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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Modular Cabin Companies
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Ebbie
Member
# Posted: 29 Oct 2017 16:32
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Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any information about these modular cabin companies? Has anyone used them? How did you like the end results? What was the general cost?

I'm debating whether to hire someone local and choose a plan, or go modular and hire a contractor.

Here are a few links to some modular cabin companies I am interested in:

http://sustain.ca/models-pricing/solo-3624/
Look beautiful, but the pricing is very high (starts at $150,000 for a small model, does not include foundation, septic etc...)

http://greenterrahomes.com/greenterrahome/products-prices/modular-homes/modular-homes -contemporary-2br.html#.WfY6gFtSyM8

http://www.royalhomes.com/model/royal-q2/

ICC
Member
# Posted: 29 Oct 2017 20:44
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Sniff, sniff,,, hmmm,,,, spam?

Ebbie
Member
# Posted: 29 Oct 2017 21:05
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Umm, cough cough cough, no not really. Thanks for the welcome though.

Can't question any modular designers? Gotta get my hands dirty and do all the work myself?

ICC
Member
# Posted: 29 Oct 2017 22:21
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Sorry 'bout that, but many times a new member who comes along asking about products that are for sale on the web end up being spammers. Starting off with your ideas, desires, plans, always is a better start. Sorry if I offended.

There haven't been any modular users here that I can recall. A bunch of users converting sheds with varying degrees of success. And a bunch of scratch builders of assorted skill levels. Most are happy with their results and love to share their ideas and how to questions. Part of what to do starts with the location; do you have zoning and building departments to deal with?

Just
Member
# Posted: 29 Oct 2017 23:22
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Royal homes has a good name in Ontario.

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 30 Oct 2017 06:13
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It would be more helpful if you mentioned where you are looking to build - general region is good enough, we do not need / want the actual street address...

A little more insight as well, such as you want a Bunkie, a weekend 2 roomer for you & better half or a full out 1500 square foot 3 bed cottage with all the fixins.

Generally, modular, prebuilt etc will not include a cost on Foundation / Base, septic/sewage, water hookup (well or other) nor any utility connections. That's all on you. They will advise relative to what their building needs in place for installation.

Depending on your location, intended use (seasonal, year round etc), size of building will partly determine type of foundation needed and of course budget too... Most cost effective "base" is a good Slab Foundation, that has options from just a base slab (not ideal for a home) to a Frost Protected Slab Foundation (FPSF) with Radiant Heat (which is awesome BTW, when done right). Of course there are Piers, Crawlspaces and full out basements... all with different costs and specs to be determined by what your putting on top.

I know of one company that does very nice modular homes and some smaller ones designed with the small offgridder in mind, completely assembled & fitted out with 2 bedrooms and all is about $110,000 PLUS foundation (they recommend FPSF Slab) well & septic/waste. They are in Eastern Ontario Canada and shipping is expensive....

Another Company which I know produces Excellent Product which can be gotten in Kit (flat pack) form to prebuilt (pending on model) and quite reasonably priced is Jamaica Cottage Shop which you can check out here: http://jamaicacottageshop.com/

The better you define what your looking for... Your skill level (will you build yourself or contract it out - or a mix of both) what your intended usage is (kids, all seasons or 3 season, basic self sufficient Homesteading / Cabineering or full out home) will help guide better responses.

justins7
Member
# Posted: 1 Nov 2017 09:36 - Edited by: justins7
Reply 


If you are looking for something much, much cheaper, why not consider a pre-fab barn/shed/cabin, and then modify it into housing? I just bought a "deluxe lofted barn," pre-fab 12 x 32" and it's great. Total cost with delivery: around $8,000. A total bargain and the construction is solid and decent. (Though basically raw.) Obviously that doesn't include site prep, insulation, wiring, etc. But if you are looking to spend $100,000, this route would probably save money. I'm using mine as a workshop, but I know some people have converted these into cabins.
You can see what someones else did with theirs (and it led me to buying one):

http://www.small-cabin.com/forum/1_7770_0.html

https://backyardoutfittersinc.com/backyard-buildings/prefab-cabins/premade-cabins/

hattie
Member
# Posted: 3 Nov 2017 13:22 - Edited by: hattie
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Welcome Ebbie.
I like the look of the greenterra homes. I've seen them before and thought they look very environmentally friendly (especially with the spot on the roof for the solar panels). They also look like they would last a long time made with steel.
Our experience has been to hire local. If you are building in a fairly small town, word gets around quick if you hire outside the area for work and the locals don't like that much. Then later if you have a problem, the locals will be hesitant to help you. We hired local to do our build and were very happy doing so.
Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

Ann
Member
# Posted: 3 Nov 2017 15:43 - Edited by: Ann
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In 2010 I had a modular cabin built by Zook Cabins, Atglen, PA, near Lancaster. They meet building codes and deliver around the country. My cabin is 14X32. I was responsible for providing well, electrical lines, septic system, and concrete foundation/crawl space.

LyndaG
Member
# Posted: 20 Aug 2020 14:49
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I am considering a Zook cabin. Since yours is about 10 years old, I’m wondering if you are still happy with it. Has it held up well? Is it insulated well enough for WV mountain winters?

Houska
Member
# Posted: 20 Aug 2020 19:29
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Since this thread has been resurrected, a warning on Greenterra: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/tiny-homes-maker-under-investigation-by-canada-border-s ervices-police-sources-1.4293137

Too bad, looked good.

scott100
Member
# Posted: 3 Sep 2020 20:32
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We looked at quite a few options when planning our cabin. Zook cabins is one of the places we visited. Quality looked good but pricing was a bit more than we were looking for. Ultimately, we ended up choosing a building made by Lancaster Log Cabins in Denver, Pa.

I did the final design work, modifying one of their stock designs to fit our needs. They did the shell and I did the interior work. Great company to work with and excellent quality work. I can't say enough good things about them.

Ours is classified as a park model home, on a 3 axle trailer, so no issues in our area with permits needed, etc. We are totally off-grid, as well, so I did the solar system, water and wood stove install.

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