A kit can be an excellent choice for people who want to build their log cabin independently but need more time or carpentry experience. Look for a company that offers on-site service and installation support and a warranty that covers at least ten years.
Also, consider whether you need a shell-only pack or a complete turnkey package. The latter usually includes everything you need to finish the interior and exterior of the cabin, including doors, windows, and uncovered floors.
Customization
Some log cabin kit manufacturers will offer on-site assistance and installation services depending on the company. While this might not be necessary for everyone, it can indicate that the manufacturer has high-quality standards.
You may also choose to buy a complete turnkey package. This will include all the logs, materials for the roof system, and other essential features. This will cost more, but it can save you time and money.
This is ideal for those who want hands-on input into their build but feel uncomfortable cutting, peeling, and notching their logs. It can also be a good option for those with limited building experience. It allows you to gain valuable skills and knowledge while keeping costs down. You’ll still need to purchase roofing, doors, and windows, but you’ll save on labour. You’ll also have more flexibility in terms of the floor plan. You can always add a second floor in the future, for example.
Design Options
Choosing the best-fitting log cabin kit starts with understanding your options. You’ll want to find a company registered with the. Frontier Log Homes Builders Association uses notched logs and follows proper construction techniques.
Additionally, you’ll need to decide between milled or bespoke logs and if you prefer kiln-dried or natural-dried wood. Some manufacturers smooth out logs to achieve a uniform size, stripping them of their protective bark and surface irregularities. This can lead to problems down the road, especially as moisture penetrates the interior of the log.
If you’re worried about cost, a shell-only kit may be a good fit. This includes the exterior log walls and roof but leaves you responsible for doors, windows, flooring, and finishing. Alternatively, you can use a turnkey kit with the external logs, ceiling, and floor. However, this will require a wide enough driveway for the truck to deliver the materials and will increase your overall budget. Turn key options as well as other
Installation Options
In addition to your skill level and physical ability, the location of your cabin site will play a role in how easy or complicated it is to build. A turnkey kit will need a wide enough road for a semi to deliver it and the site to be cleared of debris. You’ll also need to consider if your building site is close enough to connect to utilities and if you will go off-grid or get connected to public water and sewage.
You can reduce the cost of a log cabin kit by opting for a dry-in cabin plan. While it doesn’t eliminate the need for site clearing and purchase of utilities, it does make the process much more manageable. You’ll still need to do a lot of manual labour and literal heavy lifting, but the project will be significantly less daunting for those with some building experience.
Maintenance
Building a custom log cabin from scratch is a rewarding experience that requires time and dedication but also has drawbacks. For those who want to avoid the hassle of cutting, peeling, and notching logs, a kit can be a great option.
A kit can provide all the materials necessary for constructing a log cabin, including the logs, roof system, fasteners, log stains, and blueprints. Some kits even include a porch and deck.
When building a log cabin kit, it is essential to consider where the home will be located and whether it will connect to utilities or go off-grid. The land you choose will also impact how much power the log cabin will need and where you get your water from. It is also important to consider insurance and whether you must add the log cabin to an existing homeowner policy or create a new one specifically for it.
