Cost of Building a Small Cabin / Bill of Materials (BoM)
How much does it cost to build a small cabin?
This is a frequently asked question. The answer depends on many factors:- Size of the cabin
- Choice of cabin foundation
- Choice of cabin structure type
- Choice of building materials
- Frame spacing (i.e., 16" vs. 24")
- Interior finishing options (if any at all)
- Building materials delivery costs (Some building material suppliers will deliver for free within some reasonable distance and/or if your order is large enough.)
Later, I added an outhouse and a veranda/gazebo, and I'm planning to build a shed and other structures. These are separate, discretionary items not included in my original estimate. Below is a summary estimate table of small cabin building cost (as of 2006). Obviously quantities of material and prices are approximate. Yours will most likely vary.
The cost of cabin materials in this table is calculated using the following basic assumptions:
- 8x12' cabin size
- 24" cabin frame spacing
- Concrete deck block foundation
- SmartSide panel siding
- Asphalt shingle roofing
- Decorative interior finishing panels
- Second-hand doors and windows
- Purchase of small cabin construction tools (hammer, saw, pliers, etc.) is not included (You already have those by now, right? ;-) )
Small Cabin Bill Of Materials (BoM) Estimate
| Item Description | Qty | Cost$ | Price$ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | |||
| Concrete deck blocks, 4-way | 8 | 7.00 | 56.00 |
| Floor Frame | |||
| 2"x8" 12' PT spruce | 2 | 16.20 | 32.40 |
| 2"x8" 8' PT spruce | 7 | 10.80 | 75.60 |
| 5/8" 4'x8' PT plywood | 3 | 45.00 | 135.00 |
| Joist Hangers | 14 | 0.80 | 11.20 |
| Wall Frame | |||
| 2"x4" 8' spruce | 35 | 3.50 | 122.50 |
| 2"x4" 12' spruce | 4 | 5.50 | 22.00 |
| Wall Siding | |||
| Typar wrapping (rolls) | 2 | 16.00 | 32.00 |
| 3/8" 4'x8' SmartSide Panels | 10 | 30.00 | 300.00 |
| 1x3" 8' spruce planks | 12 | 1.20 | 14.40 |
| Roof | |||
| 2"x4" 10' spruce | 8 | 4.70 | 37.60 |
| 2"x4" 14' spruce | 2 | 6.50 | 13.00 |
| 3/8" 4'x8' plywood / OSB | 5 | 15.00 | 75.00 |
| Asphalt shingles (pack) | 5 | 14.00 | 70.00 |
| Interior Finishing | |||
| 4'x8' decorative LP panels | 10 | 16.00 | 160.00 |
| 1"x2" 8' spruce planks | 12 | 0.80 | 9.60 |
| Other | |||
| Nails, various (box) | 10 | 4.00 | 40.00 |
| Paint, (1 gallon) | 2 | 25.00 | 50.00 |
| Est. Total: | 1256.30 | ||
See another example of cabin cost details on our Small Cabin Forum.
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