater
We bought a shower curtain for privacy and the outdoor shower works great!
Time for some relaxing by the campfire
The Shabin!
And we've made a few modifications to the Shabin over the years:
We added a shelf area and below are the batteries that are hooked into the solar panels
the Bunk-O Cots are great for the Shabin's small floor plan
a wall for the bathroom
some shelves so we can keep organized
shelves above the "kitchen" area and a light that uses the solar power
a fold-away table and stools
the shed doors at the end of the Shabin give lots of light and air
shelving above the sink
garbage can for a water tank
dinner for 2
view down the hill
the Bunk-O Cots turn into a "couch" during the day. And we added screens on the shed doors so we can keep them open without the bugs.
for being so small, it's quite a livable space
love the sunsets in the country
an interesting bench on the hill
Kevin found a large window on sale at Lowe's and decided to replace the small window, so we could have a better view.
"The Shabin" sign from the girls!
the large window is a great addition
Meg was getting rid of a small couch and it fits here perfectly!
always tinkering with something
Elaine came to visit!
ready for some work
checking on the window install
nice computer desk (and view)!
