Why This Page Exists

Before choosing a plan—or picking up a tool—it helps to understand the terrain.

Building a small cabin, cottage, or outbuilding isn’t complicated in the way it’s often imagined, but it does require orientation. There are decisions that matter, steps that build on each other, and moments where understanding saves time, money, and frustration.

This page exists to provide that orientation.

Not instructions.
Not sales copy.
A field guide to help you see the whole landscape before moving forward.

What Most People Feel at This Stage

It’s common to arrive here with a mix of excitement and hesitation.

You may be asking yourself:

• Is this something I can realistically take on?
• How much does a project like this actually cost?
• What comes first—and what can wait?
• How much do I need to know before starting?

Those questions are part of approaching a project thoughtfully. Good buildings begin long before construction starts.

What One-Five Design Co. Provides

The plans and guides at One-Five Design Co. are designed for real building projects.

They are:

• Professionally drawn, permit-ready construction plans
• Clear architectural drawings intended to be built from
• Designed for efficiency, durability, and long-term use
• Flexible enough to work with local codes, builders, and materials

They are not:

• Step-by-step kit instructions
• Pre-packaged material lists with fixed assumptions
• A replacement for learning basic construction concepts
• A shortcut around zoning, permits, or good judgment

This distinction matters—and understanding it early prevents frustration later.

How the Guides Work Together

Instead of a single oversized manual, the information is organized into focused guides, each covering a specific part of the journey. Think of them as sections of a field manual—meant to be used together, but not all at once.

Starting Your Cabin Build
Understand zoning, feasibility, and the overall path from idea to build.

Understanding & Reading Building Plans
Learn how to interpret drawings the way builders and inspectors do.

Printing Your Building Plans
Use plans correctly in the field and avoid common printing mistakes.

Cabin Pricing Guide
Understand cost paths, tradeoffs, and why pricing always “depends.”

Managing the Build
A practical system for organizing, budgeting, and coordinating work.

A Better Way to Build: Cabins
Explore design decisions with context, efficiency, and intent.

Each guide stands on its own—but together they form a complete reference.

Choosing Your Starting Point

Every project begins from a slightly different place.

If you’re just exploring what’s possible
→ Start with Starting Your Cabin Build

If you already own land or are close to it
→ Starting Guide + Cabin Pricing Guide

If you’ve purchased plans or are reviewing drawings
→ Understanding & Reading Building Plans
→ Printing Your Building Plans

If you’re acting as your own general contractor
→ Managing the Build

There’s no required order—only the order that fits your situation.

Final Note

This is not about building faster. It’s about building with fewer surprises, fewer regrets, and more confidence at every stage. Use these resources the way they were intended: slowly, intentionally, and as often as needed. With a clear understanding, the next step becomes easier to identify.