Everyone has their own vision of what makes a dream off grid cabin. For some, that may be a palatial estate on a huge piece of land. Others may want something more modest, but still big enough to house a large family or host frequent get-togethers. Many would be more than happy with a small but cozy home with a spectacular view. Some are even drawn to modern, trendy, tiny homes.
More and more, however, people are choosing to build an off grid dream cabin, living a more autonomous life without having to rely on one or more public utilities. Typically, when people think of living off grid, they will be referring primarily to a home with solar panels and renewable energy technologies that provide for all their energy needs.
If you are thinking about living off grid, what steps do you need to take to make it a reality?
How to Find Remote Property in BC
When choosing to build an off grid home in BC, perhaps the most obvious question is where?
Simply finding a remote property to build on shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. Websites exist with properties listed for sale, and a Google search should point you in the right direction, but how do you choose and what are you looking for? Finding a property and finding the right property is not necessarily the same thing.
Aside from first impressions made by the surrounding scenery, there are considerations to keep in mind when selecting a remote property, such as:
Water
Anywhere you go, you are going to need water. That may be quite obvious, but have you given thought to how you will procure the water you need? While there are places where homeowners may choose to haul water to their properties, this is not an ideal solution and certainly not the safest one, as it is not sustainable. You will need a dependable, readily available source of clean natural water.
Practicality, Location, and Access
Whether you are buying a home or building one off grid, location is always a significant factor. Proximity to certain amenities is important for many, and most do not want to be far enough from the nearest hospital to pose a safety issue. Aside from that, however, there is the simple matter of having the property be accessible to builders.
Workers and materials need to make their way to your chosen property. Being too remote or in an area with limited access can make your plans prohibitively expensive. If you are seeking to live in a remote area, you will need to balance that desire against practical considerations.
Building Restrictions
Virtually anywhere you go, you will encounter some form of restriction that will need to be accounted for, such as zoning issues or building codes. These will all need to be verified before beginning construction on your dream cabin.
Finding a Builder For Off Grid Builds
As with any project of considerable size, the degree of success is going to be related to the workers contracted. Building an off grid home comes with its own unique challenges, but all the usual questions still apply:
- How long have they been in business?
- What experience do they have with off-grid homes?
- Are they open and transparent, answering all your questions?
- Can they provide testimonials and examples of their past work?
- Do they have all applicable accreditation and licenses?
It’s important to take your time, do some research, ask all your questions, and get to know prospective builders. Building your off-grid dream home requires a significant investment of both time and money, so you want to be confident that you will be able to work with whoever you choose.
Types of Homes You Can Build
The advantage of building your own dream home is that it is truly one-of-a-kind, built to your specifications. Do you want a smaller cabin for two or something larger for a family nor entertaining? Do you dream about a rancher or a two-story cabin? Do you prefer to choose from existing designs, or do you have your own plans you would like to see brought to life?
Prefabricated modular homes let you design the home you want with greater ease, whether you are envisioning a cozy cabin or a multi-module home.Custom solutions can be built for all your needs.
Whatever form your dream home takes, Modco Pacific Homes has the experience and expertise to help make it a reality. Contact us today for more information on building your off-grid dream home.