Manufactured Log Homes vs. Our Amish Built Log Cabins

There is a lot of confusion in the construction industry regarding home building. Many consumers refer to pre-manufactured log homes and manufactured log homes interchangeably, though there are vast differences between the two. As an Amish-built log cabin company, we at Zook Cabins, hope to clarify the differences between these two styles. So let’s take you from confusion down the path to understanding.

What is the difference between an Amish-built log Cabin and a manufactured log cabin? 

Amish-built Log Cabin

At Zook Cabins, we view Amish-built log cabins as homes that Amish craftsmen have built.

Pretty simple, we know.

However, everyone views how log homes are built a bit differently.

For us, Amish-built log cabins are built in modules in our production facility. These modules are built to your local regulations and then delivered to your prepared site for completion and finishing. 

This allows us to ensure that your home will satisfy or exceed all of your municipality’s standards.

Sometimes, a company may build Amish-built cabins from total log timbers. Companies that offer these services would include Timberhaven Log and Timber Homes. Keep in mind that these homes can be challenging to build, and it can often be difficult to find contractors willing to take on such a project.

Amish-Built Log Cabin Features

At Zook Cabins, we consider many factors when creating our Amish-built log cabins. The list below gives a taste of what we believe to be part of that standard.

• They are permanent structures placed on a prepared log cabin foundation on site.
• The walls, flooring, roof, and entire structure are the same as any traditional stick-built home.
• They meet or exceed all residential building standards and codes.
• They appreciate in value like any traditional or stick-built home.

Manufactured Log Cabin

On the other hand, manufactured log cabins are built to the standards of a shed. However, the big difference is that these structures are entirely built in a shop. They are then delivered to your site fully assembled. We know this sounds like you are getting a similar product to what we offer.

However, manufactured log cabins do not have any requirements for building regulations. With this in mind, you may find that it is far more challenging to be able to live permanently in a manufactured log cabin in comparison to an Amish-built Log Cabin.

Manufactured log cabins may not have requirements on how they are to be constructed. However, there are a few items that most manufactured cabin builders keep in mind.  

• Built to Shed Specs
• May not be built to stick-built living standards
• Not built to any kind of code
• No clear appreciation value 

To be clear, we don’t think that manufactured cabins are a “bad thing”. We just want you to know that they are very different products from what we have to offer.

You may find that most manufactured cabin builders build their cabins to residential standards. However, there is no requirement to do so.

Do Amish-built Log Cabins or Manufactured Log Cabins Last Longer?

Generally, Amish-built log cabins will last longer than manufactured ones. Amish-built log cabins are created to the same standards as your typical home.

All of the products that we use are designed to stand the test of time, with years of research that have gone into the material selection process.

On the other hand, manufactured log cabins tend to focus on affordability rather than quality. Oftentimes, manufactured log cabins are built to emphasise speed and

Now, if you want to find a weekender cabin that you do not plan on living in full time, a finished-out manufactured log cabin may be all that you need to fulfill your log cabin wishes.

Just keep in mind that cheaper materials and a lack of building regulations can lead to more headaches in the long run if your local government has strict standards for what is allowed on your property.

Do Amish-built Log Cabins or Manufactured Cabins Take Longer To Build?

Generally, Amish-built log cabins will take longer to build than a manufactured log cabin. However, it’s not really fair to compare the two.

An Amish-built log cabin must be built to meet the standards of local zoning and building regulations. At specific points throughout the project, code enforcement must inspect and approve these homes.

Yet, manufactured log cabins are not required to meet any kind of specifications, allowing them to be built a bit more quickly.

Are Amish-built Log Cabins Built To Better Standards Than Manufactured Log Cabins?

Yes, Amish-built log cabins are built to better standards than those of manufactured log cabins. Every log cabin we build at Zook Cabins will be built to meet or exceed the specific requirements of your local municipality.

This means that you are getting the quality of a custom-built stick home. However, it is built off-site, allowing more control over the build environment. 

On the other hand, manufactured log cabins are typically built to the same standards as a shed.

While these structures are often built using standards similar to residential construction standards, there are no “check-ins” to ensure they have been built to the standards your municipality would qualify as a liveable structure.

Are Amish-built Log Cabins or Manufactured Log Cabins Cheaper?

Manufactured log cabins are going to be cheaper. So if getting the biggest bang for your buck is the most important thing to you, a manufactured cabin’s price will be difficult to beat.

On the other hand, Amish-built log cabins are going to cost you more but will appreciate in value.

Generally speaking, an Amish-built log cabin will increase in value by 3-5% a year, while a manufactured log cabin will typically go down in value. So in 5  years, you could have a 25% increase in value while your manufactured log cabin can depreciate by 30% in the same time.

Are Amish-built Log Cabins Considered Manufactured?

Yes and no. Our Amish-built log cabins are built in a controlled environment, which provides you with a faster turnaround and better pricing compared to traditional stick buildings. Since the units are built in a shop, some people would put this in the “manufactured” building field. That being said, based on a traditional definition of manufactured housing being entirely built and ready for use upon delivery, we would not fit that description.

Are Amish-built log Cabins considered Pre-Manufactured Homes?

Yes. At Zook Cabins, all of the homes we build for our clients are considered pre-manufactured homes. This means that our homes are built in modules and then delivered and connected together on your prepared foundation. Curious how this works? Please take a look at the video above and see how we created a beautiful Amish-built log cabin.

Do Amish-built Log Cabins and Manufactured Log Cabins Need To Be Placed on A Foundation?

Yes, all Amish-built and manufactured log cabins must be placed on a foundation.

Amish-built log cabins must be placed on a basement or crawl space foundation.

Manufactured log cabins must be placed on a gravel shed or cement slab foundation.

What Kind of Amish-built Log Cabins Does Zook Cabins Have to Offer?

The Mountaineer Deluxe

The Mountaineer Deluxe cabin is the expanded edition of the stunning Mountaineer and the inspiration for the Chalet cabin. This log cabin boasts an 18’ high soaring ceiling with magnificent windows which flood the cabin’s great room area with plenty of natural lighting.

The Mountaineer Deluxe offers a spacious and wide-open living quarters. This log cabin will be sure to win the admiration and envy of all your family and friends.

The Frontier

This beautiful log cabin shares the same interior space as our Settler Modular cabin but is set a part by its cozy side porch. Finally, a spot where you can enjoy your favorite cup of coffee! The Frontier’s layout includes a spacious living room area perfect for enjoying the company of your friends and family. Everyone will want to gather around in this cabin’s beautiful, inviting space.

The Pioneer

If you are looking for a log cabin that is not too big or too little, then the Pioneer fits the bill! The Pioneer Cabin is our largest ranch style cabin. This cabin’s charming gable porch allows you to extend your living space to the great outdoors! No need to settle for a cabin kit when you can make a space-efficient and economical Pioneer cabin your very own. The Pioneer cabin is the perfect place for a small family getaway to the mountains or to the woods!

The Chalet

The Chalet Cabin is one of our most visually stunning log cabin plans available, with expansive glass windows which allow abundant natural light and gorgeous views. Crafted in a steep A-frame style roof, this chalet-style modular log home is engineered to endure the most severe snow loads, fitting for regions like Maine and Colorado. Its breathtaking beauty is accentuated by floor plans designed to maximize outdoor views. This makes it perfect for locations boasting mountain vistas, serene lakesides, or secluded spots within wooded mountain landscapes.

Are there other kinds of Amish-built cabins?

Yes! At Zook Cabins, all of the cabins we have are Amish-built. So no matter if it’s a small glamping pod or a full-sized cabin, you can rest assured that you are getting the highest quality. If a full-sized Amish-built log cabin just isn’t your thing,  take a look at some of these other options.

Park Models

Park model cabins are built to RVIA standards and are often known as tiny homes. We offer both log and modern-style park model tiny homes. Because of their increasing popularity and sometimes tricky zoning laws, we have created a guide for tiny home (park model) regulations for each state that we currently deliver to.

Modern Cabins

The modern cabins that we build at Zook Cabins allow us to create unique living spaces with the same quality craftsmanship as our log cabins. Our modern cabins require the same kind of site preparation and prep work as our Amish-built log cabins. This means you will need to provide all utility hook-ups, water, septic, and most importantly, a foundation. 

ADUS

Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, offer you the ability to have a beautiful Amish-built home for a lower cost and smaller footprint. All of our ADUs are built to modular standards and will comply with all of your local building and zoning laws. With ADUS being a bit more focused on a matter of size, it is possible to use some of our smaller Amish-built log cabins can be used as an ADU as well. Simply check with your zoning board ot see what is permitted in your area.

Glamping Pods

Are you looking for a way to provide a unique stay in a small footprint? Maybe all you are looking to offer is a bedroom for guests when they come to visit. Our glamping pods may be just what you need! Offering you a fully climate-controlled space,  these units comfortably fit a bed and basic amenities.

The Bottom Line

When you started looking for information about log home builders and the possibility of owning a log cabin or pre-built hunting cabin, you may have thought that manufactured log homes sounded pretty good. We hope that since we have clearly pointed out the differences between these homes and the Amish cabins we build, you will now know what makes each cabin different. A modular log home that features solid construction, is thoroughly inspected, and is built to residential construction standards. Our Amish-built cabins are a worthy investment that will increase in value over time and can be handed down to the next generation with confidence!