If you have ever considered building your own home, you may have come across the idea of Home Kits. They are a great alternative to pre-assembled homes and can give you the benefits of a do-it-yourself design. However, are home kits worth it?
They’re Easy to Put Together
If you are looking for a unique log cabin to add to your property, a kit is a great option. The advantages of a kit are that you can customize it to fit your needs. It can be an excellent place for a vacation getaway or a guest house. Adding architectural features like a wraparound porch can also help make it feel more like home.
When buying a kit, it is important to know what components will be included in your package. Many companies do not include everything you might need. For example, you might need to buy a roof, windows, doors, and other finishing items that will make the home complete and in order to abide by local municipality codes.
Also, be sure to check your manufacturer’s delivery details. The temperature and weather conditions at the site will affect the delivery (www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/moisture.pdf). Depending on your location, you may need a wide road or a crane to transport the structure.
They’re DIY-Friendly for Beginners
A prefab home kit may not be the cheapest thing you’ve ever owned, but they aren’t expensive. The best part is, if you choose the right ones, you can get them built, and move on to the fun stuff. Things like log home kits can range in square footage from about 60 square feet to more than a thousand square feet. Most companies offer owner-built and contractor-built kits.
You don’t have to be an architect to appreciate the clever tidbits that go into a log cabin home kit, and many companies have built-it-yourself programs for folks to help you out in the process of assembling it. Some companies also offer expert assembly. For some, they also hire a licensed building contractor just to make sure that it’s well done.
It’s a good idea to read up on the nitty gritty before putting down your hard earned cash. You don’t want to end up with a kit that’s half-built. Luckily, most companies will help you along the way. So if you have questions, they can answer your questions or you can just ask someone to come by and do it for you.
They’re Eco-Friendly and Good for Saving Money
There are a few ways that you can reduce your log cabin costs like, for example, you can purchase recycled wood that is more environmentally friendly and less expensive than other building materials, but you can also use energy-efficient appliances in your cabin, which can lower your heating costs.
You can also save on your electricity bills by utilizing prefab and/or log cabins that have insulation in between the walls as this can help reduce your monthly energy bill by about 30%, which is a lot considering the rising cost of living in most places.
Another way that you can reduce the cost of your log cabin is by using low-VOC paints and flooring because these products are made with all natural ingredients and are very low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to off-gassing and other problems for your immediate environment; impacting your family, pets, and yourself.
They’re Customizable
You can also customize your log cabin according to your needs and preferences which is because they come in different sizes, designs, and styles which will impact your overall price, according to this link. You can even have a penthouse or a contemporary garden if you want.
The different types of logs used in a cabin home are very durable and strong, and that means that whatever you choose can withstand harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, and snow. There are also materials that have a strong insulation value which helps keep your cabin comfortable in any weather condition.
If you’re not sure what kind of cabin would best suit your needs, you can ask a builder for advice as they can help you find the right log cabin for your needs and budget.
They’re Very Economical
When you’re looking for an inexpensive way to start a custom home kit, log cabin kits are a great choice. But before you rush out and buy one, there are a few things you should know about the process.
First, you will need to determine whether you are buying a turnkey or dry-in kit. A turnkey kit includes the shell of the building, but requires the owner to do the heavy lifting himself or hire someone to do the installation. Unlike a dry-in, a turnkey package will also include interior finishes such as floors, walls, and doors.
As with any kit, you might need to get a few pro tips before you begin. Your building site might need a bit of prepping, and you might have to take weather into consideration before you can install the cabin. In addition, if you’re living in an area where it gets cold, you’ll need to consider your heating options as well.
While you might not think about the construction process as being an intricate affair, a log cabin kit will actually require some personal time and some knowledge of the trade. For example, if you plan on installing a wood stove, you’ll need to find a local company that specializes in this type of service. This could mean a little extra work, and you’ll need to take into account the cost of materials, as well.
Even with all of the research and planning, the completion of a log cabin kit can still be a long, drawn-out affair. You may need to have a contractor help with some of the more complicated elements of the project, such as plumbing and wiring. Similarly, you might need to have a forklift to transport the pieces from the factory to your site.