A DIY lodge cabin is an economical and relaxing way to gain the peaceful retreat that they provide, without breaking the bank in the process. Utilizing these lodge cabin plans will allow you to determine exactly how much it will cost and which materials are ideal for construction.
Choose a plan that provides detailed blueprints, step-by-step building directions, photos and a materials list - as well as considering age-in-place ideas as you design your lodge cabin.
Cost
Construction costs should always be taken into consideration when building a lodge cabin, from its size, materials used, and location of construction. Also important when choosing your heating system as that can have an effectful influence on the total costs associated with it.
Contact your local building-code authorities to ensure your lodge cabin will meet the necessary standards. Cabins often fall under different rules than primary residences; however, permits and septic systems or wells could still be needed and could add significant costs to the project.
Prefabricated kits may offer an economical option. Although you'll still need your land and to complete some of the work yourself, plus purchase and obtain permits will save money over a custom-built lodge cabin.
Cost estimates of two-bedroom lodge cabins depend on factors like size, style, and materials used. Building a smaller cabin may be cheaper to build but may lack functionality; additionally, septic and well costs may add significantly to its total price.
An attractive lodge cabin doesn't need to be costly; natural materials and a simple layout can keep costs under control. For instance, a basic log cabin plan with two bedrooms and a bathroom can be constructed for under $50,000 while more complex plans with multiple bedrooms, kitchen/living area combination, and loft will cost more.
Materials
Lodge cabin materials usually consist of wood, but the type you select depends on both your budget and climate conditions where you plan to build. Certain species of wood may be more resistant to moisture than others. You could add stone or brick as accent pieces if desired. Another key factor when choosing materials for a cabin is how long you intend to reside there - for instance if this will just be used as weekend getaway cabin for summer camp purposes then consider investing in more durable material.
If you are not an experienced log home builder, a shell only kit may be your solution. These kits provide everything necessary for building the outside shell of your lodge cabin including roof and unfinished floors; however, interior finishes such as windows and doors must still be purchased separately. In choosing where to purchase your kit from it's important that a reputable company with customer reviews as well as proof of high building standards is selected - these elements must all come together when purchasing.
Once your logs are crafted and ready to assemble, it is time to commence construction on their foundation. Just like homes require foundations to bear their weight evenly across the surface area of the earth, cabins also require one; you have several choices when selecting whether you would prefer a slab foundation which sits directly on the earth's surface, or one which elevates it above ground level.
Those building cabins in dry climates can save money and time by opting for a slab foundation. Its costs are less than those associated with pier slab foundations, and will save time in construction as it eliminates the need for crawl spaces.
Design
Designing a two bedroom lodge cabin gives you more room than smaller log homes to incorporate different themes and make the design your own. Some popular themes include vintage, rustic and country designs while others opt for something more modern. Either way, when choosing your design it is essential that it takes into account climate conditions in the area you live in and other factors that might determine its success.
Step one in building a two bedroom log cabin is selecting a site. This will impact both its size and materials used; additionally, take note of weather conditions and soil type as this may impact further construction processes. Also remove any trees that might pose threats or interfere with construction activities before starting this journey.
Next, you must construct a strong and sturdy foundation for the logs. Be sure to level out and ensure it's strong before beginning laying sill logs; this process takes time so be sure to follow instructions precisely; use butt and pass notches with short rebar pins to secure each log for best results.
Once the sill logs are in place, it's time to start building the rest of your cabin. For optimal results, it is wise to limit interior partitions as much as possible in order to maximize space while cutting construction costs and keeping walls and ceilings as strong as possible.
Layout
Layout is one of the key factors in any DIY cabin project, as it will determine what kind of rooms can be created and the overall size and cost of building your cabin. Furthermore, smaller cabins tend to cost less due to needing less materials, and being easier due to less precise dimensions needed for their construction.
Before building your cabin, it's essential that you understand its intended use. Will it serve as a weekend retreat for friends and family or provide hunting and fishing retreat? Your answer to this question will determine the size and style of cabin that best meets these purposes, and may determine whether you require a septic system or well system for drainage purposes.
Another key element is climate. This will have an impactful influence on what materials to use and the level of insulation necessary; for instance, cabins built in cold climates will require more insulation than ones situated in warmer environments.
For optimal DIY cabin plans, the Basic Shelter plan offers everything needed for building a simple log cabin - making it the ideal starting point for beginners who wish to perfect their skills before undertaking more ambitious projects. It even comes complete with instructions on soundproofing the structure! With such comprehensive plans available online today, any novice builder should feel confident to build their cabin themselves without worry or stress!
Final Thoughts
Before beginning construction of your cabin, it is essential that you carefully consider its location. This decision will directly impact the size and materials required, as well as any applicable zoning laws or building codes in your area. Furthermore, conducting an on-site survey prior to breaking ground will help identify an ideal site where to build.
When selecting a location for your cabin, it is wise to opt for something simple like a rectangle shape as this will be less costly and simpler to build while giving more usable space to you and your family. Also avoid high water areas and windy sites which could compromise its integrity over time.
Community Cabin is another fantastic DIY cabin option, featuring detailed instructions and plenty of space to sleep comfortably. Additionally, this design includes instructions for soundproofing to ensure no one can disturb you at night with their snoring.
If you want to challenge your skills further, try the 22 x 36 A-Frame cabin. This design stands out with its pointed top that allows snow to slide off easily; additionally, it boasts both an impressive basement and main floor - ideal for beginners looking for something exciting and challenging!