Plans, Drawings and Material Calculations for My New Off-grid Log Cabin

[@teelo]

When you were searching for the name of the horizontal logs holding the roof, the word "purlin" popped into my head. I had to double check to see if I was correct before making this post. Thanks for all the work it takes to make these videos on top of all the physical labor in building your homestead. Keep up the great work!

[@maryblaylock6545]

Yep. That's the word all right. Always good to double check.

[@countrybluecountry1609]

You are an engineer, builder, and architect in one man. You're also a teacher and an inspiration to us. Look forward toward next week.

[@sonicclang]

That is helpful. In your main channel, you just show yourself working with little to no explanation of what you're working on, or where it's leading. It's definitely helpful for me to see those rough sketches so I know what the heck you're doing. I'm SUPER excited to see this cabin come together! This is going to make the last cabin look like a shack in comparison. Not that it wasn't cozy, but you've taken everything you learned over the last 4 years or so and applied it to the new homestead. Even though you never intended to start over, that's the curve ball life threw at you. Good luck, Shawn!

[@TheBrinkmeister]

Good to see cali bouncing around after her bout with the heat!

[@mags102755]

Shawn it was great to learn how you plan, design, think, and prepare. I loved learning about it.

[@LovingOffGrid]

Fun to watch Cali running around in the background! I'm getting my first golden retriever in four weeks. Looking forward to spending time with him at my cabin!

[@sandravanlankvelt7975]

Goldens are very sensitive to people, very loving and also always talk very kind and loving to them. When they do something naughty like chew up your favorite shirt or steal your slippers well they know they did wrong and the funny part is they won't look you in the eye's LOLOL They are so full of fun, energy and man are they smart you will always have to be on your toes. Other than that they are always smiling and wagging their tails want to please you, and their toys are always in their mouths and for sure they love to play hide and seek. God bless.

[@stevepygram6706]

I was gunna ask how Cali wa

[@MrCow579]

Man I'm jealous :( I'm finally moving into a home with a little garden but it's not enough to have a dog + I work fulltime and I don't want to leave a dog at home sitting inside all day. Some day I'll get there, move out and have all the time in the world for a dog and a cabin!

[@LovingOffGrid]

@@MrCow579 It's pretty cheap to buy land and build a cabin over here in the north of Sweden. My cabin is 15 kilometres from the closest town.

[@dlspiritdancer9548]

Im excited for you, Loving Off Grid, & wish you lots of good times, much fun, happiness & good health with your new dog. Ive been thinking about getting a doberman since i lost my husband & its so lonely around the house now. So that would help since training takes up a good deal of time but very well worth it! And not to mention they love praise & treats. Good luck & may God bless you richly with the new member of your fam. 🙏's.

[@andyb4579]

Interesting plans, of course. Mainly just happy to see Cali wagging her tail in the background 🙌

[@robertking6865]

The Cali show was really great! So good to see her just being normal after (the scare)........OH, ...and....I found your plans and graphs very interesting as well.......;

[@ildiko1vt]

hard to miss....i noticed that right away too. :)

[@130sutphen]

ALL YOUR PREPLANNING IS SO IMPORTANT, NICE OF YOU TO SHARE. ITS NOT ALL PHYSICAL

[@sallyfrenette9643]

Thank you for sharing this with us. It's going to be awesome to be able to store your food. You're very lucky to be doing this, yes, even in the hot and muggy days. ☺️

[@heatherclayton-callaghan4270]

@@sallyfrenette9643 No luck involved .... this is all well thought out, meticulously planned, and dedicated, diligent, HARD WORK !!!! Anything beyond that is spiritual blessings. A man to be applauded for his true Self Reliance. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@angelitaabrematea3013]

Your foundation plans, drawings/ sketches, cost estimates, scope of works and other essentials to your cabins are all formed in your heart and mind, and that makes you excelled in everything you do. Take a rest, stay safe, keep your strength and health, watching your videos makes us learn the craft and stress free. God bless to you your family and Cali, ✌️🇨🇿

[@stephanpace8678]

I love Cali photo bombing you. She looks so happy. Great info also.

[@cajunlane3191]

Please be sure and periodically have a picture taken of you and Kelly together. She is such a wonderful companion and the bond you have is most precious.

[@jimgriffiths9071]

It all comes back to the mill. What a godsend that unit is!

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

I want one so bad but I live in a highrise in the city

[@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla]

@@MichaelJosephJr934 So why exactly do you want one of you live in a high rise? That's giving me some funny mental images... Your neighbours would not be very happy with you 😂

[@rhodeoliveira3312]

I'm very happy to see Cali so well.

[@wapi70]

love to see Cali in the background, always stealing the show😍

[@pamalapeterson5352]

It is amazing watching you build this cabin from the get go!……I did not know she so much planning was involved….my head hurts thinking 🤔 about every need!……God bless you abundantly and stay safe and healthy!

[@irisviolet2439]

I AM sooooo greatfull for heaven that CALI is back in her good spirit and enjoy....take care CALI....i love you tresor

[@167curly]

Shawn's the most organized man I have ever seen.

[@masterdaveedwards]

Thanks Shawn for your candor...you have alot of people that appreciate what you do. Your ability to be a private man talking to complete strangers is much improved. Thanks I always enjoy listening and watching what you do...its pretty cool you have almost 2 million subscribers!

[@christineingram55]

Good grif Shawn it’s a lot of work for you.Had it been anyone else I would have doubted them but you have that true stubbornness and determination, that make sure you can and will do this. I am so glad we get to enjoy the journey with you ,and Cali of course.There’s something interesting at the back she’s having a good time sniffing out .. Love n Light to you both 🥰

[@donnazavitz1095]

Cali in the background just so happy never stops wagging her tail :0) My husband and I enjoy your videos Shawn! From Owen Sound, Ont.

[@carinvictor70]

I think Cali is the happiest dog in the world. 🐕 Greetings from Namibia. 🇳🇦

[@yvonnemcmahan9037]

Thanks for the explanations. I really love watching Calli playing. I always look forward to all your videos.

[@scottyj8500]

You’re the hardest working man I know!! I can’t wait to see it finished, the journey is the best part though.

[@normabenavidez2138]

Hero Status

[@johnlangevin708]

I really enjoy Cali's videos featuring Shawn James.

[@PlainStraightShooter]

That Cali. What a great pup. I was watching her as you talked. She had something of interest up on the high behind you for sure. Glad shes getting around a lot better and stays cool, and you to. I can relate to in the head. Looking good.

[@mickestahl6178]

Good information about the log cabin build and design, a thought from my side is that if you use the Scandinavian type of log notches you are not so sensitive about the variations of the thickness in the logs. You will always have the center of the log intact in that type of notches, the saddle notches you are removing very much of the material in each log. The Scandinavian type of "hook notch" have more of the core of the timber intact. It's harder to cut those out but they are strong as hell when you are done and if done correctly you don't need clinking the walls after they are done. Just an idea from me.. Keep up the good work and I love to see the progress because it will be awesome in the end. Love to you all from Sweden.

[@mylesmclean7121]

Shawn I am a retired sawer from Manitoba just a suggestion Poplar logs make great floor joists the trick is to use them when they are green heavy as heck but they are easy to drive a nail in but when they dry the wood shrinks and you will be hard pressed to pull a nail hence you will not get a squickey floor. Just a suggestion

[@WisconsinLinda]

Excuse me Shawn, but could you repeat that please? I was completely distracted by Callie and her wagging tail. ha ha Cracks me up every single time.

[@Bible.Thumper]

My thoughts, exactly. 😂

[@philedwards1460]

I was gonna tell him to tell her to quit whatever the hell she was doing so I could pay attention. LOL

[@molly56clark]

Thank you Shawn for that information about how you plan your builds. I’ve been hooked on your channel since the very beginning and I’m excited as this new phase of your homestead unfolds before our KZbin eyes. As always thank you for all that you share.

[@yvonnebailey9973]

Good to hear your plans for the cabin, sounds great. Also good to see Cali back to her usual self. Tail wagging all the time. Take care

[@deraltesoldat5648]

I respect real masters ,, golden ✋."You are one of them.Ukraine.🇺🇦❤🇨🇦👍

[@markrtoffeeman]

Happy to see you get that 1000L storage and well in the basement of the new cabin. Given the (drought) weather conditions seen in Canada this year. Water storage is a big thing for you now Shawn. The greenhouse needs a couple of '000s L storage given its agricultural water. The basement. Be sure to keep it sterile and light free. This year's been an eye-opener when it comes to water storage. It's been a bit like previous years in Europe. In UK we went months dry and hot. Water redundancy I think is important for you Shawn. As it keeps the food coming in too.

[@markrtoffeeman]

Ps. That dog of yours Shawn. Never stops!

[@t-6273]

Didn't even have to watch to know I had to give it thumbs up. Great to see how you plan, I do a lot of the same when I make things. It was pretty cool seeing your design for the new cabin and I cannot wait to see it come to fruition.

[@lint2023]

Consider putting a date on some of those pages and on many (everything) you build. I started this a few decades ago because I found I was unable to date many of my older things I made by memory.

[@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla]

Good idea, because he has the KZbin videos to date most of it, but what doesn't go on camera could potentially be forgotten

[@manfredpaul7628]

Great planning done and Cali is a legend now and steals the show once she comes into the frame.

[@loufarbus2330]

I would happily watch you mill all week... just saying. Thank you Mr James.

[@brianspencer4220]

Thanks Shawn: Your reveal on the planning sure makes it easier to follow. Thanks & stay safe Brian 81

[@praiseyethelord7121]

Cali photo bombed your whole vlog! 😉

[@marketingguru6986]

She did!.....HILARIOUS!

[@jeanettec6212]

Each building you do you see what you want to do again or different. I love this explanation, because I wondered how you knew how many logs for this or that were needed. It will undoubtedly be perfect! Take care Shawn.

[@patriciacrabtree6786]

Love watching you do all that you do. May God continue to bless you and your family including your furbaby.

[@charlietree776]

You get 4X more likes with 291K subs than most people with 1 million subs in just a few hours. It goes to show the creativity and value of your channel. Kudos to you James! Keep up the great work and story telling!

[@whiteturtleadventuresandphoto]

There is some guy talking about lumber and building when we all know the real excitement is in the forest behind him. Poor Cali works so hard all day!!! Stay safe and cool!!

[@janettroyer7003]

The cabin is going to be awesome. We really enjoy seeing how you plan your builds then getting to watch you do the build. We look forward to seeing things progress. You do a great job and we to are so glad Cali is doing well. Take care

[@talibirkmanis5727]

Great to hear how you plan, can't wait to see your progress, fantastic ! Great to see Cali happy !!

[@leeprism9564]

I’m not a carpenter, although my dad and gpa built a few houses on the side, but I like looking up at a ceiling and seeing a couple huge beams going across the top of the walls, at equidistant intervals. Don’t ask me why. Sort of Bavarian style, maybe. I think conventional non log walls and ceilings are boring to look at, so my place is like an art gallery, as there are no logs here. Having lived in Oklahoma, I’m glad you’re not using logs on the roof, as I wouldn’t want logs falling on your head in a high wind. I saw you are growing Roma tomatoes, which canned, will be good for the lycopene. Echinacea is a hearty perennial , or cone flower, and in tea, is good for your lungs, unless you’re allergic. Should the Lord tarry, you should be in good shape for years. It may seem odd for a G’ma over 70 to watch this, but since i was in grade school, I’ve always loved log cabins, cast iron cookware, wood burning stoves , gardening, big dogs and horses, so may have been born in the wrong century. Carry on.

[@nancyfaught3833]

Me too!

[@janettelworth9398]

herry is one of my favorite woods, however, have you ever seen boards made of poplar wood?. It is a white wood with very dark brown, almost black circle where every branch was and the 1st time I saw it, my neighbor had milled boards and laid them out to dry in his garage. They were really something special. He made a wall in his house with them. Beautiful. It would be perfect for a bathroom because it is white and so bright but still with all those gorgeous swirls on it. Think you might like to try that somewhere?

[@NetTopsey]

2:02 No set of plans is complete or properly done without at least one cup ring 😁 Thanks for the background on how you plan this.

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Love how you Canadians pronounce OUT 😀🇨🇦🇬🇧 respect from the United Kingdom.

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Do you actually think we're here to listen to you Shawn? We're too busy watching Callie dig on the hillside to be able to understand about log lengths... 🤡 Joking of course... this is fascinating, especially for those of us who have followed you for a few years. I'm actually finding the conversation on this channel more compelling than what is happening on the other channel. I expect that will change when more building is happening. Much respect Shawn. Love both channels.

[@bobobrien8968]

You are incredibly efficient with your time, to be able to do all that you do. Just another of your numerous talents.

[@timklassen421]

Hi Shawn your ambition and hard work will get you a nice cabin thanks for sharing a part of your life with us youtubers happy Canada day .

[@virginiareid5336]

Doing your plans on paper was wonderful. The extensions on either side will open up so much space. Thank you for sharing.

[@marksexton1340]

Wow....thank you for the commentary, it greatly helps answer the million questions that I come up with.... I love your drive and passion, and your knowledge of "how to".... skills that most only wish they had.

[@roberttrifts2737]

Those sketches and breakdowns are used by sales and management in the construction trades (and that is Shawn's work background - sales and management in the sheet metal construction business) use to break down the size of a job so they can figure out material requirements and estimate price in order to cost out & quote/bid on a job. Shawn has leveraged that skill and applied it to the wood requirements of his building. Straightforward and sensible approach. It won't be perfect, but it will be accurate & correct on critical elements and close enough everywhere else that it should work.

[@psychedeliccomics]

Shawn, thank you so much for this video. I am an engineer and i need to know those numbers. Since i have always watched your prior cabin build, i always have dimensions on my mind. Thanks again. Those elevations help too....

[@lauramarti7548]

Thank you for showing us your planning book. I greatly appreciated seeing it and hearing your explanation of the building process. I also like to sketch out projects I want to do before I start them to give me a clear picture of how the end result will look.

[@lindaleduke5016]

It was wonderful to see Cali being her usual energetic self. Whatever she was digging for in the background distracted me from what you were saying so I had to watch this video again.

[@joannhampton3726]

Very glad to see the pup on the move.curious, here where i live in the summer is very hot.near 100 at times.hope its not that bad there.night time sleeping would be horrible.i think about that, if i were off grid here.i could handle the cold much better.

[@Will.i.am.777]

Can’t wait to see the progress in the coming videos, I am impressed at your work ethic, unlike some of your fellow off grid KZbinr who will remain nameless who still hasn’t finished the siding and it’s been a few years. Lol

[@luilu9167]

I would really love to help you for a month or so, just to see your dream grow and learn just a little of all your skills. Some years ago, I chopped maybe 250 trees a year and somehow I miss the work with wood and working in nature. You. Are a blessed person :)

[@jwicks7612]

Hope the mosquito situation get better soon!!! It's amazing how Cali always knows when you are filming... she was in view the entire time... she's getting better and better at it!!!😍. The plans for the cabin look amazing!!! Don't forget to take time to go for a cool swim with Cali!! See you Friday!! Take care!!! 😊

[@JDK45ACP]

Really appreciate that explanation. I’m one of the “plans-curious” guys. Great video, brother.

[@irenemathieson4229]

Interesting video! An incredible amount of work is ahead for you, future videos for us to enjoy, and a beautiful home for your family.

[@rosmasab2114]

Wow! The trees, the green vegetation & the chirping of the birds are so therapeutic.

[@1234dvarela]

Cali, always on que…..wandering into the frame, tail waging. ❤️

[@joellenbroetzmann9053]

I think you will be really busy, like that is a surprise! My dad always told me if you're too busy to go fishing, you're too busy. So even with all you have to critically do, I hope a few hours of relaxation and a few fish get sprinkled into the plan.

[@reneebunch6007]

I enjoyed watching Cali at the beginning. She was so cute over there digging in the leaves and that tail wagging big time. I can hardly wait to see the finished product of the new cabin.

[@robertmccullough4822]

Shawn, you have so intractably structured this cabin it's scary. You are way more than just a man building a cabin, you have figured out through calculation the exact specifications of how to build your dream. Much thought and planning went into this build, and I applaud your efforts and time spent figuring this out. We will all be amazed as your dreams become finished products. I don't know of many people that could single handily figure this out and build this project by themselves with the materials, and environment, and effort you are putting out. You have my upmost respect in what you are doing. As long as you are pushing on... I will follow. But let me ask... How do you get Cali to just run behind you and sit and look at the camera as she does. She is very much a camera hog and we love her. Keep on pushing for your dream Shawn, we will follow....

[@carolyncrouse128]

I want to compliment you on the great buildings you have built. I am amazed to the top of the montains

[@franksmith6871]

It's very interesting to see the plans and the progress that you make from one video to the next! I know that Cali gets a lot of "fan mail" and I'm a big fan of her myself! The thing I love most about Cali is that almost no matter what she's doing, her tail is wagging. She's a happy soul and she often steals the show with her wanderings and her playfulness as you toil with your project in the videos. I do wonder though if in her wanderings she has ever been threatened by an angry bear or a wolf pack or a venomous serpent? There are some awful videos on KZbin of wolves attacking domestic dogs. I assume Cali is spayed so that she doesn't attract trouble with her scent. When she suffered recently from heat stroke, my first thought was that she was bitten by something venomous! So glad that you correctly identified and rectified the problem! I love to watch sweet, playful Cali!

[@georgiagalesquantumjourney9481]

Thanks for sharing. I understand alot of the thought process going into the plans, since I'm retired-injured from a Construction injury in 2008. Although it doesn't keep me from moving towards my personal goals.

[@deannacalef3513]

Isn't that something that you take the time to provide guidance for new builders. Well done.

[@jpassion222]

Enjoy your videos. Regarding your roof insulating, you said you would fill the cavities above roof deck with insulation but left out you need air space above insulation and ventilation to prevent moisture from rotting out roof. Those intermediate log members are purlins. Cali is a joy to watch.

[@sandratweedale2579]

This info is always so interesting. I don’t necessarily really understand it all but it’s amazing how much you have to plan. Considering you’re not a builder per se your so detail oriented and it clearly shows in the creations you’ve made. We’re so grateful for the entertainment you provide and really appreciate letting us join you on the adventure. God bless that golden ray of sunshine you call Cali 🥰🐶

[@barrydeacon3551]

Smart builder makes detailed plans and figures out amount of wood required… Doing it in the bush, by yourself is so incredible… Bugs must be terrible… Hot with humidity equals mosquitoes or black flies.. Glad Cali is doing better from over heating.. Both need LOTS of water.. enjoy your channel 👍 B Deacon Bdn Manitoba Canada

[@oldsmokeeater7075]

Thank you for the heads up on the cabin. Yes it is rewarding to see Cali running around. Be safe Sir!

[@joebacarella2829]

That is quite a lot of work you have in front of you, good luck, be safe. Love to see the builds, glad to see Cali bouncing around. I don`t need all the editing, turn on that camera, and lets see it. The plans look great, you must be somewhat excited, finally the cabin build. I`m excited Michigan loves it.

[@firewalkwithme7402]

I grew up and currently in the city with not much experience with the outdoors so I love your videos. The way you explained the building and your drawing was easy to understand and very interesting. Maybe for the future you might consider becoming some kind of an instructor to pass along your knowledge to those people who are serious about building and this lifestyle. maybe like an online course or something - just a thought. i think you are a great teacher.

[@peteradams8817]

Awesome video thanks so much for talking us through it, it is not lost on me how thoughtful you are of us viewers. I know it’s time consuming as heck making and editing these videos and appreciate so much your zest to do so is unwavering year after year.

[@edmedlin2936]

Great job of planning it all out. Glad to see that Cali is doing OK. It was kind of scary when I saw that recent video saying "My dog collapsed." I know full well how a dog like her can be one's best friend and any health crisis demands immediate attention. I look forward to seeing this new house being built, and seeing the first fire in the wood stove lit off.

[@colinbradford8126]

Hello to you and your family 👪. I can not wait and see you working on your new cabin. Keep up the great work you do and most importantly please be safe and well to you and your family 👪 from colin bradford and family 👪 in Milton Keynes in the uk 🇬🇧😊.

[@sharonrhoads2461]

Good to see Cali running around and having fun. Your plans are amazing. Can't wait to see the finished cabin.

[@nightsong28540]

Very interesting to see how you plan, my hubby would do the same, notebook, sketch it out and calculate what was needed. Building many memories as you progress. Stay safe, be careful, take it easy and keep dry.

[@mikeskelly2356]

We insulated our 'hunting' cabin but still had a problem with the doors sucking heat out, so we added 'foyers' to both doors. Even with windows for light, they made a big difference in heat transfer, plus, you didn't get that big blast of cold every time you went out, and they were large enough to store some firewood and shovels out of the snow.

[@WyntersFrost]

love your channel ... !!! also nice to see cali doing well she is a treasure..

[@Flowergurl2000]

“Hi CALI!!!!!!! So glad you are okay!!” Oh, sorry Shawn, were you saying something????

[@mariadi1069]

It was very entertaining to se Kelly wagging her tail all the time well she was digging for something 🤗🤗

[@JCrook1028]

Cali

[@z0s1a98]

Shawn I know its maybe a bit techie, but showing plans in CAD, LibreOffice Draw, Inkscape, OpenOffice Draw, Visio, Visual Studios, Smartdraw sounds to me like a nice idea. We'd be able to see the inner workings of your mind, & how you come to those thoughts/ideas; when it comes to planning & building. What I'm trying to say, is that it would be a nice touch - I have to admit, I do like the old school sketching though, so rustic - All the Best

[@curtissherwood4575]

Large log cabin... excellent..thks for including us viewers in your adventure.

[@kerra3699]

The whole time you are talking, Cali is sniffing and scrounging around behind you, and at no point does her tail stop wagging. Cali is the happiest dog ever, I am amazed her tail has not worn out.

[@edmo43]

Hello, It's good to see Cali happy. Thanks. His planning reveal makes it easier to follow. Thank you and stay safe.👍

[@canajian]

👋😎👍 cali casually walks into scene, looking at owner .. I wonder if the dog ponders, who is he talking to all the time?? 🤣🤣🤣

[@richardpoynton4026]

This cabin’s going to be a beast! Looking forward to watching you build it…..👍🏼

[@gazza2390]

I’m really looking forward to this new build

[@jonsgold]

Can you say that again? I was busy watching Cali...

[@jmar665]

How many of us watched Cali in the left part of the screen? She sure is a beautiful girl.

[@ronwatson4902]

I'm happy to see Cali back to her old self. Thanks Shawn

[@meamorielamar360]

Hi Cali i love you..stay safe both of your master Shawn James...God bless ..

[@seanpaik6085]

Cali in the background living her best life by herself ❤

[@mariondiemert430]

Thank you so much for sharing your plans with us. Lordy, you have your work cut out for you and Cali and we will be along to lift up your spirits. Amazing.

[@Mooshkie50able]

I hope to see Doug come out to help you at some point or just see two old friends having a relaxing day fishing and exploring. From all that you have in your plans It looks like your going to be adding some well needed storage in the house with a cellar etc. "its something the first cabin seemed to lack " You learn from the 1st cabin, all the things you wished you had the space for "in house" and now can add it in this new cabin. Cali is so cute how she knows just where to hang out in the back-round to be on camera with you . lol

[@koyapol]

I'm quite surprised people are asking this lol. Good morning btw and good to see Cali is back in shape.