When you purchase plans or use a kit for your cabin – the thought is that you’ve sped up the process and saved some money by largely bypassing the design phase. And while that can be somewhat true – the reality is that what you’re left with is not a substitute for a design team.

Benefits of Cabin Kits and Plans

Kit and Plan Benefits

• Best Version
  The business model of kits and plans is economies of scale. Make the investment to design it once, make it work in every jurisdiction, and sell copies of it forever. It’s not a bad thing. And the more reputable companies doing this learn from their experiences and bake them into future versions. You’re getting the best version of something – not version 1.0 that’s never been done before.
• Overbuilt with the Calcs to Prove it
  And because it’s designed for every jurisdiction and climate zone – you’re typically getting an over engineered product. I mean that also literally. Most of these will come with engineering calculations which are normally only required in very high load (wind, snow, earthquake) markets.

Prefabricated Kit Benefits

• Offsite Fabrication
  Typically the fabrication done offsite is done indoors in a controlled environment – with greater precision and cleanliness than the best onsite conditions could allow for.
• Reduced Waste
  Kits often come pre-cut and/or partially assembled. The waste generated onsite is dramatically reduced. I’ve built kit homes before without ever having a dumpster on site.
• Reduced Assembly Time
  Kits can make the construction go very quickly which can substantially reduce labor costs.

Pitfalls of Cabin Kits and Plans

As I lead with – the biggest downside to a kit or plan is the void left in the project without a design team. This is the root cause – but the symptoms are far reaching. Details and specifications within the plan set are barebones, boiler plate, and/or missing completely. Since the plan is to sell in every market – there’s no return in using specifics to a climate or jurisdiction.

• Critical Details Left Assumed
  This means critical details like wall assemblies, HVAC design, lighting design, kitchen design, interior finishes, etc. are all left up to the builder to decide.
• Assumptions Prevent Apple-to-Apple Bids
  With all those assumptions left up to the builder – it’s impossible to get competitive bids from general contractors or subs. The bids are based on assumptions – not a plan and spec.
• One Size Doesn’t Fit All
  The devil is in the details – and so are the long-term comforts (and costs) of living in a home. For example, lighting design. Has someone considered task versus ambient lighting in the kitchen? What about when you get ready in the bathroom? Or pick out an outfit in the closet? Light switches and outlets on both sides of the bed? A design team will consider how you’ll use and live in a space and design every aspect of it to fit your lifestyle. Not a cookie-cutter one design fits all.
• Owner Advocacy
  The design team is often the owner advocate during a project. They’re the one ensuring what’s being built matches the plan and spec. They’re the one working with the builder to answer questions and provide greater clarity when there’s a question on assembly.
• Local an Industry Knowledge
  A design team will be aware of and help design for the specific climate and market you’re building in. They can help avoid designs and materials with high failure rates in your area. They can also help source local products to reduce both the economic cost and embodied carbon of the project.

How to Use Cabin Kits and Plans

Purchasing a kit or plan set is a tool for your toolbox. It’s an easy way to take some shortcuts on a project and likely save some money. But it’s not a replacement for the design role. If you’re considering using a kit or purchase plan consider these three approaches to make the most of the benefits.

1. Hire an Architect or Construction Consultant
   Let them build on what the kit or plans provide and act as your owner advocate throughout the project. They can also be a great resource in helping choose a builder.
2. Use a Design/Build Builder
   Consider a builder with inhouse design expertise. Someone who can put the needed design team in place throughout the project to fill in the gaps on your team. Need help choosing a builder? We have a guide for that.
3. Don’t Use a Kit
   Consider what your goals for the project are and whether purchased plans or a kit can help you get there. If the answer is “no” or “maybe”, engage an architect or construction consultant instead. A custom home might be a better answer for you. Again, kits and plans are a tool in your tool box. But not every problem is a nail.