Building a hunting cabin on your property is exciting, but before construction happens, it’s important to take the time to plan your cabin and make some important decisions. There are a variety of things to consider when planning your hunting cabin. Here are several key points to think about before you build.
Location, Location, Location
One of the first (and possibly most important) things to take into consideration when planning your hunting cabin is location. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide on a location for your cabin:
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What is the terrain like? Is it flat or hilly? Flat land is typically easier and cheaper to build on than land that’s uneven.
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Do you plan on running power to your cabin? If so, where will the power lines go? Consider meeting with an electric company to determine the best spot for them. Alternatively, building your cabin off-the-grid is another option.
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Which direction do you want your hunting cabin to be facing? The orientation of your cabin can have a big impact on the amount of natural light you’ll get and affect weathering of the exterior.
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How far away from home is your hunter cabin? Make sure it’s in a location that you’ll be okay with driving to and from on a semi-regular basis.
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Is the area accessible? How far away from the road is the potential hunting cabin site? Do you have access to resources?
Be sure to put a good deal of thought into the location of your hunter cabin. Although many cabins are portable, transporting them to a new location is less convenient than choosing a perfect spot the first time around.
Local Rules and Regulations
When you are building a hunting cabin, it’s crucial to understand the different building codes for the land. Find out if your state has any specific laws regarding building a cabin, and contact a relevant agency to determine if there are any permits you’ll need to obtain or zoning requirements you’ll need to adhere to. Keep in mind that it’s best to do this before settling on a location for your hunter cabin.
Budget and Total Cost
Before building your hunting cabin, it’s beneficial to have a budget in place. How much money are you willing to spend? Aside from the cost of the hunting cabin itself, it’s necessary to think about how much the cabin will cost from start to finish. Take into account the prices of equipment, furniture, decor, and other items that you’ll need in order to finish the space. That way, you won’t be faced with any unexpected costs.’
If you’re looking to build your hunting cabin on a budget, it may be a good idea to just stick with the basics. Adding a bunch of extra features and customizations can really amp up the cost of your cabin. Additionally, financing and rent-to-own programs are a smart choice for those who don’t want to pay for the entire cabin up front.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Owning a hunting cabin is like owning a house in that it needs regular maintenance. Even if your hunter cabin isn’t your primary residence, you should still aim to inspect and perform upkeep on it at least twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. Think about whether or not you’ll have the time, funds, and resources to maintain both your hunting cabin and your home.
Cabin upkeep isn’t something you should neglect or skimp on, so it’s important to understand that maintenance is ongoing and can greatly affect the lifespan of your hunting cabin.
Ready to move forward with building your hunting cabin? Contact us to get started or start designing your own hunting cabin right now with our online cabin builder tool.