>>116450Mattock for digging and larger root removal, shovel for removal of dirt from the hole, and axe for chopping up smaller roots or stuff thats too springy for the mattock.
Some questions and concerns you might have
>You're gonna be fucked when it rains/floods/gets humidSmall, inconspicuous trenches will be dug around the perimeter to direct rainwater away, this is built on the higher grounds of the forest, this dirt is packed with clay that handles moisture well, and pipes will be laid inside the dirt of the roof to relieve structural stress during heavy rain. The interior of the dugout will be lined completely with a large tarp, then wood walls that will be also be waterpoofed, and the roof will further be reinforced by interior beams dug into the dirt and supported by beams in the walls.
>What if someone finds your house?This is in a pretty secluded part of the forest. You have to get through quite a bit of bush to even try to find it and its impossible to get to with even a small motorized vehicle like an ATV. For further insurance I am planting bushes and thorny vines around the area to keep people and critters out. To the unsuspecting eye the structure will come across as a hill that is only 3ft at its peak. Activties other than sleeping such as cooking or bathing will be done at other sites in the forest.
>Won't it get really hot/cold?One of the benefits of dugout construction is the insulation. Dig a deep hole and stick your hand in the soil to understand what I mean. This was the preferred construction method for permanent structures of settlers and natives alike in the American Southwest for these reasons.
