Cabin progress - went to Kent and got a materials list made up. I expected to have to make an appointment and go in and talk to someone who might even help me figure out details like siding type and what not, but it wasn't like that at all. I all happened very quickly. Punch in a few numbers and there you have it. I was caught a bit off guard so that in response to questions like "siding?" I blurted out "yes" but gave no details of what I have in mind. So the result is a basic mid end materials list. I fired this off to Robert (kijiji carpenter) but I took the prices off as well as the Kent letterhead. I've since discovered that he needed the prices and couldn't care less if it came from Kent. In fact I've also learned that contractors go that way - Homedepot, Kent, whatever - to get their lists. Ugh - I know so little. Anyway, further chat with Robert and he's very interested in the job. Sounds like he's a busy guy so I'm happy that he wants to take this on. He charges 8% manager fee which means he'll help with all kinds of other things if need be. Like building permits, or helping with design, or finding contractors for plumbing and stuff. Things like that. So he'd be great to have on my side.  He's estimating off the top of his head 25-30k. Seems a bit steep to me and it's certainly more than I had in mind originally but the property cost more than I had in mind too so I guess that's the way it goes.

I didn't hear back from summerwood homes. End of story.

The Bavarian Cottages was looking good but fell through when I found out between 3.5 and 7k to ship. End of story.

I have been in touch a lot with Mike at cabins.ca Things are looking quite good there. Reasonable prices 16-18k. That gives everything but unfinished interior walls which is fine. Problem with that one is it all comes on a 54' truck. Plan a) the truck can get down the drive. But I'd have to find 4 strong people to unload it. Plan b) materials get dumped at the road end. So those strong people would also have to figure a way of getting it from there to the cabin site. Mike says it would fit bit by bit in a truck, unless I decide on open ceiling and in that case the length is 20' so would have to be hauled (his idea not mine). The other problem with this option is I haven't actually seen a building, although the photos look nice. And then of course, once it's all at the site it has to be put together. Easier said than done I'm sure.

Also been in touch with timberhart.com - exceptional framing. All they do is framing though so everything else would be up to me to find and organize. Price is between 15 and 17k.

So I'm thinking Robert is a good bet. I feel like he does good work even though I've only seen photos. And he seems to know a lot. He used to be a building inspector, plus he lives near the site and probably knows a fair bit about the community and the people who we might need to get stuff done. The next step with Robert is that he's going to come up with an 'elevation' plan and from that I'll use google sketch to make it nice and good enough to go ahead and apply for a building permit. That will take a while I think because there's lots to be thought about and prepared for the application. And of course I also have to figure out exactly where the cabin is going to sit. I should get that sorted out by April-May I think because I suspect the building permit will be time consuming and I'd like to start building in Sept-Oct. I had originally thought I'd like to spend the summer figuring out cabin site but that might not be possible. I won't choose unless I'm comfortable though so we'll see.

On a related topic the Timberhart folks asked if I was getting a building permit (doesn't everyone :/ )  and then told me that composting toilets weren't approved in nova scotia and so even if you use one you still need to have a septic tank. This got me a bit anxious. So I immediately called Cumberland County building permit folks who reemed off a list of things I need to satisfy the permit after I'd explained what I was going to, but transfered me to the environmental department for the compost toilet issue. They told me they don't care if I have a compost toilet. The only people who'd care would be the building permit people. Hmmm...The environmental lady was very nice and chatty and told me that what I might have to do is get approval for a septic system but not actually use it. This would all be to satisfy the building permit group. So I think it will work out. I just have to wait and see and cross whatever bridges when the time comes. Worse comes to worse I'll get a trailer and park it there and that will be that. Not nearly so nice but hey - I follow this group a lot tumbleweedhouses.com and homes on wheels is the cool thing to do. The reason many of these tiny homes are on wheels is to avoid the issues I may come across. So wheels is plan b.

That's what's been happening on the cabin front. On the handyman side not much that I can think of. Or maybe it's just getting more routine so not so much of a big deal. No more snowstorms to speak of so the snowblower is quiet. Part of the bbq blew away even though it was tied down. So I put it back together and brought it inside to stay for a few weeks.

In other news, going to try first time at winter camping tomorrow. Although the forecast is calling for rain so hope that doesn't happen. Then the following morning we're off to the pool in Pictou for some kayak practice. Tootle pip!