My Industrial Cabin Build

[dstig1]

Spot on. Hard wire will always be best when practical and I use it for my main PC and the TV, but not much else so far. I do have a bunch run for IP cameras but have never got around to installing cameras as of yet. Some day...

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I have run a lot of Ethernet after building my house. Wired is better than wireless. I have gigE within my house. I also have IP cameras that use POE, so only Ethernet cable required.

Are you planning a barn or garage in the future? Any utility stub outs?

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Planning a shop/barn between the house and the transformer box. Also planning another small building on the other side of the house for Gym / office. Also planning to add a propane generator. Lots of discussion as to how to handle these.

Yesterday I spent the first hour at the house moving 2 gang receptacle box and consolidating two switch boxed into a double because my wife changed her mind about sink position. When Kyle was here getting me started the clutter was driving me nuts and getting in the way. So we cleaned things up. And consolidated and threw away some things. It was a pain but it was necessary.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I am starting my research now on the mini split systems. Trying to figure out what I need for this place. The cost of installed systems seems to be about 3 times what the system costs. That is baffling.

 

[yanmars]

I would like to hear what you find out about the mini splits. Also considering the same.

 

[gary49]

Planning a shop/barn between the house and the transformer box. Also planning another small building on the other side of the house for Gym / office. Also planning to add a propane generator. Lots of discussion as to how to handle these.

Yesterday I spent the first hour at the house moving 2 gang receptacle box and consolidating two switch boxed into a double because my wife changed her mind about sink position. When Kyle was here getting me started the clutter was driving me nuts and getting in the way. So we cleaned things up. And consolidated and threw away some things. It was a pain but it was necessary.

If you’re planning on putting in a stand by generator, you might consider putting in the transfer switch now, it would save a fair amount of labor vs. retrofitting it later. I like to use a service panel outside next to the meter that has a main breaker for the house but also has extra breaker spaces which you can use to feed outbuildings and such. They typically have a main breaker and eight extra spaces. They’re actually designed for hooking up mobile homes with the extra slots used for HVAC equipment, well pump, and such, but are very convenient for rural properties such as yours. If you’re going with a 400 amp service, you could use two of these panels with one of them handling the loads you want on the generator. You would still have distribution panel(s) inside the house for the circuits in the house.

 

[EddieWalker]

I am starting my research now on the mini split systems. Trying to figure out what I need for this place. The cost of installed systems seems to be about 3 times what the system costs. That is baffling.

Be sure to talk to at least 5 different HVAC contractors before committing to mini split systems. Be sure to ask each of them what would be better for your house.

In every house that I've gone into with a mini split system, I thought the AC wasn't working. Everyone who has them seems to love them, but for me, they seem to lack in removing humidity from the air.

I can't imagine a scenario where I would consider a mini split over a central AC system with ducts. To me, it's night and day, with mini splits being a last choice resort when there are no other options. And I would put in a window unit over a mini split because they actually work really good!!!

 

[buckeyefarmer]

You need at least 2 AC central systems if you don’t want exposed ducts in the great room. I’d think one to serve MBR side and great room, 2nd to just serve the 3 bedroom side, that can be shut down if not needed. You might need to supply great room with air from both ends though.
The problem with mini splits is air to bathrooms , laundry room. I could see a 3 head mini for the left side.
You probably have room in the attic to set horizontal units.

I originally thought I’d set my upstairs unit in the attic, then realized I didn’t have enough room and put it in the corner of our large walk in closet. When I switched to geothermal I now had the garage and mud room, so put upstairs unit in 1st floor mud room, ducts up to 2nd floor attic. (your pond would make a great place to put loops if it was closer to house).
Geo units are great for DIY, as the units are closed systems and all you hook up is water loops and ductwork. ( I bought my units from CMC supply In Roanoke VA and highly recommend them) (they delivered to Harrisonburg)

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Btw, I found a guy to install my original AC units on the side, and he picked them up at supply house at his cost. If you don’t need a design done, sometimes you can find a guy if you ask around.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

How easy is it dealing with your county inspectors, etc. ?