DIY Network

Colorado Log-Home: Plumbing, Electrical and Finish Work From "Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes" episode DBCV-105

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In this episode of DIY's Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes, we meet the Helgoth family and get a close look at the new log home they built in the Colorado mountains. In this segment the Helgoths discuss their experiences and challenges with installing the electrical and plumbing work. They also talk about some of the finishing touches and offer some final advice based on their experiences.

The log cabin during the later stages of construction..

The finished vacation cabin.

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Do It Yourself Wiring and Plumbing

The Helgoths performed the electrical wiring on their log cabin themselves (figures A and B). First they obtained an electrical permit from the county building department. The permit provides detailed information on specifications, codes and recent updates. They did the proper work to educate themselves on the proper building codes and relied heavily on son-in-law Darren who had experience doing electrical work and family members in the electrical business.

Planning the electrical work included allowing for an adequate number of electrical outlets, using the proper wire gauge and, most importantly, ensuring proper fire-prevention safety -- especially important in an all-wood structure. An electrical inspection confirmed that all of their electrical work was installed properly and safely.

Figure A

Figure B

In terms of the plumbing (figures C and D), the do-it-yourselfers didn't fare as well. A friend in the plumbing business recommended that they use PVC pipe since it's widely regarded as easier to work with. Though several different attempts at installation were made, troubles were encountered at various stages along the way. Ultimately there work was not able pass inspection because it was not configured properly. In hindsight, the Helgoths feel that taking on the plumbing was beyond their expertise level and should have been left to experts. They eventually decided to subcontract out the plumbing, and all of their previous work had to be removed.

In the end, the major components of the construction that the Helgoths opted to contract out included excavation, well-digging, septic system, plumbing and roofing. A local lumber and hardware store was helpful in assisting the Helgoths in locating reliable subcontractors. The store's manager had numerous contacts with local contractors as his customers and, through his own business dealings, had some good recommendations as to which ones to use and which to avoid.

Figure C

Figure D

	Figure E
	Figure F

Finishing Touches

From the outset, the Helgoths wanted to stay with wood as the material for the interior finishing. A power finish-nailer helped speed the process of installing the interior wood paneling. Because of the height of the ceiling, scaffolding had to be used (figure E). As with most of the rest of the construction, the family members did most of the interior finish work themselves (figure F).

The already-close family used the construction project as a bonding experience, from the initial decision to take on the project and do the work themselves through the commitment of time and the dedication to complete the impressive amount of research and work involved.

If you'd like more information on how to build your own log cabin, check out DIY's special Build a Log Cabin workshop.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com

Log Homes by New Homestead USA
Website: www.loghomes.com/newhomestead