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Jacquelyn
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2017 13:09
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Hello!
I am getting ready to move onto an 85 acre property owned by family. I have looked into park models, trailers etc and I'm not overly interested in going this route.
I'd love to design/build my own cabin but since I've never built anything ion my life i think that a cabin kit seems like my best option. What i want to know is, are they durable? Will it last for 20 years? Are they made well? They just seem too good to be true.
I will be having someone build it because I don't think that my first 'building' project should be my house! Just in case I suck and mess it up! Second question.... would I be better off finding plans/blueprints that suit me and just hiring a biulder/carpenter? Any idea if it might end up costing close to the same as buying a kit and having it built? I will have to have a plumber and electrician come in either way and I will have to supply my own fixtures and appliances.
I'd be very grateful for any other advice pertaining to this line of thought.
Thank you!
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bldginsp
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2017 13:21 - Edited by: bldginsp
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Welcome Jacquelyn
There are a variety of different types of kits available, do you mean the log cabin type of kits? I'm not familiar with pricing on kits these days, but in general they are not cheap, and then it has to be assembled etc. so the cost will be comparable to building standard stick frame, or more. I think the big advantage to kits is that a capable do it yourselfer can assemble it to save money. But if you are going to have all the work done by others, I doubt you would save money over a standard stick build.
How long a kit will last is more a function of how well it is assembled than the initial quality of the kit itself. It needs to go on a good foundation that is structurally sound and lifts it off the ground to avoid rot. The roof needs to well done of course. Then, all the details of waterproofing around doors and windows and any other vulnerable areas need to be carefully thought out.
You could look for designs on the internet and perhaps find a kit or stick frame design you like. You can hire an architect or other professional designer to work with you, this is pricey. Or, you can make a basic conceptual design yourself and then hire a design/builder to finalize the design and build it for you. This will cost less than an architect. If you go this route, keep the building very simple, because design builders will use basic construction rules to design the house rather than a complicated structural design. Get and double check references from any builder you hire.
There's a lot more to a kit project than just the kit itself. Foundation, roof, choosing windows, and then finishing out the interior. It is more difficult to put electrical, plumbing and furnace ducting in a log kit build than a stick build, because the walls are not hollow. So, they will cost more.
Stick building is the least expensive way to build because they have worked out all the steps in the process to the point where they are as efficient as possible. But some people prefer the log look. Log kits don't offer much in the way of insulation, if you are in a cold climate I'd research it carefully. Don't listen only to the log kit salesman, get other opinions.
Keep us posted!
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Jacquelyn
Member
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2017 15:17
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Thank you for all the info! Very helpful.
I would not be going the log cabin route as I have noticed that they are quite expensive. I also prefer the more modern look of the kits that have siding. I have been looking at stick built cabin kits manufactured by a company located in Ontario just outside of Ottawa. www.cabinkits.ca
I figured that since these are made in Ontario, they would be made to stand cold Canadian Winters.
If you know of any other reputable companies that specialize in affordable, stick built cabin kits, send the website my way!
Thanks again for your help!
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Shadyacres
Member
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2017 15:53
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Welcome to the site. I am not sure where you are building but I also think I would look into modular type cabins. They can be put on site and ready to go very quickly. I do not know the pricing but I would check it out if you are going to pay someone to build a stick building or log cabin on your site.
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morock
Member
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# Posted: 9 Feb 2017 12:40
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Take at look at http://olhomes.ca/en We looked at the cabin kits too, but really want log and found the prices similar. Also we wanted to do as much of the work as possible. They have contractors who know how to build this format too. I would go see them too, we are very happy with our choice.
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Rickant
Member
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2017 12:13
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I'm also a fan of the cabin kits.ca. I've check them out and they seam reasonable. I would consider them if I was to buy a lot.
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Jacquelyn
Member
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# Posted: 21 Feb 2017 12:51 - Edited by: Jacquelyn
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Thanks for the recommendation morock! OlHomes have a big selection, which i appreciate!
Would you mind if I asked you a few questions about it?
I am most concerned with how much the finished product will cost. I have no issue putting in a lot of hard work but I am not experienced in anything to do with building. And i certainly have no experience with electric work or plumbing.
That being said, I will have to hire people to help me. How difficult was it to build your own kit? Do you think that someone like me who has no experience would even be able to do it?
How many square feet is your place? I am hoping for about 1000 sq/f including loft space. Would you feel comfortable telling me approx what it cost you?
Thanks again for your help!
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 21 Feb 2017 13:32
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Jacquelin, You haven't mentioned what part of Ontario your in... Tiz a Big Place ! There are many cabin kit builder's, log home builder's and even "modular Home" builder's all over the province. Obviously one that is closer to you the better unless shipping is included (rare but happens).
Modular homes are basically all done ready to go just drop on foundation & hookup. They are more $ but it's all done... I have just seen a model home on the side of a highway made by Guildcrest homes which is in Eastern Ontario http://guildcrest.com/ BUT this is not on their site yet, it looks like a small Eco Cabin but very modern... There are many options.
Then there are Log Home builders like mentioned previousy but also like Confederation Log Homes in Bobcaygeon, Ontario http://www.confederationloghomes.com/ which offer everything from basic shell to fully completed homes... $$ can get shocking !
Then there are companies like Jamaica Cottage Shop out of Vermont that has associates in Ontario and ships here as well... http://jamaicacottageshop.com/ They have some real deals and amazing models. Seen a couple up close & personal and they sure pride themselves on quality.
Square Footage... Be careful tossing around number's, especially with building inspectors & planning dept. Say you have a 20x25 footprint (500 sq feet) and add a second level which has 8' walls and full floor, you have 1000 sq feet. IF the walls are 5' or lower then it's a half story and doesn't count as floor space. Basement is not floor space. Storey & a half is also a lot less for insurance and keeps prop taxes down. Your Loft = half storey. It's nitpicky BUT a caution because you may mean one thing but they (bldg. dept) hears something else and terms / terminology can cause much confusion and angst. BTDT !
KITS: Most kits are labelled, numbered and have plans / diagrams, more modular the better. SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) have gained great traction here and does make building easier BUT you need hands & equipment on hand. Many companies that sell kits will let you download typical instructions and assembly info... Jamaica Cottage shop does I believe for most of their builds.
Plumbing, Electrical etc will depend greatly on what you need & what you want, the more it will cost and tradesman rates vary greatly depending again on your locale... An electrician in Toronto will charge far more per hr than say one in Barry's Bay (if you can find one). Many people can do the basics (tedious tasks the pro's hate) like pulling wires through the walls to plugs/switches and let electrician hook it in. It all depends on your comfort level and the contractors....
Hope it helps some.
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morock
Member
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# Posted: 21 Feb 2017 19:40
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Hi Jacquelin, we did the OLH pinewood model. Its a cottage and our area required +900 sqft for a building permit.
The kit delivered was $40K + tax and we had put in a pier foundation (I would NOT do a steel pier foundation ever again). The kit included everything to dry in your building, steel roof, aluminum trim, all doors and windows and wood trim too. I did all the work myself so I may have another $10k in fixtures and solar equipment into it. Sorry I can't guess at what your final cost would be.
The pricing is on the website. Look at the pictures of the finished places too. Call them and chat, they are very reasonable people to deal with. You will get a better idea of the finished price.
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