Build material questions.

[Gus]

I'm going to be building a skid house and I am trying to keep it as budget minded as possible. I hope to keep this post going as I build, not only to document progress but also to ask questions on materials.

Right now I'm planning on an 8x8 insulated house with a rubber roof. Doing a sandwich floor and roof. Everything else is in the planning stage including what type of siding and interior panneling.

The first question I have is on windows. I'm looking for experience with the 24x24 utility windows that Menards sells. These are just single pane glass. Has anyone used these before? Good/bad? Thermopane windows from a local fish house dealer cost way to much for what I want to put into this build, but I know these would probably be the way to go. Someday when I build a drop down house I promise I won't skimp on materials. But this is a budget house.

Other options I've thought about are finding some freebee's on-line, but most I've found so far have been much bigger than I think I want in a fish house. Maybe it's still the way to go? I also thought about just using some polycarbonate or lexan sheets and making my own. Anybody have any ideas on that? Should I try to make some dual pane windows? Silicone between them? I have a feeling they would still fog up really bad.

Well, lets hear some chatter. I'm getting excited for January! This heat is too much!

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

Menards has double pane windows around 18x30 for $80. I've used those and they worked very well. Spend the few $ extra for decent windows... you won't regret it.

[JSK76]

I know your doing a budget house but if your going spend the time and money on insulating the floor then I would go the distance and get a good window, maybe just get one rater then 2 cheeps ones. You could look for a used house door with a window in it your going to need a door of some sort, this way you could kill 2 birds with one stone.

Don't wast your time and money on making a dual pane window because a real dual pane has argon gas between the glass.

[Gus]

Thanks for the comments. I have some decisions to make. I made a sketch up and started estimating materials and things are coming in higher than I thought. That makes every decision even more crucial.

So let me take a step back and ask opinions on what you would do in my situation. My plan for this house was for a quick and comfortable way to take my 4 year old out fishing. I won't be sleeping out there, it will be local. Just an easy quick get out on evenings and weekends.

Is it worth going through the expense and time of building something fully insulated with proper windows etc? Or shoudl I be looking more for a basic shell just to have out there?

I was hoping to keep the cost under the $500 mark, but going insulated with proper windows is going to push this closer to the $800 range. (I told my wife I thought I could build one for $300-$350 so I'm already pushing the limits!)

Maybe I should just stick to my otter cabin.

How have others made the decision?

[kevfish1]

Not sure how you can build one that cheap. Unless you can find cheap materials and cut alot of corners

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I started off building an 8x12 skid house last year thinking I could do it for $1500 and it ended up well over double. I built it right, but for $500 I don't know what you'd get.

[Kidd]

My plan for this house was for a quick and comfortable way to take my 4 year old out fishing. I won't be sleeping out there, it will be local. Just an easy quick get out on evenings and weekends.

I've built and help build about 10 of these over the years and we would use 2x2's, chip board and 4x4's for the runners. Find free windows, build an insulated double floor and rolled tar paper roof. We never insulated the walls and seldom regretted it. Use an oil based paint to protect the chip board and it'll last you a number of years.

Good Luck

[dewey1980]

OSB and 2x2 easy enough,wont last many years

[rodmoen]

i would put your budget in the piggy bank, keep the otter and a good buddy heater. otherwise in a year or two your "budget shack" that is no longer usable, or requires repairs will end up being the most expensive shack you ever used.. I found for the kids that if you get an old piece of rubber roof material or something like that and clean off the snow from under your shack and put the rubber down its a nice less wet floor. Just cut two holes in the rubber where your holes are positioned properly to fish. roll it up when your done

[LightningBG]

I wouldn't use OSB, it will degrade quickly.

For the windows I would make sure to get double paned or they will frost up very quickly. The other day, I had my windshield replaced on my truck, I walked past the dumpster and they had tons of windows sitting in there. I asked what they were from, guy said they took them out of a school and they were getting thrown away. You could check at some glass places and see if they have any windows they have taken out and are getting rid of.

Are you planning on leaving this on a local lake? How are you planning on getting it there and back?

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I would tend to agree. Watch "the list" for quality building materials, and you should be able to put something together that will last for quite a long time. I have seen lots of aluminum or steel sheet siding on there for $20/sheet, exterior doors and windows for $50, etc. You'll end up with a much better, lighter, longer lasting house than plywood/OSB siding and homemade windows.

[LipRipper!!]

I would start looking for a used one that is already to go... you may be able to find one that is similar or if not even better than what you want to build. Used is usually cheeper than new!!!! (JMO) Good luck!!!

Ripper!! <')>>x