Building a cabin with an outdoor bathroom and toilet can add an eye-catching element to your rustic home, but designing one that meets local codes while still looking natural and appealing can be difficult. Outhouses may seem intimidating at first, with their unattractive design and inconvenient upkeep; but with proper planning and construction, they can become far more comfortable spaces to use.
Choosing a Location
A location for your cabin with an outhouse is of utmost importance in realizing its dream. Your choice will have a huge effect on its construction costs and timetable, so be sure to factor in factors like access, nearby facilities such as fire departments or public toilets, privacy issues etc when making this important decision. Contact a real estate agent who specializes in land sales for help when selecting potential sites to build outdoor bathrooms and toilets. These professionals will have all of the information you need to make an informed decision about each potential site that may suit your needs.
Modern outhouses are complex structures requiring numerous materials for assembly. To successfully build one you'll require a sturdy timber frame (this example was constructed using 2x4 lumber), an insulated floor, and the highest-rated roofing material available such as cedar shake or timber lap siding composite panels that breathe and waterproof effectively. You should also take into account insulation, electricity, and plumbing so your outhouse remains safe and useful over time.
Getting a Permit
Before undertaking any building project on your property, it's vital to understand the laws governing construction there. Without an understanding of these rules, your project could potentially end up illegal. A lawyer advises conducting thorough research on local laws and permit requirements before getting underway with any work. Every time you make any modifications or additions to a structure, whether permanent or temporary, a permit is necessary. That applies whenever adding electrical wiring, installing a new roof, installing an addition onto your home, remodeling kitchens or bathrooms, building accessory dwelling units (ADU) or performing other work that could compromise health or safety issues in your house.
If you plan on selling your cabin, it is advisable to obtain all necessary permits first. Without them, it could become challenging to find buyers willing to purchase your home. Permitting can be an effortful task, but it's worth your while in protecting your investment. Without proper permits for plumbing, septic, or electrical systems when selling the cabin, buyers might find it much harder to come. Typically, you'll also require an occupancy permit from your local health department or building inspector if you intend on living in your cabin. Without these permits, phone or internet connections won't work and the local authority will send a letter ordering you out within 10 days.
As is evident from this experience, obtaining a permit for a cabin with an outhouse can be more complex than you anticipate. Before beginning this process, be sure to research local regulations and solicit advice. Another important consideration for building your cabin is size. If you plan on hosting many visitors at once, a larger outhouse may be required than if just creating an intimate getaway for yourself and a few friends. With regard to small cabins, deciding the appropriate size often depends more on location and personal preferences than anything else. If your plan is to use your cabin as a vacation getaway, however, then going through all the hassle of getting permits and doing your own construction might not be worth your while.
Building the Pit
An outhouse cabin can offer you an incredible wilderness experience in the comfort of your own home. Here, you can breathe fresh air, tell stories around a campfire and unwind with friends and family in tranquility. However, to make the most of this experience you must ensure the outhouse is built to last and is environmentally friendly. As your first step, dig a pit in the ground that's large enough and deep enough to accommodate both your outhouse and its seat. Be sure that this pit can withstand rainwater; for optimal performance place it on higher land so surface runoff does not flood it and cause it to rot away over time. Cover the hole to prevent prying eyes from seeing in and to keep out insects that could potentially enter. A piece of screening would do, or you can construct a wall-sized screen mesh system to aid ventilation.
Once your pit is complete, the rest of your cabin can begin being constructed. Use two studs spaced about 24 3/4 inches apart as walls; nail some lightweight material between these studs as a floor for your outhouse. After that, cut a rectangle of drywall to cover both the bottom of your outhouse and its top rim. Your rim should stand at eight feet high at least and be level with sidewalls; additionally, it should be wider and longer so that a vent pipe can pass through easily. Building a pit using cinder blocks or bricks can also work, though for optimal results it's advisable to add a layer of leveling sand as this will ensure it remains level as you work and help to prevent cracking of the structure. If your outhouse serves as a composting toilet, be sure to add wood ashes or lime after each use to absorb any liquid that remains. Also try untreated sawdust, coconut coir, or peat moss for maximum effectiveness.
Ventilation
Planning a cabin with an outhouse requires careful consideration, as it will need more insulation and ventilation than your average toilet. Furthermore, you should account for septic tanks, hand sanitizer dispensers, and any additional accessories you might want. Ventilation in an outhouse is essential in helping reduce odors caused by human waste products and prevent your outhouse from overheating during the summer months. There are various methods of ventilation available for an outhouse, from solar chimneys to fan-powered systems. When selecting one for your outhouse, it is essential to take into account its location as well as sunlight availability, and wind velocity.
Solar chimneys are an effective solution in climates with ample sunlight exposure; you can construct one from metal or plastic pipe of 4 inches in diameter or larger or even make your own using 1x6 boards framed into a rectangle frame. They should be built higher than the outhouse roof to maximize ventilation potential. An air vent in the top section of your outhouse is also an effective solution and should be installed on at least 100 square inches of wall space so as to circulate air up and down all four walls of the building. Another solution involves installing a ventilation system consisting of some form of ductwork with air-scrubbing capabilities to eliminate odors. Since this design may require consulting with an engineer or plumber for assistance, this may prove challenging to implement on its own. The easiest and most efficient outhouse ventilation system uses a small hole to allow air into the pit area before moving up to a vent tube and dispelling any unpleasant odors, making this option suitable for both squatters and sitters alike.