- 1). Secure a building permit. Excavate the foundation and level the building site. Grade the area around the construction site so that snow melt and rain do not wash down on the base of the cabin. Install a septic system if required. Sketch out your cabin plan to determine the amount of building materials you will need for the project.
- 2). Build a firm foundation using concrete blocks or foundation stone. To accommodate uneven terrain of a hillside location, blocks may be stacked to adjust for elevation. If stacking cement blocks, bond them together with cement and re-bar. Do not put the blocks or stone on bare ground. Set the foundation on a 8 to 10 inch layer of compacted, leveled gravel. (If you elect to use a poured concrete foundation, excavate the area to below the frost line, build a frame for the foundation from 2 by 4 inch lumber or rent concrete forms. Have the concrete poured when the temperature will remain above freezing for several days.)
- 3). Construct the floor joists on 16 inch spacing. Nail the frame together using joist hangers secured by 2 inch spiral shank nails. Position the floor frame squarely on the foundation. Cover the floor frame with 5/8 inch pressure treated plywood. Attach the plywood to the floor joists with 2 inch wood screws or 2 inch spiral shank nails, positioned no farther than 8 inches apart. Install insulation material under the floor between the floor joists. Bats or Styrofoam blocks, cut to fit between the floor joists will provide a moisture and cold air barrier.
- 4). Build the wall frames. Frame the cabin with 2 by 4 inch fir or spruce studs set on 16 inch spacing. Locate window and door openings to provide cross ventilation. Remember, when framing, precision and accurate measurements are of the highest importance. The wall frames are the skeleton of your cabin. Imperfections in the framing process may cause problems later. Frame the first floor walls of the cabin. Raise the wall frames one at a time and secure by attaching to the floor joists with 2 inch spiral shank nails driven at a 30 degree angle to increase the strength of the joint.
- 5). Build the floor joists for the second floor from 2 by 8 inch pressure treated lumber. Allow for the opening for a staircase. Nail the floor joists together in the same manner as the first floor. Position the floor frame in place and attach it to the wall studs of the first floor. Cover the second floor frame with 5/8 inch treated plywood. Attach the plywood to the frame with nails or wood screws no farther than 8 inches apart.
- 6). Set the pitch of your roof based on the snow load in your location. A steep pitched roof will shed the snow, but will take more materials to build as it will have a larger area. Secure support timbers or beams with metal bolts. Build the roof joist from 2 by 8 inch pressure treated lumber. Nail the roof joists together using joist hangers and 2 inch spiral shank nails. Cloak the roof joists with 5/8 inch pressure treated plywood. Cover the plywood with tar paper prior to adding roofing shingles or metal roofing materials.
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