FAQS
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the cabins:
Can you build your cabins on my land?
Most of our prefab modular cabins are constructed in our factory, offering several benefits, including a faster build time thanks to our streamlined process and a neutral carbon footprint. However, there are some limitations compared to on-site construction, particularly regarding design flexibility and the overall footprint of your home. Since our prefab cabins must be transportable, they have specific size constraints.
If you're interested in an on-site built home, we do provide this service in select areas. Please contact us to find out if we offer on-site construction in your location.
What is the maximum square footage and number of rooms available?
The maximum square footage and number of rooms will depend on the specific cabin model you're interested in. Typically, we offer a range of sizes that can be customized. Please let us know which model you have in mind, and we can provide more specific details.
What makes HouseKits.com's different than other Prefab Cabin Builders?
**I Love God** – We conduct our business with God’s blessings and for His glory. At HouseKits.com, we are committed to being good stewards of our resources and time. As part of our dedication to sustainability, we always plant enough trees to replace the lumber used to build each cabin. This tree-planting initiative has been a core part of our mission since the beginning. Additionally, we follow lean manufacturing practices to minimize waste and reduce our carbon footprint.
**People Matter** – We care deeply about our customers and employees. HouseKits.com is a leading provider of prefab cabins, offering both Certified Modular and non-certified modular options. We build to code and back our work with state certifications. Be sure to check with your county and zoning regulations to determine which type of modular home is allowed in your area.
**Radical Candor** – We believe in being upfront and honest. We don’t play games with pricing. Instead of offering an inflated ‘MSRP’ with constant discounts, we price our cabins with slim margins to provide you with the best value from the start. Our quality prefab cabins are fairly priced with no hidden costs. When discounts are available due to vendor reductions or other factors, we inform you immediately. All our quotes come with a 7-day price guarantee.
**Own It** – At HouseKits.com, we proudly embrace our role as a factory-built cabin provider. We don’t claim to be something we’re not. Residential state codes are clear: if you are a factory-built, prefab house or cabin on a permanent foundation, it is classified as a certified modular home. We are committed to being transparent and responsible, ensuring you understand the true nature of our product.
**Learning Environment** – We foster a culture of continuous learning. Our company encourages employees to grow and actively learns from our clients. Many of our best cabin innovations have come from client suggestions. We stay updated on code changes and advocate for cabins, tiny living, and smart-sized living.
What is the smallest and largest prefab cabin you can build?
Great question! Our smallest tiny home or ADU cabin starts at 240 square feet, while the largest we've built is 2,376 square feet. We also offer options that can be expanded up to 3,240 square feet with our prefab cabins.
How are our prefab modular cabins attached to the foundation?
Our cabins are designed to be anchored securely to the foundation, which can be a concrete slab, piers, or a crawl space, depending on your preference and the requirements of your local building codes. We provide detailed instructions on the anchoring process to ensure stability and compliance with safety standards.
What kind of warranty do you offer? Is it transferable?
We offer one of the best warranties in the prefab cabin industry, featuring a 1-year craftsmanship warranty and a 10-year structural warranty. This warranty covers the cabin itself and is transferable if you sell your cabin to a new owner.
A complete copy of our warranty is available from your sales expert, and we provide a Home Warranty Binder with each cabin. This binder includes our warranty, as well as details on any other warranties for items installed by certified contractors or manufactured by third parties, such as flooring, windows, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical components.
We are committed to transparency and clarity regarding what our warranty covers. We recognize that service issues can arise from manufacturing and transportation, and we address these issues under our warranty. However, site preparation is the responsibility of the homeowner. Many service calls are related to poor-quality pads that lead to leveling, flooring, and plumbing issues—problems that can be prevented. Leveling issues and problems caused by improper site preparation are not covered under our builder warranty. We strongly recommend obtaining an engineered foundation plan and using a licensed contractor to prepare your cabin pad to avoid these issues.
For our non-certified modulars, we offer additional warranty options: 3-year, 5-year, or 10-year plans available at an added cost. Please reach out to us for warranty pricing details for our non-certified modular cabins.
Is there a charge if I want to have a custom cabin floor plan?
There is no additional charge for using our cabin floor plans for your Amish Built Cabin. If you need a certified modular home, we can make some design adjustments to the existing plans at no extra cost. However, complete design changes and custom floor plans will incur an engineering fee of $2,500, as these are tailored to your specific requirements. On our non certified modular cabins there is no fee for changes made to your floor plan.
To explore our optimized prefab cabin plans and certified modular options, please consult with your sales expert. We likely have a plan that aligns with your vision for your prefab cabin layout.
Why are there not listed pricing on some of your modular cabins?
Some of our certified modular cabins, like the Gatlinburg Lodge, are not priced on our website because they come in 4 to 6 different sizes and floor plans so there are many different variations of this cabin offered. Also, since we include delivery and setup in our pricing on the certified modular cabins, it's best to reach out to us for a personalized, all in one quote. Additionally, prices may change due to fluctuations in the current high-inflation economy. To get the most up-to-date pricing, please contact one of our team members at 502-298-8946. We're here to help with any questions about our modular cabins. Thank you!
Are your cabins built on a chassis with wheels?
Our prefab cabins are constructed as true modular homes, built on a wood foundational frame rather than a chassis. This design ensures they are suitable for permanent, full-time living. In contrast, chassis are used in mobile homes and RV builds, such as RVIA Tiny Homes on wheels and Park Model RVs, which are designed for mobility and not intended for permanent residence, according to the RV Industry Association.
In addition to our modular cabins, we also offer park models, tiny homes, and ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), providing a range of options to meet your needs.
What is the process to buy a cabin?
**Step 1 – Find Your Plan**: Work with our design specialists to select a cabin floor plan that meets your needs. We offer a wide range of sizes and styles with our prefab cabins.
**Step 2 – Customize Your Choices**: Choose from a variety of options to personalize your cabin, including flooring, countertops, cabinets, insulation, exterior colors, HVAC units, siding, and more.
**Step 3 – Finalize Your Purchase**: Secure your cabin by finalizing your selections and signing the contract. Our sales team will guide you through the details, including site preparation requirements.
**Step 4 – Cabin Construction**: While you prepare your cabin site, we will build your cabin over the next 14-18 weeks. Our 101 Inspection Checklist ensures a smooth build process. Our Customer Care team will keep you updated on the progress and timing, informing you if we are ahead of schedule, on schedule, or slightly behind. Coordinating your site prep with the cabin’s completion date is crucial, and we will assist you throughout this phase.
**Step 5 – Delivery and Final Steps**: As your cabin nears completion, our Customer Care team will confirm that your site is ready, arrange the delivery, and process the final payment. Once we receive your final payment and confirm your site’s readiness, we will deliver your new cabin to your property!
How long is your build process?
Our current build time for our certified modular cabins is 14-18 weeks from the time you sign your contract and pay the 50% deposit, until the cabin is completed at one of our factories and ready to schedule delivery to your property. From the time the cabin is completed to delivery, averages about 2 weeks, depending on weather conditions and your site conditions. Our current build time for the non certified modular cabins (build by the old order Amish) run 4 to 6 months on average.
Please note that if you are ordering your cabin during the 3rd or 4th quarter of the year, these are among our busiest times. Lead times may be longer due to increased demand and potentially challenging weather conditions during the winter months. We appreciate your understanding and patience during these peak periods.
What type of housing is this - Prefab, Modular, Mobile home, stick built or tiny home?
We understand that zoning regulations and lender preferences can significantly impact your choice of housing. Here’s a clear overview to help you navigate these considerations:
**Prefab Modular Cabins**
Our prefab modular cabins are built in a factory and delivered to your property. Prefab refers to any structure manufactured off-site and then assembled at your location. It’s crucial to check the certification status of prefab cabin builders to ensure their structures meet local codes and are suitable for your land.
**Certified Modular Cabins**
Modular cabins are a type of prefab cabin that comes with a modular certification from one or more states. These cabins are built in sections in a factory according to International Residential Code (IRC) standards and then assembled on your property. Modular certification is often required by lenders and local governments as it ensures compliance with building codes. Currently, Amish Built Cabins is one of the few companies with modular certification in multiple states, which means we can likely build and deliver to your location. Our certified modular cabins come with an automatic 10-year structural warranty. This warranty ensures the integrity and durability of your cabin, giving you peace of mind for a decade.
**Non-Certified Modulars**
Non-certified modulars are high-quality cabins built on our farm by the Old Order Amish. Although these cabins are not produced in a regulated certified factory and therefore lack formal certification, they are constructed to a high standard. We offer structural warranties on these cabins for 3, 5, or 10 years, ensuring their durability and quality.
**Mobile/Manufactured Housing**
Mobile or manufactured homes are also factory-built but are constructed to HUD codes and placed on a trailer chassis. These are considered personal property, not real estate, which affects financing options. Personal property loans, or "chattel loans," often come with higher interest rates and shorter terms compared to traditional mortgages. Unlike modular cabins, manufactured homes do not typically appreciate in value the same way real property does.
**Stick Built Homes**
Stick-built homes are constructed on-site using traditional lumber and adhere to IRC codes. It's important to note that prefab cabins using wood framing are not classified as stick-built homes, even if marketed as such. Always verify local building codes for accurate definitions.
**Tiny Homes**
Tiny homes are built to residential codes outlined in Appendix Q of many state building codes. They often fall under modular cabin regulations in most states. However, tiny homes on wheels, built on RV chassis and adhering to RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) codes, are not considered modular cabins and are not certified for permanent residence.
**Research and Compliance**
Before purchasing, ensure your property meets zoning requirements and check with your lender to confirm the type of housing they will finance. If you have any questions about whether our cabins are a good fit for your property or loan conditions, please reach out. We're here to help you find the best option for your needs. At Amish Built Cabins, we prioritize ensuring that your purchase aligns with your property’s requirements and your personal preferences.
Can you do modern cabin designs or farmhouse cabins?
Absolutely! We offer a wide range of options for both exterior and interior finishes, allowing you to customize your prefab cabin to fit your desired style—whether it's modern or farmhouse. For a classic farmhouse look, consider our popular Board and Batten exterior. Pair it with a farmhouse sink, an Airstone accent wall, painted handcrafted cabinets, and gunstock oak flooring for a truly charming cabin. If a modern aesthetic is more your style, explore our mono-slope series, featuring expansive windows and a sleek, dynamic roofline that delivers a contemporary and sophisticated look.
Are your prefab modular cabin's insulated?
All Amish Built Cabins' certified modular cabins are insulated to meet local building codes, ensuring your cabin remains warm and cozy in the winter and cool during the summer. Rest assured, our certified modular cabins are built to keep you comfortable year-round.
Our non-certified prefab modulars feature 4x6 inch solid treated southern yellow pine walls with an R-value of R12. We provide standard fiberglass insulation with an R-value of R19 in the ceiling, though we can upgrade to R38 insulation if needed.
If you choose to purchase a prefab cabin shell, please note that insulation is not included and will need to be added as part of your on-site finishing process.
Is it all just wood on your interiors - can you do sheet rock?
With our prefab cabins, we use ponderosa pine for the interior walls. Pine walls offer great durability and flexibility in finishing. They can be finished with a water-based clear coat, whitewashed, or painted. We avoid using sheetrock in our prefab cabins due to the risks associated with transportation and installation—sheetrock may crack during these processes. Pine walls, in contrast, are resilient and less likely to be damaged if struck.
We also offer shiplap interior finishing on some of our prefab modulars. Contact us to inquire about this stylish option.
If you prefer to customize the interior yourself, you can purchase a prefab cabin shell from Amish Built Cabins and finish it with sheetrock or other materials. All our floor plans are available as either a cabin shell or a factory-finished cabin, giving you the flexibility to choose how you complete your cabin.
Can I bring my own fixtures to be installed in my prefab cabin?
We offer a wide range of options for customizing your cabin, including the ability to install fixtures that you provide. If you choose to send items to us for installation, please keep the following in mind:
1. **Shipping Condition**: We are not responsible for the condition of items upon arrival. Given past experiences where deliveries have arrived in poor condition, we recommend purchasing insurance for any packages you send. We will provide you with photos of the item's condition when it arrives.
2. **Item Functionality**: We cannot guarantee the functionality of the items you send. Since we are not the original purchasers, we are unable to assist with exchanges or returns if the items are not operational.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with sending your fixtures, feel free to contact us. We're here to help ensure your cabin turns out just the way you envision.
What options do you offer with siding, interior choices, lighting, kitchen sinks, and more?
We take great care in selecting the best options for our cabins and continuously research to ensure we offer top-quality choices. For a comprehensive list of available options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for our complete Cabins Options Catalog.
Do your prefab cabins come with appliances?
We offer a select number of turnkey models that come with appliances included. However, most of our prefab cabins do not come with appliances. Occasionally, we run promotions where free appliances are included with certain prefab cabin models. Be sure to ask your sales representative about any current promotions to see if your cabin order qualifies for complimentary appliances.
What do I need to do to put a cabin on my property in regards to site preparation and foundation?
Placing a prefab cabin on your property requires some preparation. For certified modular cabins, an engineered foundation is typically required to support the structure. Local engineers familiar with foundation requirements in your area can assist with this. If an engineered foundation isn't necessary for your property, alternatives like a full concrete pad or a road base foundation pad may be suitable, depending on the cabin size and ground conditions. Consulting with a local engineer or contractor is recommended to determine the best option for your property.
For non-certified modular homes, you’ll need a 6-inch concrete slab foundation with rebar for structural integrity. We can provide exact slab measurements during the planning phase after you’ve placed your order. Alternatively, our non-certified modulars can be set on a built-up crawl space, but this option incurs additional costs due to the need for a crane and potential delays while the setup crew waits for the crane to finish.
Additionally, ensure your property has essential utilities: a well for water if not connected to a city or co-op water supply, electricity, and a septic system if city sewer connections are not available.
For a comprehensive site preparation guide, including delivery clearance requirements and foundation suggestions, please contact us. Your sales expert can provide a detailed checklist of items to consider when preparing your property for a prefab cabin. We're here to assist you every step of the way and ensure a smooth process!
Are your cabins allowed in city limits?
The VAST majority towns and cities permit certified modular cabins, as they comply with residential codes similar to site-built homes. However, it’s crucial to verify with your city to understand any specific restrictions on your property. Additionally, check with your Homeowners Association or Property Owners Association, as they may impose extra regulations beyond city building codes. Typically, there is a minimum size requirement for certified modular cabins within city limits.
For non-certified modular cabins, despite their high quality, be sure to contact your local zoning and planning authorities to confirm if they are allowed on your land before making a purchase.
What is your delivery area?
We can deliver your cabin anywhere in the United States that is accessible to a semi-truck. With seven major manufacturing facilities and a network of delivery partners, we are equipped to transport cabins to almost any state. We will collaborate with you to identify the best factory for building and delivering your cabin based on your location.
At Amish Built Cabins, we assess your property’s accessibility using Google Earth and coordinate with our transportation teams. Additionally, we will request information and photos from you to ensure smooth and efficient delivery to your site.
Can I move my cabin at a later day?
You can move your cabin, but it's not always straightforward. Our smaller cabins are generally easier to un-anchor from their foundations and relocate with a house or cabin hauler. For larger cabins or those built in multiple sections, moving becomes more labor-intensive and costly.
Our non-certified modulars are typically easier to move as they are usually set on blocks atop a concrete foundation and then skirted. This design makes them more flexible for relocation. In contrast, our certified modulars are typically anchored solidly to their foundations, making them more permanent fixtures.
If you decide to move a cabin that’s been permanently installed, such as one with a full foundation, it involves removing interior and exterior finishes, disconnecting bolts, and detaching it from the foundation. While moving a permanently installed cabin is more complex, it’s not impossible with the right approach.
For assistance with relocating your cabin, please contact us. We can recommend cabin haulers and help assess the feasibility and costs involved.
Do you have RTO or In-house financing?
We do not offer a rent-to-own program or in-house financing for our cabins. While we excel at building quality prefab cabins, we leave the financing to the experts. For our certified modular cabins, you can obtain a standard construction loan. Many reputable lenders provide VA, FHA, and conventional loans for our certified modular cabins, particularly those over 950 square feet. For smaller cabins, there are short-term financing options available, subject to credit approval. Your cabin specialist can provide more information and suggest lenders that operate in your area.
For our non-certified modular cabins, most customers opt for personal loans from banks or tap into the equity of their existing properties to finance the purchase. This can be a flexible and straightforward way to fund your cabin.
Do you have lenders you can refer me to for your prefab cabins?
For our certified modular cabins, we can certainly refer you to several independent lenders. These lenders have no affiliation with Amish Built Cabins, and we receive no special interests or kickbacks for referring you. We ensure that any lender we recommend is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and registered with the proper state government agencies, verified through the state’s attorney general. Contact your cabin specialist for more information on certified modular cabin lenders we can refer you to.
Please note that the size of your cabin and the type of foundation will influence the loan options available to you, as well as which lenders may be able to offer financing. Most loans require you to be the property owner and have an acceptable credit standing to qualify for a mortgage loan.
For our non-certified modular cabins, most customers opt for personal loans from banks or use the equity from their existing properties to finance the purchase. This can provide a flexible and straightforward way to fund your cabin.
What is your payment schedule to purchase a cabin?
Here's the detailed breakdown of the payment terms:
- **Certified Modular Cabins:**
- 25% down payment
- 25% once floor plans are approved
- Final 50% due when the cabin is complete and scheduled for delivery
- **Non-Certified Modular Cabins:**
- 20% down payment
- 50% once floor plans are approved
- Final 30% due when the cabin build is complete and ready for delivery
- **Cabin Kits or Shells:**
- 25% down payment
- 50% once floor plans are approved
- Final 30% due when the kit is ready for delivery
Do you have repos?
All of our prefab cabins are either cash purchases or you finance through your lender, or one of our preferred lenders. We are not a finance company to offer loans on our prefab cabins, so we never have any cabins to repossess and offer for resale. We do have a few immediate sale prefab cabins that are available if you are looking for a move-in-fast option! Check out our Ready Now cabins on our website.
Are your cabins safe for my pets?
Our cabins are designed with pet safety in mind, including for birds, dogs, and cats. We use water-based clear coat finishes on our pine interior walls and water-based paints for all interior surfaces. Birds are particularly sensitive to paint fumes, so this is a valid concern. According to birdgap.com, a freshly painted room is safe for pet birds approximately one week after the paint is applied. In our cabin-building process, there is usually a 3-4 week gap between completing the interior painting and delivering the cabin to your property, allowing ample time for any fumes to dissipate. For dogs and cats, our water-based paints and finishes are generally considered safe, so you can rest assured that your furry friends will be comfortable in their new home.
When I order my prefab cabin, does it come with decks and skirting?
You can order decking, skirting, and deck kits at the time of your cabin purchase. For cabins built for our Indiana sales center, we offer deck kits that will be shipped with your cabin, ready for you or your on-site contractor to install. In certain areas, we also have a decking company that can install on-site decks and skirting for your Amish Built Cabin. Check with your sales expert during your cabin purchase to see what options are available in your area.
Does my prefab cabin have to be blocked up?
Every cabin requires a sturdy foundation to support its weight throughout its lifetime. One of the most popular choices is concrete dry-stacked blocks, but other options are available. We do not place cabins directly on the ground, as plumbing runs underneath and needs to be accessible for maintenance. If you have specific questions about foundation options for your cabin, please contact us for guidance and recommendations. Larger certified modular cabins require a crawl space foundation to adequately support their weight.
Can I buy your certified modular home plans?
We do not sell plan packages that are complete engineer sets or CAD sets for you to build from. All of our plans are copyrighted plans, designed for how we build in our factory. Many of our competitors ‘borrow’ the floorplans due to their popularity and optimization of space that we have with each of our plans. You are welcome to use the floor plan as your inspiration if you are wanting to build your own, we take that as a compliment! We do ask that you do not take our exact plan and go to another prefab builder, if their plans are not optimized, our question to you would be then why would you trust them to build your cabin?
Do you offer ADA accessible cabin builds?
Yes, we offer ADA-accessible cabins! Many of our cabins can be customized to meet ADA accessibility standards. For more information or to discuss your specific needs, please call us at 502-298-8946 or fill out our contact form. We’re here to help with any questions you may have about ADA-compliant builds.
**Living Room Placement with Windows**: Yes, it is possible to customize the layout of the cabin so that the living room is at the end with windows. We understand the desire for natural light and scenic views, and we can work with you to adjust the floor plan accordingly.
**Larger Windows**: We can accommodate requests for larger windows than the standard sizes offered. Custom window sizes may involve additional costs, but we are happy to discuss your preferences and provide a quote based on your specifications.
**Wood Treatment**: The wood used on the exterior of our cabins is treated to resist weather, pests, and decay. We use high-quality, pressure-treated lumber to ensure longevity and durability in various climates.
**Discount for Multiple Purchases**: We do offer discounts for bulk purchases. If you're considering buying more than one cabin, please reach out to us directly for a detailed quote and information on any available discounts. (Call Osi @ 502-298-8946)
**Delivery Timeframe**: Delivery times can vary depending on the model selected and your location. Generally, once an order is placed, it can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks for the cabin to be delivered. We will provide a more precise timeline once we have all the details of your order. SPECIAL NOTE; If you are reading this around the September and October time frame these 2 months tend to be THE BUSIEST time of the year in cabin sales so lead times can go up to 4 months out this time of the year and sometimes as much as 6 months out!)
**Warranty**: Yes, our certified cabins come with a warranty. The specifics of the warranty, including coverage and duration, will depend on the cabin model and any customizations made. Please contact us for detailed warranty information for the model you're interested in. Our certified modular cabins come with a 10 year structural warranty. If you are wanting to get a warranty for our non-certified modular cabins we offer 3, 5 and 10 year warranties if you are interested for an added fee.
**Repairs After Inspection**: If a house inspector finds any issues with the cabin upon delivery, we will review the report and address any items that were not completed correctly. Our goal is to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. We typically try to hang around as long as we can till final inspections are done for this reason as it is not always feasible for us to come back to fix things when we are multiple states away from you once we are gone!
**Primary Residence Use**: Many of our customers do use these cabins as their primary residences. Our cabins are built to be sturdy and comfortable, making them a viable option for year-round living. We can provide references and case studies from customers who have chosen our cabins for this purpose.
Do you offer financing?
**Financing Options for Certified Modular Cabins**
For our certified modular cabins, including the Gatlinburg Lodge, we have partnered with a bank experienced in providing loans specifically for certified modular homes. If you're interested in securing financing for one of our cabins, please reach out to us. We can guide you through the application process with our trusted lending partner, making it easier for you to turn your cabin dream into reality.
We also have our "Layaway to Own" program, which allows you to make payments over time until the cabin is fully paid off. Additionally, we partner with a third-party financing company called TALK (The Anything Loan Company) to provide more traditional financing options. However, many of our customers also choose to work directly with their local credit unions or banks to secure financing for their purchase.
**Are Your Cabins Built on a Chassis with Wheels?**
No, our prefab cabins at Amish Built Cabins are not built on a chassis with wheels. Our cabins are true prefab modular cabins, constructed on a solid wood foundational frame. Unlike mobile homes, RVs, or RVIA Tiny Homes on wheels, which are built on a chassis, our cabins are designed for full-time, permanent living.
Prefab modular cabins, like ours, and mobile homes are specifically constructed for long-term residence. In contrast, RV builds such as RVIA Tiny Homes on wheels and Park Model RVs are intended for temporary living and are not designed for permanent residence, as outlined by the RV Industry Association.
That said, many people do choose to make modifications to RVs—or have us make them—so they can be lived in full-time. However, our true prefab modular cabins provide a more suitable and comfortable solution for those seeking a permanent living arrangement.Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance! Our direct phone number is 502-298-8946 ask for Osi.
**What Type of Housing Do We Offer? Prefab, Modular, Mobile Home, Stick-Built, Tiny Home, or Old Order Amish Structures?**
This is a crucial question, as zoning laws and lender requirements often dictate the types of housing allowed on a property. At Amish Built Cabins, we specialize in **prefab modular cabins**, **tiny homes**, and **Old Order Amish-built structures**. Here’s a breakdown of what that means:
**Prefab** is a broad term for structures built in a factory and delivered to your property. While many prefab cabin builders exist, it’s essential to check their certification status to ensure they meet local building codes and can be legally placed on your land.
**Modular Cabins** are prefab cabins with a **modular certification** issued by a state or states. These cabins are built in a factory to International Residential Code (IRC) standards for your area and delivered in one or more sections. Most lenders and local governments require modular certification as proof that the home is built and inspected to code. At Amish Built Cabins, we have multiple state certifications, which means we can often build and deliver to your state!
**Mobile/Manufactured Homes** are also prefab structures built in a factory but follow the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) codes rather than IRC codes. They are placed on a trailer chassis and are considered personal property, not real estate. Financing for manufactured homes usually involves higher interest rates and shorter terms than traditional mortgages. Additionally, mobile homes do not appreciate in value like real property. In contrast, modular cabins are treated as real property, similar to site-built homes, in terms of insurance, loans, and resale value.
**Stick-Built** homes are constructed on-site and built to IRC codes. Prefab cabins, even if they use traditional lumber ("sticks"), are not considered stick-built unless constructed directly on your property. At Amish Built Cabins, we don't claim to be stick-built because we respect and adhere to building codes and definitions.
**Tiny Homes** are built to residential codes, typically outlined in Appendix Q of most state building codes. These homes fall under modular regulations in most states. However, **Tiny Homes on Wheels** are different—they are built on a recreational vehicle chassis and adhere to RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) codes. They are not considered certified modular cabins or homes.
**Old Order Amish-Built Structures**: In addition to our certified modular cabins and tiny homes, we offer unique structures like **Big Bertha**, **El Chapo**, and **Tiny Tim** cabins, which are handcrafted on the Amish farm using traditional methods. These structures aren't certified modulars but are built to last with the utmost quality and craftsmanship. While they may not meet the certification requirements for some zoning laws or lenders, these cabins are a testament to the enduring strength and beauty of Old Order Amish construction. Many customers choose these cabins for their exceptional durability and character, knowing they are investing in a piece of living craftsmanship.
It’s crucial to research and understand the type of cabin or home best suited for your property and local zoning regulations. If you have questions, we’re here to help you determine whether one of our cabins is the right fit for your property or financing needs. While we'd love to provide everyone with a beautiful Amish Built Cabin, we know that certain property restrictions may not allow it. That's why one of the first questions we’ll ask when you work with us is whether your property has any zoning restrictions and what type of housing is permitted.
Interior Options: Is It All Wood, or Can You Use Sheetrock?
At **Amish Built Cabins**, our prefab cabins feature beautiful **Ponderosa Pine** for the interior walls. This natural wood can be finished in various ways, including a water-based clear coat, whitewashing, or painting, allowing you to customize the look to suit your style. We choose not to install sheetrock in our prefab cabins due to the potential for cracking during the transportation and setup process. Our cabins are moved, lifted, and set on foundations, and sheetrock could easily crack under these conditions. Pine walls offer the added benefit of durability—they are much more resistant to dents and damage compared to sheetrock.
We also offer select modular models with **shiplap interior walls**, providing a stylish, modern look while maintaining the cabin's rustic charm.
For those looking for a truly rustic experience, our **Old Order Amish-built cabins** are constructed with **4x6 treated Southern Yellow Pine**. These walls are sealed with **chinking**—also known as Log Jam or Perma-Chink—between the timbers. This process ensures that your cabin is not only visually stunning but also sealed properly for optimal heating and air efficiency.
However, if you're set on having a sheetrock interior, there's still an option for you. You can purchase a **prefab cabin shell** from Amish Built Cabins and finish the interior yourself, including installing sheetrock if you wish. All of our floor plans are available as either a cabin shell or a fully factory-finished cabin, giving you the flexibility to customize your cabin to your exact preferences.
With Amish Built Cabins as your builder, you have multiple options to create a cabin that perfectly fits your needs and vision.
How do we arrange a tour to come see your cabins?
Our viewing hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. While we may not always be on-site, a team member will be available during these hours to open the cabins for you to explore. Typically, we have our best-selling models ranging from 250 to 1,000 square feet on the lot. For larger cabins like the Gatlinburg, please refer to the next paragraph.
To arrange a viewing of our Gatlinburg Cabin, we now require a proof of funds letter from your bank or a verifiable bank statement. Due to the high volume of requests and the luxury nature of this model, this step helps us distinguish serious buyers from casual inquiries. As a busy company, we want to ensure we dedicate our time to those ready to proceed with a purchase. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to assisting you. Have a blessed day!