Building a hunting cabin doesn't have to break the bank! Conestoga Log Homes offers tips on creating the cabin you're dreaming of without a price tag that gives you nightmares.Have you always dreamed of having a cabin to gather in after a long day of hunting? Don’t let the cost scare you away from building the hunting cabin you’ve always wanted! Chances are, your hunting cabin isn’t going to be your primary residence, so there are a number of ways to be smart with your money when building it. Here are some tips and tricks for building a hunting cabin on a budget:
1. Do it Yourself
One of the best ways to save money when building your hunting cabin is to simply build it yourself, and the good news is, you don’t have to be an expert carpenter to do it! Log cabin kits are the perfect option for hunters who are looking to save some money when building a cabin. If you have a basic understanding of construction and a few other people to help you out, you can build your hunting cabin in no time. Most log cabin kits come with detailed instructions, so no need to worry about having to figure it out all on your own.
2. Build Off the Grid
Another great way to build a hunting cabin on a budget is to build it off the grid. Basically, living “off the grid” refers to living without any dependence on the government, society and its products. People who live off the grid are extremely self-reliant and pursue a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle. So, in terms of a cabin, this could mean having a self-sustained source of electricity like solar panels or wind turbines, or even having no electricity at all. Or, instead of a bathroom with running water, you’d use an outhouse or a septic tank. It may sound old school, but building your hunting cabin off the grid is a viable option if you’re looking to save some money, especially on utilities.
3. Plan, Plan, Plan
One of the biggest mistakes people make when building any type of log cabin is failing to prepare and plan. Because of this, once the cabin is finished, they end up having to go back and spend more money on parts of the cabin that they didn’t even consider before building it. Make sure you have a thorough, well thought out plan before you even start building. While it may take some extra time, you’ll be thankful that you made the effort to prepare!
4. Keep it Simple
Since it’s your hunting cabin, it probably doesn’t need to be fancy. If you’re trying to save some money, it’s in your best interest to stick to the basics when building your cabin. Try to use the cabin’s stock floor plan without making alterations. While they may be aesthetically pleasing, fancy customizations and added features can really amp up the price of your hunting cabin. However, this doesn’t mean that you should opt for the cheap route when it comes to choosing materials like doors, windows, a roof, and the like. High quality features will increase the cost at first, but they will pay off down the road. Try to find a balance between quality and affordability.
5. Choose Your Foundation Wisely
When it comes to a foundation for your hunting cabin, there are all sorts of options with a wide range of prices. Generally, the larger and more complex your foundation is, the more it’s going to cost. However, you typically get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a foundation that’s cheaper upfront, be prepared for it to not last as long as a higher quality, more expensive one. While certain foundation options are rather pricey, they last a long time and are usually worth the added cost.
6. Consider Specialty Financing
Since log cabins are becoming increasingly popular, banks and lenders are starting to offer specialty financing for DIY cabins and small home builds. No matter where you end up buying your cabin, the producer should be able to point you in the right direction to find proper financing. While financing your hunting cabin may not be ideal, at least you’ll be able to finance it at a relatively low rate.
Building a hunting cabin on a budget doesn’t have to be difficult, you just have to know how to be smart with your money. So, what are you waiting for? Buy some land and get started on your hunting cabin today!
All photos courtesy of Conestoga Log Cabins & Homes.
