The 20x34 1-1/2 Story Cabin

An owner managed 1-1/2 story cabin, built by a local contractor from the 1.5 Story Cottage plans and finished in about 60 days.

site built trusses framing the 20 foot wide 1-1/2 story cabin — Here you can see the site built trusses.

Got this email a few days ago.... [now a few years ago]

“After getting the 20’ 1-1/2 story cottage plans well over a year ago. I finally got it going up. The contractor I hired was pleased with the plans. Easy for him to understand. Will let you know more as it progresses.”

John McElroy

Here are some photos John sent along.

corner framing — Corner bracing and 2x6 framing. Windows going in.

framing and flashing for hip roofed porch — Framing and flashing in place for hip roofed porch

The builder has installed 4x4 posts rather than the 6x6 shown in the plans. This is not a problem of strength, but a fatter post is more “friendly” as well as having better scale. (See Here for example). 4x4 posts can be easily wrapped with 1x or 2x at a later date if desired.

bilco door to basement — Bilco type door to steep stair to basement.

Here it is completed

Here is the 2nd email and another batch of photos a bit later:

“Here it is completed. ~60 days start to finish. Thanks, for your help and the Great plans!”

front porch of the completed 20x34 cottage cabin — Probably not the best photo but you can see the front of the house and the steps to the hip roofed porch.

wooden cottage stair — Nice job on the stair and a fine spot for a stacked washer dryer.

kitchen looking out the big window — Kitchen looking out the big window.

kitchen looking over the eating bar — Looking over the eating bar.

The upstairs loft room (as yet unfurnished).

Where to go from here

Visit the CountryPlans home page.
Browse the Owner Builder Gallery for stories of other projects.
Ask general questions about building cabins and small houses in our forum.