Lets say you had access to a plot of land not far from your home and wanted to get a bug out location together. You have a grand to build or buy a small cabin/shack/trailer/etc to use for shelter. What route would you take?
- Option 1: Buy a pre-fabbed shed or outbuilding
Most home improvement stores and supply places sell these, and for what they are, they are a bargain. With a little hunting one can find a slightly smaller and better outfitted pre-made building when compared to building one yourself, at the cost of quality of work and longevity: while these outbuildings are sturdy, they are designed for easy transport and assembly, not for the test of time. Still, they are a valid option for those wanting to get up and running quickly while maintaining a decent budget.
Good: Quick to assemble, easy to transport, medium longevity, can shop in your budget easily
Bad: Smaller (for the price), typically concrete pier foundation, craftsmanship, mass produced
- Option 2: Build a small cabin from the ground up using all new materials
In order to keep your materials under $1000 (not including labor) but still end up with a durable structure you are looking at a cabin around 10x12 with a very minimalistic approach. Sonotube foundation, treated floor, post construction, bare insulated walls, shingle roof, and a few small windows. Designing your cabin from the ground up means being able to add features you find interesting, while not taking away from the overall budget too much.
Good: All new, will last a long time, quick (no waiting), built to your specifications, solid foundation that will last forever.
Bad: Expensive, smaller, minimalist, must be pretty handy to pull it off well
- Option 3: Build your own structure from scavenged materials
This option is appealing for the price, as it is much cheaper than buying all new materials, but takes a lot of time and skill to make something that will last. Since most materials are gotten on the cheap the overall size of the structure may be much larger, with more amenities, while still staying in budget. A custom design means customizable features and layout. Runs the risk of looking/feeling like a shanty.
Good: Cheap, personality, customizable, can be much larger for the price involved
Bad: Takes a long time to gather materials, craftsmanship will be lacking, roof collapse, tetanus
- Option 4: Build your own cabin from local materials
While definitely the most "green" option, this is not always viable depending on the location you have in mind. If you have a large number of trees on your property you can use them for lumber, at the expense of turning the timber into lumber (either by hand (time) or at a mill (cost)). Likewise, having a source of rock and stone allows for creating a stacked stone structure that may or may not stand the test of time. Some stacked stone foundations are holding barns stood up in the 1800's, while others don't last a single winter. In either case, this type of construction takes the most in terms of skill and time, but can also be the most rewarding.
Good: Rewarding, uses local materials, craftsmanship, comfort
Bad, Timeline involved, skill required for success, failure for most
- Option 5: Buy a small camper and park it
The quick and dirty survivalist may be tempted top spend a few dollars on an old camper and use it as a survival shelter. This will always remain a good option as long as cheap campers are available and no women are planning to visit any time, ever. While remaining in-budget it is possible to purchase a camper already outfitted with a bed, gas stove, tables, chairs, and storage, not to mention a toilet that makes a great chair.
Good: Already put together, "luxury" amenities, stay in budget, can easily shop around for a deal
Bad: Interior covered in a light coat of 1970's herpes
- Option 1: Buy a pre-fabbed shed or outbuilding
Most home improvement stores and supply places sell these, and for what they are, they are a bargain. With a little hunting one can find a slightly smaller and better outfitted pre-made building when compared to building one yourself, at the cost of quality of work and longevity: while these outbuildings are sturdy, they are designed for easy transport and assembly, not for the test of time. Still, they are a valid option for those wanting to get up and running quickly while maintaining a decent budget.
Good: Quick to assemble, easy to transport, medium longevity, can shop in your budget easily
Bad: Smaller (for the price), typically concrete pier foundation, craftsmanship, mass produced
- Option 2: Build a small cabin from the ground up using all new materials
In order to keep your materials under $1000 (not including labor) but still end up with a durable structure you are looking at a cabin around 10x12 with a very minimalistic approach. Sonotube foundation, treated floor, post construction, bare insulated walls, shingle roof, and a few small windows. Designing your cabin from the ground up means being able to add features you find interesting, while not taking away from the overall budget too much.
Good: All new, will last a long time, quick (no waiting), built to your specifications, solid foundation that will last forever.
Bad: Expensive, smaller, minimalist, must be pretty handy to pull it off well
- Option 3: Build your own structure from scavenged materials
This option is appealing for the price, as it is much cheaper than buying all new materials, but takes a lot of time and skill to make something that will last. Since most materials are gotten on the cheap the overall size of the structure may be much larger, with more amenities, while still staying in budget. A custom design means customizable features and layout. Runs the risk of looking/feeling like a shanty.
Good: Cheap, personality, customizable, can be much larger for the price involved
Bad: Takes a long time to gather materials, craftsmanship will be lacking, roof collapse, tetanus
- Option 4: Build your own cabin from local materials
While definitely the most "green" option, this is not always viable depending on the location you have in mind. If you have a large number of trees on your property you can use them for lumber, at the expense of turning the timber into lumber (either by hand (time) or at a mill (cost)). Likewise, having a source of rock and stone allows for creating a stacked stone structure that may or may not stand the test of time. Some stacked stone foundations are holding barns stood up in the 1800's, while others don't last a single winter. In either case, this type of construction takes the most in terms of skill and time, but can also be the most rewarding.
Good: Rewarding, uses local materials, craftsmanship, comfort
Bad, Timeline involved, skill required for success, failure for most
- Option 5: Buy a small camper and park it
The quick and dirty survivalist may be tempted top spend a few dollars on an old camper and use it as a survival shelter. This will always remain a good option as long as cheap campers are available and no women are planning to visit any time, ever. While remaining in-budget it is possible to purchase a camper already outfitted with a bed, gas stove, tables, chairs, and storage, not to mention a toilet that makes a great chair.
Good: Already put together, "luxury" amenities, stay in budget, can easily shop around for a deal
Bad: Interior covered in a light coat of 1970's herpes
