Anyone Ever Build a Cabin???

Julie928 · ‎04-08-2013

We are on the hunt for a small getaway. My desire is to have a small log cabin on at least 4 to 5 acres. Living in Illinois, I'm not really coming across anything that appeals to me. I found a couple of cabins all the way in Tennessee (on lots and lots of land) but realistically, I'm not going to want to drive 8 or 9 hours one way. (But wow, are they beautiful)! I did come across a parcel of land that is 4 wooded acres. It's about 45 minutes to an hour from our home which is perfect, travelwise. There is not a dwelling on the property which leads me to my question ~ anyone here ever build a cabin and if so, what do I need to be aware of? What questions should be asked? What are the pros and cons, the nightmares and the dreams come true of embarking on this? We are still in the talking stage but I gotta tell ya, this land looks really nice ~ it's in horse country, too! Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! :-)

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

It's probably a lot like building any house. You will need a reputable builder who will stick to a time line. Before buying the land you would need a soil test to make sure the land can be built on. Also a title search to make sure the land is owned by the people you are buying from and there are no liens. Are you planning on getting a mortgage or paying cash? What type of construction loan would you need? A one time or a two time close. We are building right now. We had s lot of stuff to do before we started and was frustrating. But once it got started we have had no issues. Everything is running smoothly.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

How about one of the current popular "tiny houses"? I couldn't live in one as a permanent home but as a getaway cabin, they could be cute and perfect for vacations and weekends. Also consider "park models" and which are sort of like RVs but they don't travel and are permanently in place.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

I'm in Northern MI and this is everyone's dream come true.

You can find log cabin kits and there are several log cabin living type magazines. Some online.

Full log homes are a LOT of work to maintain tho there are companies who will do this for you. You have to get the chinking done annually and no shortage of critters who dine on full logs.

I live rural and own small acreage but it took forever to find what I wanted. Consider how far you want to drive to town. Gas/groceries. How far do you have to run a power line from the road? That can get pricey. Is the road county maintained? Is it a seasonal only road that doesn't get plowed in the winter? There are many seasonal private roads here where you and neighbors agree to hire a plow driver.

You'll have to dig a well and install septic. When you ffind a parcel, talk to your local building inspector before making an offer. They'll tell you what you can build and what the zoning is.

Can't tell you how much bs realtors will throw your way trying to make a sale.

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

@Snowpuppy wrote:
I'm in Northern MI and this is everyone's dream come true.

You can find log cabin kits and there are several log cabin living type magazines. Some online.

Full log homes are a LOT of work to maintain tho there are companies who will do this for you. You have to get the chinking done annually and no shortage of critters who dine on full logs.

I live rural and own small acreage but it took forever to find what I wanted. Consider how far you want to drive to town. Gas/groceries. How far do you have to run a power line from the road? That can get pricey. Is the road county maintained? Is it a seasonal only road that doesn't get plowed in the winter? There are many seasonal private roads here where you and neighbors agree to hire a plow driver.

You'll have to dig a well and install septic. When you ffind a parcel, talk to your local building inspector before making an offer. They'll tell you what you can build and what the zoning is.

Can't tell you how much bs realtors will throw your way trying to make a sale.

This is all very good advice. If you went with a reputable builder they can really guide you through these things. Because they will know what can or can't be built, sewer lines ect. But these questions need to be answered before purchasing the land.

kitcat51 · ‎09-15-2016

@Snowpuppy You are living my dream. Always wanted to rebuild an old hewn log cabin & add a stone room but pension gone & husband died so that's never going to happen...I still like thinking about it. I live in SE MI, enjoy going north & the UP is a favorite place to travel, just beautiful. Enjoy your home.

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

@kitcat51 If that dream still burns girl, don't give up!

One thing the women here taught me was do what makes you happy and buy what you love. Once you begin to rethink it, get a vision board. Maybe the original plan needs to be tweeked but that fire still burns!

I moved up here from The D. Something spoke to me that never let me go.

Much blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights. And nope no spouse and not wealthy, either. Men & money are not your source. 😉

In-x-s · ‎03-09-2010

@Snowpuppy wrote:
I'm in Northern MI and this is everyone's dream come true.

You can find log cabin kits and there are several log cabin living type magazines. Some online.

Full log homes are a LOT of work to maintain tho there are companies who will do this for you. You have to get the chinking done annually and no shortage of critters who dine on full logs.

I live rural and own small acreage but it took forever to find what I wanted. Consider how far you want to drive to town. Gas/groceries. How far do you have to run a power line from the road? That can get pricey. Is the road county maintained? Is it a seasonal only road that doesn't get plowed in the winter? There are many seasonal private roads here where you and neighbors agree to hire a plow driver.

You'll have to dig a well and install septic. When you ffind a parcel, talk to your local building inspector before making an offer. They'll tell you what you can build and what the zoning is.

Can't tell you how much bs realtors will throw your way trying to make a sale.

Best advice of all, IMHO! We chose to have property with a camper, no running water and no electric and we can only use in the summer months. It is still a lot of upkeep but we absolutely love the solitude and "pioneer livin'"

kitcat51 · ‎09-15-2016

@Snowpuppy What a thoughtful reply, I appreciate your kindness. Take care.

CAMOGIRL · ‎09-14-2010

Undeveloped land will need power brought in and a well drilled.

Pricing depends on how far the power lines are to where you want your pole. Farther means more money. And, the well depends on how far down they need to drill to hit the water table. Deeper means more money.

Log cabins are fabulous. Again, use a reputable log company. They will also tell you what exactly is involved in keeping the logs and chinking up and to guard against weather and insects.

Do your homework on companies and even on the upkeep.

Good Luck with your prospect. An adventure it will be!! 😀

-Texas Hill Country-