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Small Cabin Forum / General Forum / What is the definition of a small cabin?
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ljohnsaw
Member
# Posted: 12 Jan 2013 21:20
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When does a "shed" become a "small cabin" and when does that become a "cabin"? Is it square footage, number of rooms, comfort level?

I'm getting tons of information from here but I don't think my plan qualifies for a "small cabin". It will be around 24x32 or so with a full basement/lower level to store firewood and toys (boat, atv, canoe/kayaks, etc) and about half a loft above the main floor.

Please don't kick me out

groingo
Member
# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 11:39 - Edited by: groingo
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Here in Washington or Kitsap county anyhow if it's under 200 square feet it is a shed, home office or mother in law apartment, just never tell them you live in it full time (200 square feet or below) or there will be trouble, anything above that call it what you like, mine I just call "See's Eagle Lookout" because of the view and the family of resident eagles that hang around.
I don't think it is the size of the place but more where and how efficiently you live that makes it special.

trollbridge
Member
# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 21:10
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Welcome ljohnsaw!

Doesn't really matter the size of your cabin (unless it's a mcmansion) if your spending time on this site, and enjoying what you are reading, than I'm pretty certain you'll fit right in!!!

Enjoy...not to worry! Just remember...ya got to share...and we like lots of pictures

ShabinNo5
Member
# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 06:44
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What trollbridge said...

However the questions got me thinking...

Shed to Bunkhouse - Anytime someone sleeps in the shed.

Shed to Small Cabin - Comfortable sleeping for two and additional space for guests. However not comfortable for guests.

Small Cabin to Cabin - Comfortable sleeping for all immediate family members.

Cabin to Lodge - Comfortable sleeping for all immediate family members and guests.

Not sure about sizes

bldginsp
# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 14:19
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From a permitting perspective, the use of the building as determined by the local jurisdiction is what defines it. You can call it whatever you want, but the planning and building requirements that they will enforce will depend on what they think the building is, and the law gives them the power to make that determination, like it or not. If you try to permit a large garage with a bathroom and a kitchen they might be a little suspicious and call it a residence, not a garage.

The critical distinction is whether it's a residence or not. It it is, lots of regulations kick in. If it isn't, regulations are far less. Size doesn't matter, except that the code has specific minimum room sizes for residences.

The use is described by occupancy type. A 'U' occupancy is a Utility occupancy, such as a garage, wood shed, etc. An 'R' occupancy is a residence, where people will live.

I don't care what the local department wants to call my place. I'm calling it the Taj Mahal. All 300 sq ft. So there.

TomChum
Member
# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 14:46 - Edited by: TomChum
Reply 


You asked.

768sf does sound like a "house". But a cabin can be a state of mind, for example if it's your retreat, away from your city house, it's like a cabin.

less than 500 is a cabin
under 300SF is a small cabin

It's my opinion that if it's bigger than something like 500SF, has municipal water, sewer and utilities, is nearby to lots of full-timers, it's actually a house. What actually constitutes a cabin is not cut-and-dried at all. I have a friend with a 2200sf house who refers to it as "my cabin".

Cabins generally have a rustic appearance, are different from the type of structures you see in a city. There are lots of members here who are in a small house on city utilities, but are definitely 'small-cabin' people!

DaJTCHA
Member
# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 15:23
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Imagine my surprise when I was informed that my county allows up to 1000 square feet without a permit, as long as it is an outbuilding, storage building or non-commercial work shop. The moment it becomes lived in (even an overnighter) or is used for commercial use...it is no longer a permitless "shed".

LOL!

Martian
Member
# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 17:55
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My place is about 450sqft. I usually call it "home". Since it is in the middle of nowhere and is designed for one, I sometimes refer to it as my "little cabin". Nobody needs to know it is really Heaven.

Tom

beachman
Member
# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 18:09
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A small cabin is a state of mind. If you think you are in a small cabin - you are there.

Montanan
Member
# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 18:56
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To me, being at the cabin means that you have to work a lot harder to achieve the things you take for granted at home. For us, that includes things like access to the structure (snowshoeing in, vs. driving into the garage), heat, washing dishes, showering, etc. And for me, it means that I appreciate all of those things a lot more. For instance, when we do have hot water and get to take shower, it is THE BEST SHOWER IN THE WORLD. To be honest, everything is better at the cabin.

I'm not sure if our place qualifies as a "small" cabin. At 22x26' and a 3/4 loft, it's more of a "family cabin" for our family of 5- plus dog and occasionally friends. But it's definitely rustic!

AYP1909
Member
# Posted: 15 Jan 2013 18:27
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Quoting: DaJTCHA
Imagine my surprise when I was informed that my county allows up to 1000 square feet without a permit, as long as it is an outbuilding, storage building or non-commercial work shop.

Washington State has an agricultural exemption for buildings up to 4000 square feet:
RCW 18.08.410(6) – A building permit shall not be required for an agricultural building, aggregate, less than 4,000 square feet of construction.

Montanagirl
Member
# Posted: 15 Jan 2013 23:37
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Quoting: Montanan
To me, being at the cabin means that you have to work a lot harder to achieve the things you take for granted at home. For us, that includes things like access to the structure (snowshoeing in, vs. driving into the garage), heat, washing dishes, showering, etc. And for me, it means that I appreciate all of those things a lot more. For instance, when we do have hot water and get to take shower, it is THE BEST SHOWER IN THE WORLD. To be honest, everything is better at the cabin.


AMEN SISTA!!!!! right now, (literally in Jan) I walk in . . in the summer since we don't have a shower yet, the lake and a floating bar of ivory soap will have to do. . . .paper plates in the fireplace make washing dishes a simple task . . . love cabin life! . . . oh an cheap beer always tastes better at the cabin LOL

rayyy
Member
# Posted: 16 Jan 2013 06:43
Reply 


IMO,,,I guess if it's built out in the country,set on a somewhat private,secluded sight well away from any urban settings.Not nessesarily built out of log's either,it's a cabin.You could call it a cottage or summer home or bungalow,small house,,,I prefer,,, CABIN!

bugs
Member
# Posted: 16 Jan 2013 14:45 - Edited by: bugs
Reply 


I think most people appreciate the idea of a cabin whether it is a get away or a full time home.

To me a SMALL cabin is something a bit different. I consider it as a luxurious back packing tent with solid walls and roof, a place to sleep in some comfort beyond a thermorest. You can also cook in it and eat in it if necessary. And most of all you can touch the walls when it is raining and stand up in it But the "call of nature" requires a visit to the outdoor facility or a favorite tree.

One sure way you know you have a small cabin is when talking to people and they get a strange incredulous look on their face. They envision a cabin of 700 sq ft or more (from my experience) kind of like a small house and usually "at the lake" . But when I tell them our's is 77sq ft they are usually shocked. I have to repeat it for them, the eyes roll and the fingers start circling the side of the head in that world wide sign of crazy. That I think is when you know you have a SMALL cabin.

I was like the above people thinking a cabin was just a small house until I discovered this forum and then the initial cabin size got smaller and smaller until we stopped at just under 100sq ft external/77sq ft internal dimensions.

Small cabin owners also seem to have more challenges than normal sized cabin owners trying to fit things into such a confined space and make it as comfortable and efficient as possible. It sure makes a person rethink everything.

I usually get a double whammy of shock when I answer the question "What lake you at??"(Altho this might be a usual SK cabin question I am not sure.) and explain our place. Then there is more shock!

rayyy
Member
# Posted: 17 Jan 2013 10:30
Reply 


Here's some inspiration.A bit on the fancy side but pretty nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0SG6KYlWuQ

countrygirl
Member
# Posted: 18 Jan 2013 12:21
Reply 


You all inspire me, with your Small cabin. My a cabin is 22X40 I don't think it qualifies as a small cabin. I think the rusticness of the location, all off grid, no water in the woods make my mind set "small cabin". We go there all year round, and in winter when your inside more then outside every inch counts. When we have to think outside of the box to get things done, that make for more small cabin thinking. We go out almost every weekend with our 3 teens,and 2 parrots.

Small cabin to me is somethere you have when your warm up by the fire, and cook off that wood stove. Not seeing the kids for hours becouse there out in the woods. There is nothing like a trip to the out house at -30c (-22f) to give me that out in the woods feeling. Small cabin to me is a mind set. Not needing all the modern convents. Family time and nature are the most important thing.

Montanagirl
Member
# Posted: 18 Jan 2013 12:38
Reply 


Quoting: rayyy
Here's some inspiration.A bit on the fancy side but pretty nice.


Those are SWEET!

Anonymous
# Posted: 21 Jan 2013 20:08
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If I build an small hunting cabin on blocks that is eight by ten could,it be taxed on property taxes even if the is no waters or electricity to,it

Borrego
Member
# Posted: 21 Jan 2013 21:27
Reply 


Ours is a 24' x 24', going to have a screen porch of 24 x 16, so a large cabin? I dunno, I agree with Montanan, it's more of an attitude thang... no power, water from well, no paved roads, gotta haul an ice chest, it could be 2000 sq ft and be a cabin.....

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