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Cabins, Product Launch

Introducing our New Line of Coastal Cabin Kits

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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! 

Employee Spotlight

Get to Know: Casey Rogness, Lead Designer

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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!

Construction, Investment Properties, Lifestyle

Free Real Estate? Here’s Where You Can Buy Land for $0 in the U.S.

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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.

Barn Kits, Construction

Buying Land 101: Tips for Purchasing Your Property

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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 that specializes in land transactions is a must for any first-time property buyer, and finding one that 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.

 

Cabins, Product Launch

Introducing our New Line of Cabins with Garages

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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! 

Barn Homes, Lifestyle, Process

The Do’s and Don’ts of High Desert Homes

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High desert regions like Joshua Tree, California, and Bend, Oregon, have experienced substantial growth over the last decade — and once you’ve visited areas like it, you can understand why. With their wide-open landscapes, expansive sky views, and vast array of plant and animal life, these high desert regions offer an alluring contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life. Not to mention these growing towns often feature the best hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and off-roading activities of any region, making them highly desirable to outdoor enthusiasts who crave adventure within a natural setting.

That said, building a home in a high desert area can pose several challenges for homeowners, with considerations like extreme temperatures, water availability, and fire risks playing a significant role in the final design and selection of your materials. If you plan to build in a high desert region, here are some of our recommended do’s and don’ts for your upcoming residential project:

Do: Use Appropriate Wood

High-quality timbers like ours are incredibly durable and dense building materials that perform outstandingly in various climates. However, that doesn’t mean these materials are necessarily impervious to the extremes of high desert regions. While our Douglas fir lumber makes a solid and beautiful siding material, this wood type can be susceptible to damage caused by UV degradation. Because of this, we recommend applying a UV-resistant finish to your wood, especially if you plan to include this siding material as part of your exterior. Western red cedar and redwood are also great options for your siding, as these wood species are naturally suited to handle the desert’s dry and harsh weather conditions.

Our team offers an exclusive pre-staining service that helps save you time on the job site and ensure long-lasting results for your siding. Our pre-stain machine evenly coats all six sides of your framing lumber, providing complete protection and coverage for your investment. We offer Timber Pro UV natural wood stains and finishes as part of this industry-leading service. To learn more about their available stains and the benefits of using Timber Pro UV, visit their site here!

Do: Plan for Thermal Insulation

Given the extreme temperature shifts of high desert regions, you’ll want to take the proper precautions to ensure your home is well-insulated and equipped to keep you safe and comfortable in any season. By selecting high-quality insulation materials and techniques for your home, you can help drive heat and humidity out during the summer and keep your place warm on chilly winter nights. When deciding on insulation for your high desert home, you’ll want to look for options that yield a high R-value, like spray foam insulation and structural insulated panels. However, clients should always consult their contractor or a local expert to ensure their insulation choice meets the requirements of their specific location and build.

Do: Install Quality HVAC Systems

Installing an efficient and effective heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is a must for any high desert homeowner, especially if temperatures reach up to 115°F or higher in their region. According to Architectural Digest, some of the best HVAC systems you can invest in for your home are through Lennox and Carrier. Lennox partners with Energy Star to offer some of the most energy-efficient air conditioning systems on the market, including units with high seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER). Carrier also offers top-tier HVAC options known for their quiet operation and energy efficiency, with most systems boasting high SEER ratings.

Do: Protect Against the Sun

High desert regions are notorious for their scorching summers. To protect your wood home against high heat and constant sun exposure, consider how your design and materials can help preserve the naturally durable qualities of your structure. For instance, and as mentioned earlier, clients should consider applying a UV-resistant stain to their siding for maximum protection, especially heavily pigmented options like semi-solid and solid color stains. The color of your roof can also play an important role in repelling heat and boosting your home’s energy efficiency, with lighter colors providing a “cooler” surface that helps direct heat away from your home.

Don’t: Ignore Fire Risks

Fire safety is one of the most important considerations involved in the design of a high desert home. As wildfires continue to intensify across the globe, homeowners need to consider how they can best protect their structures and families if a wildfire starts to spread in their area. At DC Structures, we offer several fire-safe building materials for our clients, including non-combustible cladding material through James Hardie and dual- and triple-pane glass windows through Andersen and Pella. To learn more about our available fire-safe materials and commitment to protecting your structure, visit our Fire Safety page here.

Don’t: Overlook Ventilation

Good airflow is essential in any desert environment, considering there’s nothing worse than dealing with unwanted heat and humidity inside your home. When crafting your high desert abode, don’t forget to plan for plenty of ventilation options like windows and doors. Our vented and windowed cupolas are also a fantastic addition for clients planning to build in the desert, as these gable-roof structures help improve the overall ventilation and airflow inside your space.

Don’t: Neglect Water Efficiency

Water scarcity can be a big concern for homeowners in remote high desert areas, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be top of mind for those in more developed desert regions. By incorporating water-efficient appliances and fixtures in your home, you can significantly reduce your water and energy consumption while conserving the critical water supply of your town. Clients can also help minimize water use by xeriscaping their backyards, which includes slow-growing drought-tolerant plants like perennials and cacti.

Don’t: Skip Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance and upkeep are critical for any home, let alone a wood-clad structure in the desert. To ensure your home remains strong and beautiful long past installation, you should plan to re-stain your siding every year or so for the first few years after construction wraps. While maintenance requirements vary by location, the extreme weather and temperature conditions of high desert regions make consistent cleaning and upkeep necessary for peak performance and longevity.

Interested in learning more? Call us today at (888) 975-2057 to speak to one of our representatives or request a quote here if you’re ready to get started on your high-desert design.

Custom Designs, Product Launch

Introducing our New Line of Custom Home Kits

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The term “custom home” conjures up a broad range of designs for most people, from rustic timber frame and post and beam homes to Southwestern adobes and contemporary farmhouses. While primarily used to describe a tailor-made home personalized to its owner, we also thought this term made perfect sense for our brand-new home kit collection, considering these residential designs encompass several different architectural styles, building methods, and floor plan opportunities. With our custom home kits, you can create a unique and luxurious residence from one of several distinct starting points, including our Terrebonne ranch-style home, our Trillium modern home, and our Applegate farmhouse. If you’re interested in building a beautiful home outside our signature barn style, keep reading below to see what new and exciting options are available to you and your family! 

The Terrebonne 

The Terrebonne is a ranch-style home with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, multiple bonus rooms, and a wraparound covered porch that gives your exterior a cozy countryside feel. With this residential design, you can look forward to dozens of attractive features in your space, including two-story high ceilings in the great room, a catwalk loft above, and gorgeous Andersen windows and doors. We designed this pre-engineered building model with Douglas fir timbers and open web floor trusses to create an incredibly durable framework for your home that leads to expansive, wide-open spaces inside. For clients seeking a Southwestern-inspired home built for any location or climate, our Terrebonne could be the ideal choice for you. 

The Tryon

The Tryon is an impressive Craftsman-style home inspired by our Eugene Custom Home project. This pre-engineered building model features a whopping 4,511 sq. ft. floor plan that includes five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and an open-concept living space with access to a 1,155 sq. ft. outdoor patio area. Our clients designed their Eugene Custom Home with a full basement to fit their hillside property characteristics, which we can add for you if your site calls for it or if you desire more room for your hobbies. No matter your vision, our experienced designers can help you turn your Tryon into the heavy timber home you’ve always wanted.

The Alder 

Our Alder Custom Home Kit boasts a rustic mountain design reminiscent of modern wood lodges and homes. With its high-quality craftsmanship, angular layout, and attention to detail, this heavy timber structure offers an enticing blend of artistry and simplicity. Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a den, an office, two hobby rooms, and a two-car garage. A covered porch in the back provides a relaxing setting for after-work hangouts, family gatherings, and more. With hundreds of customization options and high-quality materials available for your home, you can easily personalize your Alder to meet your needs, style, and location. 

Not seeing what you’re looking for? We also offer contemporary farmhouse and modern home kits under our Custom Homes category that may suit your vision better! 

For more information on our farmhouse home kits, please visit our Farmhouse Home Kits page here. 

For more information on our modern home kits, please visit our Modern Home Kits page here. 

Custom Designs, DIY, Lifestyle

The 7 Essentials of Farmhouse Design

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Farmhouse design is a timeless aesthetic defined by its large open floor plans, wraparound porches, and rustic exposed wood members. This design style focuses on functionality and simplicity above everything else, making it the perfect solution for those seeking an interior that grows in value and popularity with age. Whether you’re planning to redesign your living space or build a custom farmhouse from the ground up, there are plenty of ways to bring the charm and beauty of modern farmhouse living into your home. With so much to think about, let our team help guide you in the right direction with these seven essentials for farmhouse design:

Reclaimed Materials

When designing your dream farmhouse, using reclaimed materials is a must! Reclaimed materials can be wood, steel, wool, or any type of material that has been used previously and is re-used in its original condition. Wood is perhaps the most commonly used reclaimed material in farmhouse-style homes. You can find reclaimed wood on the side of a barn or vintage support beams salvaged from an abandoned building. Additionally, you can always create an accent wall with reclaimed wood paneling for an added rustic touch.

Neutral Color Schemes

When it comes time to choose your paint and color scheme, neutral tones tend to be a natural choice because they help make rooms appear larger and brighter. Colors such as off-white, grey, beige, or light blue make the perfect backdrop for a contemporary farmhouse. With a neutral color scheme, you can create an inviting environment for all your guests.

Minimalism

While the traditional farmhouse is still adored, modern farmhouse style has steadily been gaining traction. Minimalism, known for its clean lines and simplicity, works to create a modern and uncluttered feel. When minimalism is combined with rustic accents, it can bring out the ultimate cozy vibes for your space. If you’re looking for ways to highlight the bare essentials of your home, here’s a great resource for incorporating minimalist features into your farmhouse interior. 

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers are a wonderful way to add color and texture to your farmhouse. Cowhide, jute, and hemp make fantastic materials for rugs to pad your beautiful hardwood floors, while wool and organic cotton make warm, comfy blankets for chilly winter nights. Considering natural fibers are sustainable and renewable, these materials offer a healthy choice for you and your home!

Natural Light

Since many farmhouses were built before the days of electricity, using natural light was essential. Even once homes were wired for electricity, the use of natural light was still a popular option because it helped cut utility costs Large picture windows and skylights will bring in the warm glow of the sun, working to create an airy and bright atmosphere. Additionally, adding a windowed or vented cupola to your design helps ventilate your interior and enhance the natural lighting of your space! 

Exposed Wood Beams

Another way to incorporate reclaimed materials into your farmhouse would be to use reclaimed wood to create exposed beams throughout your home. Exposed beams can be structural or decorative — the choice is up to you and your design team! Keep in mind that exposed wood beams are certainly a must-have when it comes to designing your dream home. 

Wraparound Porches

One last, and possibly most important, essential of farmhouse design is the inclusion of a wraparound porch or veranda. A wraparound patio provides the ideal place to enjoy summer sunsets and even snowy winter nights by your gas-burning fire pit, giving you a year-round place to relax in and soak up the beauty of the great outdoors. 

We’ve covered everything from reclaimed materials to minimalism and natural fibers. There is so much you can do to make your farmhouse feel like home, but with these seven design essentials, you’ll be living your farmhouse dream in no time!

Interested in designing a farmhouse-style home through DC? Be sure to request a quote today or give us a call at (888) 975-2057! 

Product Launch, Timber Frame

Introducing Our New Line of Modern Home Kits

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There’s a lot to look forward to with the future of heavy timber construction — and the design and construction industry as a whole, for that matter. As sustainability becomes more of a priority than a luxury for new building developments, companies like ours are leaning hard into the possibilities provided by green materials like cross-laminated timbers and structural insulated panels (or SIPs); and investing in state-of-the-art technologies that allow us to provide faster, more complete solutions that benefit our clients and the planet.

One of the ways we’re pushing the industry forward is by creating more hybrid structures that feature a combination of heavy timber and conventional framing methods, and that includes our new line of modern home kits. By combining our heavy timbers with other building materials, we can highlight the natural beauty and sustainability of your space while cutting costs in less important areas of your home. Moreover, our modern home kits present the perfect opportunity to create a stunning residence that embodies the sleek, minimalistic style of the future while utilizing eco-friendly materials and designs that prioritize energy efficiency.

If you’re interested in designing a beautiful and naturally sustainable home for your property, keep reading below to learn more about our new modern home kits and the various ways we can customize your investment!

The Skyline Modern Home Kit

The Skyline is a striking modern home defined by its use of clean lines and mixed siding materials. We designed this home with a combination of select-grade Douglas fir timbers and parallel chord roof trusses to create an expansive interior that accentuates our premium heavy timbers while providing our clients with total creative freedom inside their space. Our sample floor plan includes three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a two-car garage, and plenty of flexible, recreational space, though you can easily reconfigure this layout to meet your needs. With a modern home kit like the Skyline, the sky is truly the limit to what you can do with your building investment!

The Trillium Modern Home Kit

Our Trillium Modern Home Kit offers the best of both worlds in terms of style and function. With its massive window walls, exposed rafters, and sloped rooflines, this modern home design offers optimal natural light and energy efficiency inside a remarkably beautiful setting. It also provides an abundance of flexible space that you can customize according to your needs and preferences. This floor plan features 3,540 square feet of conditioned living space, including four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a two-car garage, a spacious bonus room, and a magnificent outdoor living space. If you’re seeking an impressive modern home that seamlessly blends our signature heavy timber style with contemporary architecture, our Trillium is the perfect fit for you.

The Timberline Modern Home Kit

Inspired by our popular Cornelius Contemporary Custom Home project, this modern home is a magazine-worthy residential design that offers dozens of possibilities for your space. Floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized heavy timbers, and sloped rooflines take center stage in this structure, making it a stunning modern oasis that’s guaranteed to increase the value of your property. This modern home comes with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, an open-concept living space, an office, a TV room, and a garage – all of which you can tailor to your desired layout. Although this design is naturally suited to scenic or cliffside properties, our designers can help you modify your Timberline to match your unique site characteristics.

Ready to get started on your modern home project? Give us a call today at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote online here!

Investment Properties, Lifestyle, Recreation

Best U.S. Cities to Invest in an Airbnb or Vacation Rental

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In 2022, over 60 million Americans booked a stay in a vacation rental. As Airbnb and vacation rentals continue to grow in popularity, now may be the time to consider investing in a vacation rental property, especially if you’re looking for new ways to earn passive income on your property. Though not all cities allow short-stay rentals, here are a few top cities in the U.S. where Airbnb and short-stay rentals are not only legal but bound to be lucrative investments! 

Boulder, Colorado 

Boulder, Colorado, is a city that’s grown exponentially within the last decade, making it a prime location to invest in a vacation rental property. From its lively downtown filled with breweries and farm-to-table restaurants to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this popular city that hosts about 3.3 million visitors annually.

Boulder is a true hiker’s paradise. With over 300 miles of hiking trails and 45,000 acres of open spaces to explore, your guests could spend their entire summer exploring new trails and sights. After a long day of hitting the trails, visitors can also choose from a variety of amazing restaurants where they can relax and refuel. Boulder Valley is known for its bounty of homegrown fare, gorgeous outdoor dining views, and abundance of breweries. If you’re looking for an outdoorsy, artistic, and food-centered location for your vacation rental property, Boulder is certainly a top choice.  

Boise, Idaho

If access to nature and wildlife is first on your list of must-haves, consider Boise, Idaho, for your vacation rental property. In 2021, the state of Idaho had a record year for tourism; and in 2018, as well as 2020, Boise was listed by Forbes as the fastest-growing city in the country, making it one of the most exciting and promising cities for new vacation rentals. 

In the summertime, Boise is the perfect place to hike to waterfalls or experience the best whitewater rafting in the country; and in the winter, skiers and snowboarders can take to the slopes for a day of fun and exercise. When visitors aren’t exploring the outdoors, they can always grab a brew and relax at one of over twenty Boise breweries, or end their day at the Knitting Factory for a fun night of music and dancing if they prefer something a bit more energetic. If you’re looking to invest in a vacation rental property or Airbnb in a growing city full of diversity and life, Boise will not disappoint your guests by any means! 

Austin, Texas

Otherwise known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas, welcomes over 30 million visitors annually, making it the number one tourist destination in the Southwest. World-famous festivals such as the SXSW tech conference and Austin City Limits Music Festival bring travelers from across the globe. As the state capitol of Texas, Austin is full of history, with this city being home to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Bullock Texas State History Museum. Considering everything this city has to offer, your visitors will never be short on activities — or delicious Tex-Mex food, for that matter. 

Santa Barbara, California

Known for its wide stretch of sandy beaches and consistently sunny weather, Santa Barbara brings thousands of tourists throughout the year. Santa Barbara boasts fine dining, manicured gardens, and world-class wineries — all within a beautiful seaside landscape that visitors will love. Whether guests enjoy relaxing on the beach, surfing, or visiting countless art galleries and museums, it won’t be hard to find something fun to do in this stunning coastal town. With a potential monthly revenue of $7,361 or more, and a steady occupancy rate of 68%, Santa Barbara is the second-best market in California to start an Airbnb business. We believe this southern California beach town will bring plenty of visitors if this is where you decide to invest! 

Sunriver, Oregon

This beautiful high desert city in Central Oregon is known for its stunning golf courses that play home to championship golf. Crosswater Club, Sunriver’s most popular golf club, was deemed a Golf Digest Top 100 course. Tourists are also attracted to Sunriver for its easy access to the Deschutes River, Mt. Bachelor, and the vibrant downtown area of Bend. In 2021, Sunriver saw a 309% increase in online visitor guide requests, as well as over 2,000 more tourists at the Sunriver Visitor Center. For all that Sunriver has to offer, it’s easy to see why someone would consider this city for their investment vacation rental property.

Reno, Nevada

Famously known for its casino and tourism industry, The Biggest Little City in the World is nestled just east of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. In 2019, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority reported an estimated 4.5 million passenger visits to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport — its highest total in a decade. Every year, bowlers from across the country flock to Reno in hopes of becoming the national bowling champion. Reno has hosted the United States Bowling Congress’s Open Championships for the last 119 years. This year, the tournament will run for a consecutive 135 days. The way we see it, tourism in Reno doesn’t seem to be slowing anytime soon; and that’s why we feel it’s a great choice when looking for an investment Airbnb! 

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish, Montana, is an outdoor lover’s dream destination. Biking, boating, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding are all activities that bring tourists to Whitefish, Montana, as well as being just a short day’s trip to Glacier National Park. It’s estimated that over 11 million people visit Whitefish annually. Folks tend to love Whitefish because of its quaint, Western feel and majestic mountain backdrop. Whitefish also seems to be one of the most inviting cities in the country; and with endless outdoor adventures, it’s sure to be a winning investment property locale.

 

From the high desert in Sunriver to the bustling metropolis of Austin, there are many great options for you to consider for your investment property. We know you have plenty of choices when investing in an Airbnb or vacation rental, but we think any of these cities would make a fine choice for an investment property location. Looking for inspiration for your build? We offer several pre-engineered cabin kits that you can easily modify to meet your needs and those of your guests.

If you’re ready to get started on your project, request a quote here or give us a call today at (888) 975-2057!

Custom Designs, Materials Package, Product Launch

Introducing Our New Line of Farmhouse Home Kits

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Farmhouse homes have long been a staple of American history, with some of the earliest-known farmhouses dating all the way back to the 1700s and 1800s. Though farmhouses first appeared as simple, single-story rural homes for farm workers and their families, this iconic home style has since evolved to encompass all the comforts we associated with a traditional countryside home while boasting modern amenities designed for today’s homeowners. 

At DC Structures, we’ve designed our farmhouse home kits to include many of the classic Americana elements that make this home style feel close to its farming roots, like covered porches, gable dormers, and board and batten siding, while offering modern finishes and clean lines that bring these homes into the 21st century. Built with concealed clear-span trusses, these farmhouse home designs feature wide-open interiors with vaulted ceilings that allow you to do anything you wish with virtually any space in your home. 

If you’re interested in building a homey yet sophisticated farmhouse home on your property, keep reading below to see why you should consider our Applegate and Juniper pre-engineered farmhouse home kits for your upcoming residential project: 

Applegate Farmhouse Home Kit

The Applegate Farmhouse Home Kit is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with tons of natural charm, warmth, and utility. This pre-engineered building model offers 3,123 sq. ft. of conditioned living space that includes an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space with a walk-in pantry, two bedrooms (including a generous primary bedroom suite), two bathrooms, and a mudroom and laundry on the first floor; and two bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a spacious storage room on the second floor.

A 257 sq. ft. covered porch outside the main entrance gives this home a distinct countryside feel, while modern features like Andersen windows and patio doors accentuate the contemporary nature of this design. Clients who choose this model can also utilize an attached 1,121 sq. ft. two-car garage for vehicle and equipment storage or as a personalized workshop space. Our sample floor plans come with open-ended layouts that you can easily tailor to suit your lifestyle needs. We also offer endless modification options that allow you to remove, add, or change any design elements to more closely resemble your vision. 

Want to learn more about the Applegate? Click here to view the Applegate kit page for more pricing, materials, and sizing details. 

Juniper Farmhouse Home Kit

Our Juniper Farmhouse Home Kit offers a more traditional appearance for your new home, with gable dormers, pitched gable roofs, and covered porches contributing to its timeless appeal. Inside, you’ll find an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area with a walk-in pantry on the first floor. To the left of the kitchen and dining room are two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a mudroom and laundry area. On the opposite wing, a primary bedroom suite and a spacious 210 sq. ft. study offer the ideal set-up for parents, business owners, and creative professionals. 

Upstairs, a loft area with a full bathroom overlooks the great room below. This space can function as an office, gym area, music studio, or anything else you can envision. Unlike the Applegate, our Juniper Farmhouse Kit doesn’t include an attached garage space as part of the standard design and materials package. However, clients can work with our designers to add a garage to their model or create even a separate garage or workshop space on their property. 

Want to learn more about the Juniper? Click here to view the Juniper kit page for more pricing, materials, and sizing details. 

 

Interested in owning a farmhouse home like the Applegate or Juniper? Call today at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote here to speak with one of our representatives about your unique vision. 

Construction, Engineered Barn Kit

Why the DC Approach Benefits Builders

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Most of us are familiar with the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but what about “It takes a village to raise a structure?” When you consider all the moving parts that go into designing and building a structure from the ground up, it’s hard to imagine a construction project moving forward with even one key player missing from the picture.

At DC Structures, we understand the value of teamwork better than anyone, especially when it comes to collaborating with our clients’ contractors and those within our Builder Network. Having been builders ourselves at one point, we know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the design and prefabrication process and have taken great care to ensure our approach and products center the needs of builders at every stage – even past the point of kit delivery.

From our custom design capabilities to our industry-leading Simple Build System and world-class builder support, our company offers several ways for builders to engage with our team, utilize our expertise, and streamline their processes to achieve the best results for their builds. If you’re a contractor interested in working with DC, here are a few reasons to consider partnering with us for all your design, off-site manufacturing, engineering, and material procurement needs.

One-Stop Design Shop

Whether you’re seeking custom design plans, structural design assistance, or a complete interior design solution, our team is here to help you with any design-related needs for your projects. Using state-of-the-art 3D design software, our experienced designers can take your ideas for a one-of-a-kind structure and transform them into a dynamic 3D model that you can explore and modify in real time. Within this same program, our team can also develop a structural model of your building and identify all connection points, placements, dimensions, and quantities for your framing components to ensure total accuracy and efficiency for construction.

For a complete look at our design capabilities, visit our Builder Network Offering page to learn more about our architectural design, structural design, interior design, and plan library services!

Premium Materials Supply

Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, our team offers exclusive access to some of the most valuable timber exports in the world, including select-grade Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and coastal redwood. Our close mill-direct relationships allow us to source the finest heavy timbers in the region at competitive pricing, which we can then pass on to you and your clients. Because our team buys lumber in bulk, we also benefit from additional discounts on various wood products ranging from standard 4” x 4”s to cross-laminated timbers and beyond. With DC sourcing your lumber for you, you can create incredibly beautiful and durable buildings that your clients will love and that work within your budget.

Nationwide Engineering

Our engineering partner – licensed in all 50 states – is available to review your design plans anytime you need them for a project. Whether you designed your structure through us or need engineering help with existing design plans, our engineering partner can step in to ensure your plans comply by local and regional building codes.

Simple Build System

Our Simple Build System is designed to make your installation process faster, better, and more accurate than ever before! Using our CNC precision woodcutting machine, our team will turn your design plans into precisely pre-cut, pre-drilled, and individually labeled pieces of framing lumber, which we will then bundle together in wall sections and ship directly to your job site. By prefabricating your framing components prior to construction, we can guarantee a smooth, time-saving construction process that results in:

  • 30% to 50% fewer framing hours than conventionally built structures
  • Considerable time and money savings for you and your clients
  • A far less labor-intensive framing process
  • And reduced noise, dust, and pollution on the job site

Learn more about the benefits of our Simple Build System by watching our Best Practices: Simple Build System video here!

On-Call Builder Support

Just as we would never want to leave clients in the dark on their project details, we would never want to leave builders with unanswered questions or concerns during construction. That’s why we offer on-call builder support that allows you to speak with an experienced team member whenever you need guidance in the field. We also offer a library of instructional videos for visual assistance and a helpful 3D CAD viewer that you can use to view, zoom in, and explore your 3D structural model while on-site. From the time your pre-engineered building kit is delivered to move-in day, you can count on our team to be there for you every step of the way.

Referrals, Referrals, Referrals

Finally, working with a reputable company like DC Structures also means having the opportunity to work with dozens of amazing clients across the country. We get hundreds of calls each month from prospective clients all over the nation, from California to Texas to New York, and would love the chance to pair them with an experienced builder, like you, in their area.

Want to learn more about how our approach benefits builders? Give us a call today at (888) 975-2057 or email us at [email protected] to speak with our builder network representative.