The Hardy Cabin
Earl Hardy's plans for a simple, rugged and lasting log cabin.
April/May 1999
By Earl Hardy
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PHOTO: ROBIN THOMAS, ILLUSTRATIONS: TOM KIM
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The image and appeal are eternal. A log cabin not only represents the beauty of the wild and the value of Independence and thrift, but also the spirit that founded our nation. Beautiful by any standard, energy-efficient and environmentally sound, log structures are the yardstick by which lasting value is measured. Like all too many skills once handed down from parents to children, however, the art of homebuilt structures like these has atrophied in the age of affluence and cookie-cutter developments. The Simple, liberating fact is that YOU CAN BUILD YOUR OWN HOME—this home—for about $30,000, even if you end up having to buy the logs. No mortgages, no lifelong servitude to the "variable interest rate," just a simple home that you will be proud to take food and rest in. The plans on the following pages are real blueprints for MOTHER'S Hardy Cabin, just waiting for an enterprising builder to transform them into the dream of a lifetime. Where do you begin? Just turn the page.
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Earl Hardy is a residential designer with more than 1,200 homes under his belt, several of which are custom log homes. He offers a Log Home Planning Kit with sample plans, design guide, tracing paper, etc. for $29.95. If you'd like more information, contact Earl at P.O. Box 4415, Sebring, FL 33871 or (941) 385-4416.
Start by taking your plans around and getting bids from at least three suppliers for foundation, logs, plumbing, etc. The idea is to make sure you have enough money to cover all the bases, plus 10% mare far unforeseen expenses. The Hardy cabin can be built in as little as one to two weeks if you gather all the materials to the site and have the foundation installed in advance, so that you' re ready to build when all the materials arrive. It is wise to secure the location where you will be storing the materials to prevent them from "walking off the job" Materials are not cheap and you don't want to loose anything to then. It might also be wise to camp out at the site during construction. Unless you have experience with foundations and are familiar with site preparation and concrete, sub this part out to local contractors, who can get you started on the right footing. If you can build on high, well-drained ground, or even solid rock, your foundation will remain firm forever. Of course, you must start off with a level surface. After clearing the site and excavating the places where the piers (or footers) will go, form and pour the column (pier) bases, inserting the required reinforcing bars (called "rebars") per your plans. Be certain to pour the bases at least 18" below the frost line (check with your area building department for local depth requirements). Allow at least four days curing time. Once cured, the blocks can be laid to form the piers. Fill the empty cells with rebar, anchor bolts or straps, and concrete as called for on the plans. Allow four more days for curing.
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