the TRUTH about building an A-frame cabin!

In this video, we talk about our initial plans to build an A-frame and why we are no longer building one. We absolutely love A-frames, but it seems like a lot of people are building them right now. Do you agree?

// BOOK OUR A-FRAME ON AIRBNB:

// OUR WEBSITE + SOCIAL

// GEAR TO MAKE YOUTUBE VIDEOS

*Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning we get a small kickback and you help support the channel if you decide to purchase something.

// CHAPTERS
00:00 - intro
00:53 - reason #1
4:45 - reason #2
10:00 - subscribe to see future videos!

// ABOUT US
We are Hunter and Derrik - a married couple from Michigan building a collection of cabins in one of our favorite spot on earth. Join us as we document the highs, the lows and everything in between throughout the process as we try to build one of the top airbnbs in Michigan! We also travel to other unique vacation and off-grid getaways around the world from time to time.

#BellaireMichigan #Airbnb #NorthofNowhere

[NorthofNowhere.]

Do you guys like A-frames? We certainly do!

[bradrook]

I built a 1400+ square foot A-frame last year in North Washington State we too get cold and snow...it was much cheaper to build than my original thought of a logcabin...by combining the roof and walls this saves money yet you do lose living space...I love mine its quaint and rustic yet modern.. I could care less how my A-frame stacks up against any other A-frame on any social media, though...Best Wishes!

[mintyfreshdeath]

Came here for actual information about building an A frame, instead I got rich people complaining about being rich.

[benjiL]

I'm pretty sure the reason you don't like a frames is because you weren't going to build it yourself, A frames were made to be constructed by amateurs, kind-of like an Ikea house. They're super easy to build because the walls and roof are the same thing, so you can basically make 50 degree angles with the rafters and lift them into place.

[mephisto]

I can't imagine 'standing out on social media' being a criteria for the type of home I choose.

[thetuningroom]

Alright….so you might have wanted to state you guys never planned on living in it, and that your intention was to use this as an Airbnb business.

[Cowdog]

Two years from now: Someone will make a video about how they are not going to build a tower design because it's tough to stand out from all the other tower designs. We're building round.

[curiouslycory]

TLDR; don't put your retirement dreams in the hands of AirBnb. (which may or may not even be allowed by the time you finish your cabin in your area)

[MapleRidgeWoodworks]

I'm a builder in Northern Michigan. We're over in Alpena and do not see a lot of A-frames. There are a few and I've always been intrigued by them and have also considered a build out for a short term rental. Another cost efficient method I am considering is a mountain style (shed roof). Its interesting to see how different styles come and go and how people tend to gravitate back to the old school simple methods!

[dmaker]

I have fallen in love with A-frames recently. I have started some new designs and have put up my first animation for a simple A-frame sleepout on my channel.

[danielanthony]

I really, really tried to get your purpose for this video. What im left with is that its not cost affective. I think maybe your area of the country, supply issues and higher builder costs of Northern states are more the issue. Not all Northern states. In Southern Appalachia we build A-frames that are Very cost efficient wich are very affordable. I know in Maine through my builder friends that it's way more efficient and affordable to go with A-frames than traditional which are alot more complicated to build and it gets pretty cold in Maine. So to anyone thinking of an A-frame dont get scared off because of someone else's experience do your own research, just sayin.

[marcelcicort]

TRUTH is what got me because you were sincere about not only the actual home but your overall content strategy around that..

[naimshabani]

The quality of this Video is so immaculate that when I saw you only had 1.6k subs I was shocked. Love this content. keep making more videos.

[nickyp]

I love A-frames ❤! Especially ones built in the 1960's and 70's!

[kellysmith]

Great points, l am obsessed with A Frames and it does appear to be a global trend, this type of home has become the architectural zeitgeist. A collective longing for the ambience, the fireplace, the soaring ceilings, the windows, the environment.

[SofiaFreja]

We are building a 1400 sq ft aframe in Washington state in the Cascades. Our state building codes are more strict than Michigan (I know because I am from michigan and have built there). We have heavy snow and earthquakes (something Michiganians don't deal with). Our aframe will have a standing seam metal roof, like the one noted in this video. Our build costs are $250 per sq ft. That doesn't include septic ($25k), electricity extension ($20k), final appliances, or the price of land. But it does include the foundation.

The costs discussed in this video made me bust out laughing. Getting engineered lumber, roofing, and insulation is not that difficult or all that expensive. R Value requirements also don't require spray foam. We are managing our own project, not using a general contractor, which only doubles costs.

[tinamcmichael]

I love A Frames; as a matter of fact I'm looking bc I want a tiny home. Thank you for sharing!

[victoryengineer]

Great job on your video and very good points as well. Maybe because I'm not from a social media generation, but for me I have zero thought of standing out or not. An A-Frame can do well with spray foam insulation, foundation with insulation and in floor heating/HVAC provided by geo-thermal. Geo-thermal BTW even works exceptionally well even in Northern Mi where I also live (Cheboygan). Spray foam and geo-thermal are both items that make you cry once but pay huge dividends in the long run. My older home (but well insulated) has a 15 year old geo-thermal system and my biggest electric bill in the coldest winter months has never exceeded $240. I'm also a big user of electric in general.

[DeadCat-]

There are a couple large old A frames in my neighborhood. They stand out in from the craftsman style and Tudors that were popular in the area at the time.

[felixantoinetremblay]

A-frames are simple and cheap to build, as long as you design them on the basis of which materials you have access to.

For instance, back in the 60s-70s, you'd find 24' long dimensionnal lumber, which is not the case anymore. That being said, you'll find 20' long dimensionnal lumber pretty much everywhere. For instance, a 2x10x20 currently sells for less than 30 CAD in Quebec.

Obviously, that would make the cabin a lot smaller than what you were working on, but that explains the price difference.