Phil and Karen built a custom 44x24 home package in Crowsnest Pass, AB to both enjoy themselves and rent out to others. Take a look at their experience and feedback with Knotty Pine Cabins.

Q) What Made You Decide to Build a Cabin?

A) We live on a ski hill in the southern rockies and felt that a cabin was the right fit for the location.
We decided to build it ourselves both to save money and for the experience to build something,
ground up, with our son.

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

A) Our son showed us the KPC Instagram site and we immediately loved the Nordic style of clean lines, wood,
space and light in the designs. As well, the 44x24 was the perfect fit for our lot, with steep slopes
dictating a longer and shallow design.

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

A) Excellent! everything was better than standard. Trying to find T&G siding as thick as KPC’s included in their kit, is tricky. Can’t say enough about Don sticking with us as we built the cabin ourselves and encountered a few bumps along the way (our project grew into a up/down duplex). The KPC team was also quick and creative at adjusting our designs once we established that we were going to need to build a walkout underneath the kit.

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

A) Building the walkout (evolved from the steep slope that the property sits on). The KPC cabin
came with a kit and guidelines but the walkout, that it sat on, didn’t come with guidelines or a kit.
So that had to be designed and planned for on the spot and the KPC team was great at adapting
plans and suggestions for it in a timely way. In terms of the KPC kit, the trickiest part was slinging
in the front panel on a steep and narrow lot (see photo). Thankfully, we had a great zoom boom
operator and a sledge hammer!

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

A) There are so many….Open space, lots of light and it feels much bigger than the 1,000sqft that it is. As well, it really highlights our amazing mountain views from every room. The recessed deck, out the front of the bedrooms, allows for both privacy and options to avoid wind or sun. The shape of the roof and windows allows for a lot of light which is perfect for our north facing slope. Love the thick T&G siding on outside of the cabin and roof interior.

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

A) Again, Don was awesome with both. Very optimistic and encouraging even when our kit grew
into a walkout underneath it. The team was also fantastic as they adjusted the building plans to
accommodate the walkout and adjusted things very quickly and professionally.

Q) What eco friendly features did you add to your Knotty Pine Home?

A) Efficient home heating systems. The cabin itself, is very efficient at holding in heat and staying
cool in the summer heat, even with all of the windows.

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

A) Less than 2 years.

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

A) Shipping was great and most importantly, flexible because of our delays. The only thing I’d add
is that you need more than a skid-steer to unload.

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

A) We love coming home to our cabin on the Pass Powderkeg Ski hill because it is bright and open
and we can comfortably host our family as well as friends, all a the same time. Waking up to
mountain views, from all of the windows and walk around deck, is truly relaxing and inspiring.

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

A) Yes and have recommended it when people that have enquired about it.

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

A) Be prepared for the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to call the KPC team for direction or support. Purchase your fireplace after you’re finished as you may decide to change the location or type.
Add a small area, as we did, to the 44x24 for a boot room/washer and drier area/storage.

Get a crane, if possible, for the installation of the front windows and frame. Have a zoom boom
ready for unloading, installing windows, tall wall framing and roofing/roof framing. This will
make the whole process easier, safer, faster and more cost effective.
Have prior experience, or someone onsite with prior experience, to build the cabin.
Here is a link to our Airbnb if you would like to stay with us.

A special thanks to Phil & Karen for taking time out of their day to share their experience! If you are looking to build a home or cabin, give us a call at 780.484.2224.