If you want to build a small log cabin, you can start with a small log cabin kit. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when you are considering this type of home, including size, quality, and cost. There are also a few steps you need to take before you can start building, including site preparation.
Cost
The cost of small log cabin kits can be determined by using a 1:2 ratio to determine the approximate finished price. Using this equation, a finished log cabin may cost around $40,000, not including delivery fees and taxes. Typically, the price of a log cabin kit includes the price of the log walls, roof, windows, and doors. However, it will not include the cost of a foundation, plumbing, electrical, or gas. Before purchasing a kit, it is helpful to talk to the manufacturers and determine whether they include these costs in their pricing.
A small log cabin kit may include a variety of options, from a basic cabin to a multi-level home. Some small log cabin kits are designed to be affordable while maintaining the traditional look of a log cabin. For example, the Boulder Lodge log cabin from Conestoga Log Cabin & Homes costs just over $22,000 and fits a bedroom and a kitchenette.
Another popular method of building a log cabin is through modular home building. These prefabricated homes can be fully assembled on site or can be built in pieces and assembled on site. These options are most popular with those who want to save money on labor and do it themselves. With a prefabricated small log cabin kit, you can build the cabin yourself or hire a professional to help you with the process.
The cost of small log cabin kits varies based on where you buy them and the materials you need. The most affordable option, however, is to purchase a shell-only log cabin kit. This will save you money on shipping costs and long-term storage. You can also choose a dry-in log cabin kit, which will save you money on labor costs over time.
Size
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the size of small log cabin kits. First, you need to determine the area you want to build on. You will need to prepare the site for building, including leveling the ground, pouring a concrete foundation, and building a pylon structure. Depending on the location, you might also have to secure a building permit. You should also check that the area you’ve chosen is accessible.
Log cabins come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and textures, which gives you a number of options to choose from. You can also customize the logs to fit your land and family. You can also add architectural features to make your log cabin truly unique. Many large home developments are very bland and lack character, whereas most log cabin kits can be customized to fit your own personal style.
A small cabin kit should accommodate two people and one bathroom. It can be customized with additional amenities and furnishings. Small cabins are ideal for people who are downsizing from a larger home. A typical Vacationer cabin measures 727 square feet and includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, loft, and bathroom.
Many of these homes are made of recycled materials. Besides being cheap, they are also environmentally-friendly. Logs can last for decades. Many people prefer smaller log homes because of their freedom and low maintenance. Some cabin kits can even incorporate aging-in-place features, which are beneficial for older people.
A small log cabin kit can be constructed quickly and easily. Depending on your preferences, it can be a permanent residence or a vacation home. It’s also perfect for young families or retirees and makes a good real estate investment.
Quality
When it comes to buying a small log cabin kit, there are several things to keep in mind. Before starting, it is important to check whether your local building department requires a permit. This is usually required for cabins larger than 150 square feet. It is also important to check the accessibility of your site. Depending on the size of your cabin, you may need to make preparations to the site, such as leveling the ground and pouring a concrete foundation or pylon structure.
There are many small log cabin kits to choose from. One of the most popular cabin kits is the Conestoga Loft-Style Cabin. It has a wraparound porch for outside living space, three bedrooms, and an open kitchen/dining area. The living room has floor-to-ceiling windows for a spacious feel.
Many log cabin kits come with varying levels of finishes. Most include log walls and roofing joists, as well as windows and doors. Many also include log siding, which keeps the cabin’s authentic log look. Purchasing a log home kit that includes a roof is the most affordable initial option, but you’ll need to add extra materials for the interiors and exteriors.
The Keuka is a good option if you’re looking for a cabin with a ranch style, but you also need to consider accessibility. The Keuka also features a front porch and a spacious living/dining area. A cathedral ceiling upgrade is also available, if you’d like to add a wow factor.
If you’re not comfortable installing your cabin kit on your own, consider hiring a professional crew. This type of construction requires basic building knowledge and physical abilities. You may need the help of forklifts and other heavy machinery, so you need to be sure you have a level of expertise to complete the job. If you live within three hours of the building site, you may need the help of a general contractor to complete the installation.
Site preparation
Before you can start building your small log cabin kit, you need to prepare the site. The first step is to survey the land where your cabin will be built. This will help you figure out its orientation and footprint. It will also help you decide what trees to cut, what type of grading is needed, and where you should place your septic system and driveway.
You may hire a crew to dig the foundation. You can also rent an excavator or a skid loader to complete the site preparation. When building a modular cabin, make sure the area is level and includes at least two inches of heavy gravel for drainage. Once the site is level, you can place the modular cabin on it.
Excavation costs about $3,500. This cost will vary based on the size of the project and the area you’re building on. You’ll be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard. The costs will be higher if your site is remote or if the terrain is complex. Also, if you have land that doesn’t have any utilities, you’ll have to pay more for site preparation.
You’ll have to decide how much you want to spend for site preparation. You can save money by moving the existing building, but you’ll have to pay for excavation costs. The cost for the site preparation can vary from $1 to $43 per square foot. It also depends on whether you’ll need to clear an old structure, get rid of trees, or clear a lot of debris.
You might decide to build your small log cabin on piers or concrete footings. In the first case, you’ll have to place concrete piers at strategic points. Concrete piers will help keep the cabin structure level. Piers are also a great option if your ground is uneven. However, they do have disadvantages.
Solar power
With more people becoming aware of the benefits of solar power, small log cabin kits are becoming a popular alternative energy option. Besides reducing the carbon footprint, alternative energy sources are also beneficial to the environment and health. They are much more affordable and practical than conventional power sources and can be customized to meet individual needs.
When selecting a solar power system, you should consider how you plan to use it and how much you are willing to spend. You also need to decide whether you want the excess energy to be sent back to the power grid or stored in batteries. For example, if you plan on living in the cabin only during the day, you might only need one or two solar panels.
Solar power can help lower energy costs and can also increase the home’s value. The National Appraisal Institute estimates that adding solar power to a log cabin increases its value by $20. The fact that a log cabin is a sustainable building material and has a low carbon footprint makes solar power for log homes an even more appealing investment.
The average solar panel can produce 150 to 370 watts, depending on its size and type. However, the output of a solar panel depends on the amount of direct sunlight it receives. Moreover, the number of hours of direct sunlight can vary from one location to another. If the sunlight is not constant, you can adjust the angle of the roof to maximize the power output.
Solar panels can be mounted outside or indoors, but they need to be protected from moisture. You should also be sure to place the battery and the charge controller inside a garden building.
