Cabin Plans

Why cabin plans? Have you always dreamed of owning a cabin? Many people have very fond memories of staying at a cabin on vacation and want to recapture the sense of relaxation and closeness to nature. Whether you’re still dreaming about a cabin, or in the process of making that dream come true, perusing cabin plans or viewing actual cabins is a great way to decide how much you would be willing to put into and get out of that dream.

When cabins first made their appearance in America in the mid-1600s they were built less for aesthetics and more for function—yet they were still built from a cabin plan (even if the cabin plan was formulated only in their mind). Early settlers needed protection from the cold, rain, animals and hostiles. Cabins are still built with functionality in mind, however, more emphasis is put on the comfort and aesthetics--achieving the right balance between functionality and form.

Whether your cabin is going to be your family home or a vacation getaway, studying cabin plans online or in catalogs is a good way to figure out how big your cabin should be and how much it may cost in the end.

Acquiring the Right Cabin Plans

Like other house plans, a cabin plan is a drawing of the inside and outside of a cabin. Plans are very informative and give the cabin’s square footage, number of floors, bedrooms, and baths. Also considered is the general layout of  rooms as well as  measurements for everything, including ceiling height and outside elevation. Cabin plans may also include an estimate for the price-per-square-foot for construction.

When looking at cabin plans, consider the location and the amount of land you have for building. Cabins tend to be traditional and simple in design, but building a cabin in Tennessee will warrant a different design than a cottage near the beach in Florida. Cabins are unique in that they can be built on small tracts of land. You can find plans for cabins as small as 500 square feet that still serve the purpose for its use. Environmental concerns have led some architects to draw up plans for “green cabins.” These cabins look and function like a normal cabin, but are made of more efficient materials and are designed to promote heating and cooling efficiency.

Cabin plans are available for purchase on the Internet or you can go "custom" or adapt an existing cabin plan and incorporate your own ideas.

In summary, there are many things to consider when thinking of building a cabin or chalet. Regardless of location, the cabin plan you choose or develop will make all the difference in the enjoyment you get from your cabin. Research and informed decision are critical elements of the process.