6 Mountain Cabin MUST KNOWs

Mountain cabins and homes, particularly those in the snow, can be challenging. Here are some things we look for when looking at property.

The most important factor is going to be access. If the cabin is in an area that gets a lot of snow, are the roads plowed? How does a homeowner access the home in winter? For example, we looked at this mountain cabin a couple of years ago, but found out that we would need to hike in during the winter months! I couldn’t imagine lugging food and firewood. As romantic as that sounds, trust me it’s not.

But here, you may want that kind of solitude! My advise in that case is to think about services you may need in the future. Do you plan on renovating? How are you going to bring the goods for a renovation?

What utilities serve your home? Utilities can add extra stress, extra cost or both! Think carefully about what you are willing to take on. For example, if you have never had to take care of a septic tank, you may want to do extra research into what it entails. This is also true for a home that uses propane or other sources of energy. Research the cost associated with the utilities. Some are more expensive than others, some are more labor intensive.

Think about the type of community you would like to be a part of. Are you looking for off the grid isolation or a vibrant mountain community? Visit the areas, maybe even rent a nearby home so you can get the feel for it. You’ll want to experience the day to day in the neighborhood. What’s it like in the morning? In the summer? In the rain?? How are the roads, etc.

If this is a full time home, think about your commute including the drive to places like the supermarket. Look into the location of your home in relation to the various places you’d like to visit regularly. You may think 30 minutes down a winding road isn’t too bad, but think about it in January or a morning when you forgot to pick up cream for your coffee and now have to haul yourself into town, all while being woefully deficient in caffeine. For a second home this may be all well and good, but it may get old fast for a primary residence. srsly.

Look into services you will need and determine if they are offered where your mountain cabin is. For example, if you need a cleaning person and the home is in a remote area, they may not be willing to travel. If you are in the snow, don’t forget to look into snow removal! You will want to check the internet connectivity. Satellite doesn’t work everywhere, especially if you are in a valley or another location that blocks the signal. Research this thoroughly if it is important.

Especially in the west, fire insurance is getting more and more difficult to obtain. Many homeowners are having to fall back on the California Fair Plan or other similar state sponsored plans. This can be very costly and is frequently the only choice for mountain homes in some areas. Before signing off on your home, engage with your insurance agent and make sure the cost and terms of your policy work for you. In addition to insurance, take a moment to review your emergency egress from the property. Look and take note of the means by which you’d evacuate during an emergency.