Need to decide: cabin, mobile, or RV?

Question

I have property in Northwest BC (about 60 acres near Terrace). My wife wants a place there which is more or less bear proof and refuses to stay in a tent while we do some work on the land.

Which will be the less expensive alternative: Buy a small prefab cabin and put it on concrete pillars (or other foundation), Buy a mobile and drag it onto the property? Or buy an RV and drive it up then drive it back.

I'm leaning towards a small prefab cabin but would love other ideas. Also, any idea how much it costs for a concrete slab foundation for a 16x20 cabin (is it really necessary?)

Answer 1

Given that an RV might be prohibitively expensive initially, though have resale value after the fact,,,Plus a vehicle to travel in...after the fact...and a tent isn't "ANYTHING" proof, LOL, and the cabin might mean permits, added issues such as plumbing, sewage, electric...YET could become a Guest house...I'd say you have a minor dillema...Smiles.

I lived on BainBridge Island, across the sound from Seattle for a few years and visited BC a few times. I'd probably opt for an RV, (used) and plan on a generator and chemical toilet.

You might still work on building the cabin for use after the house is built, and without knowing it's municipal location or codes/zoning in BC, you might ask a local Govt. Agency.

I suspect you could bury Pilings, like telephone pole type, to support a cabin Off ground level, but the RV would allow nearly instant access and some level of comfort. Beyond that it would be transportation Off property, when you chose to do so. Small is relative while you build, and compromise in that instance is probably tolerable.

As I said, and in re-reading your text... Working the land, might not equate to you building a permanent residence right away? I'd look for an RV...If I was in your place.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

I live in a cabin in the MTNS with tons of wildlife. The winds up there can be close to about 80 MPH. I must say the cabin is well worth the money and it is soo nice to come home to. Keeps the bears out and is sturdy to keep the winds from blowing it down. It depends on the foundation of the property if you need to invest in some concrete.

Answer 3

How about something more permanent that you will be able to use in the future.

Maybe you should put up a large shed (or two car garage) with a finished concrete floor near the area you think you will want your house. You could have the electricity run to it later.

I'd rather do that so I wouldn't waste money and sleep inside an unfinished shed or garage rather than fight the bears in a tent, too.

Answer 4

A beautiful wood cabin but that's all high end on the inside. On a lake. Kinda like the neighbors house on Cheaper By The Dozen 2.

Answer 5

We have friends in Alaska who got a Quonset thing that has everything but a bathroom. But they can be bought that way too and were set up on a nice smoothed out piece of land he never said anything about concrete pad.
I found this place on the internet but I am sure if you do a search you can find more:
http://www.indiamart.com/portahuts/prefabricated-shelters.html

Answer 6

I would choose cabin because cabins have alot more space than RVs os mobiles.

Answer 7

If it were me, I would go with an RV for now, then build the cabin.

Answer 8

In this day and age i would go RV people like to rip everyone off so take it with ya!!!

Answer 9

go for the trailer for now! cheap!!!