
From an Abandoned Hoarders Home, to Off Grid Paradise. One Step at A Time.
Looking into any build, the steps seem achievable because it appears to be just one long learning curve. The more projects I take one, the more I realize that it needs to be broken down into individual learning curves. Some stages don't require as much time investment into research, because the consequence of mistake is not a danger, but some need to be taken very seriously. For me, the first big challenge has been electrical.
Coming form an extensive 12 volt DC background, I assumed the transition to 120 Volt AC would be simple, but that is just not the case. Safety, functionality, installation and code must all be studied to the extent of complete understanding, and that research along consumed nearly a week for me. Now that the job is done, it seems quite straightforward, but I spent days just looking at these walls trying to figure out how everything would run. Part of the challenge to this particular electrical install is the Balloon framing, which leaves corners very difficult to pass through.
Once the wiring was all in and working correctly, it was time to move on to vapour barrier, which was again a challenge because of the Balloon framing. Modern home construction framing ends at the ceiling, and begins again at the floor of the next level. This makes it much easier to create a seal between floors, instead of having to cut and seal to each floor joist individually. Never the less, I got it sealed up and I feel confident with the end result. Though I must admit, the Acoustical sealant is every bit as messy as I was warned.
Moving onto the walls themselves is a big and exciting move. I decided to go with tongue and groove pine, as opposed to drywall, because I think it will hold up better to the constant temperature change. And let's not forget, it just looks great in a cabin style build. I really really enjoyed this process, because it requires just the right amount of focus. It keeps the mind busy, but allows just enough room to let the imagination work. As well, selecting, cutting and installing every piece allows you a large amount of experience even on a small scale like this. Being a live product, it has character and imperfection, and for that reason it is very forgiving to the beginner installer.
What a joy it is to walk into the home now and see these walls looking so good, and the beautiful smell of wood is a wonderful welcome.
MB01TTYSZBALMFF
If you have been enjoying this channel, and would like to help support the upcoming projects and videos, please consider taking a look at the Patreon page or the Merchandise line.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DestinationAdventure
Merch: https://destinationmerch.com/
Ready to start exploring the waters? Get your hands on a DA certified adventure boat.
Swellfish: https://swellfish.co/DUSTINPORTER
Coming form an extensive 12 volt DC background, I assumed the transition to 120 Volt AC would be simple, but that is just not the case. Safety, functionality, installation and code must all be studied to the extent of complete understanding, and that research along consumed nearly a week for me. Now that the job is done, it seems quite straightforward, but I spent days just looking at these walls trying to figure out how everything would run. Part of the challenge to this particular electrical install is the Balloon framing, which leaves corners very difficult to pass through.
Once the wiring was all in and working correctly, it was time to move on to vapour barrier, which was again a challenge because of the Balloon framing. Modern home construction framing ends at the ceiling, and begins again at the floor of the next level. This makes it much easier to create a seal between floors, instead of having to cut and seal to each floor joist individually. Never the less, I got it sealed up and I feel confident with the end result. Though I must admit, the Acoustical sealant is every bit as messy as I was warned.
Moving onto the walls themselves is a big and exciting move. I decided to go with tongue and groove pine, as opposed to drywall, because I think it will hold up better to the constant temperature change. And let's not forget, it just looks great in a cabin style build. I really really enjoyed this process, because it requires just the right amount of focus. It keeps the mind busy, but allows just enough room to let the imagination work. As well, selecting, cutting and installing every piece allows you a large amount of experience even on a small scale like this. Being a live product, it has character and imperfection, and for that reason it is very forgiving to the beginner installer.
What a joy it is to walk into the home now and see these walls looking so good, and the beautiful smell of wood is a wonderful welcome.
MB01TTYSZBALMFF
If you have been enjoying this channel, and would like to help support the upcoming projects and videos, please consider taking a look at the Patreon page or the Merchandise line.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DestinationAdventure
Merch: https://destinationmerch.com/
Ready to start exploring the waters? Get your hands on a DA certified adventure boat.
Swellfish: https://swellfish.co/DUSTINPORTER
Destination Adventure
My name is Dustin Porter,
I am an adventurer, a film maker and generally just a lover of life. I live full time in a 36 foot Winnebago motorhome, and let me tell you it is an interesting and exciting life. I love to visit and explore abandoned and histo...