My Off-Grid Cabin Videos

**lamar5292** · 05-02-2012, 11:58 PM

Hi Folks, just wanted to introduce myself and share my off-grid experiences.

I have been an off-grid homesteader for over 15 years. i live in a 14x14 solar and wind powered cabin I built myself for under $2000. There is a living area, kitchen, dining area and bathroom downstairs and a large bedroom and office in the loft.

My power system is 580 watts solar and 400 watts wind power which runs my water pump, lights, tvs, laptop, fridge and lots of gadgets. I use a solar composting toilet of my own design and I heat with wood and propane backup.

I garden, fish and raise rabbits and chickens for most of my food needs. With no house payment and no utility bills I have been able to retire at 48 and just work when I want as I want and I run a small online business and I am an author and videographer.

I have lots of vids of my cabin and systems on youtube:

youtube solarcabin

I am always glad to share ideas on simple living and off-grid living!

LaMar

**sinopa27** · 05-03-2012, 03:31 AM

is this a real person? Only 4 posts since 2009.

**Spirit Deer** · 05-03-2012, 08:02 AM

Interesting, but unworkable for us for so many reasons.

We own farmland, and I can tell you for a fact it's not cheap.

Digging your own well here is not an option. Our well cost us $14,000 and that was seventeen years ago.

Digging for your own piers to build on isn't really workable here either.

I don't understand why there aren't more windows in that cabin. The statement about that being so additions can be built does not make sense. Having a door or window does not make it impossible or even difficult to later put on an addition.

Good idea for some. I've always been intrigued by tiny houses even though I could never live in one.

**lamar5292** · 05-03-2012, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by sinopa27

is this a real person? Only 4 posts since 2009.

Yes I am real- I lost track of this group after I joined.

**lamar5292** · 05-03-2012, 09:54 AM

[QUOTE=Spirit Deer;4111524735]Interesting, but unworkable for us for so many reasons.

There are 4 windows and a window in the back door. Windows lose heat in winter and not recommended on north side. I have purchased 5 acres lots for under $1000. Depends on where you want to live.

It may not work for you but lots of people have started their homesteads this way.

**Spirit Deer** · 05-03-2012, 10:57 AM

Yeah, it's all about location. Around here, raw land (not farmland) is going for about $10,000/acre, more if it's on a lake. This is a very rural area.

Where is your cabin and cheap acreage located? How far is it from shopping, medical facilities, and other life necessities?

**danni** · 05-03-2012, 01:34 PM

Yes he is real. I downloaded his book last year. Lots of good info in it. I love the video of the tumbling composter, thinking I might make it for a washer one day.

Glad to see you here Lamar

**StaceyS** · 05-03-2012, 04:06 PM

Thanks! Something else to watch with the iPad :-)

**Incognito** · 05-03-2012, 04:32 PM

Thanks for posting this, LaMar.

Do you contract to build these for other people?

**Josephhgoins** · 05-03-2012, 04:50 PM

I am planning a small weekend/holiday cabin myself. Thanks for the information!!

**lamar5292** · 05-03-2012, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by Incognito

Thanks for posting this, LaMar.

Do you contract to build these for other people?

I have built cabins for other people but now I just help with plans and ideas so people can do it themselves. My cabin design has been built by many people and there are cabins from my design in Canada, Mexico, and Alaska and places in Europe and all over the US.

The design is easy to build if you have basic construction skills or you could hire a shed builder or local handyman to build one.

LaMar

**lamar5292** · 05-03-2012, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by danni

Yes he is real. I downloaded his book last year. Lots of good info in it. I love the video of the tumbling composter, thinking I might make it for a washer one day.

Glad to see you here Lamar

Hi and thanks Danni!

LaMar

**Incognito** · 05-05-2012, 11:41 AM

Just an idea that could bring in some more cash:
You might rent out your cabin for a weekend to people who want to try out the small-space lifestyle, before they decide to build.

Were there any problems with building code conditions, etc. for building this cabin in Canada?

And thanks for posting so much great info on the net; I really love that song "I Am My Own Man".

**lamar5292** · 05-05-2012, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Incognito

Just an idea that could bring in some more cash:
You might rent out your cabin for a weekend to people who want to try out the small-space lifestyle, before they decide to build.

Were there any problems with building code conditions, etc. for building this cabin in Canada?

And thanks for posting so much great info on the net; I really love that song "I Am My Own Man".

Thanks Incognito- I live in my cabin year round so no renting out for me but people have used my designs to build guest cabins, rental cabins and mother-in-law apartments.

Building codes vary a lot from county to county and the more rural you go the less codes in general. Always check with the county before building.

The cabin is just under 200 sqft footprint so it is considered a dry cabin or shed in most counties and does not require a permit unless you hook to the grid or put in permanent plumbing and sewer.

I use solar and wind power, composting toilet and a water holding tank so no problems.

LaMar