Prebuilt Cabins Under $10,000: Is It Possible?
Nature lovers and those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors will love prebuilt cabins. They provide a safe space that shelters you from the elements, a place for your little one’s imagination to run wild, and can even be used for cozy outdoor gatherings.
Your outdoor sanctuary should be the perfect retreat that you’ve always wanted. Whether your prebuilt cabin is a place to get away from it all, or somewhere for your kids to play, there are many beautiful memories just waiting to be made.
The only problem? Prebuilt cabins have a reputation for being a little pricey. As nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers ourselves, we understand the struggle of keeping within a budget, while still getting what you want.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide filled with answers to your all-important questions. Here, we’ll discuss topics like ”can you buy a tiny home for $10,000?” and even outline what to expect when you receive your very own.
Let’s dive in!
Contents
Prebuilt Cabins Under $10,000: Is It Even Feasible?
This is a question that we get pretty often, and understandably so. In most cases, you can buy a tiny home or prebuilt cabin for $10,000, but it will just be the cabin shell. Features like interior finishing, plumbing, and electrical are not usually included in prefab cabins under $10,000.
The feasibility of prebuilt cabins under $10,000 really comes down to your needs. Are you looking for an entire cabin set up, or just the shell? What materials are important to you, and how much do they cost? Can you build it yourself (and what skillset is required)?
What Constitutes a Pre-Fabricated Cabin?
When you find pre-fabricated cabins for sale under $10,000, what are you actually getting?
At its simplest, a pre-fabricated cabin consists of a prebuilt “shell”, including the main structural components. Sometimes, it doesn’t necessarily come with pre-cut windows, doors, or pre-installed utilities. Some pre-fabricated cabins are completely prebuilt in a factory setting beforehand, while others may be partially pre-assembled to save on cost.
Typically, a pre-fabricated cabin includes all of the exterior components such as:
- Prebuilt joists, studs, trusses, sheathing, and other framing components
- Roofing material such as shingles or metal panels
- Pre-hung doors/windows with opening mechanisms.
This prebuilt shell is then transported to your site fully constructed or in partially constructed sections. The cabin is typically installed on pre-dug footings, although small cabins can be installed on crushed stone pads. Your contractor then finishes the cabin to suit your design preferences, or you can do it yourself with the proper tools and know-how.
Let’s break it down further:
● Small, completely pre-fabricated cabins can be delivered entirely constructed. You’re able to find a cabin for sale for under $10,000, but it will come unfinished. Click here to see our current inventory of small cabins for sale under $10,000 in KY and TN.
● Large, partially pre-fabricated cabins are sometimes delivered in sections and are assembled/finished onsite. However, they’re likely to come at a hefty price point of $50,000 – $200,000 depending on the size, interior finishing options, etc. You can browse examples of large prefab cabins here.
Can You Buy a PreBuilt Cabin Under $10,000?
It’s entirely possible to find prebuilt cabins under $10,000, but they may not be pre-assembled or prebuilt entirely. Some of these prebuilt cabins come in sections that you then need to assemble onsite, while others arrive built, but are left unfinished on the inside.
To get a better idea of what to expect, here are some examples of prebuilt cabins under $10,000:
Can You Build a Cabin for $10,000 and Under?
Many of those who don’t want to purchase a prebuilt cabin outright, often ask ”Can you build a cabin for $10,000?”
In short, the answer really depends on how comfortable you are with DIY. You can generally buy the materials to build and finish a small cabin for under $10,000 if you do not factor your own labor into the equation. Of course, you can build a cabin yourself if you have the right skills and tools, but it isn’t always recommended for first-time builders to attempt constructing their own cabin.
However, if you would like to give it a shot, we want to ensure that you go into this as prepared as possible. Here are two options to consider for building your own cabin for under $10,000.
Building from a Kit
If you’re building a cabin from a kit, you’ll want to make sure you’re building the right way. While this is certainly possible, it also needs to be done correctly in order for your cabin build-out to go smoothly and turn out how you envision it.
What does prebuilding a kit involve? Well, it all depends on what kind of prebuilt cabin you have purchased (and the company you’re prebuilding with). You’ll need to:
● pre-construct the walls
● pre-install insulation and sheathing (and exterior siding)
● prebuild the roof trusses,
● pre hang doors/windows with opening mechanisms
● and pre-install utilities.
In general, the lower the cost of a cabin kit, the more prep and building work you’ll need to put into it yourself.
Building from Scratch
Can you build a cabin for $10,000 from scratch? Well, If you’ve got the time, skills, tools, and training necessary to prebuild a cabin from scratch – why not? It can be an incredible experience that will help you gain valuable construction knowledge along the way.
If you’re looking to start from scratch, small cabin construction prices for a cabin are relatively affordable.
The cost of building, which includes foundation work and rebuilding costs, is typically between $60 – $100 per square foot. For most cabins under 500sqft in size, that’s an average prefab cabin price of around $20k-$40K! In terms of building costs, the total price could be as low as a few thousand dollars or as high as tens of thousands, depending on your location, the materials used, and how much work you’re willing/able to do yourself.
If you think you may want to try building your own cabin for under $10,000, here are a few resources to get you started:
- This guide presented by Log Cabin Hub gives a step-by-step walkthrough of cabin building.
- This video details how one couple built their cabin for $7000 in 2020!
Popular Styles of Prebuilt Cabins Under $10,000
Here are several prefab cabin styles that we sell in Kentucky and Tennessee; many of the cabin shells we sell are under $10,000.
Ranch Cabin
The Ranch Cabin is a small “A-Frame” cabin option. The roofline of an A-frame cabin features a steep slope that resembles a triangle or the letter “A”.
Our prebuilt A-frame ranch cabin is constructed out of strong, durable materials that are made to last. This affordable pre-fabricated cabin offers a unique design with an open floor plan, perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing at home. Below are some of the current Ranch Cabins we have in stock.
Lofted High Barn Cabin
A prebuilt Lofted High Barn Cabin is a rustic gambrel-roofed design that features the classic look of an old barn with open ceilings and wide doorways. This prebuilt cabin offers additional overhead space, so we typically build a loft into these cabins.
Whether you’re looking to build your own home or just want something fun for weekend getaways, this pre-assembled prefab cabin is an excellent choice for any buyer. Below are some of the current Lofted High Barn Cabins we have in stock.
How to Buy a Prebuilt Cabin for Under $10,000?
If you’re looking for a prefab cabin but aren’t sure where to start, the good news is that you have plenty of options. Here are a few options to consider when searching for a small prebuilt cabin.
Buy the Shell Only
The prebuilt cabin shell is a popular choice for those who want a fully functional structure that can be finished on their own timeline. Many folks purchase one of our prefab cabin shells for under $10,000, then finish it out as they have the time and resources.
A prebuilt cabin shell is priced at a fraction of the cost of an already-finished model, and you have the opportunity to choose your own interior design and layout.
Buy With Rent-to-Own Option
If you want a cabin but don’t have the budget for one just yet, consider buying with the rent-to-own option. Rent-to-own allows you to make a set number of monthly rental payments, after which ownership of the building is transferred to you.
Be sure to check with the shed builder and the third-party rent-to-own provider to see what uses are permitted with your cabin during the rental period. While you may need to pay it off in full before you can start using it as a dwelling, this prebuilt prefabricated house is ready to go on the day you take full possession. Check out our article here to learn more about rent-to-own sheds!
Buy a Preowned Cabin
Another option is to buy a used prebuilt cabin. If a cabin has been part of a rent-to-own program and has been returned, it will often be sold at a significant discount.
This prebuilt pre-fabricated house isn’t new, but it has already gone through the pre-construction process and should be ready for you to customize your interior design or furnishings. This is an excellent option for prebuilt cabin shoppers who are on a tight budget, have limited time to build their own pre-assembled prefabricated house, or simply don’t want the hassle of pre-building. Keep in mind that preowned sheds and cabins are extremely popular due to their discounted price, so don’t wait too long to make a purchasing decision if you see one become available!
In Stock Cabins for Sale Under $10,000
As you can see, it’s certainly possible to find a cabin for under $10,000. You just need to know where to look! Esh’s Utility Buildings is a manufacturer and retailer of prefabricated sheds, garages, cabins, and other portable structures in central Kentucky and Tennessee. If you’re interested, you can also learn about the benefits of cabin sheds with porches. Both in-stock and made-to-order prefab buildings are available. If you want to learn more about outdoor shed costs, our “Outdoor Shed Cost: 2024 Overview” is a great resource. We also have a complete guide about rent-to-own cabins. Or, you can read about how Deborah found the cabin home of her dreams.
Below are the prefab cabins we currently have for sale for under $10,000. For additional price and style filters, see our full prefab building inventory. Or design a custom-built cabin, completely according to your preferences.
