Step 1
Get your purchase price and divide it by the cabin size. This will give you a cost per square metre.
For instance $30,000 divided by 30 square metres gives you a per square metre cost of $1,000 per square metre.
Step 2
Now understand what the cost per square metre includes and doesn’t include in your kitset.
You want as much in your kitset as possible for a complete build. Ideally you do not want to be making trips to Bunnings or have to ask professional help for things like joists and pile plans.
Step 3
Ensure your cabin is supported with the appropriate documentation, whether it is legal documents like the PSI or assembly and maintenance manuals.
What do I need to look for when choosing between cabin suppliers
| Reasons | |
| Aluminium Doors | No warping, maintenance and better insulation |
| Door height (is your door big enough to get things through) | Kiwis are big people, a large entrance means a large cabin in general |
| Aluminium Windows | No warping, maintenance and better insulation |
| Double glazed Doors and Windows | Insulation and noise |
| Wall thickness | The thicker the walls the greater the insulation and better noise reduction |
| Ridge height (is your cabin tall enough) | Kiwis are big people, you don’t want to stoop |
| Treated joists supplied with the kitset | The cabin must sit on joists – some companies do not supply these |
| Choice of treated or untreated timber for the cabin itself | Treated timber has a greater determined durability |
| Asphalt shingles provided with the kitset | This completes the kitset roof – some companies this is an added extra |
| Building paper supplied with the kitset | Building paper for under the shingles |
| Roof flashing | Protection from the weather |
| PS1 statement provided by NZ Chartered Engineer | This is a mandatory requirement if you do not want council consent |
| Engineered pile plan by NZ Chartered engineer | Most cabins will need a pile plan to follow |
| Assembly instructions | Clear instructions so you can assemble the kitset yourself |
| Assembly support by phone | At some point about 50% of people need some level clarification |
| 7 days a week after sales support by phone | You will speak to someone who knows cabins and you will get an answer one way or another |
| Cabin Customisations | Design your own cabin – add or remove doors and windows or start from scratch |
Why Compare Cabins Before You Buy?
Choosing the right cabin is an important investment, whether you need it for a home office, guest house, or additional space. At Lifestyle Cabins, we believe in transparency and helping you find the best solution for your needs. Our Cabin Comparison Tool allows you to compare our models with those from other brands, so you can make an informed decision.
For example, our Meadow Cabin, a perfect small cabin option, competes directly with the Trade Tested Melanie cabin. You’ll find that our cabins not only offer better insulation with thicker walls and aluminium joinery but also come at a more competitive price point. Similarly, the Woodside Cabin offers larger space and superior durability compared to similar models like the Cabin Co Malaga.
Our guide and comparison tool help ensure you get the most value, durability, and comfort from your investment. So before you make your final decision, explore our full range of kitset cabins and compare key features to find the perfect fit for your property. Visit our Cabin Comparison Page from any of our cabins to see how Lifestyle Cabins stand out.