>>685376I won't claim to know much, but don't forget the very first step, foundation. You won't be dealing with shrink-swell clays or earthquakes that far east, but a sturdy structure needs a sturdy start.
If you're planning on cutting your own lumber for the place you'll want cant hooks and draw knives. As someone mentioned earlier staving off rot in the wood will be a major concern, and if you're doing this all alone you'll appreciate the cant hooks for moving the heavy logs around.
I don't know how rustic you want to be in your process of manufacture, but a couple coats of polyurethane over the peeled logs will help them keep a little longer, at the expense of a shiny coat on them which can be aesthetically displeasing to some.
If there isn't an abundance of moss nearby you'll want something to chink the logs with.
Also, some things that many people overlook when getting into lumber work. You'll want several pairs of thick leather gloves. You don't need a whole lot of dexterity for most lumber moving, so don't get the thin walmart ones. You'll also want a set of steel toed boots. Inevitably logs will find their way to your fragile toes, and if you're planning on working in the winter you'll want boots that can fit a thick liner.
A good dog at your side can also make miracles. You don't realize how helpful it is to have them there until you don't, they'll make monotonous work a little more entertaining. Also they can be trained to help haul firewood.
pic related, my brother and I years ago when trees blew across the road out and my dad forgot his chainsaw
