A vacation home is a dream for many people, and prefab cottages or prefab cottage kits can make that dream come true. A prefab cottage can be affordable, durable and comfortable, and are a great choice if you want to be involved in the construction of your vacation home or cottage. Prefab cabins or cottages can also work well as a guest house or studio space on your property.

The Benefits of a Prefab Cottage

A prefab cottage is an excellent choice for a lake house, place in the mountains, or getaway. In some climates, prefab cottages and cabins work well as additional living space. A small cottage may even be an option without permits and with a simple patio stone foundation. A prefab cottage can be as simple as a summer playhouse in the backyard for your children or as involved as a year round living space. Environmentally conscious buyers will be happy to know that many prefab cottages are very eco-friendly, using green manufacturing and materials.

Prefab cottages are an excellent do it yourself project. If you choose a pre-assembled kit, you will find that it is quite easy to put together, can be done quickly, and takes limited carpentry skills. Larger cabins may take more time, but the smart construction of prefab cottages and cabins makes them a doable project for most people. You can also order a prefab cottage kit and have a contractor handle your construction if you prefer.

You may be very surprised to find exactly how affordable a prefab cottage can be. Many different manufacturers offer prefab cottages, including Summerwood, Cabinkits.com, or even your local hardware store. Several big box home improvement centers offer prefab cottage kits, with Lowe’s carrying the very well designed and livable “Katrina” kit. If environmental concerns are at the forefront of your prefab cottage kit shopping, http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/ may be a good resource.

Choosing Prefab Cabins and Cottages

You will have a lot of decisions to make when considering prefab cabins and cottages. First, consider your own needs. Will you be adding heat, insulation and plumbing? Do you need it for year round use or just seasonal use? Different prefab cottage kits may suit different climates or needs, and these are all relevant considerations.

You will also need to decide how much labor you are willing to do, or whether you would rather hire out the work on your new prefab cottage. Whether you choose a prefab cabin, cottage, or even garage or shed, most prefab cottages can be done on your own. You will need to make certain that you have all relevant permits. In most areas, a prefab cottage over 110 square feet may require construction permits.

Prefab cabins and cottages are available in all sorts of styles, ranging from rustic to traditional to modern. Choose a prefab cottage kit that suits your personal style and fits in well with the environment. If you are going to be using your prefab cottage as a guest house, matching the style to your home may be ideal. Consider choosing a style that allows you to take advantage of the local scenery if you are planning a lake or mountain retreat for your prefab cottage.

Moving into Your Prefab Cottage

When you chose your prefab cottage, you likely made a choice between a prefab cottage kit and a pre-assembled prefab cottage kit. If you ordered your prefab cottage preassembled, you may be able to have it up and ready to enjoy in just a few short days. If you bought a prefab cottage kit and plan to do your own assembly, it may take a bit longer, but is still a very easy do it yourself project.

Most prefab cabins and cottages come with all the materials cut to size, and with thorough instructions. Many prefab cottage kits come with excellent company support with regard to foundation choices, finishing and more. Take these suggestions into consideration.

You may also wish to add insulation, plumbing, heat or cooling to your prefab cottage. If so, you may need to hire out the electrical or plumbing work. Your prefab cottage can still be affordable and quick, even with some additional work on the interior to make it a bit more livable or luxurious.

A well-designed prefab cottage will offer you a comfortable retreat for years to come. The space should be laid out well, with ample storage to allow the small space to be tidy and orderly. Once your prefab cottage is ready to live in, move in necessities, but only what you really need. Part of the appeal of prefab cabins and cottages is their simplicity. Some good books, cooking utensils, and comfortable space to sleep and relax is all your new prefab cottage needs to become your new favorite home away from home.