Field Guide : Built In Nature

An Ideas Book for Cabin Enthusiasts and the DIY Curious

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Field Guide : Built In Nature
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This is the definitive field guide that will get you ready to build your den.

Its simple premise is to offer easy-to-follow exercises to help the reader conceptualize their future in nature, alongside one family's real-life experience. Michael and his family realized a dream to live closer to nature and turned that dream into a reality inside of a tight budget, short timeline, and a strong desire for stunning architecture and high style. The pages of this book contain his DIY process documented and converted into a light-hearted and action-oriented guide to help you do the same.
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An Ideas Book for Cabin Enthusiasts and the DIY Curious

This is the definitive field guide that will get you ready to build your den.

Michael Romanowicz is a cabin enthusiast, DIY builder, and the Founder of Den.  An ultimatum from his wife spawned not only the completion of his first cabin, but also the conception of Den, and now this book. 

Its simple premise is to offer easy-to-follow exercises to help the reader conceptualize their future in nature, alongside one family's real-life experience.

Michael and his family realized a dream to live closer to nature and turned that dream into a reality inside of a tight budget, short timeline, and a strong desire for stunning architecture and high style.

The pages of this book contain his DIY process documented and converted into a light-hearted and action-oriented guide to help you do the same. 

"I got this book and couldn’t put it down. Whether you’re dreaming, building, or living in your cabin, this book is a great tool for any point in the process. I’m looking forward to the day this book will be a coffee table piece and conversation starter in my very own Den" - Brent J.

This E-Book Features

  76 pages of actionable content and photos
  Fun & interactive exercises
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How much does it cost to build a cabin?

Everything is designed really well. The lofted ceilings. The oversized doors. All the little details. It is very non-pro user friendly. Hiring an architect can be a nightmare. People tell me they are paying $12-15k for designs. DEN saved me a lot of money.

@stillwaterpond

The final result is nothing less than stunning. The design is sleek, nestled into the back hillside in a way that is both formidable but also understated.

Julia Sherman, @saladforpresident

When Den came out with the Barnhouse Plus, it was exactly the design we needed, and it was also unique enough to diversify our build from the other short-term rentals in the area.

Megan Moulton, @tenmileden

Going the route of a tradition build using plans from Den has proven to be the simplest & most affordable approach, as well as the easiest to get permitted.

Stephen Proctor, @rivendellxpnw

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Still have more questions? Read our full FAQ or reach out for more answers.

How much does it cost to build a Den cabin?

We provide budgeting guidance throughout our website on how much it’ll cost to build a DEN, and while these estimates are data driven and some of the most accurate in the industry, they are not price guarantees. The best way to find out the price for your DEN, with your builder, in your location, given current market conditions for materials, is to buy a set of plans and use these to start costing the project with your builder or local lumber yard.

Do you offer customizations on DEN building plans?

At this time, our customizations pipeline is currently full, and we aren't taking any new requests until further notice. If you are looking to customize your DEN design, we recommend that you reach out to a local engineer or architect who can revise your plans for you.

If you aren’t in a rush with your DEN build and would like to be put on the waitlist, please fill out this form. We'll reach out to you once the queue opens back up.

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Do DEN building plans come with a list of materials needed?

Yes, DEN provides a Materials and Labor Worksheet with our Complete Package. 

Also known as a "Quantity Take-off" , the worksheet is an editable spreadsheet that can be used to total your project budget and assist you in the procurement phase of the project.  You will use this spreadsheet together with your drawings to get a complete quote from your lumber yard.

The worksheet includes time estimates for major labor tasks so all you need to do is input local labor rates and material pricing and your worksheet will automatically create a total budget. 

What type of license do the Den building plans grant me?

Want to know which licensing category you fall into? Check out this quick guide.

Den building plans provide a non-transferable license to the purchaser to build one, single cabin depicted in the plans in a residential context. What this means is that one plan purchase allows you to build one cabin of this type. If you’d like to build two of this same cabin, you will need to purchase two licenses. This license supports residential implementations for use with short term rentals, however, this standard license does not extend to commercial entities like hotels or real estate developers.

For licensing fees related to real estate developments and hospitality implementations please contact  developer@denoutdoors.com

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