Adding Electricity and Plumbing to Your Cabin
If you are connecting to utilities, decide on which fixtures you want in your cabin, their measurements, how many, and where they will be installed. This will help you map out an electrical and plumbing plan that is up to code and hire a local plumber and electrician to do the work.
Going Off-Grid or On-Grid?
The land you build your cabin kit on is as much of a personal decision as is connecting to utilities or going off-grid. It also plays a big role in how you power your cabin, manage septic waste, and where you get your water. Discussing the finer points of this topic could warrant an entire article of its own, but it boils down to those three factors: water, power, and septic.
If you’re going off-grid, make sure you have easy access to a nearby water source that is safe enough to use for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, like a well or spring. Alternatively, you’ll have to pay for and connect to local water supply.
Second, are you using renewable energy, like solar panels or rainwater catchment, or keeping things totally unplugged? Solar panels are a popular option that need enough sunlight, proper roofing, installation, plus a steep cost upfront, though will likely be worth the investment.
If size, in which case, you’ll need to look into what utility companies are available nearby.
An off-grid solution for managing septic waste is a privy, in which case, doesn’t cost much but requires additional construction and minimal maintenance—and willing users. Or, purchasing a composting toilet that fits with your kit. If you’re staying on-grid, there’s the option to install plumbing or install a septic tank.