What Is A Cabin?

While looking for your dream home, you’ll likely discover many types of houses. These may include cabin homes in different rural areas that you’ll encounter throughout your house hunt. But what do you know about cozy cabin living?

Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of a cabin, along with how much potential buyers can expect to pay when purchasing or building a cabin.

Cabin Definition And Meaning

A cabin often looks rustic and is usually located in a remote, wooded area. You might often hear cabins described as “cottages” or “log cabins,” but these terms are often used interchangeably when describing similar types of homes. While wood is a material commonly used to build cabins, some cabins are also made with stone or brick.

Cabins are commonly used as investment properties or vacation homes for families or people who enjoy hunting or want to be in a remote area near bodies of water or trees. However, that doesn’t mean a family can’t use a cabin as a primary residence as well. People who live in more rural areas are more likely to see cabin homes or choose one as a primary residence.

Types Of Cabins

There are several different types of cabins you might come across while on the hunt for your ideal cabin home. Let’s discuss each one:

• Full scribe cabin: These are strong cabins that include full logs stacked horizontally. This wood formation becomes the walls of the cabin as each log fits seamlessly with the one below it.
• Post and beam cabin: This common type of cabin uses vertical logs to support the other logs laying in the opposite direction. These cabins have rustic interiors and the ability to have different designs and features.
• Chink log cabin: These cabins contain a plaster between each wooden log that can be visibly seen on the exterior of the home. This plaster fills every gap, sealing the logs together perfectly.
• A-frame cabin: This type of cabin has a roof shape that forms an A. This small house is great for someone who doesn’t want to worry too much about roof maintenance as the A shape allows for a lot of runoff from rain, snow and any other debris.
• Modular cabin: Cabins that are considered “modular” include some elements that are premade in a home kit (windows, doors, etc.). These homes can be transported anywhere making them a perfect tiny house for people who enjoy traveling.
• Hybrid cabin: These cabins are usually a mix of different cabin styles combined to create one home. Not only does this make them unique, but also shows off other materials besides just wood.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Cabin?

As with any type of home, a cabin comes with certain advantages and disadvantages worth considering before you decide to move forward on a cabin investment. Here are a few pros and cons to ponder.

Pros

• Second source of income: If you already have a primary residence elsewhere, your cabin can provide you with some extra money. For example: Maybe you only like to visit your cabin in the fall and winter, making it an ideal property to rent out in the spring and summer months.
• More outdoor space: Cabins usually come with a significant amount of outdoor space, which can be really nice to have if you and your family are used to living in a city with not much land to enjoy and use. A cabin could be a great getaway for the whole family to embrace some outdoor living.
• The experience of simple living: Cabins offer a minimalist lifestyle that, although fairly uncommon, can be relaxing and a nice change of pace – especially if your cabin is located in a quiet, peaceful area. Living in a simple house can make everyday life less stressful.

Cons

• Lack of modern amenities: While some cabins have upgraded, more modern features, some are older – leaving its occupants to deal with outdated features and cabin decor that might not be all that appealing. Older cabins might also come with a floor plan that doesn’t function all that well in everyday life.
• Potentially expensive upkeep: Every home comes with maintenance and upkeep, but that’s especially true if your home is a cabin located in an area that experiences a range of weather conditions and is often exposed to other aspects of nature, such as wild animals. An older cabin might also be equipped with an aging HVAC and plumbing system that can be costly to fix if they stop working.
• Distance from civilization: While this can be enticing for some people, it can be stressful if you need help and are unable to find anyone close by to lend a hand in an emergency situation. If, for example, your car breaks down and you have no cell service at your cabin, you may need to walk miles to find someone who can help you out.
• Difficulty insuring: Securing insurance on a cabin home can be surprisingly hard since many home insurance providers don’t cover these types of houses. It’s important to do your research and find a provider that will give you the insurance coverage you need.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Cabin?

While the cost to build any home can vary greatly depending on building materials, the home’s location and house size, most cabins can be built for between $62,500 and $87,500. Since the amount you pay for building materials can significantly affect the final cost, it’s important to keep your eye on the supply and demand of certain materials to get a better idea of what the overall price might be. While most cabins are usually small houses, they can of course be built from the ground up to whatever size you want your home to be.

How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Cabin?

While buying a house is an exciting milestone, it’s wise to take the time to research the cost of certain types of homes so you’re not caught off guard when you start your house search. The cost to buy a cabin house can vary depending on various factors, but costs are typically in the $25,000 to $225,000 range. Keep in mind that the building materials can skew this overall cost since certain materials are likely to change in price over time.

You can always opt to buy a more modern type of cabin that suits your style and needs. Of course, this will most likely come at a higher price point, but if you’re using this cabin as an investment property, you might have the chance to make your money back over time.

Cabin Vs. House: What Are The Differences?

While both serve as shelter for people, a cabin and a standard house are different in how they’re made. Cabins are normally built with more raw materials than a traditional house. For example, you’ll often see traditional houses with exterior siding made of vinyl or other synthetic materials. With cabins, you’re usually going to see raw wood or maybe even stone on the full exterior of the home.

Another difference between these two types of homes is where they’re customarily built. Traditional houses can be built anywhere, but you’ll find most in well-populated areas near cities or busy towns. Cabins can also be built anywhere, but they’re most often located in more secluded areas – far away from the hustle and bustle of a downtown setting. The remote setting of most cabins tends to be a huge part of their allure since people searching for a log home are also likely seeking a more nature-filled lifestyle.

The Bottom Line: A Cabin Can Be A Smart Purchase

Not only do cabins provide a feeling of comfort and relaxation, but they can give you another stream of income if you use them as a rental or investment property. When pursuing your dream cabin home, it’s best to take the time to find one that gives you and your family everything you’re looking for – no cabin fever here! You’ll always want to do this before you sign on the dotted line and become the homeowner.

If you’re ready to get started with a home purchase, apply online today.