Surely it's very unusual to do such work (in the past) by oneself. One hears of individuals making small dwellings (log cabins, over a period of 6+ months), but

Surely it's very unusual to do such work (in the past) by oneself. One hears of individuals making small dwellings (log cabins, over a period of 6+ months), but communities would get together to make barns. Not wanting to be insensitive, but was your grandfather an outcast; no relatives or friends that would help?