Marc and Michele split their time between Canada and the US. Take a look at their experience building a custom 44x24 home package in Whatcom County, Washington.

Q) What Made You Choose Knotty Pine Cabins to Build Your Custom ­­­­44x24?

A) We came across it on social media. The moment we investigated the company, product, quality and design we immediately knew that someday, when we were ready to build a cabin, it would be a Knotty Pine Cabin. 

Q) How Would You Describe the Quality of Craftsmanship & the Support Received from the Kpc Team?

A) 20/10 for quality and support. From our first conversation with Don to our last conversation with Jeremy it has been top class for form, function, quality, and support.

We built this one ourselves and it is unique as we didn’t hire out the work other than the foundation, electrical, etc. We built this ourselves and we are not builders. Neighbors would come by and ask all sorts of questions and its literally like an IKEA build because the company gave us a full manual and we could just flip to the page of the process. The manual you gave us was amazing and when we did have issues we could call Jeremy on facetime. Through the entire process it was mostly Marc building this cabin. We spoke with Jeremy three times, but the manual was our main resource for each stage of the process. We picked up the product ourselves and it was like being a kid in a candy store. The team thought of everything, right down to every screw, nail and fastener. We even got rolls of screen for open truss spaces. Every part of it was included in the package and excellent quality. We love our cabin so much because it’s a Knotty Pine Cabin.

What Would You Say Was the Most Challenging Part of the Process?

A) Nothing really challenging, it was a joy. Insulation was a slog but the whole time we were excited. It wasn’t hard to figure out, we sing your praises. In hindsight, we wouldn’t have known about flashing but because we had the manual, we could look at it every step of the way.

For a do-it-yourself/owner builder, no step along the way was out of our league or challenging. We are a testament to the fact that it can be done by yourself, its not going to be a cake walk but it can be done by an owner without building experience. Everything was done by hand, plywood on the walls, roofing, we are rockstars! It is sheer labor but not hard. The 2 most laborious jobs were the tongue and groove exterior and interior. It wasn’t hard but it takes time.

Q) What Are Your Favorite Features in Your Custom Home?

A) Without a doubt the knotty pine tongue and groove interior. For those that choose drywall, you do you but the pine is such a beautiful product to have inside.

From a construction standpoint the walls are about 8 ½” when all said and done, our walls are so thick and solid. It is amazing. When we were considering building on the property, we looked at other straight manufactured homes with 2x4 outside walls and there was no way. Even a traditional stick build home our exterior would not be as thick or quality. Functionally and aesthetically the Knotty Pine interior is a favorite. Our daughter visited the KPC shop in Edmonton prior to the build. I remember her saying that Don showed her a cut out of the wall thickness. I will always remember that picture and it’s a great feature to the cabin. We set out to build a cabin, but we built a residential home. The community, family and friends watching the build in our small town all agreed it was not a cabin but a home.

Q) How was your experience from sales to building process?

A) We can’t say enough about Don, we love that man! He was so patient and kind. Every single interaction he was the most upbeat, positive and respectful person we have dealt with in business. He never waivered in his customer care. He is incredible. We built in Washington, USA so we had to adhere to the engineering standards and Don was a great help with that. We wouldn’t have known how to deal with all that.

Q) How many long have you been living in your home?

A) We finished construction 6 months ago. It is functional to live in year-round, we go every week. We can only use it 6 months out of the year from Canada to the US.

Q) How did the shipping process go for you getting your package to a remote location?

A) Client picked up themselves.

Q) How has this Cabin added value to your lives as a seasonal living space?

A) We use our cabin 6 months out of the year, functional to live in year-round. We go every weekend.

Q) Would You Recommend Knotty Pine Cabins to a Friend?

A) We have, to so many people!

Q) What Advice Do You Have for Anyone That’s Contemplating Building a Cabin or House?

A) Don’t hesitate and a self build is more than do-able. Do your homework, outside of the KPC cabin package check your out of county requirements before building.

Q) Do you have any additional comments about your experience?

A) It turned out more beautiful than we thought it would. The accessory box was great! Didn’t expect that level of detail. It makes it so simple for a DIY. Level of support from the team is so rare, customer service was excellent. Keep us in mind for any reference you need for clients in the US. We would be happy to speak with any customers looking to build in the US and share our story.

A special thanks to Marc and Michele for taking time out of their day to share their experience! Check out their Instagram Page for more photos and a step-by-step look at their build! If you are looking to build home in Canada or the US give us a call at 780.484.2224.