Building a log cabin kit in Colorado – The Complete Guide
Designing and building your own home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With a custom-built home, you can ensure that your living space is tailored to your specific needs and preferences, providing comfort and convenience for you and your loved ones.
Such a project’s numerous benefits can truly enhance your quality of life.
That being said, embarking on a project of this scale can be a daunting task. The financial and regulatory hurdles can be significant and require careful consideration and planning. Despite the challenges, however, the end result can be well worth the effort for those who can see it through.
That’s why building a log cabin kit in Colorado can be such a great option. Numerous opportunities are available for those seeking to build a distinctive home, and the log cabin trend is gaining momentum. Builders and financial institutions are recognizing the value of this type of undertaking, making it a viable option for individuals who previously may not have had the means to construct their own homes.
Our guide offers a comprehensive overview of building a log cabin in Colorado, providing all the necessary information to ensure your project’s success. By utilizing this resource, you can confidently embark on your building journey with a solid foundation of knowledge.
You can Jump directly to the parts you are interrested in with this Table of content :
- What is a Log cabin kit? What kit do manufacturers offer?
- Log Cabin kits Prices Colorado
- Log Cabin Insurance
- Best Floor Plans CO
- Best Log cabin builders in Colorado
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What is a Log cabin kit, and What type of kits do manufacturers offer ?
Log cabin kits are pre-packaged sets that typically include the necessary logs for the walls and roof structure and log bucks for framing out windows and doors.
The level of customization available in these kits varies depending on the specific option you choose and your level of DIY expertise.
It’s important to note that the degree of customization can also impact the overall cost of the kit, which we will delve into in more detail below.
Shell-only kits
This type of kit provides all the necessary components for building the exterior shell, including walls and roof framing, but leaves the interior finishes, doors, windows and flooring up to you.
With a budget of $45-$85 per square foot, you can create a cabin that meets your needs and style preferences.
Remember that unless you have building experience, you’ll need to hire contractors for the finishing work. Shell kits offer the most flexibility for DIYers on a budget.
Dry-in packages
This kit includes everything from the shell-only kits plus windows, doors, and roofing.
The companies offering this kit will assemble the structure and even stain the exterior walls for you. It leaves all interior finishes up to you. The dry-in package ensures the exterior is finished and closed off, protecting your build from exterior elements like heavy rain.
For a budget of $75-$140 per square foot, you can have peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to rush to finish the exterior and ensure your logs stay dry and moisture-free.
Complete or turn-key packages
Turn key log cabin packages provide all the necessary components to create your dream cabin in move-in-ready condition.
You’ll have built-in furniture, fixtures, fittings, and everything needed for a bathroom, kitchen, living area, and even a sleeping loft if desired. You’ll get support every step of the way.
While the upfront cost may be higher (around $120-$200 per square foot), it saves time and money by eliminating the need to purchase and install individual components.
The investment is worth it for a stress-free building experience.
Full-scribed log cabin
From my point of view, a full-scribe log cabin is not a log cabin kit but a custom handcrafted log cabin that uses true construction methods.
Every log used in the build is chosen carefully and handcrafted to fit seamlessly with all the other logs, enhancing any slight imperfections and making the cabin genuinely unique.
The cabin’s cost will depend on the type of wood used (I recommend Western red cedar) and the additional labour required to ensure that each log fits perfectly at each notch.
Advantages of Log cabin kits
One of the key advantages of kits is their cost-effectiveness. They are often more affordable than traditional on-site construction, as they eliminate many expenses associated with hiring contractors and purchasing individual materials.
Additionally, kits are convenient and time-saving, as they come with everything you need to build your cabin in one package. It means you won’t have to spend time sourcing and transporting individual materials.
Finally, log cabin kits are versatile and customizable, allowing you to choose from different floor plans, window and door configurations, and additional features to create a log cabin that aligns with your vision and lifestyle.
What are Log Cabin Kits Colorado prices ?
Once you are ready to build a Log cabin home in Colorado, you can decide on your budget. When building a home, you will want to put together the budget based on the price per square foot. It is especially helpful with log homes. Depending on the personal work on the build and the kind of kit you decide to order, you can set a budget.
The average cost to build a house in Colorado per square foot is $149 sq. ft., excluding land costs, permit fees, excavations, and other costs.
However, the cost of building a Log cabin kit in Colorado is quite a bit less. A shell-only kit costs around $45-$85 per square foot, while a dry-in kit costs around $75-$110 per square foot. Those two options will require additional costs to consider to finish your home. Those prices are based on the market for the first semester of 2023.
For a budget over $120 per square foot, you can have a turn-key log home kit without any additional cost except furniture. With this extra money, you can afford everything that makes your home uniquely yours and unique to you. You can afford to think about the design of the house and any of the custom additions that can make it worth the work.
Log Cabin Insurance in Colorado
During the construction phase, it is recommended to have insurance coverage for materials, fire, theft, weather, and vandalism. Builders or contractors should also have insurance.
After the cabin is completed, homeowners should ensure they have adequate home insurance.
Factors that will affect insurance premiums include the distance from a fire department and fire hydrant, roofing material, thickness of logs, construction type, foundation, and the value and area of the cabin.
When selecting insurance coverage, homeowners should consider what they want to cover, such as the home, contents, injuries, valuable items, and flood damage, if applicable. Enhancing home security measures can reduce insurance premiums.
Obtaining quotes from different insurers is recommended to find the best insurance rate. Adding the log cabin to an existing homeowner policy might be more cost-effective.
Crutial questions to ask insurance providers include
- ensuring sufficient coverage to rebuild the log home,
- discussing specific coverage needs,
- confirming coverage for log homes,
- inquiring about exclusions
For more information, check out Log Cabin insurance blog post
Best floor plans for Log cabin kits in Colorado
The floor plan for your Log cabin in Colorado is essential. Click to check 12 Floor plans for design ideas.
To start this process, write everything you want to include with your home and what you will need to be comfortable.
You can start with those simple questions.
- How many bedrooms do you need?
- How many floors do you want to have?
- How big should be your living room?
- How many bathrooms do you need?
- Do you need other rooms (playroom, office, …)?
- Do you want a basement or a garage ?
You’ll have a better idea of the size needed for your Colorado log cabin kit.
Then I advise you to check my log cabin kit tool allows you to filter log cabins based on their size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
From there, you can start a sketch of your need and go to a log cabin manufacturer. They will make some propositions based on your need and budget. Colorado Companies listed after already have their own floor plans that you can use or work on a custom plan with them.
Best Colorado Log Cabin Builders
You can check our map of log cabin builders in US, featuring more than 180 builders.
Once you have decided on a budget for your Log home kit in Colorado, you must decide whom to hire for the building.
They will walk you through the process and help you realize your vision so you can rest easy knowing that you are in good hands. The right builder can be challenging to find. Fortunately, there are some things you can look for that will help you make the right decision.
We’ll introduce a few log home builders in Colorado.
Frontier Log Homes, Montrose
If you’re searching for a trustworthy log cabin builder in Colorado, look no further than Frontier Log Homes, based in Montrose. With over 40 years of building experience and 800+ log cabin kits completed, they’re the ideal option for those who demand exceptional craftsmanship.
Please take a look at their impressive range of 42 floor plans, ranging from 1300 sq ft to over 3500 sq ft, with the option to customize your Colorado log home plans. They offer shell-only kits, dry-in kits, and turn-key packages to suit your needs.
You can contact them on this email -> sales@frontierloghomes.com
Greatland Log Homes, Gunnison
GreatLand Log Homes, based in Gunnison, has established a reputation nationwide as a top-tier builder of custom log homes. They specialize in handcrafted, full-scribe log homes and dry-in packages.
With over 31 years of experience, the team at GreatLand Log Homes has honed their craft to perfection. They work closely with each customer to create a log home that is tailored to their individual needs and the unique features of their property.
GreatLand’s passion for logs and heavy timber and their expertise in architectural design and engineering make them stand out as a design-build company that takes every project from concept to completion of the log package.
You can contact Greatland Log Homes -> info@greatlandloghomes.com
Jeremiah Johnson Log Homes, Dumont
They are passionate about their work and take pride in every detail, ensuring their customers are always satisfied. They offer full-service guidance throughout the entire process, from stock plans and custom drafting services to handcrafted custom log homes.
You can contact Jeremiah Johnson Log Homes -> info@liveinlog.com
TJ’s Wood Products, Bailey CO
TJ’s Wood Products is a family-owned company that has distinguished itself in the manufacturing industry through its commitment to quality and personalized care.
With over 30 years of experience as a family-owned business, TJ’s Wood Products combines design, harvesting, hand-peeling, and construction to deliver the finest wood structures in Colorado.
The company’s in-house design department collaborates closely with customers to create log homes that suit their lifestyles. Additionally, TJ’s operates a 10-acre log mill in Pike National Forest, where all their logs are processed. This facility allows them to produce logs ranging from 3 inches to 36 inches in diameter and from 1 foot to 50 feet in length. Moreover, the larger homes, spanning from 3,000 square ft to 10,000 square ft, are constructed at their Colorado Log Milling location.
With their long-standing commitment to family ownership, quality craftsmanship, and personalized service, TJ’s Wood Products stands out as a premier provider of custom log homes in Colorado.
You can contact them TJ’s Wood Products -> handcrafted@tjswood.com
Modern Log Homes, Granby
Modern Log Homes is a local Colorado company with nearly 50 years of experience and a track record of success – having built over 780 custom log homes throughout Colorado.
This full-service construction firm is committed to delivering a turn-key solution, managing your project from start to finish and providing the keys to your log home in move-in-ready condition.
With their expertise and commitment to excellence, they will go above and beyond to ensure your dream home becomes a reality.
You can contact Modern Log Homes -> tim@modernloghomes.com
American Log Homes, Pueblo West
American Log Homes (dba American Log Brokers) was founded by Clyde and Gail Cremer in Missouri in 1977 and later moved its headquarters to Pueblo West, CO, in 1984.
They specialize in selling high-quality, energy-efficient log home kits, log cabin kits, garages, sheds, log siding, and spindles.
Their log homes and cabins are made of dry lodgepole pine, spruce, and Western red cedar. Customers can choose from pre-designed floor plans or create a custom design. American Log Homes has a Grade A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is known for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
You can contact American Log Homes -> clydecremer@gmail.com
Conclusion
By reading this guide, you should have a good idea of what you need to do to get your Log cabin kit in Colorado started. By keeping this information at hand, you can be prepared for when the time comes to get your project going.
If you want more information on building a Log home, check out the rest of Log Cabin Hub. You will find more guides like this one and tips and tricks from the pros on the entire process. You will also find our complete guide, “How to build a log home” so you can get started.
