How To
Everything you need to know to Specify, Order, and Assemble your Cabin
We build Prefab buildings; our building packages contain everything that’s needed to build your Cabin: pre-assembled wall panels, doors and windows, the roof system, the trim, siding and the interior parts are precision pre-cut.
We build to order; every project is a little different. We fully assemble the cabin in our shop. When it’s complete, we disassemble, label and package every part; we then ship it to you.
Our prefab cabins and cottages can be assembled by an owner with building experience. However, many of our clients choose to hire a builder.
Our cabins are real buildings, in most cases, building permits are required.
Here is the typical process for getting this done:
Specification phase – 2 weeks
Back and forth specification dialogue ending with a written estimate.
Finalizing the program, completing the contract, receiving the deposit - 2 weeks
You research and choose a builder that can assemble your Cabin (we can help with this). A 10% deposit will get us started on the construction drawings and the needed engineering.
Construction drawings – 2 weeks
We deliver a set of plans suitable for permitting.
Your permitting process – 4 weeks
Your builder submits plans for a permit to your local building department.
Our shop-building phase – 6 weeks
Once permit is in hand, another deposit of 50% of the total project cost is required to get the Cabin built in our shop. While the building is taking place, your builder can complete any site work needed.
Shipping - 2 weeks
The outstanding balance is due prior to shipping. Our Cabins fit easily into a 20' container. We also arrange for port-to-port shipping
Your assembly – 1-2 weeks
The Cabin arrives. Depending on cabin size and complexity it takes about 1 week to assemble and finish.
These are typical time frames. If you are in a hurry, most often we can accommodate your needs.
Specifying your Cabin
To specify a Cabin that exactly meets your needs, it's helpful to have the following information.
What State? What is the closest city or town?
Is your site…a suburban backyard, wooded land, lakeside, riverside?
Are you in an area where a non-permitted build is best?
Will your cabin have a kitchen and bathroom?
What is your timeframe for starting your project?
Your Proposed Use
Will the cabin be used for a full-time residence, a vacation get-away, an in-law suite, an artist studio, an extra bedroom, a home office, etc?
About Your Site
Can you build what you want on your site? Your building department can tell you what's allowable.
Most likely you have a location chosen for the proposed Cabin. Where are the view(s)? Where do you want privacy? Is wind or sun direction relevant? Is your specific site flat, a rolling hill or a steeper grade?
Is your neighborhood governed by a homeowners association? Often they will want in on the approval process. We make design drawings available to help you with approvals.
Our Cabins are real buildings. In most cases, they require permitting. Obtaining a building permit is the buyers’ responsibility. We work with you to help make this process smooth and easy. We provide drawings, corrections when needed, and support. Most often the homeowner can apply for it themselves. Perhaps you want a licensed contractor to do this work. When a permit is issued, we begin building your Cabin.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT VISIT: When working with permitted construction, an early visit to your building department is helpful. This visit can help you understand the process, you can find out what size building is allowed on your site, what uses are permitted and if you have any set-backs that we will need to adhere to. We can send you some preliminary drawings to show the officials your plans.
DEPOSIT REFUND: If a building permit cannot be obtained, the initial 10% deposit is refundable minus a $450 fee for drawings.
THE DRAWINGS: A comprehensive set of building plans accompanies every cabin we sell. When required, we have an engineer seal and stamp our plans for an additional charge. In your permitting process, if you are requested to make modifications, we do this work without delay or charge.
PERMIT EXEMPTIONS: Some municipalities exempt “storage” buildings or buildings with a smaller square footage. Some areas have loose permitting rules, and often, permits are not required on property zoned agricultural. We run into a few maverick types as well, those who don’t want to be constrained by rules. We support all our buyers.
The Cabin can be built on a concrete slab, or our raised integrated floor foundation system. Your soil conditions, local codes, customs and site grade will determine the appropriate foundation. The advice of a knowledgeable local builder could be helpful.
Most of our Cabins are built on a concrete slab. Our building plans will show the typical specifications of building a slab.
Ordering your Cabin
You have a proposal in hand and want to move forward. Congratulations! To start the process, we require a 10% deposit. Upon receipt of this, we begin drawing your building plans. This typically takes about 2 weeks. The payment schedule is as follows: 10% deposit, 50% due after issuance of a permit (this is our start date), and the balance is due at the time of shipping.
Can I see a Cabin?
The best way to see a Cabin is to come to Miami and see one being manufactured in our factory.
Our cabin owners are private people who prefer us not to encourage our prospective clients to visit their property. However, in a few areas we do have buildings that you can drive by to see.
We do make this offer to potential buyers: come to Miami to visit us and see a cabin being built in the shop. When you buy your Cabin, we will discount the cost of your plane ticket. People who visit us usually leave as customers.
Site Visits:
We build many small, well-detailed buildings; these are offices, studios and small homes. Because of the smaller size and simple nature, we can design and build these structures with only basic knowledge of the building site. However, when we work on a larger project or with a sensitive location, it may be best to visit the site to give you our best work.
The building site informs many design decisions; we will take into account access, approaches and parking, the view, the prevailing wind, utilities, service areas etc. When needed, Dan Owens, CabinFever partner and architect is available.
SHIPPING / RECEIVING / STAGING:
We offer surprisingly low shipping rates from our
Here is how we do it: Many trucks deliver goods to
Unloading the Cabin is your responsibility. We have learned that drivers drive – they don’t unload. No equipment is needed but, 2 or 3 strong guys are required to unload the Cabin. You will need a space the size of a 1-car garage to stage the Cabin until the parts are needed for building. We recommend that you protect your unassembled cabin from wet weather.
Assemble your Cabin
Your Builder:
An important partner in getting your Cabin assembled will be your builder. Your builder may be a skilled carpenter, handyman or small homebuilder. The builders’ basic responsibilities are: permitting, foundation, cabin assembly, interior assembly, flooring and supervision of electrician, plumber, AC / heating, exterior paint, and clean up.
Assembly:
The build process for our 16-20 cabin generally takes 2 men about 4-6 days depending on foundation requirements and interior arrangement. During the build process, we are available to you and the builder as needed. We provide installation instructions that outline the building process step-by-step, making assembly straightforward for a competent handyman or professional carpenter.
Utilities:
Electricity – We have found that it’s best to have the Electric installed by local licensed electrician. We do the hard work; we drill the walls to facilitate the electric runs. This prep-work will greatly reduce the work of the electrician.
Plumbing – Our bathrooms and kitchen packages include all the fixtures needed. We have found that it’s best to have the plumbing installed by local licensed plumber. For correct installation, fixture locations are marked on the paneling.
Heat / Cool – A mini-split reverse cycle AC is recommended for our 16-20. It is not provided in this quote. Because of service and warranty issues, its best to purchase the unit locally.