Travel Plans

For many, this may be the beginning of a relaxing three-day weekend. Oftentimes, such weekends are preceded by numerous travel deals encouraging you to make last-minute plans for a weekend getaway. If you don't already have plans in place, now may be an excellent time to try out cabin living before delving into a custom building project.

A few nights in a cabin is a great way to test out the different sizes, styles and amenities you might be considering for your dream retreat. Look for places in locations comparable to the type of setting you are interested in. Not only will you be able to determine what type of lot may work best, but you'll also get a feel for how remote you may or may not wish to be from major roads or towns.

Different styles may pique your interest, but living in a particular structure for a weekend will give you a better sense of what those materials are like 24/7. For example, you may be leaning toward a darker finish for your wood but find that it creates a much darker interior, too, which could lead you to more drywall or increased window installations for your cabin to help mitigate that darkness.

Not sure how much space you need? Try out cabins of varying sizes to see how they flow. Cramped quarters are an easy indication that you'll need to tack on some extra room, but unused spaces can be indicators that less may be the way to go. Different arrangements -- master bedrooms on the main or upper levels, for example -- also can help you when you start to map out your ideal design.

Check out LogHome.com for a list of potential rentals to start your planning process.