| Those of us who are privileged to reside in cities and | | | | floor out of concrete or wood, the latter being more |
| towns with running water, continuous electricity and | | | | traditional. Since the floor size determines the size of |
| indoor plumbing tend to take these things for | | | | the outhouse, its dimensions should be large enough |
| granted. City folks think of an outhouse as a hillbilly's | | | | to cover the pit with space to comfortably move |
| second home in the outback when in fact a | | | | inside the outhouse. Cut a suitably-sized hole through |
| significant number of people living in the world do not | | | | the floor above the pit. |
| have basic amenities. As such, they rely on these | | | | Build a raised platform so that you can sit whilst in |
| facilities for daily survival. In the event you have to | | | | the outhouse. Add a lid to contain the odor. Instead |
| venture to a place where indoor plumbing is just a | | | | of a platform, install a toilet bowl with a wooden |
| concept, don't fret too much. You can easily read up | | | | cover to maintain some authenticity. Build the |
| on how to build an outhouse as an alternative to | | | | surrounding walls and add a roof. For an entrance, |
| using the running waters of nature. | | | | include the conventional door with a latch and a little |
| Check out the areas surrounding the house. When | | | | crescent as a peephole. Alternatively, hang a heavy |
| choosing a location for an outhouse, there should be | | | | canvas sheet as a curtain for modesty. When done, |
| adequate privacy and preferably not within hearing or | | | | slide the curtain and hook it aside. |
| smelling distance. Ensure your chosen site is as far | | | | Ventilation is added by allowing a small gap under the |
| away as possible from all water sources to avoid | | | | eave of the roof. Since there is no electricity to the |
| pollution due to seepage in to the soil. No amount of | | | | outhouse, no exhaust fan is available to ventilate the |
| precaution and ground lining can alleviate this risk. | | | | outhouse. Ensure you close the lid after use. The |
| Otherwise, your whole venture is down the toilet, | | | | outhouse also has no lighting and usage after hours |
| pun intended. | | | | requires a battery-powered torch. In all, it is a |
| The foundation normally comprises of a pit, dug wide | | | | challenge to clean the facilities without running water. |
| and deep enough with ample capacity to last a while. | | | | Include sufficient toilet paper and emphasize on |
| It's preferable to choose a site with relatively | | | | proper outhouse hygiene to all users. Other than that, |
| compact soil as loose earth has a tendency to shift | | | | enjoy your experience and thank the Romans for |
| and may cause detrimental effect to the outhouse. | | | | inventing indoor plumbing. |
| Once you've got the geology part settled, build a | | | | |