Much like everything about building a log cabin, picking an ideal location can get challenging. With so many aspects to consider, it can even seem daunting. Yet, like all problems, when broken down into small steps, become solvable.
Here we will go through some easy steps that need to be covered when picking an ideal location for your dream log cabin home. We will go through factors to consider, information necessary to make a good decision and practical aspects and challenges of various locations. Remember that picking a location is a deeply personal preference, based on your interests and needs.
Step 1: Area of interest
First things first: determine the site based on your interests and the function your log cabin will serve. Do you like skiing? You will likely want to be closer to ski slopes and will be looking at possibilities to place your cabin at the mountainside. Do you like hunting or just trekking through the woods? A forest cabin is your choice then. Fishing? River or lakeside is a way to go.
Then there’s the aesthetic side of it: the beauty of nature. If you’re on your way to buying a log cabin, you must love being outdoors. Plan your log cabin in a location that allows you to admire the beauty of nature around you.
Lastly, the location should be accessible. Whether it’s a mountain cabin, a riverside hut or a contemporary cabin home in the forest, make sure there’s a road leading up to it and it’s maintained. Weather changes can affect your accessibility as well: rainfall can create mud slides, while snow can stop you from accessing your cabin altogether. Remember to take weather into account and devise solutions for its changing pattern.
Step 2: Legal aspects
Almost every state and country has laws regarding construction and land purchases. Consult your local real estate agent or municipal office about land purchasing regulation. Make sure you’re not planning your log cabin in a restricted area or protected wildlife reserves. Once you’ve made sure the place you chose is legal to build on, inquire about the paperwork needed to proceed with the acquisition.
If you’ve decided to build your new log cabin within a community of cabin owners, make sure to go through the land lease and ownership contracts carefully and consult your lawyer.
Step 3: Amenities
When picking a site, consider accessibility to utilities. Water, electricity, even gas if you stay for longer – all the amenities don’t come as standard with either bespoke cabins of cabin kits. If you’re looking to connect to any amenities, you must inform your contractor to offer you the best possible option.
Make sure that the beautiful location you’ve chosen also has these amenities available. If not, you may want to consider installing a water heater and reservoir and a log shed for firewood. Portable electric stove is also a good option. You should also consider an electricity generator if your cabin is truly remote.
If you’re purchasing a standard log cabin that you will have constructed on site, make sure it comes with the possibility to be connected to all necessary amenities. If, on the other hand, you’re building a bespoke log home, you can already include water, electricity and gas ports into the blueprints of the log cabin model.
Step 4: Site and orientation
Few more geographical things to consider when picking a location. First up – soil. If you’re looking to grow some crops around your log cabin, make sure the soil is suitable for this endeavour.
Next up – underground streams. If you’re building near a large water source, like a lake or a river, make sure there aren’t any water streams right under your cabin. The soil may become unstable and collapse after some time. Consult local rangers and land experts with these questions.
Lastly – the sun’s journey. You will want to catch as much sunlight as possible when living in the cabin. That is why they usually come with large windows, not just for the view, but to have natural sunlight until it sets. Make sure you plan ahead of time and orient your cabin to catch as much of the sunrise, as well as sunset.
Now that you have your list of steps to consider, you’re one planning session closer to your log cabin goal. This is the time to put planning into action: consult the professionals, budget your cabin construction funds, pick the best type of cabin based on your criteria and pick the best location. All you need to do is start. Good luck!