Cabin/basic home ideas/kits available in Canada?

[Dirtslinger]

I've finally realized I'm not going to be able to build my dream house at current building prices.
Can anyone suggest a Canadian source for CHEAP BUT GOOD home kits?

Often the kits seem cheap- till you factor in a foundation, windows, wiring/plumbing and septic (etc!) The modular home companies I've been pricing out of BC come to near $250sq'.
This home is going where permits are required, so I do need to invest in solid structural.

Winters are cold. Summers are hot. Both can be windy, and this is an exposed spot- so it needs to be tight. And preferably able to go up on stilts or have a garage beneath.

Thanks for any help.

[Nevada]

How big of a place do you need? How many people will be living there?

You should really consider building it yourself. You may need to limit the size of your house due to time, skill, and perseverance level, but you'll keep costs way down. Shoot for more like $10 to $20 per square foot.

Two structures come to mind for a cabin sized structure.

1) The Pyramodule (Canadian designer).
2) My cabin (download free plans).

I got to this point for under $10/sq.ft. and moved in.



Trust me, if I can do it anyone can do it. Here is a thread I started with some project details.

http://homesteadingtoday.com/showthread.php?t=217458

[Nevada]

Originally Posted by Dirtslinger

factor in a foundation, windows, wiring/plumbing and septic (etc!)

I saved a fortune (well, thousands anyway) by doing a post foundation instead of a concrete & concrete block foundation. The materials for a post foundation with a 18' x 18' footprint was about $300, including post concrete.

Windows and doors are pricey, but not outrageous. I'm in a cold climate too, so I got double-pane windows and an insulated front door. I spent right around $500 on doors and windows from Home Depot.

There isn't a lot you can do about the cost of a septic system, since most of it is labor. While you might be able to make a deal with a contractor to do some of the work yourself, normally the work has to be done by a licensed septic installer. However, I was able to delay the septic for a while because my structure is small enough to qualify as an unregulated structure. Therefore I didn't have to install the septic first. We're using chemical toilets for the time being.

You can do wiring & plumbing yourself. It isn't rocket science.

[Earthbound]

Have you checked out these guys? wayne and dawn got the house on their farm from them and done and told it was around 50K. I don't know if they move to your area???
corry

http://www.nickelbros.com/sales.html

[AnnieinBC]

Dirtslinger, have u looked at Harvest Homes yet?

http://www.harvestcedarhomes.com/

We built one of their cottages...price was good but that was maybe 4 years ago...they are on Vancouver Island....if u get in touch with them, try to deal with Jerry...

you can just get the plans, or the plans and all materials, or both plus someone to build it for you, if you want....

[Dirtslinger]

Nevada- thanks for the pic and website. I love the house, it's perfect. Codes here are strict, I'll look into it further.
Corry- Nickle Bros is also a very good idea and may also be well worth it. I've dealt with them a little and they are an excellent company.
Thanks everyone.