Buying A Tiny Log Cabin Home

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Not too small neither too big! A perfectly-sized tiny log cabin can strike the right balance between an oversized escape and tiny home living. A smaller footprint does not mean that sustainably-minded, modern, and innovative design must be sacrificed.

With more people choosing to downsize and opting to live in small, sustainable cabins, the need for tiny log cabins has led to a new trend that’s created a demand for these structures. Fortunately, there are a few companies out there that offer unique and creative designs for those looking to buy a small log cabin home.

If you are currently considering this option, then here is a quick guide on how to choose, buy, and build the tiny cabin home of your dreams.

Buying a Small Log Cabin: Getting Started

From modern tiny homes to small, serene cottages to rustic log cabins, there’s a wide range of options for you to choose from when searching for a small cabin that suits your style and needs.

Since there aren’t any fast or hard rules dictating what a small cabin should or shouldn’t be, you get plenty of flexibility to either go for a classic design or customize your tiny cabin. At the end of the day, it is your skill set, budget, needs, and wants that will determine the design and size of the cabin you get.

Whether you intend to use the cabin as your primary dwelling or a vacation home, buying the right structure starts with you becoming small log cabin savvy and understanding the different possibilities and options you have at your disposal.

In this guide, we will be looking at cabin options, plans, and kits that go beyond the typical log cabins of old so you have an easier time buying a modern cabin that fulfils your escapist needs.

The Different Types Of Tiny Log Cabins Available For Purchase Today

A tiny cabin can be as pared back or as extravagant as you want; however, you first have to think about how you will build the space that’ll ultimately be filled with essential amenities like a fireplace or wood stove and anything else you might need to give your tiny home a personal touch.

When it comes to tiny log cabins, you have three options to work with. You could either
a.) Buy a prefabricated cabin kit from a renowned manufacturer
b.) Buy a tiny cabin floor plan, or
c.) Build your log cabin from the ground up

Unless you have a licensed architect, construction crew, general contractor, or the skills and experience needed to build your cabin, the best way to go about things would be to buy a prefabricate cabin kit or a cabin plan.

What’s the difference between a prefab cabin kit and cabin plans?

The main difference between the two is that prefabricated cabin kits are structures that have already been designed and manufactured at a factory before being delivered at a building site.

However, it is worth noting that the term is quite broad and covers everything from cottages to log cabin kits to modular cabins that are easily scalable (perfect for anyone who might need to increase their floor plan in the future by adding more bedrooms or a loft or covered porch area.)

Cabin plans, on the other hand, only give you the blueprint and comprehensive instructions for how to construct a tiny cabin. You will, however, have to hire workers and source the materials yourself.

Just How Small Are Tiny Log Cabins?

Well, it can differ from structures as compact as tiny cabins, which can range from 100-400 sq. ft. or less, to not-so-small cabins that are 1100-1600 sq. ft., or even more for some. As long as the structure is smaller than an average 2,500 sq. ft. home, it is considered to be a small cabin. The cabin’s exact footprint is up to you.

Within all of these are many types of cabin styles to choose from for easier customization. As such, you shouldn’t feel limited when you start with tiny cabin plans as there are lots of ways to enlarge and add more space to your cabin. Starting with a tiny yet cozy cabin can be a good jump-off point for new small cabin homeowners who want to get some tiny-living experience before expanding their floor plan to create their dream getaway.

Starting with a flexible cabin plan offers you the flexibility to add extra rooms, or even change the cabin’s design in the future.

Cost of Building a Tiny Log Cabin Home

Well, it depends. Buying a small cabin kit or a cabin plan cuts eliminates the preliminary work and cost of hiring the services of an architect and could even reduce the amount you spend on materials and supplies.

However, prefabricated homes are typically 10 to 20 percent cheaper than new constructions, though it all depends on square footage. The price of small cabins can range from a few thousand dollars to over several hundred thousand dollars for a fully assembled prefab home. While most tiny log cabins are designed to be affordable, there are still lots of expenses that could cause the total cost to quickly add up.

When coming up with a budget, it is crucial that you also factor in the cost of the site and land preparation. This includes the substantial costs of drilling a well and septic installation, soil perc testing to check septic compatibility, site survey, and hookup fees if you plan on connecting your cabin to municipal utilities such as water, cable, sewer, and electricity. Researching these costs, which can easily add up to $25,000 to your budget, is essential for accurate planning and budgeting.

A rule of thumb to follow when making a budget is to always round up the figures when estimating costs. It is better to be ready to pay more and find out that specific material or service is cheaper than it is to find yourself looking for ways to cover unforeseen costs. When buying a tiny log cabin kit, consider asking the manufacturer if they offer financing solutions and if they 'insure' cabins.

In some instances, some factory-built cabins do qualify for Home Construction Loans if they meet a lender’s requirements. If you do qualify for the loan, then that means that you will only pay a fraction of the total cost upfront while the rest is catered for by the loan.

How Are Small Log Cabin Homes Built?

While the construction process differs from person to person, the approach you’ll use to construct your cabin will be determined by the type of cabin you want (a family-friendly home complete with a screened porch, bunk bed, and sleeping porch?) erected, where you want it located (in a remote location near a lake), and the transportation of supplies and materials.

The prepping and building process can sometimes be complicated, but doing the proper legwork, research, and preparations in advance can help ensure things run smoothly. Before you start building your newly bought log cabin, make sure that you check the following things off your list first:

Get a permit: Get in touch with your municipality and find out if one is required to get a permit to build a log cabin kit. In most cases, this will be determined by the size of the cabin and where it will be located plus local regulations and codes. Most municipal governments require that one gets a permit if their cabin’s area exceeds 150 sq. ft, To avoid any inconveniences, make sure you follow up on this early.

Building site preparation: Level the site and install ground screws or pour a concrete foundation that’s big enough for the cabin. Ensure that the area is easy to access. On delivery day, make sure you have enough professional manpower to help unload the cabin kit.

Plan for the delivery and assembly of your cabin kit: If you are using a cabin kit, follow up with the manufacturer to know when you should expect it to be delivered. Also, remember to ask about the kit’s transportation.

Do they need heavy machinery like forklifts to receive and put together the prefabricated cabin? Will they be providing builders or will you have to hire a construction crew? Even if the structure can be completed within three or four days with as few as three people, assembling the kit will most likely require the help of a skilled professional with experience operating heavy machinery.

If you are not using a cabin kit, then you need to ensure that you have everything needed to build a cabin from the materials, tools, and supplies to an experienced cabin building crew.

Detailed plans and instructions: If you are using a small cabin plan or a kit to construct your cabin, make sure your manufacturer provides you with detailed instructions and building plans way before delivery to ensure that you have everything ready and that all the supplies are delivered before you start putting up your structure.

Tools and Supplies: And while each tiny log cabin build is different, there are things that you will want to ensure you have at hand and are ready for the construction. They include hammers, ladders, tape measure, pipe clamps, drill bit, electric drill, utility knives, caulk gun, wire cutter, screw gun, and tarps to protect materials from the weather.

Off-Grid Small Cabins

If you are thinking of leveling up your rustic cabin game by going off-grid, then you have to think of solutions for septic, power, and water.

Cooling, heating, and powering your tiny cabin can easily be done using renewable energy like solar panels which only require proper roofing and installation, ample sunlight, and a rather steep initial cost (though worth it in the long run.)

With an off-the-grid log cabin, chances are you won’t be anywhere near the local water supply, meaning you will have to work with what you have.

As such, when searching for an ideal location to construct your cabin, make sure you look for a spot that’s near a water source that’s safe enough to use for cooking, drinking, and cleaning, like a spring or well.

Finally, a good off-grid solution for handling/managing septic is building a privy. And while a privy will require some additional construction, it is easy to maintain and affordable. Alternatively, you could have a composting toilet installed for easier management.