Off-Grid Cabin Build Update | Wins, Losses & New Solar Partnership – Ep 860
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Welcome to Episode 860 of The LOTS Project Morning Show—an honest look at real-world off-grid life. This week’s off-grid cabin build update includes a win, a draw, and a loss on the construction site, the launch of a new Signature Solar partnership, and a discussion about the mindset behind “No Gov, No Kings, No Problem.” Grab your coffee and step into another week of freedom-focused living.
Coffee Corner
This morning’s brew: FTO Blonde Espresso from FoodForestFarms.com. It’s smooth, light, and perfect in the AeroPress.
Use code LOTS10 for 10 % off + free shipping, and check out the C4 Club for monthly roaster-fresh perks.
Cabin Build Update: A Win, a Draw & a Loss
The Win — Subfloor Complete & Openings Ordered
The subfloor is finally down! We wrapped installation and ordered ten low-E windows and exterior doors—a 3-to-4-week lead time that lets us prep framing and rough-ins.
The Draw — Housewrap Stress Test
A gusty downpour pulled a few nails through the lower edge of the housewrap. Quick fix, minimal moisture, lesson learned: secure edges tight before storm season.
The Loss — Road Access Gone Muddy
A dozer crew began reshaping the access road hours before the rain hit. Result: 50 yards of four-inch mud. No truck access, no deliveries—just boot tracks and backpacks.
While waiting for conditions to dry, I’m pivoting to:
- Clearing the future solar array field
- Cutting a hops row along the south hill
- Staging materials off-site until the road is passable
Lumber Decision: Southern Yellow Pine vs. Spruce
The price swing between spruce and SYP sparked research mode.
- SYP: cheaper, denser, stronger fastener grip
- Spruce: straighter, lighter, higher cost
Final call: SYP for purlins and most framing to maximize strength and budget.
New Partnership with Signature Solar
Big news: The LOTS Project is now partnered with Signature Solar—a perfect fit for our off-grid power build. Every component I specced for the cabin is available through them, and they loved the hands-on content plan.
Expect videos covering system design, unboxing, installation, and performance testing. This collaboration also marks a pivot toward YouTube-first content and away from social-media clutter.
Philosophy Corner — “No Gov, No Kings, No Problem”
As the federal shutdown drags into its third week, I haven’t felt much impact—and that’s the point. Sovereign systems beat bureaucratic ones.
- Decentralize value: Bitcoin and peer-to-peer trade
- Own infrastructure: solar, water catchment, food production
- Curate input: ditch algorithms that decide what you see
Freedom is a daily practice of competence and connection, not a slogan.
Bitcoin & Security
Price action aside, the key lesson stands: self-custody matters. If you don’t hold your keys, you don’t own your coins. Secure your stack with a Blockstream Jade or Jade Plus—open-source, trusted, and affordable.
👉 store.blockstream.com/?code=TheLOTSProject
What’s Next
- Wait out the mud and repair road drainage
- Continue solar field clearing & hops row prep
- Stage windows and doors off-site
- Begin wall framing as soon as access returns
Support the Show & Partners
| Brand | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Signature Solar | Off-grid and hybrid power systems | signaturesolar.com/?ref=LOTS |
| 🔒 Blockstream Jade | Secure your Bitcoin wallets | store.blockstream.com/?code=TheLOTSProject |
| 🌿 Comfrey Roots | Bocking #4 comfrey cuttings & crowns | comfreyroots.com |
| ☕ Food Forest Farms | Small-batch coffee (roasted by hand) | foodforestfarms.com – use code LOTS10 |
