How much do log cabins cost to build? It’s easy to get overwhelmed when the cost of a log cabin kit seems too high. Here’s an overview of material and labour costs, including the cost of off-grid utilities. However, building a log cabin on a budget is more than possible. We spent under $20,000 for the entire process, including the land and interior finishings.
Cost of a log cabin kit
The initial cost of a log cabin kit is not the final price. You must factor in additional fees such as foundation work, landscaping, basement, plumbing, and labour. Considering that you must stage the logs after they have arrived on site, the kit price can be misleading. For a more accurate price, use a ratio of one to three if you’re paying someone else to construct the log home or a percentage of one to two if you’re doing the building yourself.
There are many types of log homes on the market. You can choose from a pre-designed model like the Ayers Pond cabin from Merrimac Log Homes or design your own from scratch. A good log cabin kit comes with windows, doors, and fastening hardware. Many of these kits also include corrugated metal roofing. They are built with accurate dimensional lumber and post-and-beam construction. They range from the most basic cabins to luxurious log homes that are entirely customizable.
A log cabin kit includes the basic building materials, precut logs, and materials for assembling the records. Various companies sell prefabricated log cabins that are affordable and eco-friendly. When looking for a log cabin kit, talk to the manufacturer about how much they charge per square foot. Depending on your budget and the time you must devote to building the cabin, you might choose a shell-only or dry-in package. A turn-key package includes everything, including exterior and interior doors and windows, and may cost around $130-$180 per square foot.
Labour costs
While you may be saving money by building your log cabin, you’ll still need to factor in the labour costs for a log home. For example, you may want to install vinyl windows instead of wood ones, as this material is much less expensive. Likewise, you might want to design a smaller log home with more amenities. Cost itemization sheets can help you prepare your budget, determine your workflow, and understand the job.
Hiring people to build a log cabin can be expensive. For example, hiring a labourer to make your house could cost $10 to $12 an hour. The cost adds up quickly, and hiring a professional log cabin builder could cost more than $10,000. Similarly, if you don’t have much spare cash, you can purchase a prefab model or custom-designed cabin for a much lower cost.
Dry-in labour for a handcrafted log home typically runs between $25 and $30 per square foot. This includes the foundation, first-floor subfloor, and stacking logs. In addition, contractors usually include exterior doors, windows, and roofing. Foundation labour will cost between $1,000 and $4,000.
Material costs
There are several factors to consider when calculating material costs for a log cabin. First, you must pay for the land you plan to build on. Although lot land may seem unnecessary, it is essential to build your house on this land. Without land, it is impossible to make a cabin. You must also check with local regulations before purchasing a plot of land and whether it has electric and sewer hookups.
Log cabin construction costs vary greatly, but a basic one-story, 50,000-square-foot home can be built for just $50,000. While the amount of raw timber needed for construction may be low, other costs can be much higher. For instance, land in southern states can cost as much as $125 per 200 square feet. Other factors to consider include the region where you plan to build the cabin, which will affect the material costs.
A well-built log cabin will typically last for 50-100 years. Some places have been standing for 200 years! With many benefits, log homes can be permanent residences or excellent investment properties. If built correctly, log homes can be as energy-efficient as custom-built houses and can be constructed quickly and cheaply. You can even use them for a vacation home or rental property.
Off-grid utilities
If you want to build your log cabin, you will need to consider the cost of installing off-grid utilities. Depending on the location and utility companies, this can range from a few thousand dollars to ten thousand. A surveyor can help you determine the exact cost of the project. If you’re planning to build your cabin, you may want to hire a professional to help you with the installation.
Off-grid living doesn’t have to be primitive. There’s no concrete definition of ” off-grid “, but it usually involves disconnection from utilities such as electricity and gas. Some cabin owners build their cabins off the grid, avoiding utilities like gas and electricity. Others opt to build their houses with log siding, which saves on log costs.
While moving off-grid requires some money, the overall cost of an off-grid home is less than half the price of a typical home in the city. You can expect to save up to seventy per cent of that price, which is enormous compared to the average home cost of three hundred thousand dollars. Aside from solar, you can also build a septic system and a concrete foundation. Additional expenses include permitting, labour, and impact fees. The cost could rise to tens of thousands or even more depending on where you live.
Roofing costs
There are many ways to cut the cost of a log cabin’s roofing. The most convenient option is to hire a professional installer. Prices vary greatly, depending on the size of your log cabin, and they usually include rubbish removal. Be sure to choose a builder with experience in this area. Check references to see if the builder has done similar work. Make sure you hire a builder with insurance that protects your property against damage.
Roofing costs for log cabins depend on the style and complexity of your log shell. Choosing an entire scribe log shell, for example, will cost the most due to the labour and complexity of the construction. Conversely, a post-and-beam design will be less costly and may only cost 65 to 95 Cad per square foot. In addition, log cabins typically have a unique roof design, so it is necessary to consider this when determining your budget.
When choosing a roof for your cabin, consider the weather. Many areas of the country experience snowfall, so you’ll want a roof that can keep snow off the house. For example, an eight-inch pitch at a 34-degree angle will protect your home from the snow. However, if you live in a snowy region, you’ll want to choose a roof that covers the logs and the surrounding area. Choosing a roofing material is essential as it affects your cabin’s overall style and appearance. If you don’t want to choose a roofing material, consider going with asphalt shingles or a roofing system made of metal.
Construction loans
You’ll likely need a construction loan to finance the project if you plan to build a log cabin. To qualify for a loan, you need to know how much money you’ll need and be realistic about the price. A commercial loan officer, like Becky Luzinski, from the Illinois National Bank, can help you figure out your budget and make a plan. Here’s how to find a log cabin construction loan:
A construction loan for a log cabin is a short-term loan, typically six to eighteen months, and it requires that you complete the building project within that period. Unlike a traditional mortgage, a construction loan is interest-only, meaning you only have to pay the bank interest on the amount you’ve already paid to the log home company or builder. Construction loans require you to purchase log home insurance, which protects your investment during construction.
Generally, construction loans will be converted into permanent mortgages once construction has been completed. These loans can be paid off over a long period and are considered “one-time” closings. In addition to avoiding additional paperwork, a construction loan will allow you to lock your interest rate before converting to a permanent mortgage. A construction loan officer should be familiar with timber-frame and log home construction. You can request pre-approval from a lender online, and most lenders do not charge a fee.