An Off Grid cabin is a structure that is not tied directly to the electric grid. Hence the term “off-grid” However, just because these cabins are off of the electrical grid does not mean that they lack the normal comforts of home. In fact, in some cases, these off-grid cabins are more comfortable than your typical home.
To help you create the best off-grid cabin experience, we have come up with a list of the 50 off-grid cabin essentials
1.) The Cabin
This may sound obvious, but to have an off-grid cabin, you need, well, a cabin. At Ozark Premier Buildings, we have seven options for how you can have your off-grid cabin completed. (All of our Sheds can also be completed as cabins). Each one of them is unique in their own way. However, for this blog, we are going to focus on creating your future cabin from either our Lofted Cabin or our Standard Cabin. There are three ways that we can complete your off-grid cabin.
Off-Grid Cabin Shell
When we say a “shell,” we mean that you get the structures as with the subfloor stud work and exterior walls, doors, windows, and roofing in place. However, that is all you get. This is our most economical option. However, it will require the most work from you.
Off-Grid Cabin Shell with Insulation and Electrical
The next tier up for your off-grid cabin is the shell with the addition of insulation and electrical. If you choose the electrical package, you choose where the light fixtures and outlets go. If you choose to have insulation added, we use spray foam insulation for the interior of your cabin.
Shell with Insulation, Electrical, and Finished Interior
When you want a truly off-grid experience that is no hassle on your end, we can complete the entire off-grid cabin for you from start to finish. We can place your electrical, insulate and then finish the walls and floor. All you need to do is tell us where to put it, and we are happy to show up, deliver it and give you the keys.
Of note, if you choose this option, plumbing is not currently available as something we do. If you want an off-grid cabin that will allow you to have plumbing as a part of the finished result, we would recommend that you opt for our shell or electrical-only package, as the insulation would need to be added in after the plumbing is done. We also have a list of local contractors that we would be happy to pair you up with.
Now that you have your Grid Cabin, we believe that there are 50 things each off-grid cabin needs to be truly successful. To help you have the best chance of enjoyment and success on your off-grid cabin, we recommend the following 50 items. While not all of these are necessary, we think most people will agree that they make the space more enjoyable overall.
2.) Heat
One of the most important things that you need in an off-grid cabin is a heat source. Most times, the most trusted way to have heat is to have a wood stove that is appropriate for the size of your off-grid cabin. However, depending on your commitment level, you could do a propane heat source. Additionally, if you have a small enough cabin or a large enough draw from solar, you could also do an eclectic heating system.
(The largest off-grid cabin we create at Ozark Premier Buildings is 640 square feet).
3.) Storage Containers
A storage container solution can be as simple or complex as you want. Most times, people buy a few totes and a shelving unit and keep the storage to a minimum. However, if you intend to use your off-grid cabin for more than a weekend getaway, you may want to consider it may be worth investing in more traditional storage methods.
Off-Grid Cabin Tools
3.) Hammer
Pretty much everyone knows how to use a hammer. However, it should be noted that you want a hammer that is well-constructed. For this reason, we would advise you not to purchase a hammer that is a multitool, as these hammers are not typically designed to handle true construction needs.
4.) Axe
An axe is a tool that may or may not be needed for your off-grid cabin. However, if you plan on having a wood stove or even a simple fire pit, an axe is a must-have. We recommend going with an axe that is well-weighted so that you can trust your tool to do the work and not spend so much time straining yourself.
5.) Circular Saw
A circular saw is a great tool to have on hand for many reasons. The obvious reason is that you want will be able to work on any construction projects that you may need to. The second is that in a pinch, you can use this too as a chainsaw.
However, the big advantage is that having a circular saw that is battery-powered at your off-grid cabin means that you won’t have to lug around gallons of gas for a generator, and you can simply bring your batteries back home with you when you leave.
6.) Drill/ Impact Driver
The next power tool you may find helpful at your off-grid cabin is a Drill and Impact Driver. Truth be told, you can probably get away with just a drill in most cases. However, both of these tools are very helpful to have on hand, no matter if you are simply adding some shelves or needing to make some major adjustments.
Something that we would recommend is that whatever power tools you decide to get, stick with the same brand as many times the batteries are interchangeable and will allow for more use time and less frustration waiting on a battery to charge.
7.) Knife/Multi-Tool
Having a knife or a multitool on hand will prove to be one of the best tools for your off-grid cabin. So much so that you may find yourself carrying it regularly. Having this tool on hand makes it easy for you to fix small issues quickly, all while not taking up more than a small amount of pocket space.
