One thing that we can guarantee is on most people’s wishlist is to build your own log cabin. Think about it, a secluded getaway in the woods where you can build a roaring fire, curl up with a good book and just relax. No phone signal, no internet and no people. Just you and nature.
Wow, and we’re back in the room. But seriously, how great would it be to build your own log cabin? Not only is it a fantastic way to get away from it all, but you can also save a fortune on accommodation costs. And with a bit of planning and effort, you can build your own log cabin for less than $25,000.
Can You Really Build Your Own Log Cabin?
Yes, and in this post, we’re going to show you how. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, there are a few things you need to consider before taking the plunge and going for it.
Building your own log cabin can be an immensely rewarding experience. Not only will you have saved a ton of money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you built it yourself. However, it’s not a project to be taken lightly. There are a few things you need to consider before starting out.
The first is whether or not you have the time and commitment to see the project through. Building your own log cabin will take several months, if not years, so you need to be prepared for that.
The second is whether you have the skill set required to build a log cabin. If not, then you’ll need to either learn them or hire someone who does or buy a pre-fab kit. This can have a huge impact on the cost of the build.
The third is whether you have the right tools. If not, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of renting or buying them.
Finally, you need to consider the cost of materials. Log cabins are not cheap to build, so you need to make sure you have the budget to cover the materials. Plus, you’ll want an extra budget for any unforeseen log cabin repair costs.
Building Your Own Log Cabin
If you’re still reading, then we assume you’ve decided that building your own log cabin is for you. So, let’s get into it.
Finding A Piece Of Land
The first thing you need to do is find a suitable piece of land. This can be tricky as there are a lot of factors to consider. The first is the size of the land. You need to make sure you have enough space for the log cabin as well as any other outbuildings or features you want to include.
The second is accessibility. You need to make sure that the land is accessible by road so that you can get materials and supplies in.
The third is zoning. You need to make sure that the land is zoned for residential use so that you can actually build a log cabin on it.
And finally, you need to make sure that the land has utilities like water and electricity. This can be tricky as most off-grid properties don’t have these things. But if you’re planning on living in your log cabin full-time, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of installing them.
Once you’ve found the perfect piece of land, the next step is to buy it. This can be done through a real estate agent or directly from the owner.
Designing Your Log Cabin Self Build
A very important question to answer here is whether you will be designing the cabin yourself, with an architect/builder or letting the architect come up with their own design.
The pros of designing it yourself are that you will have complete control over the build, you can build it to your own specifications, and you can save a lot of money. The cons are that it will take longer as you’ll need to get planning permission and building regulations approval, and there is a risk that the build could go over budget.
If you decide to use an architect, they will come up with the design and plans for you. The pros of this are that it will be easier and quicker as they will deal with all the paperwork for you. The cons are that it will be more expensive, and you’ll have less control over the build.
Choosing Your Log Cabin Supplier
With the blueprints in hand, it’s time to start shopping for your log cabin. This is where things can get a bit tricky as there are so many suppliers out there. And with such a wide range of prices, it can be hard to know where to start.
Luckily we’re here to help and have put together this awesome list of materials that you need to think about when sourcing your log cabin supplier.
Log Cabin Logs
There are two main types of logs that are used in log cabins, round and square. Round logs are the traditional choice and are what most people think of when they picture a log cabin. They’re also the cheaper option. Square logs are a newer and more popular choice as they’re easier to build with and offer a more modern look.
The second is the thickness of the logs. This is an important consideration as it will affect the thermal performance of your cabin. The thicker the logs, the better insulated your cabin will be.
The third is the length of the logs. This is mainly an aesthetic choice, but it’s something you need to think about. The longer the logs, the taller your cabin will be.
And finally, you need to think about the treatment of the logs. This is important as it will affect how long your cabin lasts. There are two main types of treatments, pressure treated and kiln-dried. Pressure-treated logs are cheaper but don’t last.
Log Cabin Roof
The roof is one of the most important parts of your log cabin as it’s what protects you from the elements. There are a few things you need to think about when choosing a roof for your cabin.
The most common type of roof for log cabins is a pitched roof. This is where the roof slopes down from the peak of the cabin. Pitched roofs are great as they offer good drainage and can be covered in a variety of materials.
The most common roof material choices are shingles, metal or thatch. Shingles are the cheapest option but don’t last as long. Metal roofs are more expensive but last longer and offer better protection from the elements. Thatched roofs are the most expensive but offer the best insulation.
You also need to think about the pitch of the roof. The pitch is the angle of the roof and is measured in degrees. The higher the pitch, the steeper the roof will be. The pitch of the roof will affect how easy it is to build, how well it drains and how much insulation it has.
And finally, you need to think about the eaves. The eaves are the part of the roof that hangs over the edge of the cabin. They’re important as they help protect the cabin from water damage. They will also be on show so you need to make sure they look good.
Log Cabin Door & Windows
The door and windows are the other main considerations for your log cabin.
The first thing you need to think about is the type of door. The most common type of doors for log cabins are hinged doors. These are great as they’re easy to install and offer good security. Sliding doors are also a popular choice as they’re a modern look.
For windows, double-glazed is best for heat, and single-glazed is best for the budget. These are the cheapest option but don’t offer much in the way of insulation. Double-glazed windows are more expensive but will help keep the heat in your cabin.
Finally, you need to think about the style of door and window you want. There are a few different styles to choose from, including cottage, chalet and modern. Cottage-style doors and windows are the traditional choice and offer a classic look.
Chalet-style doors and windows are a more modern choice and offer a more contemporary look. Modern style doors and windows are the most popular choice as they’re easy to build and offer a sleek, minimalistic look.
Log Cabin Furniture
Once you’ve got your log cabin built, it’s time to start thinking about the furniture. This is where things can get really fun as there are so many different options to choose from.
Rustic cabin furniture is the more traditional choice and is what most people think of when they picture log cabin decor. It’s usually made from logs or rough-hewn wood. Rustic furniture is a newer option that’s becoming more popular. It’s usually made from reclaimed wood or recycled materials.
Modern cabin furniture is the more contemporary choice. It’s usually made from metals or plastics. Modern furniture is a great choice if you want to add a bit of style to your cabin.
Log Cabin Maintenance
Once you’ve built your log cabin, it’s important to think about maintenance. This is because a log cabin is a big investment, and you want to make sure it lasts for many years.
The most important thing to do is to regularly check the condition of your logs. This means checking for rot, insect damage and cracks. You can fix this by sealing your log cabin with special sealant products.
It’s also important to clean your log cabin on a regular basis. This means sweeping the floors, dusting surfaces and cleaning windows. You should also stain or paint your logs every few years to protect them from the elements.
The roof is another important part of the cabin to maintain. You should check the condition of your roof regularly and make sure there are no leaks. You should also clean the gutters and downspouts on a regular basis to prevent build-up.
The Cost Of Building A Log Cabin
With all of this in mind, you’re probably thinking, what is this going to cost? There is no short answer as the cost of building a log cabin will vary depending on the size, style and materials you choose.
A small, simple cabin made from budget materials could cost as little as $25,000. A larger, more luxurious cabin made from high-end materials could cost upwards of $100,000.
Typically, the cost of building a log cabin will fall somewhere in the middle. It’s important to remember that the cost of building a log cabin is an investment. Not only will you get to enjoy your cabin for years to come, but it will also increase in value.
Building your own log cabin is a big project, but it’s one that’s definitely worth doing. It’s a great way to save money, get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the great outdoors. With a bit of planning and some hard work, you can build your very own log cabin and live free forever.
Selling Your Log Cabin
Once you’re done with your log cabin, you may be thinking about selling it. This is a great way to make some money back on your investment.
The first step is to contact a real estate agent. They will be able to give you an idea of how much your cabin is worth and help you find a buyer.
Once you’ve found a buyer, the next step is to sign a sales contract. This is a legal document that outlines the terms of the sale. Make sure you read it carefully before you sign it.
After the contract is signed, the buyer will pay you the agreed-upon price and you will transfer ownership of the cabin to them. Once the transfer is complete, you will have successfully sold your log cabin.
Renting Out Your Log Cabin As A Vacation Rental
If you’re not ready to sell your log cabin, you could always rent it out as a log cabin vacation rental. This is a great way to make some extra money and keep your cabin.
There are loads of people who choose this option and many will build log cabin campsites, so they have income from multiple log cabin rental properties. If you’re looking at long-term investment, then this could be a great option for you.
There are a few things you need to do before you can start renting out your cabin.
The first step is to contact your insurance company and make sure your policy covers vacation rentals. Next, you need to create a listing for your cabin on a vacation rental site like Airbnb or VRBO.
Be sure to include plenty of photos and a detailed description of your cabin. You should also set a price that you’re comfortable with. Once your listing is live, you’ll start getting bookings from people who want to stay in your cabin.
Build A Log Cabin & Live Free Forever!
So there you have it! Building your own log cabin is a great way to save money, get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the great outdoors. With a bit of planning and some hard work, you can build your own log cabin and live free forever.
If you’re not ready to sell your log cabin, you could always rent it out as a vacation rental. This is a great way to make some extra money and keep your cabin. Be sure to contact your insurance company and make a listing on a vacation rental site like Airbnb or VRBO.
Thanks for reading! I hope this has inspired you to build your own log cabin. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Happy building!
