Tiny Cabin - Part 2.

Just because we aren't going to purchase now doesn't mean we can't plan.

Yesterday we discussed AmishMadeCabins.com out of Kentucky. The reason why we like this company is out of the many companies that provide smaller cabins (and this company can also do specialty/custom work!) Amish Made Cabins produces quality cabins with a variety of options available. Some of the options are available at no extra cost (see - "pocket doors.")

We looked at the Boone Deluxe cabin yesterday, but as we started making more plans and deciding what to do, etc. we opted to focus on the Appalachian Deluxe, 14' x 40' cabin. The link provided shows a drawing of the plans of the cabin (one of their ideas.) As you can see, the Appalachian Deluxe cabin provides a small closet (upper left, beside the bedroom closet) for a stackable washer and dryer. I can't really see anywhere in the Boone that would accommodate that. Granted, I am sure we could figure out a design, but something else the 14 x 40 Appalachian Deluxe has is a second bedroom. While a second bedroom isn't necessary for use as lodging, it is necessary for additional storage space. We can also put a full-size futon in there for a guest room and use the loft space for storage. The second bedroom is only 9 x 10, but that's a good size for use as food storage/pantry, location for a gun safe, a futon, etc.

Now before you go looking at smaller houses and cabins, you should consider some things like we did last night:

1. Can you live in a smaller home like this year-round for an extended period of time?
Look at the home you're in now. Can you get rid of or store the majority of your items? While the Appalachian Deluxe goes up to 14 x 40, think about adding a kitchen and walls to that. That space reduces. Amish Made Cabins also provides Olympic T designs which is basically taking two cabins and putting them together. If you don't think you could handle 14 x 40, this may be a better option for you. Olympic T is also an option we're considering. Your best bet is to contact Amish Made Cabins and discuss your ideas with them.

2. Measure out the dimensions for your prospective home. This will really put things into perspective. Our current home is around 1600 sq feet, and it's just Andrew and I and our two dogs. 1600 sq feet. Do you know how often we use our spare room? Twice a year. Do you know how often we use our second spare room? It's currently storage and a place to put our dogs when company or a service person comes over. Do you know how often we utilize our entire living room? Never. Start thinking about all of that extra space you aren't using, you are cleaning, and you are heating and cooling.

3. How will you heat and cool a smaller home? Amish Made Cabins offers a tiny "HVAC system" (in easier terms) for heating and cooling, and they also offer a wood burning stove option where they install the chimney and flue (you have to provide the stove and connector pipe.)

4. How will you power a smaller home? Solar power has gotten to the point now that if you wanted to solar power your tiny cabin, it's economical for you to do so. Well, let me say...it is more economical than, say, ten years ago. It's still costly up front, but some states offer tax credits, and think about the money you will save in the long run.

5. Tankless water heaters? Putting a standard water heater in a smaller home just isn't really feasible. Instead, think about tankless water heaters.

6. The cost of the cabin includes delivery up to 200 miles (for this company.) BUT you have to have the land. The site has to be cleared and set up. YOU are responsible for utilities and such to the property.

As you can see there are so many things to consider before taking the plunge. For us, our lease runs out in two years. We would not start doing all of this late November (Georgia weather is finicky) so it would be at least another six months. It's difficult to get a six month lease, so we'll have to lease some place for another year (our current home will be entirely too expensive to do so.)

Do your research on companies, options, land prices, etc. Sometimes you can find land that was originally cleared for a home site, and sometimes land comes up as bank-owned.

It is possible. It's just going to take time and planning.