Colorado Arched Cabin Compound
3-Year Build Schedule | San Luis Valley | 8,000ft Elevation
Total Project Cost
$106,500
DIY with strategic contractor help
Build Timeline
3 Years
8 seasonal trips from NYC
Total Square Footage
1,776 ft²
4 buildings + octagonal deck
Average Cost Per Trip
$13,300
Materials + tools + contractors
Year 1: Foundation & Main House
$38,500
Spring (April - May)
10-14 days
$15,500
Site clearing and grading
Drill water well (contractor)
Dig foundation holes for main house
Pour concrete piers
Order Arched Cabin kit
Best weather window. Frost risk diminishing. Ground thawing.
Summer (July - August)
14 days
$23,000
Install beams and floor joists
Subfloor installation
Erect main house kit with helpers
Install roof sheeting
Frame and close in end walls
Basic weatherproofing
Peak building season. Afternoon thunderstorms common.
Fall
Skip this season - Winter prep in NYC
Main house secured for winter
Winter
Too cold for construction
Plan and order materials remotely
Year 2: Infrastructure & First Cabin
$39,000
Spring (April - May)
10 days
$12,000
Main house interior insulation
Electrical rough-in
PEX plumbing installation
Install septic system (contractor)
Begin solar panel installation
Focus on interior work if weather is unpredictable.
Summer (July)
14 days
$15,000
Finish main house drywall
Pour foundation for Cabin 1
Build deck/joists for Cabin 1
Erect Cabin 1 kit
Complete solar installation
Ideal for heavy construction. Long daylight hours.
Fall (September)
10 days
$12,000
Cabin 1 interior work
Install wood stoves (2)
Basic kitchen setup
Flooring installation
Test all systems before winter
Great weather. Prepare for first winter occupancy.
Winter
Main house & Cabin 1 now livable!
Can visit for skiing/winter testing
Year 3: Remaining Cabins & Deck
$29,000
Spring (May)
10 days
$11,000
Foundation for Cabins 2 & 3
Pour piers for octagonal deck
Build floor systems
Order final cabin kits
Later start to ensure no frost issues.
Summer (July)
14 days
$12,000
Erect both remaining cabin kits
Complete all roof sheeting
Frame octagonal deck structure
Run utilities to all buildings
Push hard - this is the final major construction.
Fall (September)
10 days
$6,000
Interior finishing on final cabins
Complete octagonal deck
Install remaining wood stoves
Final electrical connections
Landscaping central courtyard
CELEBRATE COMPLETION!
Perfect weather for finishing touches.