How I Built My Cabin In 7 Steps With ZERO Building Experience

A deep dive into building my first off-grid cabin in Alaska. This is how I turned a dream into a reality on a poor-mans budget. I'll tell you what I paid for my land and building materials PLUS I also share a very exciting announcement!
#alaska #cabin #DIY #building #build #offgrid #simplelivingalaska

[@alaskacabinadventures]

🎵You can download the music from channel here ➡www.alaskacabinadventures.com/music

[@michaeldalton8374]

A friendly tip for moving heavy beams alone: Frisbee. Dragging one end, with no edges to dig in and bog you down is a big plus. They cost about $1.20

[@montys8th]

genius

[@whiteboi1856]

I think property tax is robbery. If your land is bought and paid for then you shouldn't have to keep paying tax💯

[@connorfilionlegault8437]

Then no centralized power hook up, water, sewer, maintained road, garbage pick up, schools, or any other public services. Personally, I’m all for the trade off but I’ll bet at least 90% of homeowners in North America are not ready for that trade.

[@wakeupamerica2024]

@@connorfilionlegault8437 You really don't understand the area this cabin is in. There is no trash service, sewer, water or power hook-up. Property tax is robbery.

[@henryoshea4951]

​@@wakeupamerica2024 The amount taxed is less then the PFD most years, so it pretty much pays for itself

[@Deviax28]

​@@connorfilionlegault8437 you pay for those services individually and not through property tax.

[@wakeupamerica2024]

@@henryoshea4951 except for the portion of the PFD that the state government takes from the people to use as their own funding source. That is also a tax.

[@stillrandy]

Hey Matt. As someone that's been banging nails for over 50 years I have to congratulate you on doing such a fine job on your cabin. Looking forward to following the next build.

[@BLAM777]

Your right about getting info from people. When we were doing the metal roof I kept sliding and was having problems getting the screws in due to the steep pitch and a guy down the road said to spray soda on the metal and when it dries it's sticky which keeps you from sliding. Worked like a charm and it washed off with the rain.

[@victoriaman117]

Great job dude! I love when regular people show you how often the projects we want to do are more intimidating then they should be. Its great inspiration

[@JustinDeClemente]

I never expected this, more information than I've ever read or watched - very well done. Honesty, hard work, dedication and ingenuity = new subscriber.

[@alaskacabinadventures]

Thanks Justin! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@far_out_in_the_country]

Hey! I'm 16 and I really wanna build a cabin in the woods and this video really helped!

[@alaskacabinadventures]

So glad to hear that! Live your dreams!

[@konoctiswigwam8130]

Great story!👏 I've owned my property for 22+ years and just started to build 3 years ago, when COVID (🙄) hit and it really extended contractors and materials. My property is a 3 hour drive from my current home, and plan to keep both, so am doing cash out of pocket. The home is a log home, and I have the shell complete up to the top plates. I have water hooked up, and electricity, the septic was a big expense and difficult to buy tanks during the pandemic. I have an 8x8 bathroom in the shop with a shower/toilet. Contractor is only hooking up water and sewage to septic tank. I'm taking it from there, I am owner-builder.

[@thecordlesscarpenter7956]

Hi Matt, I popped in to your channel because I'm in the middle of my own cabin build and am soaking in as many build videos as I can. I bought my place in extreme NW Montana up in the mountains (4,500'). I too am about an hour away from the nearest "town" so not too bad but sure turns ya into a "list guy" real quick. I got started late in the build season and after a month of hacking my way through the forest, I was able to set up camp, clear the build site and start digging. I was able to get the foundation completed and the subfloor screwed down but had to coat it in Thompsons, 9 mil plastic and a tarp and headed down the mountain for the winter as I had already gotten dusted with 6" of snow and another foot coming the next day. I drove my travel trailer down the mountain and headed to Washington (Port Orchard area) for the winter to make some more money for the cabin build while my build site is under 10' of the white stuff. While I'm working the weekdays, I still have my nights and weekends, so I decided to build a 1/12 scale model (currently working on loft floor joists and rafters). Building the model is teaching me A LOT and has already helped me avoid a bunch or mistakes and pitfalls I would have otherwise made that would have cost a lot of money and a ton of time. The idea was to make most of the mistakes on a small scale and get all the "figuring" out of the way to help maximize my time during the short build season. We oddly enough both chose to build 16'x20' on piers (mine is 4'-6' off the ground depending on where ya stand) and although different layout and such, it was nice to see the inside of your place. I originally drew up plans for an eave porch like yours but decided to go with a gable porch instead, to let my 12/12 roof sluff off the snow without getting caught up on a low pitch eave porch. I also decided to turn this gable porch, or rather the space above the porch, into living space so although my 1st floor is 16'x20', my upstairs will be 16'x28'. I agree with you on the arctic entryway and plan to turn 6'-8' of the porch into exactly that. Thanks for the video, now I need to go check out the rest of your channel! Sub'd.

[@bartonsky]

Impessive, I am thinking of doing teh same but really not sure where to do it? Alaska soundsgreta but wonder if its too extreme for me. I will be 49. Curious how old were you when you started your build?

[@mitziyoung9668]

He was in his mid 20's. I'm 59, a female and about to start my build in June 2024 and the only wood building experience I have is building a bed and a counter in my mini cargo van last year. So, I say go for it!

[@thecordlesscarpenter7956]

@@mitziyoung9668 I did... go for it that is. Last season I built the cabin and got it dried in before I had to leave for the winter. This coming season will be spent finishing the build as it is my only plan, I have given myself no other options on purpose, so it must get done so I can live there year round. Good luck with your build, much respect.

[@etchediniron4249]

I just bought a sawmill with zero experience milling and no experience building. It’s incredibly rewarding to overcome my own ignorance. Nobody knows anything until they do, so just go do it. It’s fun!! This guy gives good advice! Key note: Nothing is crooked, it’s called rustic!

[@sweetattitude]

@etchediniron4249 I just love two comments that you made - "It's incredibly rewarding to overcome my own ignorance", and "Nothing is crooked, it's called rustic." Love it! You're my kind of person.

[@etchediniron4249]

@@sweetattitude thanks brother! Keep at it and I’ll keep watching. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@RonHight-un8uk]

Awesome Matt! Really enjoyed this video. Planning to build a cabin this summer. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@brandonmoore379]

When I lived in Talkeetna in 2010, locals told me that the reason you see so many cabins unfinished with Tyvek wrap exposed is because they didn't have to pay as much in property taxes as long as it was "unfinished". I don't know the veracity of the concept or if it still applies, I just remember what a sourdough told me at the time.

[@AboutAdventure]

Its really amazing and wonderful to see people achieve their dreams. Im genuinely happy for you!

[@MyAlaska12]

Thanks for the video! A bunk house is a great idea for guests. Looking forward to possibly helping with it and definitely watching the build.

[@Yash_travel9]

Brother Your channel is an absolute gem in the sea of off-grid content! Your genuine love for the wilderness of Alaska shines through in every video, and your grounded approach to off-grid living is truly refreshing. The way you share your knowledge and experiences with such humility and positivity is incredibly inspiring. Thank you for showing us that living off-grid is not just a dream, but a tangible and fulfilling lifestyle. Keep spreading your wisdom and enthusiasm - you're making a real difference! 👏🏼👍🏻

[@louismadrigal5718]

Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the new cabin build!

[@edgargraadtvanroggen7384]

Awesome and inspiring!! Thank you so much for the instructions and good luck on the. next cabin build!!

[@user-om8rh4ul5z]

Excellent build. Thank you for taking us along.. Excellent build. Thank you for taking us along..

[@hanksbud2544]

Excellent build. Thank you for taking us along.

[@strictlyconservative8777]

Stunningly beautiful! Wow...that is gorgeous. Your decorating looks like you had it professionally done. What a great video!

[@jtmoore662]

Dude you are doing exactly what I want to do. I live in the lower 48 and want to move there and do exactly what you did.

[@reyscottm9]

This is literally the best video for direct answers. You're living my dream. Hope I get to do it myself soon.

[@katedee5890]

Can't wait to watch you build your guest cabin. Good luck and best wishes.

[@Giovanni_Zoino]

Great videos, I watch a few different Alaska videos and your right up there with the good ones, I’ll give it a few months and you’ll have probably have a few hundred thousand subscribers and I’m sure you’ll reach 1 million within a year, anything to do with building cabins in the woods is a great way to go for subscribers. Great job.

[@melluciful]

Indeed as many of the comments have agreed.. what a neat, helpful, and motivating compilation of experiences. Thank you! I am currently at the very beginning of this journey and have found it challenging to imagine a start. Your inputs have done exactly that, leaving a trail i can envision!

[@matts.6558]

Congrats, it's a nice little cabin. Look forward to seeing the guest cabin build.

[@classicmula]

Great job man. Thanks for the inspiration! I will be following along with your progress from here on.

[@alaskacabinadventures]

Thanks! Glad to hear it!

[@slc.images]

I can't imagine how much more difficult you had it doing this in Alaska. After 8 yrs I'm a couple months away from finishing my own little place in Hawaii. Props to you, building your own place is one of the most rewarding undertakings

[@livelife4471]

Well, for a guy who doesn't know construction, you navigated the construction process well. It is a pleasure to see you achieve your dream and how you did it. The cabin looks wonderful.

[@karenmcrobb3105]

Great video. Can't wait to watch you build your next cabin.

[@sweetattitude]

AND... you can also use the guest cabin for an air b&b. I would definitely stay there and I am sure there are many people who would like to "test" out the lifestyle to see if it is for them. Your guests could also be featured is some of your videos. What fun! Gave you a thumbs up. Hope your channel grows and grows.

[@dennisbagatin4480]

Awesome stuff bro keep the projects coming and they will watch 💯✌️

[@MarcosJ-mq4lk]

Genuinely happy for you .Enjoy it all you can!

[@blackterminal]

Hello from New Zealand. This looks great. Thank you for sharing.

[@od628]

Really appreciate not wasting time with goofy stuff. Excellent video and awesome cabin and great explanation of things. Well done! 👍👍

[@user-sd8ky4zm3l]

That was an EXCELLENT presentation! One of the best. Thank you.

[@alaskacabinadventures]

Thanks!

[@MJ-ge6jz]

Found your channel and your Gold Nuggets of info already has helped me. Will be going OFF-Grid soon, I will be using a Tiny House for turn-key comfort living as I build out my place. I'm looking for the correct peace of land, and I know It will take a lot to just setup the basics, Water, Power, and Septic; what we all take for granted. This needs to be in place before I can move in permanently. Yes, challenging but considering we are entering difficult times I feel compelled to move forward with this type of living.

[@jedics1]

Good advise, for those who want to go straight to batteries and solar, you will be able to run all your power tools with most inverters except for your drop saw with a 10 inch or bigger blade, they have a much larger start up current which will be to much for many inverters, even ones "rated" to 8000w peak. It certainly will always be a work in progress :)

[@alaskacabinadventures]

Yuuuup, Just experienced that exact thing, even with a 7in blade. I was bummed. But my 2000 gas generator does it no problem. Thanks!

[@bigz5262]

A cordless miter saw might be the answer. Then you’ll just have to charge the batteries

[@jedics1]

nah they aren't powerful enough for a lot of jobs@@bigz5262

[@charliepryor72]

Great work creating your dream, it’s one many of us have. So thank you for a great video keep it up and best of luck 👍

[@leonardvaughn2880]

Excellent video! Thanks for explaining what you did. I wish your bunk house would be an A-frame. I'd like to learn how that's built.

[@lestathecat]

Death wagon! Omg health and safety nightmare 😂 glad you survived and love the cabin! Watching from urban city living Manchester UK and really interesting learning from your channel and Truck Life Timmy 😊

[@schrodingerscat7218]

You framed in the rain. You are a better man than I. Yes, Tyvek is the official siding of Alaska. Try an old school jack for stumps. So good to see 2x6 exterior framing. For a rookie, you sure ticked all the boxes, my dude. Liked, subscribed and watching for number 2.

[@dale9402]

I heard you say you were gonna make this in one of your older videos and I was sad to see it wasn’t on your channel. Well, here I am 5 minutes after it’s posted by chance hahaha

[@phtoo7926]

Very impressive and informative. Good on you for making your dream come true.

[@pursuitforadventure]

Great video. This is something we would love to do. Being in an unorganized township would make this so much less expensive.

[@speliotis]

Great job.. Thanks for sharing you build experience...

[@ThomasStewartDev]

So many other channels have fluff when talking through their experience, but I feel like every word out of your mouth was valuable. Great stuff

[@klazyy641]

Great episode! I may have missed it, but how do you power up your batteries---generator or solar? Looking forward to your bunk house/guest house. Thanks for taking the time to film this and all of those that have gone before.

[@GDuncan8002]

19:14

[@The_Lost_Alaskan78]

I’m envious of your little slice of heaven. Very cool, thanks for sharing it with us

[@jeffkatzer]

Cool stuff. I'll be watching the new build.

[@goodguygus2542]

It’s so good to watch your videos again. Sorry I haven’t commented in awhile. Thanks to your videos I decided to move up to Alaska! Right now I’m in anchorage but I’m looking to find somewhere more remote. Is there anywhere you recommend?

[@erhardt1477]

Well… Watching from Germany sir, things you said … I mean the tolls and materials you use are a little different, but the whole project is looking really smart… 👍 The best portion of this video is, in my humble opinion, the point about the location… you want to be far of alone yes but… not to far in case something’s come up… and like you said… it ruins your entire day, if you miss ONE little thing 😂 Besides … Living to far away from anything could also be dangerous, in case of a medical emergency… So THAT piece of advice is definitely worth having. As far as the off grid power solutions are concerned, you’re correct… there are many new systems, affordable and good for power solutions to your everyday needs… if the sun is shining a little bit, but having a backup plan, like a generator is definitely a MUST HAVE… just in case… and if one is doin this out in Alaska, of all places … you should ALWAYS have a backup plan… Nice job sir …

[@paulsansonetti7410]

FYI Rockwool insulation costs approximately 2x as much as fiberglass,but In pretty much every other way , it's significantly better Advantages of Rockwool Made from stone (basalt rock) and recycled steel slag. These readily available and sustainable materials make Rockwool more durable, less irritating, and less dusty than fiberglass batt. Higher R-values than fiberglass insulation. For the same thickness, Rockwool provides a higher R-value, or for a given target R-value, you can use a less thick Rockwool batt choice, making installation more convenient (e.g. Rockwool 3.5” thick = R15 and 5.5” thick = R23 vs. Fiberglass: 3.5” thick = R11 and 5.5” thick = R19.) Moisture resistant. Rockwool actually repels water, and won’t absorb moisture like its competitors. This keeps your insulation spaces dryer, and prevents degradation of the adjoining construction material. Completely resistant to rot, mildew, mold, and bacterial growth. Over the long term, Rockwool keeps performing without compromising the health and integrity of your home or commercial building. Fire resistant. Rockwool gives you peace of mind with a fire resistant design that makes safety a high priority in your living space. Rodent-resistant. Rockwool’s steel content keeps rodents out of your insulated space. Does not itch. Anyone who has worked with fiberglass knows the continuing pain of this itchy material. Rockwool solves that problem upfront. All-friction fit. Make your installation easier and faster. Simply cut Rockwool slightly larger than the space, then easily wedge in for a tight, convenient fit. Easy to cut precisely with a serrated blade. A bread-knife blade is all you need (Rockwool has them available) to quickly and precisely cut pieces to fit, as well as cut out spaces for electrical boxes and other wall features. Denser than traditional fiberglass insulation. Rockwool effectively reduces airflow and essentially, sound transmissions. Its higher air flow resistivity means better sound attenuation for a quieter environment.

[@alaskacabinadventures]

Good tip!

[@paulsansonetti7410]

@@alaskacabinadventures glad to hear you liked it homie Be safe and be well

[@RoamAboutOutdoors]

Great video... looking forward to the guest cabin build!

[@user-mm4hh8xf9p]

Молодец!👍👍👍 На этом проекте проявились твои скрытые таланты и способности+ трудолюбие и упорство. Успехов тебе и крепкого здоровья!🙏

[@michaelbennett6959]

Some videos I wish I could give more than one thumbs up. THIS is one of those videos. Well done.

[@ruthiewilliams3482]

That is a wonderful idea! I’ll be watching 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@marienethercutt7842]

Wow,tyvm for being òne of the most informative. Ty so much for teaching your skills

[@alaskacabinadventures]

Your welcome!

[@tammylouasksdearsubswtf7955]

Hi,, newbie here, I found you through the couple you loaned your cabin too, (which was so kind & thoughtful of you) .. so here I am and this is the first video of yours I have watched so far,,, I'm sitting here lmbo at the "death wagon"!... My family & I are in the process of pulling the trigger on our own off grid journey..won't be Alaska, we deff aren't built for that , we're Fl peeps and going into the Fl forest :) (Ocala National Forest) eventually, for now we're starting with a mobile , off grid self built camper ,, but aim to find a small piece of land to settle on and begin a homestead there.. super excited & will be checking out your content for tips & advice :)

[@johnmcmullen6038]

Great commentary Matt. Thanks for sharing

[@lsieu]

This was really helpful! Thank you.

[@solarcabin]

Looks good Matt and good info. Off grid 20 years now and looks like you used most of the same materials for your interior. Recycled doors and windows save tons of money. I know you don't get great sunshine but solar would cut your power costs in summer. Best on your adventures and stay humble! -LaMar

[@zodzod9378]

Great cant wait ! Little john from the UK

[@SureShotAK]

Awesome video! Thank you for saying “snowmachining”!

[@CampfireKodiak]

Very inspiring video! I hope to do this someday in Alaska. I currently live in a large house in Kodiak and everything about it is expensive!

[@Angeldylla]

This is amazing! Congratulations!!!

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Well done video and beautiful cabin, I loved “The Death Wagon”.

[@vinnyboombatz1399]

Regarding the "Deathwagon" (LOL) - Weld/bolt up 4 square metal plates (maybe a 5"x5") underneath the trailer in each corner. Get yourself 2 pairs of cheap bottle jacks and some cement pads. Line up the cement pads & bottle jacks under the metal plates in each corner. Boom - instant leveler/stabilizer.

[@mikelentz833]

Thanks for including information on the tax situation. I would love to know more, but your figures for your situation are very useful!

[@anotherquiter]

Amazing video. Alot of people like to title videos like this then recommend hiring out work or planning to 3rd parties, but you really went in depth.

[@258windows]

I enjoyed the brief description of building the cabin.

[@johnassal5838]

Ideally you could get your death wagon up on Jack stands or install a few of those crank stands so you can jack it up getting it's weigh off the suspension

[@RMILLSMMA]

Great vid, cool channel, love to do this someday when kids are a little older (and I can afford it 😂) greetings from England. Subscribed. 👍🏻

[@samhill3496]

Timmy's Time Out Cabin. Make a high lean to side so he can park his mobile house truck under it. Place looks great. I built my house with 3/8's inch rabbit cut for over lap on 1"x12" ponderosa pine (.33 cents a ft.1989) run straight, on angles all different ways to change up the look on the walls. Oak hardwood floors and some tile, ceiling has 6 inch wide hard yellow pine V-groove with T&G all over the ceiling. 28x36 two story. Yeap, it's hell getting it done. I don't think it ever will be. Not for replacing what's worn or just want to change. When you get older the size will suite you on a 16x20. You just don't need the space to take care of. Outbuildings, a sauna things like that can be added in the yard. Like you are going to do. If you have good access you could rent that out most all summer with travelers coming through. Several like that in Fairbanks. Take care be safe the ice is thinning.

[@yagmihay]

Awesome video, truly. Very inspiring!!

[@neildixon4746]

Respect. Thank you, and good luck with no2

[@k.scotsparks9247]

...'excellent work - and excellent, 'conversational' documentation. Congratulations!!

[@SingleWomanHomestead]

I'm purchasing land in the unorganized borough. There are no property taxes there. Acreage is also typically cheaper. I've seen a few lots go for $1000/acre. But thats in large quantities.

[@bigasgonecamping7699]

Great tips and content for all us do it yourselfers.

[@thecustompainter1564]

Great informative video. Thanks! 👊

[@jensenjensen824]

Great inspiration. Thx for a good video.

[@madcrabber1113]

You can usually get a good idea of soil type by what type of trees are prominent.

[@connormattson4533]

As a custom shed builder, I love your death wagon 😂

[@alaskacabinadventures]

😂 it got the job done!

[@JohnDobak]

$700+ in property taxes feels a bit high for 2~ acres without utilities in Alaska. I'm pretty sure you can get away with less than that down in the lower 48 with power to the property.

[@BandiMasha]

Congratulations and well done. Instead of saying something and never doing it, you did the opposite. You don't need to be or have the skills of a builder to accomplish what you did, just have a go and keep at it. I can't wait for your next build 👍🙂😊

[@BigfootRCrcoverlanddave2646]

🇬🇧👍💯😎awesome content Matt, very informative living the dream Duder 🙏🤟thanks for sharing and can’t wait for more my friend🇬🇧🤟👍👍overland Dave

[@seancurrens3695]

I followed your build on facebook years ago. Cool to see you're gettin youtube famous now :)

[@alaskacabinadventures]

Good to see a name I recognize on here! Hope you're doing well my friend. Didn't a you build a truck camper years ago?

[@brianthomasband]

Amazing video. Thank you!

[@mariacarmo-jj7ff]

Que bom exemplo.... um rapaz tão novo construindo sua 🏠.... parabéns!!!

[@ellendavis9940]

Can’t wait till summer for the guest house build.

[@ronaldingleby8158]

Dreams come true. You made yours happen. I built homes, left a mark.

[@jamesmckelvy5441]

I really like a high ceiling. I've used those scissor trusses in my last 2 builds.

[@kirstynackley5461]

A fellow Olympian! Immediately subscribed 👏🏻

[@anthonymontoya6346]

Awesome video! Really helpful & informative. Quick question - Why do the metal brackets protrude from the concrete? Looks like they stick out 2-3 inches? Why is this? Why are they not sunken in flush with the surface of the concrete piers? Thanks in advance!

[@barryfulton4308]

Awesome, loved your video♥

[@chetmcdonald]

Hi Matt, Im up in Manley, where abouts did you settle? I recently bought a slice of land and bought a van. Looking forward to building this spring/summer. I like your idea of staying in a travel trailer while you built.

[@jameslacey858]

Paslode makes a Framing gun that doesn't require a compressor, uses a gas canister and a battery, can shoot 3500 nails on one canister, no cords or hoses to drag behind you .

[@MichalK_Photo]

Thanks! I plan to build a similar cabin in the polish lake district.

[@alaskacabinadventures]

Awesome!

[@vvdoctorUA]

Perfect 👍