How Much Do Modular Log Cabin Homes Cost?
With the monotonous pace of life, you might be feeling restless. Leaving the busy city life to go and relax in a log cabin in the lap of mother nature seems like a great idea, right? If your answer is yes, then you have come to the right place.
This article will tell you all about log cabins and what you can expect if you choose to invest in a log cabin.
What Are Log Cabins?
The log cabins, as the name suggests, are small one-storied cabins built with wood logs. They are a common find in mountain areas that are endowed with greenery.
They are perfect for people who love the outdoors and like to spend time being one with the green. Cabins are a useful investment even for those who just want to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The advantage of modular log cabin homes is that they are not built on the premises. They are made in factories and then transported to your chosen site using trucks and cranes.
Pricing Matters
Modular log cabin homes are cheaper in comparison to traditional homes. A kit to make a modular log cabin can price somewhere around $14,000 to $30,000.
These kits consist of readymade cabin parts that the cabin construction company will send to you. This will contain all the necessary tools and wood that will be used to build the whole cabin.
Most cabins have two rooms along with a kitchen and bathroom. Some cabins do come with a fireplace that is a huge help, especially in cold areas.
The cost of furnishings, sink, cabinets, and other furniture are not included in the above price bracket. They have to be borne separately. A modular log cabin home usually costs about 10% to 20% lesser than any traditional log cabin, costing only $50 per square feet.
Advantages of A Modular Log Cabin Home
Modular log cabins, an affordable and hassle-free way of achieving your dream home. But before investing in a modular cabin, you should carefully weigh in the benefits and downsides. Listed below are the pros of a modular log cabin, followed by the next section’s cons.
Affordable Option
Modular log cabin homes are affordable, and that is one of their USPs. A modular log cabin can be your answer to a beautifully crafted log home that, too, at a much cheaper rate. Moreover, since modular cabins are built by a single group of professionals, the end-result and your dream home will be of optimum quality.
Ideal for Weekend Getaways
People looking for a quiet weekend getaway away from daily life stress should invest in a modular log cabin home. One can indulge in hiking, fishing, hunting, and just revel in the beauty of nature from your cozy cabins.
Sturdy and Safe
Since the modular log cabins can be built in factories away from changing weather conditions, they are sturdy and can easily handle the hassle of transportation. They come with a foundation and thick walls with treated and seasoned wood. You can expect a strong and sturdy living space inside that also looks classy and vintage.
Different Look and Feel
Modular log cabins have been built with conspicuous and distinct logs. In rustic cabins and hunting cabins, the main structure is flat and treated wood, which looks slightly different. Whereas, in modular ones, larger logs are used to make up thicker walls.
Treated wood of modular cabins help withstand tough weather and also deal with termites and rodents.
Environment Friendly
As the name suggests, modular log cabins usually are made of wooden logs that are timber. Timber is natural and does not have any synthetic compounds. Additionally, since timber decomposes over time, there is no harm to the environment.
Can Withstand Harsh Weather
Since the modular log cabin homes are made inside factories, they are not exposed to harsh weather conditions. They are neither exposed to humidity, nor do they suffer from high temperatures or biting cold. That is why most modular cabins are sturdy and have better quality in the beginning.
In addition, timber has excellent insulating ability. Therefore, modular log cabin homes protect you from harsh temperature change and keep you warm in cold weather.
Customization Options
Since these are built on demand by professionals, you can make your changes and make any additions if you want. With modern technologies, you can even add a floor above or renovate your modular log homes.
Back to The Basics
If you want to go back to the old ways, then investing in a modular log cabin home is a brilliant option. The cabins provide a safe and relaxed area for you and your family while doing things the old way without advanced facilities.
Disadvantages of A Modular Log Cabin Home
Modular log cabins come with a few cons as well.
A Higher Down Payment
The up-front payment for a modular log cabin is much higher than regular homes. Chances are, you might have to pay the entire amount right at the beginning. There are barely any scopes for installment payments.
Paying the entire amount in one go might be a little bit difficult for you. But on the other hand, you will not have to worry about monthly payments for the next many years. You will have complete and immediate ownership then and there.
Additional Cost
As these cabins are built off-site in factories, those cabins need to be transported to their location. This requires trucks and cranes whose cost has to be borne by the buyer.
Modular Log Cabin or Trailers?
Modular Log Cabin
An affordable alternative to traditional homes. They are constructed in a factory and shipped in sections using huge trucks. There these cabins get assembled using cranes.
Modular cabins take less time to get built, and they mostly come in pre-designed styles. Though cabins are mostly noticed in the woods where one can enjoy a solitary and peaceful vacation, they can be found in other populated areas. This is simply because modular log cabins not only are affordable in the pocket; they also have a certain charm that attracts people.
As mentioned before, one of the biggest pros of modular log cabins is their pocket-friendliness. The other option in the cheaper residence sector in the form of manufactured trailer houses.
Trailer
Trailers are often confused with modular cabins. But there are quite a few differences.
First of all, trailers are even low-priced than cabins but are bare of the same quality. Moreover, they are not customizable and come in limited sizes. So, they are not suitable for a family of more than 2 or 3 at most, whereas modular log cabins can be extended for at least 7-8 people.
Trailers are easier to build and set up because their construction is simpler. But that costs its longevity and ability to withstand the tough climate. Manufactured trailers are flimsy, and living inside them during thunderstorms or wintertime can be quite terrible.
Another big problem with trailers is that you cannot own them. You can only lease them out. While it is a flexible option, it is also an uncertain one. You can own a modular log cabin-like. You can own a brick-and-mortar house.
Banks treat both equally. You can rent out cabins or sell them in the future or take out mortgages on them just as you can with a regular house. But the case is different for manufactured trailers.
Popular Regions for Modular Log Cabins
It is quite obvious that cabins are mostly found in thickly wooded mountain areas. Therefore, the United States’ western and northern areas are the most common zones for Modular Log Cabins.
You are likely to find many cabins in states like Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and New York. The cabins’ idea is mostly to have a home away from the urban areas and within the woods for peace and solitude and proximity to nature.
If you will also find cabins clustered together and forming a neighborhood of their own. Humans are social creatures and are likely to succumb to the slightest opportunity at building a community of sorts.
Related Questions
1. What Materials Are Used for A Modular Log Cabin?
The modular log cabin kits usually come with interior walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, baseboards, and wall moldings as the basics. Additionally, electrical wirings and light fittings, outlet receptacles, water systems, plumbing, etc. The kitchen comes with a countertop and appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. Expect a shower, tub, basin, medicine cabinet, and mirror in the bathroom.
2. Do Modular Log Cabins Come with A Porch and Deck?
Yes, modular log cabins often come with a porch and a deck. They are included in the total price of the home. However, if you do not want them to be of a particular design, they are up for customization at most building companies.
Final Thoughts
Modular log cabin homes are a quick and affordable way to get your dream home, which is both functional and picturesque. On the other hand, traditional log cabins have the luxury of customization and own distinct designs to suit the owner’s taste.
All said and done, and both these options have their pros and cons. One should consider both possibilities before choosing one.
