You and your wife went to Home Depot to pick up a bottle of wood glue for sale because you have to fix a piece of broken furniture. On the way out, the wife grabbed a brochure of properties for sale, including log cabins. She reminded you again about how much she wants to have a place in the woods, and that they should build one on their property in Summit Creek. She’s always preferred to live a life outside of urban areas until she married you and live a life in the city.
Both of you just retired, and you already have grandchildren. The wife is not suggesting to withdraw from the city altogether but at least to have somewhere to retreat to and get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Besides, she said that it would be a pleasant experience for the grandchildren to experience life in the forest.
After some discussion, you finally said yes. It’s now time for you to get to work. How do you go about building a cabin in the forest? Here are a few things that you should consider:
A Brief Background of Log Cabins in America
Early settlers built log cabins as temporary shelters when they arrived in an area. The structure is uncomplicated using simple logs and consisting only of one floor and one room. People built them not because they want to, but because they had to. And there weren’t any of the conveniences that exist today. Logs today are machine or hand-crafted, which creates a better and more secure fit.
It is believed that migrants from northern Europe, brought their way of life of building log cabins with them to America.
Preparing for the Build
It was a chore to do it back then. Now you can do it for love. And you’ll probably do it in less time and with the help of professionals. Here are a few things to consider when building your log cabin:
- Define your goals and manage expectations. Is it just a small getaway for you and your wife? Are you aiming for modesty or semi-opulence? You might need the help of professionals if you are thinking of infusing some comfort and lavishness into your project. Decide on what you want before taking the plunge.
- Quality and safety first. With advancements in modern construction methods, there’s no reason why you can’t build a high-quality and secure cabin. For example, use high-quality materials for your windows to keep the cold out and the heat in. Remember that spending on quality materials might end up less costly in the long run. You need to protect your cabin from exposure to the elements, especially when you aren’t there to monitor its condition for 365 days of the year.
- Consider options for your foundation. A concrete slab is typically used as the foundation for your cabin. If you are on a budget and covering a small footprint, you can use cinder blocks or patio stones as alternatives. Consult with a builder and find out what’s available in your area.
- A trusted contractor. This is no different from the home you’re living in. Find a contractor that has a solid reputation for building cabin houses. Talk to people who have had experience working with a company that creates cabins. Screen a few and then make a decision. Apart from vetting their expertise, look for one that sends a good vibe.
There are more items to add to this list. But this should set you on the right path to building your first cabin.
