The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, particularly in towns like Asheville, North Carolina, has been incredibly shocking and heartbreaking to watch in recent weeks. As a nationwide team with employees, clients, and loved ones in the affected inland and coastal areas, we are truly devastated for those who have lost family members, friends, homes, and entire communities in the hurricane’s wake.

While we’re all aware of the destructive potential of climate disasters, the increasing severity of these events in recent years is a stark and unsettling reality many of us are still grappling with. After the catastrophic damage caused by Helene, and with Hurricane Milton looming, many people are left asking: How can we better prepare our homes for these extreme weather events? And how can we design future homes and communities to protect people and infrastructure during a hurricane, wildfire, tornado, or other climate disaster?

With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters worldwide, our team is more committed than ever to ensuring that your home provides as much impact resistance and safety as possible in any weather or geological event. Even if evacuation is necessary, we want to help you create a hurricane-resistant house you can return to and thrive in again and again—and here are some of the ways we help achieve that:

Heavy-Duty Framing Components

One of the main advantages of choosing a building kit from DC Structures is our dedication to providing high-quality, durable materials. For example, our team sources select structural grade Douglas fir timbers for all our post and beam and timber frame buildings, ensuring maximum strength, energy efficiency, and beauty for your heavy timber structure.

In places like Florida, Texas, and California, we can’t stress enough the importance of building with robust materials like these, considering heavy timber structures are proven to be naturally resilient and perform exceptionally well under extreme conditions like earthquakes, high winds, fires, and other severe climate events. The strength and density of our timbers, along with their natural insulation properties and sustainability, make them an ideal framing material in disaster-prone areas. This core layer of protection significantly enhances a building’s performance and longevity.

Impact-Resistant Windows & Doors

Nothing is more terrifying than having the safety of your home compromised by shattered windows or a broken door during a hurricane. While fully hurricane-proof building materials don’t exist, we can equip your home with impact-resistant windows and doors that provide added security and peace of mind. To improve the performance and reliability of your building, we source our windows and doors from trusted suppliers like Andersen, Pella, and Marvin. While options like impact-resistant glass may come with a higher upfront cost, these material options are well worth the investment, particularly if you plan to remain in your home during a storm.

Precise 3D Design & Engineering

Something else that sets us apart here at DC is our ability to digitally construct your model ahead of the building process, giving you total freedom to do as you wish with your home or structure. During the design phase, our in-house designers will work closely with you to explore, modify, and perfect your design, with our team either starting with your preferred building kit or an idea for a custom building.

One of the main benefits of planning your structure this way is that every aspect of your building—from the foundation type to the framing and hardware—is carefully planned and thoroughly reviewed before fabrication starts at our manufacturing facility. That means your structure goes through multiple rounds of design reviews, edits, and approvals to ensure total precision for framing and a building kit that aligns perfectly with your location, site characteristics, and needs.

Furthermore, our engineering partner—licensed in all 50 states—is accustomed to working with clients in hurricane-prone areas and will guarantee, through thorough inspection and research, that all components of your design meet or exceed your state’s building codes. With your building modeled in our 3D design software and reviewed by our engineering partner, our process couldn’t be more effective in delivering superiorly built structures that stand up to climate disasters.

Steel & Concrete Reinforcements

For an added layer of strength, we can design your home with steel or concrete reinforcements to bolster its structural integrity. In hurricane-prone areas, an elevated foundation is crucial to protect against flooding, and incorporating steel or concrete elements can provide essential support and durability. For example, in the Hunter’s Point neighborhood on the Florida coast, homes were built with a solid concrete first floor, upper levels connected by steel straps, and a steel roof. As a result, these homes stayed dry and intact through Hurricane Helene, illustrating how strategic building methods can protect against severe weather.

Of course, we offer several other ways to enhance the safety, comfort, and protection of your home, no matter the climate challenges of your location. From California to Maine, we’ve worked with clients in all climates and can help you create a beautiful, resilient wood structure built to last for generations.

To learn more about how we design for climate disasters, call us at (888) 975-2057 to speak to a representative today! With our help, your dream of owning a safe, sustainable, and hurricane-resistant building is entirely within reach.

Prefab home kits are often confused for manufactured or modular homes, with many buyers initially mistaking the term for cheaply built, ready-made building packages, like the viral $30,000 tiny home from Amazon. Although prefab homes share a few characteristics with these pre-built options, like their ease of construction and budget-friendly nature, these structures couldn’t be more different in quality, customization, and versatility, to name a few! 

At DC, we pride ourselves on delivering America’s best and most complete pre-engineered building packages. Custom-tailored by our in-house designers and produced off-site using precision CNC technology, our prefabricated home kits are the antithesis of modular and manufactured homes, with our luxury, high-performance building solutions providing superior flexibility, durability, and value that suit any location. 

Whether you envision a quaint cottage, a sizable guest house, or a Craftsman-style dwelling for your property, here are some reasons why clients swear by our pre-engineered building kits and what continues to make them a step above the rest:

Exceptional Durability

Our team utilizes time-tested construction methods and precision technologies to deliver powerfully built prefab home kits. Using our state-of-the-art CNC robot, our team will translate your custom design plans into expertly crafted building packages that make assembly remarkably fast and accurate. To put things into perspective, our kits take 30% to 50% less time to frame than conventionally built homes, with elements like your walls, roof materials, and floor components arriving ready for installation on the job site. 

With our machine, our team will pre-cut, pre-drill, and label your lumber pieces to precision, ensuring each component fits perfectly with its connection. This level of accuracy, combined with our premium material supply, creates a recipe for success in our prefab home kit line, resulting in a kit home built to last and protect you in any weather event. 

Customization 

We design our pre-engineered building packages with flexible floor plans, materials, and structural elements to ensure your kit fully reflects your vision. With our prefab house plans, you can work one-on-one with our designers to create a layout that accommodates your needs and add or modify any features, finishes, or indoor and outdoor areas you see fit. As a bonus, we offer hundreds of options and upgrades through our partnerships with top North American brands, such as Andersen and Pella windows, Woodtone siding, and Trex decking. No matter what you have in mind for your custom home design, we offer the versatility, expertise, and attention to detail to deliver your dream structure! 

Premium Materials

If our company is known for anything, it’s quality. Whether it’s the exceptional customer support we provide, the attractiveness of our designs, or, in this case, the robustness and beauty of our materials, we consistently deliver quality solutions that keep clients coming back with new project ideas. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, our team offers unbridled access to some of the world’s most valuable timber exports, like Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and coastal redwood.

Our close relationships with mill-direct suppliers in the region allow us to purchase these timbers at competitive prices, which we then pass directly on to you. With our team sourcing your materials, you can feel confident that your prefab home kit will be a fortress of strength while embodying the unrivaled beauty of the Pacific Northwest and providing the affordability you seek.

Energy-Efficiency

The energy efficiency of wood-framed homes and buildings is second to none, making these structures some of the more eco-friendly housing options on the market. By incorporating wood, specifically high-grade timbers, in your prefab home design, you can expect your structure to keep you comfortable in any season while drastically reducing heating and cooling bills throughout the year. As a naturally grown and renewable material, wood absorbs and releases heat, which helps maintain equilibrium in your indoor environments and improve air quality. Furthermore, by adding solar installations, skylights, and double- or triple-paned glass windows to their designs, homeowners can dramatically increase the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their carbon footprint overall. 

Natural Beauty

Lastly, prefab home kits like ours offer natural beauty for your interior and exterior spaces. With your wood framing elements left exposed in your home, you can bring the beauty of the outdoors into your living room and enhance the long-term value of your structure. Whether you plan to invest in one of our post and beam, timber frame, or clear span homes or cabins, you can ensure your building model will retain its aesthetic appeal and timeless charm for ages. 

Need more convincing to build a prefab home kit on your property? We can think of twenty more reasons why you should! Call us today at (888) 975-2057 to speak to one of us directly or request a digital product catalog to see why we make the perfect partner for your dream home project.

Additionally, if you haven’t already, be sure to check out our Instagram or YouTube pages for more information on our products and to watch video footage of our completed dwellings, customer testimonials, and construction process. We’re in the business of bringing your dreams to life, and it all starts with building your prefab home your way. 

A well-organized storage shed isn’t just a place to stash your stuff—it’s a wise investment that can save you time, protect your possessions, and even increase the value of your property. Whether you’re storing vehicles, boats, ATVs, or farm equipment, an orderly storage building ensures everything is accessible and well-maintained. If you plan to build a custom storage barn on your property, here are a few essential tips to ensure you make the most of your investment and optimize the organization of your space. 

Implement a Strategic Layout

Buyers should start by considering the best layout for their garage or garages. The goal is to optimize your space without sacrificing accessibility. Divide the barn into zones based on the type of items stored and how often you plan to access them. For example, keep all vehicles in one area and smaller equipment, accessories, and tools in another. Within each zone, place materials that you use most often at the front and less frequently used products towards the back. Consider the turning radius and maneuverability of larger vehicles like boats and ATVs when planning your layout to avoid tight squeezes and enhance your experience inside the space.

Opt for Adjustable Shelving and Storage Solutions

Flexibility is key in a storage barn. Investing in features that enhance how you organize, like adjustable shelving units, allows you to customize your storage space to fit items of various sizes. Heavy-duty, free-standing shelves or racks are ideal for holding heavy equipment and can be easily moved if your needs change. For smaller tools and supplies, pegboards or magnetic panels make great storage options. They not only save space but also keep your tools organized and within easy reach.

Enhance Lighting and Electrical Setup

Good lighting is crucial in a storage barn—not just for aesthetics but for functionality and safety. Installing bright, energy-efficient LED lights helps ensure your indoor and outdoor areas are well-lit, reducing the risk of accidents and making it easier to find items. Also, consider the placement of electrical outlets. Adding several conveniently located outlets to your design will make it easier to perform maintenance tasks within the barn and charge battery-powered equipment.

Secure and Protect Your Investments

Security is a major consideration, especially when storing valuable vehicles and equipment. When accessorizing sheds and storage buildings, buyers should consider installing sturdy locks and security systems with cameras and motion detectors. Additionally, ensure that your shop is weather-resistant to protect its contents from environmental damage. Insulate and weatherproof your barn to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust and decay of metal components and equipment. 

Regular Maintenance and Upkeep

Finally, maintaining the structure of your barn or warehouse and keeping it organized is crucial. Set a regular schedule to clean the barn, check for pests, and ensure all stored items, containers, and boxes are in good working order. This not only helps in prolonging the life of the items stored but also ensures that the barn remains a safe and welcoming space. 

By following these tips, your storage barn will be more than just a storage space; it will be a well-organized, efficient, and secure facility that enhances the value and functionality of your property.

Ready to take the next step in your project journey? Our team is here to answer any questions you may have regarding your barn plans, location, or anything else! Call us at (888) 975-2057 or request a digital product catalog here to gather more information for your project and begin designing your dream space.

Love is in the air this week—and what better way to celebrate it than by highlighting interiors we love from past projects! In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re rounding up a few of our favorite living spaces, wineries, and wedding barns that give us all the warm fuzzy feelings. 

Here are some unique spaces that we will forever adore as part of our project portfolio:

Anchored Roots Winery 

Located in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, this adorable barn-style winery sits just a few miles from the bay. Designed with knotty wood ceilings, faux timber beams and trusses, and beautiful picture windows, this tasting room offers a cozy and casual setting perfect for weekend wine tastings and friendly get-togethers. 

See more photos of the Anchored Roots Winery here.

Washington Modern Farmhouse

This custom home in Walla Walla, Washington, is modern farmhouse goals at its finest. Our client came in with a specific vision of what she wanted for the space and executed it flawlessly with the help of our talented in-house designers. 

See more photos of the Washington Modern Farmhouse here.

Serendipity Farm & Vine

Originally built as a horse barn with living quarters, the Serendipity Farm & Vine venue features one of the most unique and enchanting interiors we’ve seen of any building. Converted horse stalls in the tasting room contribute to its extraordinary appeal, while wood accents give it that essential warmth and rustic feeling. 

See more photos of Serendipity Farm & Vine here.

Storm King Mountain Ranch Venue

One of our favorite venues and projects of all time, the Storm King Mountain Ranch venue showcases the timeless allure of heavy timber craftsmanship from top to bottom. We designed this structure using traditional timber framing, as seen in the main hall, covered patio, and entrance. As part of their design, the team at Storm King also elected to add antique wood siding and ceilings to their wedding barn, blending past and present styles to create its truly exceptional interior. 

See more photos of Storm King Mountain Ranch here.

High Desert Barn Home 

Lastly, this charming barn home in Bend, Oregon, is a classic project of ours — and one we will always cherish as one of our first barn home builds. Stunning tongue and groove ceilings and large picture windows take center stage in the living space, adding an air of sophistication and comfort to the home. Downstairs, our clients can take full advantage of a spacious RV garage, allowing them to easily hop on the road and embark on any adventure their heart desires. 

See more photos of the High Desert Barn Home here.

Want to start designing your dream space? Our team is here to help you begin the process whenever you feel ready! Call us today at (888) 975-2057 or request a digital catalog.

In today’s ever-evolving world of home design, staying up-to-date with the latest trends is essential for homeowners looking to create a modern and functional living space. As we embark on the new year, we expect several exciting trends to shape how many homes are designed and constructed in 2024. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key trends that we believe will dominate the new home market this year, focusing on sustainability, emerging technology, natural materials, and the importance of building your dream home with a dedicated team of professionals. If you plan to build a new home or residential space this year, here are a few implements you may want to consider with your upcoming design as it relates to the future of our industry. ‌

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Powering Your Home with the Sun

Sustainability and energy efficiency have become paramount considerations in contemporary home design, with homeowners increasingly looking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy bills. In 2024, solar panels are gaining immense popularity as an eco-friendly energy source, allowing homeowners to utilize direct sunlight to meet their electricity needs. With solar panel installations, you can reduce your home’s environmental impact while saving hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, in energy costs every year. 

Additionally, adding electric car charging stations to home garages is becoming a standard feature, catering to a growing number of electric vehicle owners in the country. With an electric car charging station in your home, you’ll have the convenience of charging your vehicle overnight, ensuring it’s always ready to hit the road while contributing to a cleaner environment.

Prefabrication: Crafting Your Home with Precision and Efficiency

A significant trend in 2024 is the use of prefabrication in home construction. Prefabricated homes offer numerous advantages, including reduced construction time, minimized waste, and improved construction quality. By partnering with a dedicated team of professionals, you can customize your prefabricated home to meet your unique needs and preferences. The precision and efficiency of prefabrication ensure that your dream home is built with the utmost care and attention to detail and that you benefit from significant time and money savings during construction. ‌

Incorporation of Natural Elements: Building a Home That Connects with Nature

A return to nature is evident in the design of modern homes, with the incorporation of natural elements taking center stage. A naturally warm and inviting material, wood is used extensively in flooring, furniture, and architectural details, creating a cozy and organic atmosphere. When building your home, working closely with a team allows you to select the perfect wood finishes that align with your vision.

Stone accents in exterior and interior design also add a touch of rustic elegance, while indoor greenery and living walls bring the outdoors inside, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Collaborating with your design team to select the perfect natural materials for your space ensures that your home reflects your personality and appreciation for the outside world.

Smart Technology: Building a Home of the Future

The smart technology revolution will continue to reshape homes in 2024, with more homeowners embracing the convenience and efficiency of integrated smart devices and systems. From automated lighting and security systems to thermostats that adapt to your preferences, these technologies enhance daily life and even contribute to energy savings. When working with your team of builders and tech experts, you can customize your home’s technological features to suit your lifestyle, making your home truly “smart” in every aspect. 

Handcrafted Furniture/Accents: Infusing Your Home with Personality

Handcrafted furniture and accents introduce a more personal and unique touch into homes. Artisanal pieces are making a comeback, giving homeowners the opportunity to infuse their spaces with character and individuality. Supporting local artisans and businesses that offer handcrafted home items doesn’t just add charm to your home but supports the craftsmanship of talented individuals. Your team of designers can help you select and integrate these unique pieces seamlessly into your home’s design.

Building Your Dream Home: A Collaborative Journey

Building your dream home is a collaborative journey that involves working closely with a dedicated team of design and construction experts. This team will help you bring your vision to life, ensuring that your new home incorporates the latest trends while embodying your core values and tastes. 

‌Whether you’re planning for new home construction or considering a renovation project, these trends for 2024 will hopefully inspire you to create a living space that aligns with your personality and adapts to our ever-evolving world. Building your dream home with a trusted team ensures priority is given to your unique vision, resulting in a home that truly feels like you from top to bottom. 

Ready to get started on your 2024 project? See what makes our team the right choice for your project by requesting a digital catalog here or calling us at (888) 975-2057. 

Muahahahahaha! It’s officially the spookiest day of the year, and what better way to celebrate all that is Halloween than by showcasing some of our most terrifyingly beautiful creations to date. From vintage-inspired wedding barns to rustic cabins and homes, we’re rounding up four of our favorite spooktacular projects for clients to add to their fall mood boards, and trust us: these structures won’t disappoint! 

So buckle up, get cozy, and prepare for a haunting trip through some of our favorite past projects. Mere mortals, beware. This list isn’t for the faint of art. 

Michigan Workshop W/ Living Quarters 

Nothing speaks to our love of autumn quite like this workshop with living quarters in Daggett, Michigan. Designed with durable Douglas fir posts and beams, this barn-style structure features a stunning all-wood interior unmatched in fall vibes and warmth.

Modified from our most popular building package, the Oakridge Apartment Barn Kit, this multi-purpose workshop offers a home away from home for our clients and their loved ones. Whether embarking on a hunting trip or simply seeking a retreat for the season, our clients can rely on this boo-tiful structure to provide endless treats with no tricks in sight. 

White Salmon Barn Home 

This barn home in White Salmon, Washington, offers a gorgeous interior to match its idyllic natural surroundings. Located just a few miles from the Columbia River Gorge, this stately abode boasts a modern rustic living space that continues to capture our hearts — and arouse a little bit of envy! 

Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a host of frightfully delightful accents. If any of our completed homes could be the coolest of ghouls, we’d easily vote for the White Salmon Barn Home any day (but especially today). 

Dogwood Barn Wedding Venue

What do you get when you combine a vintage-style wedding barn with storm clouds and lightning? The perfect visual accompaniment to this blog post is what!

With this wedding venue in Milledgeville, Georgia, our clients started with a Legacy Event Barn Kit to create this masterfully built structure. Complete with vintage lighting fixtures, floor-to-ceiling wood walls, and antique furniture, this venue evokes a sense of nostalgia and historic charm that is scary good in execution and layout. 

Oregon City Custom Home 

Between the nighttime, twilight, and daytime shots our photographer captured of this custom home in Oregon City, Oregon, we can’t decide which we like more — or need more of! Completed in collaboration with DC Builders, this hybrid timber frame home is an extraordinary development with no shortage of eye-catching details throughout. 

From its heavy timber portico entrance to its massive two-story patio cover, this custom residence stuns in all aspects — inside and out. If your idea of a dream home involves lodge-style accents, repurposed materials, and plentiful space, this project will surely turn your other inspiration photos into the dearly departed. 

Ready to take the next step in your building process? With our fall sale still active, there’s never been a better time to invest in your dream design and materials package! 

Call us today at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote here to make the first move toward your ideal home or structure. 

Anyone who’s traveled to the Oregon Coast can attest to its breathtaking natural beauty and allure. With its pristine beaches, magnificent evergreens, and soaring dunes, the Oregon Coast is one of the most stunning and accessible natural wonders in the world — and that’s not just us exaggerating or bragging about our home state!

When designing our new line of modern cabins, we created these structures with a vision of Oregon’s sensational coastal terrain as their backdrop. Taking inspiration from modern Scandinavian-style cabins, we crafted three contemporary cabin models — all named after some of Oregon’s most notable beach towns — that wouldn’t just complement the Oregon Coast but exude its uniqueness and beauty in any natural environment. 

Whether you’re seeking a stunning vacation rental or planning to develop a beachside resort, our brand-new contemporary cabins will undoubtedly make valuable and lucrative investments for your upcoming projects. Continue reading below to learn more about these new prefab cabin designs and the massive potential awaiting your chosen kit. 

The Manzanita

The Manzanita Cabin Kit is a gorgeous three-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin design named after one of Oregon’s favorite beach cities. This clear-span structure offers a compact yet spacious floor plan that includes a 924 sq. ft. main level, a 443 sq. ft. enclosed loft space, and a 276 sq. ft. covered patio with a heavy timber overhang — perfect for scenic properties with majestic mountain, coastal, or desert views. 

This two-story cabin boasts tongue and groove siding, a trapezoid-style wall of windows, and parallel chord roof trusses to achieve its distinct contemporary appearance. Depending on your style and preferences, you can swap any standard options with one of our enticing upgrades, like our new Millboard wood-free composite siding option, to create your dream cabin design! 

Click here to view our product page for the Manzanita Cabin Kit.

The Bandon

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin design features an attractive single-sloped roofline that maximizes simplicity and efficiency. Inside this prefab cabin, you’ll find a wide-open great room, kitchen, and dining area with a sloped window wall and access to a 273 sq. ft. covered patio space. Toward the rear, two bedrooms and two full bathrooms offer a cozy and comfortable area for you and your family, your guests, or even a set of offices.

Additionally, this building model comes with a 139 sq. ft. covered entry with a slat wall for enhanced privacy and curb appeal. No matter what you have in mind for your Bandon, our team is here to help you bring your vision for a contemporary cabin to life.

Click here to view our product page for the Bandon Cabin Kit.

The Gearhart

The Gearhart is a slightly modified version of our Bandon Cabin Kit, with this model boasting a 6/12 and 10/12 roof pitch instead of the original 4/12. This off-center roofline adds an incredibly unique touch to the cabin, giving the interior curvature in all the right places and accentuating the distinctness of its custom window wall. 

With 1,009 square feet of conditioned living space, plus a 273 sq. ft. covered patio, this apartment-sized structure offers endless possibilities for those seeking a personalized cabin retreat, a profitable Airbnb rental, or a detached mother-in-law suite. If you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind cabin with Scandinavian influences, our Gearhart could be the ideal fit for you. 

 Click here to view our product page for the Gearhart Cabin Kit.

Have an idea in mind for your contemporary cabin design? We want to hear it! Be sure to call us at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote here for the cabin of your dreams! 

Have you ever wondered who captures our client testimonials, develops the designs behind our projects, or works directly with vendors to secure premium materials for each build? If so, this brand-new blog post series is made just for you! As part of our Get to Know Us series, we want to offer new and existing clients an inside look at the talented individuals behind our organization, all of whom bring a massive amount of passion, dedication, and expertise to their roles.

In this first-ever employee feature, we’re spotlighting one of our long-standing team members and a driving force behind our exceptional design work: DC Lead Designer Casey Rogness. Over the years, Casey’s contributions have helped advance our company in countless ways and inspired those around him. Continue reading below to learn more about Casey’s experience, his favorite aspects of DC, and the advice he would give new clients just beginning the design process!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Salem, Oregon.

Where are you currently located?

My family and I are currently living in Minot, North Dakota. It’s been about two years since we moved here from Sisters, Oregon, where we lived for about three years.

How long have you been with DC?

I’ve been with DC officially for over nine years, but before then, I spent a year freelancing in design for them and working on the framing crew.

How did you get started in this field?

After high school, I took a drafting class to fill some credits at the local community college and ended up really loving it. So after that course, I enrolled in their Computer Aided Drafting Program and graduated with a two-year degree in drafting. From there, I transferred to Oregon State University to complete my bachelor’s in interior design with a focus on housing studies, and once I graduated is when I started working for DC.

What are your favorite types of projects to work on?

My favorite projects to work on are typically homes or places that act as a home base for clients and their families. Adding a little modern timber look is always a plus too.

What is your favorite kit in the DCS collection?

The Thielsen Timber Home Kit is my favorite building package by far. The upcoming modern cabins with garages are also on my list.

In your opinion, what is the key to ensuring the success of a design?

I would say the key to success within design is working as a team, which includes first and foremost the owner, but also the contractor, any consultants, and the designer. Having everyone involved from the beginning tends to make projects go more smoothly, considering different people can provide their input and feedback early in the design process. It may take a few extra coordination meetings, but in the long run, it aids in creating a much easier and streamlined construction environment.

What are some aspects of our process that you believe set us apart from similar companies?

Well, there are a couple of aspects that set us apart. The first is utilizing design software that allows us to build 3D models in real time with our clients. We can make changes and adjustments live during meetings with them and provide a visualization tool to help make quick decisions. This process gives clients a first-hand look at how their structure will look and feel by the end and allows them to modify it as much as they want to fit their visions.

The second aspect is the sheer customization abilities of our baseline models for clients. We provide designs and material packages to clients across the country, and everyone lives in various climate types and has differing site development and family needs. Our ability to customize each model to fit their specific site characteristics, location requirements, and lifestyle needs makes it so that each client is really getting something unique, even if they’re starting with a standard kit.

What advice would you give to new clients just beginning the design process?

Hire a contractor early in the process who can be involved and give input on design, construction methods, and building department requirements. Doing so makes everything easier and gives you more peace of mind knowing your core team is working together from the jump.

And lastly, what’s something we wouldn’t know about you?

My wife and I have four boys. I love teaching the boys different sports, like golf and basketball, and fishing with them.

I also have a fish aquarium full of cichlids. I love taking care of them and having a unique setup!

Interested in joining Casey’s team or being a part of our growing organization? Be sure to check out our LinkedIn page for all open positions through DC Structures!

The beauty of beginning the home-building process lies in the abundance of options available, including the land you’ll be building upon. Depending on your plans for the property and flexibility with location, you may be interested to know there are places in the United States where you can purchase land for next to nothing — if not absolutely nothing! Though many of the cities that offer free or cheap land aren’t exactly giving it away out of the kindness of their hearts, there are plenty of benefits to glean from building in these hidden gem rural areas. If you’re the type that loves sprawling countryside, small towns, and great deals, continue reading below to see where you can acquire real estate that, quite literally, pays for itself. 

Lincoln, Kansas

Lincoln, Kansas, known as the “Post Rock Capital of Kansas,” isn’t just rich in limestone resources; this small town of about 2,900 people also offers plenty of desirable residential opportunities. In an effort to boost growth, the city has started offering free home sites in a fully developed subdivision by a local baseball field, the city park, and a new junior-senior high school.

Located at the east ends of Lost Street and School Street, these residential lots range from 14,000 to 35,000 sq. ft. and provide hookups to all necessary utilities, making them ready for you to put down your roots. Although their eligibility criteria is sparse, the city outlines that buyers must agree to build a home that meets their timeline and design requirements and submit proposed plans with proof of income or a loan pre-approval letter as part of their application. 

For more information on their free residential lots, process, and criteria, visit their Housing Opportunities page here.  

Elwood, Nebraska

Elwood is a quaint small town located two-and-a-half hours west of Lincoln, Nebraska. The city offers free lots through its homeownership program to both in-state and out-of-state newcomers who wish to make Elwood their home. Again, the catch is that you need to start construction within a particular timeframe — that being one year — and occupy the residence within two years of the purchase date. However, Elwood offers a unique down payment assistance program that makes it especially attractive as a prospect. With this program, the Village of Elwood will pay up to 10% of the construction cost for a home costing $25,000 or more, at least until after construction has wrapped. 

For more information, you can visit the city of Elwood’s housing criteria here or call them at (308) 785-2480. 

Mankato, Kansas

Last but not least is the town of Mankato, Kansas — a city of about 900 people in the heart of Jewell County. This small town community offers free land for residential development, with these lots located in the Johnson addition on a horseshoe shaped cul-de-sac. As with Lincoln and Elwood, the city requires you to start construction within a designated period, ensuring that these projects contribute to community growth. That said, those willing to move to Mankato have the opportunity of a lifetime to make something special of their investments and add value to this small but promising town. 

For more information, please visit Mankato’s Free Land resource page here. 

Before getting too excited, remember to do your due diligence in researching zoning restrictions, sewage, water options, and construction access for each of these lots. Though these locations have taken significant strides to make their construction processes streamlined and less intimidating, it never hurts to understand the fine print behind your future land purchase. 

And while you may be thinking these opportunities sound too good to be true, remember that these cities are actively looking to grow and offer incredible incentives like free land to make that happen. Of course, building a house involves much more than simply finding a plot to build on. However, with the financial relief of acquiring land for free, you’ll find you have even more resources available for your dream home and can allocate any leftover money to making your new town even more alluring for you, your family, and other future residents.

Building a new residential or commercial structure is an exciting venture, especially if you’re doing so for the first time! While it’s natural to feel somewhat intimidated by the process, it always helps to take everything in small, actionable steps — the first and foremost being purchasing land for your building. Aside from location and financing, there are several factors you’ll want to consider when buying your first piece of land, including zoning restrictions, water and sewage options, and sufficient access for construction equipment, to name a few. If you’re wondering where to get started, don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll break down some of the essential considerations for your property and how you can ensure total satisfaction and efficiency with your final decision.

Work with the Right Real Estate Agent 

Finding an experienced land real estate agent or real estate agent who specializes in land transactions is a must for any first-time property buyer, and finding one who specializes in your specific site needs is even more crucial! For example, many specialized land real estate agents only buy and sell horse-friendly properties or waterfront lots like those in Malibu, Carmel, or Miami, making them a wise choice for clients with property requirements beyond the standard must-haves. However, even if you don’t have any specific site needs, working with a local land agent is still incredibly beneficial, as they will have more in-depth knowledge about your area and local regulations.

While clients can hypothetically utilize a regular real estate agent or go it alone, the reality is that using a land agent or broker makes the entire purchasing process that much easier, better, and more cost-effective in the long run. With a trusted land specialist helping you identify suitable properties, navigate municipal regulations, and negotiate transactions, you can enjoy the experience of finding your perfect property and feel more confident in your resulting purchase.

Assess Land with Existing Infrastructure 

It never hurts to purchase an existing home with a few extra perks on its lot, like a detached garage, shop, or pavilion area, and the same goes for vacant properties. You may find that a site with additional assets, such as irrigation pumps or fenced pastures, could help cut building costs and make it more affordable to maintain the land over time. Before deciding to invest in a property with existing infrastructure, be sure to perform your due diligence to determine if the systems or structures in place are, in fact, operable or in satisfactory condition, especially since they could lead to additional expenses for repairs or replacement if not. Your land agent can help you with this process by obtaining the appropriate information from the seller or seller’s agent or helping you set up a site inspection.

Perform a Site Evaluation

Conducting a site evaluation is a necessary part of the land purchasing process, as this will help you better determine the suitability of your site and what issues, if any, you can anticipate with your property. For first-time buyers, we recommend visiting your chosen site several times during escrow to evaluate its unique characteristics and how they might impact the building process. For instance, some aspects that could increase the cost and time of construction include:

• Slopes, which may require extra foundational work
• Vegetation removal
• Well and septic hookups
• Unstable soils
• And any environmental concerns, such as wetlands, endangered species habitats, or flood zones

By assessing the land and any resources provided on it ahead of time, you can make a more informed decision with your land purchase. For more information on what to look for during your site evaluation, check out this in-depth land-buying checklist through BuildingAdvisor.com! 

Read the Fine Print

 Are there any *encumbrances or easements on the land? Before purchasing your property, carefully read all attachments and the complete title report for your site and discuss any incongruities with a title officer. Easements, such as power, road, and irrigation easements, may require the attention of a lawyer. By taking steps to learn more about easements, you can better understand who can come onto a property and reduce the potential for unwanted surprises later on.

*An encumbrance is a claim made by a person or party who is not the owner against a property. This claim is something to look for, as it can affect the transferability of the property and make it harder to do as you please with your land until lifted. An easement, on the other hand, is a type of encumbrance that outlines a party’s right to use or improve the property. It can also restrict the title owner from using or developing certain portions of the job site. 

Know Local Zoning Laws & Special Programs

What a buyer plans to do with a purchased property might make them eligible for special programs, which may reduce the accompanying property tax! For example, in some cases, land purchased exclusively for farm use may be eligible for unique tax assessment programs. To determine the applicability of these programs to you and your site, speak with a county tax assessor to learn more about your options and any limitations for use or development as it applies to your zoning status.

It’s also worth mentioning that zoning laws are subject to change, making it essential to understand how this may impact your use of the land in the future. As a current buyer, it’s always a good idea to research local zoning laws in addition to any proposed changes that could alter them later.

Make Your Dream a Reality

Finally, once you’ve taken the proper steps to evaluate and research suitable properties, it’s time to purchase your preferred site and start designing your dream structure! With the help of our team, you can either build off one of our pre-engineered building models or create a fully custom design based on your unique design ideas. No matter the complexities involved with your design or land, we’re here to help you make the most of both investments.

Have any questions or concerns? Feel free to call us at (888) 975-2057 to speak with an experienced representative. We’re always just a click or call away and can help you get your project off to a great start.

When brainstorming designs for new kits, our team always begins by looking for improvements to our existing collection. While our line of cabin kits continues to evolve with enhancements like modern alternatives and A-frames, we also noticed a growing need for cabins with built-in vehicle storage for greater functionality, safety, and value. Today, we’re proud to announce our brand-new line of cabin kits with garages that fulfill that need while boasting efficient, family-friendly floor plans that offer dozens of possibilities for your space.

With our cabins with garages, you can easily create the ideal family home, vacation rental, backyard ADU, or anything else you envision for your property. Learn more about our all-new cabin models below! 

The Wildwood Cabin Kit

Our Wildwood Cabin Kit is the largest pre-engineered model in our line of cabins with garages, with this design boasting a three-bedroom, three-bathroom floor plan across two stories. With 2,104 square feet of conditioned living space, plus a 494 sq. ft. covered porch and 523 sq. ft. garage, you can configure this layout to serve as a cozy cabin-style home or a beautiful Airbnb that offers short-term and long-term hosting capabilities. 

The Sherwood Cabin Kit

The Sherwood is a striking L-shaped design with 1,885 square feet of conditioned living space, a 368 sq. ft. covered patio, and a 495 sq. ft. garage for efficient vehicle and equipment storage. A large window wall outside the great room adds character and improved natural lighting, while a stone fireplace gives the living space that authentic cabin feel. With this cabin kit, clients can enjoy a spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plan. Clients can also utilize a 440 sq. ft. loft area for additional storage or as an adorable lofted bedroom. 

The Cottonwood Cabin Kit

The Cottonwood may be our most compact cabin kit with a garage, but what it lacks in square footage, it certainly makes up for in charm and curb appeal! Like our Wildwood and Sherwood, we designed this model with stick-framing methods and timber rafters to create an expansive interior with beautiful exposed wood members and minimal structural posts. Our Cottonwood offers a 1,480 sq. ft. floor plan with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an inviting open-concept living space. A 484 sq. ft. garage and a charming 180 sq. ft. covered porch also contribute to this model’s desirability, making it a perfect primary home or vacation rental that will surely increase the value of your property. 

Want to learn more about our cabins with garages? Give us a call at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote for your preferred model here!