PreFab Prepping: The Good & Bad Sides Of Pre-Manufactured Cabins

When we purchased “The Place” one of the first things we wanted to do was to get a small cabin in and functional.

Since both of us have full-time jobs and neither of us are carpenters, we decided to go “pre-fab” with our cabin, and buy one that was manufactured in a local shop and transported to our location.

Are we happy with that decision years later? For the most part, yes, but there has been both good an bad sides to it.

The setup: 

We met with a local builder of these types of structures (there are companies like the one we used all over the country), and ordered exactly what we wanted… a 15×24 foot cabin with a porch. Unlike the “base” plan, we ordered 4 extra windows, and placed them strategically so that they allow for cross breezes to flow directly through the cabin.

To install the cabin, first we had to have the ground leveled, then we brought in a rock surface as seen below (the far rock area is where we put our storage container.

Once the ground was level, in came the cabin.

Our cabin has two lofts, one over each side of the main room, and a completely open floor plan. 

Not our cabin but one by the same builder

It came with only a thin layer of bubble insulation, a ladder for each loft, and nothing else. Basically, as it sat, it was a like a very, very sturdy tent. Obviously it has huge advantages over a tent, but still, it’s four walls, a floor, a roof and nothing else.

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of going pre-fab for a bug-out structure.

Pros:

• Quick to install, basically just buy it, have a pad prepared for it, and place it.
• Sturdy, well made (depending on your builder)
• Watertight
• Can make improvements as time/money allows
• Easy to make weather tight, easy to modify
• Design and build your own electrical system, easy to include 220, 110 and 12 volt wiring wherever you like
• Built to meet or exceed codes
• Everything is in standard sizes so replacement/repair is easy
• Proven designs… no need to re-invent the wheel
• Custom, sized to order

Cons:

• Must be set on level pad. If not concrete, the cabin will settle leading to it having to be regularly re-leveled.
• An empty shell still requires a lot of construction
• No included plumbing or electricity
• Susceptible to strong wind
• Empty cabin attracts vandals/druggies
• Zero ballistic defense ability 
• Easy to break into
• You really, REALLY need to make sure you know the codes and zoning in your area
• Insurance can be a pain to get, especially if you don’t live there full time, and even more so if you install wood heating.
• No basement, root cellar or storm shelter
• Open spaces under cabin can lead to critters building dens, making a ton of noise and keeping you up all night (the voice of experience on this one)

When we put in this cabin, we did so as a quick answer to our desire to have a shelter at The Place. We certainly didn’t expect it to be our residence without some major modifications, if ever. 

Future modifications are to include an electrical system, plumbing, a screened in porch, more insulation, and a heating and cooling system.

Other PreFab options:

Another option to quickly have pre-made shelter at a BOL is a trailer, either mobile home type or “camping”. One has to pay attention to the zoning and purchase contract requirements to see if trailers are even allowed on the land (in many areas, they are not). 

Another option is a “little house” built on a flatbed trailer.

Thirdly, some people convert shipping containers into cabins. These have their own set of pros & cons. 

Even the deer like our cabin…

We are happy we pulled the trigger and set up our cabin, but we do recognize it has some drawbacks. 

If you have any questions about this type of experience, please do not hesitate to ask.