Things are Looking Up! Water and Loft: Cabin Fixer Upper Pt 10

In the 10th video of the series, I start turning the cabin attic into a small loft, complete with a pull-down ladder. I also set up rain barrels to harvest a little water, however discover another problem I didn't know about.
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[@loripavlu9323]

A squeaky door is a good security alarm. 😁

[@lindaroyal8161]

I have bells on my door knobs, both front & back doors.

[@cyndifoore7743]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@susanstrickland6774]

True.

[@cherlgolja5402]

WD40 that door 😂

[@dewdropn5619]

Nobody can sneak up on ya, thru a door like that! Yes...Great... free, motion detection. 🕊

[@paulsccna2964]

Even if it costs $25,000 US, that cabin is in a great location and once completed, will provide years of shelter and enjoyment. Priceless.

[@judyabernathy80]

Slim, you are knocking it out of the park with your renovations. That little cabin has completely changed. I can see the cabin smiling over its new clothes! Lol Nice job!! ♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@dianapagan8991]

Oh Slim...I would love to have the opportunity to buy a country home and do exactly what you doing. Keep going I would never get tired of seeing your videos. Best of luck.

[@robertsegura6451]

You should call your fixer upper series, The Frugal Carpenter, Great job Slim

[@MrSTOUT73]

You might think about adding a drain plug hole at the very bottom of the barrel to help flush out any "crud" that may accumulate. Just a thought.

[@williambranham6249]

He plans to deconstruct and store the barrel in winter so rinsing out will be easy. Bottom plug not necessary.

[@mrben6573]

Your cabin renovation series is my favorite series on KZbin. That loft came out way better than I thought it would! All you did to the floor boards was steel wool and vinegar? They look like they were meant to be up there! Looks awesome!

[@SlimPotatohead]

The video was going too long, so I didn't include the wood staining. Add steel wool to a jar of vinegar and let it sit overnight. Brush it on the next day. Thanks! SP

[@susanstrickland6774]

@@SlimPotatohead I would watch an even longer video if you made one. This series is very captivating. Ty.

[@larrygilbert7273]

When they "Slim Potatohead: The Movie" they have to get Billy Bob Thornton to play him, assuming he can do the accent.

[@flyinggyros9745]

The loft really opens some space. Alan

[@jasonwilliamson8346]

Good afternoon slim

[@SlimPotatohead]

Afternoon Jason!

[@barfass]

In our cottage we had two wooden window frames (with glass of course!) about 16"x20" at the top of the peaks at the front and rear of the cottage. We would open these up during the afternoon/evening and get some really nice air flow and it would get rid of that hot air. We had strings on them with a small pulley that we could pull to open them up, and close them. They also had screen on them - for the bugs! ;)

[@berniejanssen2863]

I used to have small cabin like yours in northern pa. The squirrels always seamed to find a way in if you were away for awhile. We had an outhouse and one spring when we opened up the camp the outhouse was filled with acorns.

[@Joe_HamRadioGuy]

Your doing a great job on the cabin, making the attic into a loft is a good idea for extra space 👍🏼 Thanks for sharing your project love seeing the ideas that you come up with.

[@donnavaughn5393]

Thanks you slim

[@Evski-if4gn]

Hey Slim!!! Please be safe while working on the cabin! I can tell it’s going to look great when your done!!!

[@ramblinvanman6250]

That squeaking door is a free burglar alarm!

[@Gusliveshere]

Love seeing your videos. For the rain barrel you should get a strainer from the dollar store and use it it’s finer and let’s less stuff get thru. Here’s to you sir all the best stay safe.

[@okcantbelieveit294]

That door sounds like how my joints feel some days! 😁

[@tubularap]

I visited Slim today, to see how his renovation is going. And that how it feels, even from the other side of the planet. It is as if I meet up with a good friend, check out his latest ideas and deeds, hanging out at the campfire together.

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

That was really interesting. Not only how well thought out everything is, but also your great ideas how to solve problems and turn this cabin into something really nice with minimal expenses often using what is already there.

[@joannecanetti7481]

I enjoy all your videos to date. You’re an incredible story teller. Thanks for the updates on the cabin. You rock Slim.😎

[@robthesamplist]

Your such a great engineer slim...remind me of my dad very much.. always doing the best and smartest job with minimal tools.

[@peterhirt991]

an engineer would do engineering solutions. Slim's solutions are rather "home made"

[@Deathslayer.13]

Hi Slim great video

[@LindySellsHomes]

You have become the MacGyver of the north woods! That was a favorite TV show where the lead actor has great problem solving skills. He could make a bomb out of a pop bottle, string, paper clip and some Tic Tacs. ;)

[@Cuernavacachica02]

It would be great if you could get you a lamp made with that wagon wheel up in the loft!!!

[@bertkelly7650]

I love these ingenuity videos. Love to see what Slim will do to conquer a problem.

[@rhondalyn100]

I'll never build a cabin in my life, Slim, but you make the process so thorough and interesting and entertaining that I wish I were young enough again to do what you are doing. Thank you for sharing your cabin reconstruction with us. I am enjoying this series very much.

[@SlimPotatohead]

You look pretty young to me Rhondalyn. Are you really 134 ?!? SP

[@rhondalyn100]

@@SlimPotatohead Not quite yet, Slim, but the years are passing quickly. 🙂

[@benitaplummer1401]

You are so fortunate to have land next to the OCEAN!

[@MichelleCouplandHairStudio]

Love that folding loft ladder

[@o.smallwood4268]

Like the loft idea! Small windows on each end would be nice if can find that steal of a deal "free". 👍

[@elainecleaver2941]

I have blueberry bushes that seem to struggle. I put grass clippings around each one they grew new branches and seemed to love it. I think it helped keep moisture at roots and fertilized too. They like acidic ground, fertilizer for rhodedendron works and coffee grounds. Cabin is looking good, lots of work.

[@Evski-if4gn]

Have you tried burning your bushes at the end of the season? If your County and state let’s you do control burns you should try burning your bushes at the end of the season. The heat used to burn the aerial plant parts will encourage the new sprouts to grow and has been shown to liberate nutrients for the growing plants. This heat also sanitizes the field by killing insects, disease organisms and weed seeds which overwinter near the soil surface

[@donnamount151]

Q

[@elainecleaver2941]

He's in a colder climate and I'm in Washington state. Don't really worry about bugs. Gets cold enough in winter to keep control on them. Fir helps not cedar, so saw dust you have, pile it to make a mound around base.

[@daydreamer6030]

Looking awesome, you need a dock

[@SlimPotatohead]

High tides here. Docks are not practical this area. SP

[@markhudspeth8503]

Number the attic boards so it’s faster after the electric people mess them up? Looks great!

[@faithrada]

Slim... as lovely as the cabin is ... the REAL prize... is its LOCATION. Oh my goodness... the ocean is right there! What a gift. You've found a piece of heaven on earth. I am so happy for you. Love watching your progress... it's just amazing what you've got there 🙌 Thanks for sharing.

[@Smurphenstein]

You may want to put some leaf diverters on those downpipes Slim. That way your barrels won't fill up with leaves and pine needles.

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Cool improvements Slim. Always look forward to your videos. Never thought of a rainwater tank, or barrel as they seem to be called in Canada, as being a summer only thing, but in places where it freezes, it makes sense; ice expands. We relied solely on rain water tanks at our farm in Australia. To stop insects, my dad used to put atiny bit of parafin oil on the top of the water. Nothing worse than water full of wrigglies. Gross. I would keep the loft for storage and perhaps guest accommodation, not your bedroom.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Fiona. My idea with the loft is an option for cooler days, as I already have a bedroom on the main floor. Thanks! SP

[@zenandink3531]

Wow-the loft is such a great addition! Such good work you’re doing!😮😁

[@ZEVONLIN]

Spray endust on hinges works like magic on squeaks

[@halfwaymo9075]

Jus as soon as you got to, the swamp area, I said out loud....yeah it's turn around time right here.........keep posting, good videos ......Missouri💙

[@nothere7198]

Great update Slim ! That loft is going to be nice, especially in the winter with the warmth from the stove rising up. I hope your ventilation is going to be the window variety with a view to wake up to 🙂 Thanks again for bringing us along on the adventure 👍

[@ka3ymogm]

I truly enjoy your videos. They always have such a positive tone, even in the light of problems that may arise during a project. You calmly work the issue out.

[@TheJennflip]

Great idea on the ladder!!! I see your main problem is that you are a lefty!!! lol

[@karenpeterson5780]

I'm enjoying all the renovations, and your ingenuity! Thank you for keeping us abreast of your work.

[@pollypetal87]

It's all good slim.....thanks for another interesting film .

[@sheilabundren2037]

Like the loft and ladder. Exhaust fan and maybe ceiling fan would help. I have an attic fan to pull out the heat in my attic space.

[@ex-engineer6657]

The loft may be nice for sleeping in winter, Good work, thanks for sharing.

[@joansrvadventures6112]

I love watching all your innovative improvements. I like projects too. Just a suggestion: how about putting another faucet at the bottom of the rain barrel to occasionally drain out sediment, like they have on water heaters?

[@rowlandspear4061]

My rain barrel funnel is a 6" plastic plant pot with most of the bottom cut out. A piece of fiberglass window screen siliconed to what's left of the bottom filter out leaves etc. Before I put the barrels away for the winter any crud gets the high pressure washer blast.

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

You are making some great progress. She’s looking like a very comfortable home.

[@fernandez3841]

Instant like. I love these cabin vids

[@terryqueen3233]

Well you're coming right along and as far as the squeaky door leave it squeaky you'll know if someone comes in but of course it's to your taste. Thanks for the video keep up the good work but stay safe. Thanks

[@RisingTideRyan]

Maybe put another tank down the hill for the over flow pipe to water the plants (blue berries) . Might have to bury that one. Add a little pump and viola you got a outdoor shower. Also you need a dock with a boat. lol

[@suzanneta8]

It's turning out to be your own slice of a cozy haven.

[@zaradimple3980]

Really enjoyed. Thanks for sharing. All the best

[@johnthomas1919]

lots of work. I like that you try to recycle material and not spend money foolishly. I am a lot like that myself. Your cabin really is coming along and thanks for bringing us along. Very enjoyable.

[@cyberi4a]

Sorry, I'm not crying over the lost of Boris, he creeped me out.

[@themoviemaniac8416]

At first I was a bit suspicious about removing "rafters" but looks like it worked out fine. I have seen structures where rafters kept the roof from spreading out. Looks like a good deal for you. I always like loft bedrooms. Good use of small space. Will be nice and warm in winter. I'd be sleeping on the deck in Summer. Quite jealous of your wonderful cabin and woods and sea view.

[@andrea.rivers]

Somehow I knew you were gonna make a bastard file joke. lol Farrah Faucet. I enjoy your humor.

[@UncleBuckle50]

Nice work Slim Plumberhead!

[@vandersnickmcduffle7333]

You have made ALOT of progress for $9600 and some elbow grease. Great work! When I retire, I would like to do something similar.

[@leedanielson7452]

Love the cabin Series Slim you are doing awesome!!!! 👍👍

[@WIZ-IN-PA]

Great video Slim! The cabin is coming along nicely. I couldn't believe how much rodent stash was stuffed under the soffit! LOL!

[@rachf348]

Great job with the loft. I could sleep there.

[@dajones1128]

Ever see a CHAIN as a down spout? The rain water follows the chain from the gutter to the end of the chain wherever it terminates. Chain prevent rain water from spraying all over the place. Make like a poured water way route path, .

[@WeirdSeagul]

homesteadonomics thinking about the rainwater collection potential

[@sydneys.6333]

These are fantastic to watch and learn 😁😊☺️ So enjoyable to see what you do next...love the loft

[@baitboy3191]

Slim's practicality is something I am striving for.

[@Vic-dog]

What a great place you are creating!

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

Good thing you looked & got all that out. Squirrel not only stayed warm, he also ate good for Winter by the look of it. The loft looks so nice. I like that little ledge for storage or knick knacks too. I like how you did your barrel set up. Clever. Great! Have a really nice week. That looked inviting sitting by the lake with your feet in the water. Look forward to your next video.

[@sammiceli7645]

You could have installed an Oatley down spout diverter for your rain barrels for about $25.00 and used aluminum drain pipe to let flow to the back. A lot cheaper, but your system works. I use the diverter on my rain barrels that I have hooked up 2 together. Unfortunately, they have been empty for close to two months because of no rain. Quincy, Massachusetts U. S. A.

[@RobRebholz]

Hey Slim! I highly recommend using Roxul Insulation. It is by far a superior product compared to fiberglass. Easier to install and it's fire proof and water and bug repellant. Yes it's more money but worth every penny. Keep up the good work!

[@robertphillips3893]

I believe they changed the name to Rock Wool.

[@vickenator]

I was really bummed to see Boris didn't make it! Maybe he was just an old guy. Thanks for taking us along on this cabin journey. It's been fascinating.

[@monkeyshinemmie]

That ladder is so clever, especially locked into place...and then you said you'll change that... Oh dear, I can't keep up!

[@doingitwithnothing]

Need a vent window in the gable end of cabin

[@mssixty3426]

How cool, I was thinking rain barrel right before you said it!😊

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

Yes, I did like your video,- How to learn frugallity and become inventive - just in time for the rain. I'd like to see a Porthole or two up there in the loft for windows and ventilation. I think they would look good and not too big and not too small. But they would be difficult to make and to buy something that's brass - well, that's just not frugal enough unless....they were donated or you could pick the up at some recycled place.

[@foursticks100]

Slim, thanks for posting this video Great ideas for creativity on getting the most out of your confined space in the loft and great frugal ideas with the addition of the Mcgiver rain barrel 😀 plumbing Gotta love the Crow's chirping in the background

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks Ian!

[@armslength2618]

For your ladder hinge, you could get 4 common high-speed ball bearing assemblies with an ID slightly greater than smooth-shank bolts you might have; maybe 1/2-inch. Drill at each bearing point half-way into the wood from outside with a hole-saw having the OD of the bearing race. Tap each bearing assembly into the depressed wooden hole until seated. Place a wide washer onto the outside surface of each bearing, and between the contact surfaces of moving wood components, and run the bolt through. Snug on a nut from the outside, with a second nut tight onto each of the first. Then there will no binding, no slop, no noise and no wear forever. Each bearing assembly will be solidly captured by its depressed hole wall, so no radial play. The outside washers will seat onto the bearing races with bolt tension just enough to eliminate slop but not enough to bind them up, so no axial play either. The inside bearing surfaces are stopped against the seat of each half-hole, so no gross axial movement possible. The inside washers will provide a frictionless 'wash' surface between the moving wood parts, so no sticking or noise. So, 2x half-inch smooth-shank bolts, 4x wide washers, 4x DKF or equivalent ball bearings, and 4x nuts would be required. Maybe 20 bucks for everything.

[@marianfrances4959]

That loft ladder and floor boards are awesome, as is the rain barrel! "Probably killed a few fish..." LOL! 👍😎🇨🇦🌊

[@mariaofarrell7tsavororite12-7]

Looks like the loft bed will be nice and warm come winter.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Talk about a man with a vision... SP you are probably the smartest person I know. I love how you are so innovative and find an antidote for every situation. Love your little cabin. I can tell it is going to be fantastic! Every one of your videos has left me saying, "WOW"! You are doing a phenomenal job. Loving these videos. 👍😁

[@4angelwhite]

You are so clever. Love watching this remodel.

[@bobmanzi7712]

the cabin is looking real nice great stuff thanks

[@samanthadodd8112]

When we were kids we had attic fan. It was great. We could open the windows and it would keep us cool. Back in the 70's air conditioners weren't used like they are today. Hope u do something like that.

[@Photobyhart]

I was most impressed with your resourcefulness in making the rain barrel(among all the cool things you’ve done).

[@punky77]

I really love you video! I would love this little cabin simple but comfy. Keep going.

[@richardduke9788]

Hello 👋, Slim ! They have this incredible new invention called a " dust mask " , all of that squirrel stuff fall down ! Maybe a small window in the attic for light and ventilation? Nice cabin that is beginning to come together !

[@jimp.7286]

Really liked this episode. The loft rocks! Yes - they can get hot. You may want to put a small firing strip, (1x2), of wood on each side under each step tread. Screwed into the sides underneath. Wouldn't take long to make them and screw them in. In fact, you could also screw the tread into them. Just in case the wood gets dry and splits under load where the screw is you'd have a backup. I've seen similar happen. Just throwing that out there. Also hang a fan from the high part of the roof. That would look really cool in a cabin like that - maybe an antique style fan near the wagon wheel? Waiting to see what you do for ventilation. Love your reuse of materials. So awesome. Cheers!!!

[@lindahopson5003]

I love how you make do as much as you can with what you have on hand.

[@laurastewart2418]

You ve got a funny sense of humor....always interesting, informative, and entertaining 😁

[@dewdropn5619]

Excellent progress looking up. Also another great idea, for a water catchment system. Stay safe SP. 🕊

[@noncrazyjoe7436]

One idea I’ve seen for your loft stairs is to attach a rope to the end and run it through a couple of pulleys in the loft and down the wall downstairs to a basket or bag of rocks. You can balance the weight so that the stairs will be equalized and will stay up or down or just float wherever. Might be a fun and useful future project

[@henrywilliam8506]

Another great vlog as always, Slim. There's a fantastic invention that isn't expensive called a nail gun. The initial outlay may seem extravagant, but when compared to the amount of time saved, it saves you so much time.

[@mezanian]

So entertaining Slim, part genius part can do! 🤭🇦🇺😘

[@keving4081]

You are making great progress. Renovating a neglected property is extremely satisfying. Keep up the good work.

[@Chefsantatravels]

It'd be nice if you could put a couple windows up there in the loft so you'll be able to look out onto the ocean from up there. Does Canada have Habitat for Humanity stores where you can get used windows and stuff like that? Anyway great job it looks like you're enjoying doing it peace,✌✌💪👏🎅🚌👍

[@denniscoughlin7437]

Keep em coming Slim!

[@susanstrickland6774]

I love how you reuse all kinds of things, great for the earth and your wallet. The loft and ladder are perfect additions, very useable. I was so happy that was a squirrel mess and nothing worse. Rain barrels, excellent. Such a shame building supplies have gone up so much (and everything else) , but you have done well reusing and conserving. Proud of all of your accomplishments thus far. 🙂👍

[@daveneil3963]

When I was building it was, "scab another board on to it", but I guess that offended some people so now it's sister or marry another board to it. Thanks for sharing your videos with us, I do enjoy them and look forward to new ones,

[@connerbirt1927]

I think that once this Cabin series is officially over, it will be one of the cooler and more successful ones out there on KZbin. I really liked your use of the salvaged planks for the floor in the loft. I think it really went well with the warm feel of the cabin. Keep up the great work and videos.