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Barn Kit or Carriage House? How to Choose the Right Multi-Purpose Space for Your Property (& life)
As the weather cools and we all shift into winter planning mode, many of us start looking ahead to spring projects, especially those that can add both function and value to their property. Two of the most versatile (and surprisingly customizable) options Shelter-Kit offers are barn kits and garage/carriage house kits . While they share some similarities, each shines in its own way depending on how you plan to use the space. If you’re trying to figure out which one makes the
Dec 14, 2025


House Kits 101: Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve ever dreamed about building your own home but felt overwhelmed by where to start, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at Shelter-Kit is: “What exactly is a house kit, and can I really build one myself?” The short answer is: yes, you can. Let’s break down what that means. What Is a Shelter- Kit? A house kit is a complete, pre-cut package of building materials designed to help you build your own home, efficiently, accurately, and with confid
Nov 30, 2025


Which Building Style is Right for You?
A Simple Guide for DIYers If you’re dreaming about building your own home, cabin, or garage, you’ve probably discovered there are a lot of different building systems out there. From traditional stick-built houses to kit homes, modulars, panelizeds, timber-frame and shipping containers, etc., the choices can feel overwhelming. The good news? Each has its strengths and challenges, and once you know the basics, it’s easier to figure out what will work for your goals, budget, a
Nov 19, 2025


Building Smarter: How Shelter-Kit Can Tackle Labor Shortages & Rising Costs
Anyone who’s tried to build a home lately knows the challenges: it’s tough to find available contractors, and the price of building...
Sep 27, 2025


Thinking About Building in 1–2 Years? Here’s What to Do Now
If you’re dreaming about building your own home in a year or two, it might feel like you have plenty of time. But here’s the truth,...
Sep 15, 2025


Why Waiting for a Contractor Isn’t Your Only Option After a Disaster
When disaster strikes, the hardest part often comes afterward, the waiting. Waiting for insurance claims. Waiting for materials to become...
Sep 3, 2025


The A-Frame Dream: Big Living in a Small Footprint
There’s something undeniably magical about an A-frame. Maybe it’s the clean lines, the whisper of mountain cabins and lake retreats, or...
Aug 17, 2025


Meet the Patrick Kit
Meet the Patrick Kit: A Classic Kit Home with a Limited-Time Price If you’ve been dreaming of building a timeless, beautiful home, but...
Aug 6, 2025


The Top 5 Mistakes DIY Builders Make - and How to Avoid Them. Build smarter, not harder - especially the first time around.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about building your own home or outbuilding. Whether it’s a cozy cabin, a backyard guesthouse, or...
Jul 6, 2025


Custom vs. Cookie-Cutter: Why Our Kits Aren’t Just Another Shed, If you think all house kits are the same, think again.
Let’s clear something up right away: A Shelter-Kit is not a souped-up garden shed. It’s not a prefab tiny house on wheels. And it’s...
Jun 29, 2025


Thinking About an ADU? Here's How to Build One with a Shelter-Kit
More and more homeowners are discovering the magic of adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to their property - and for good reason....
Jun 22, 2025


Why Summer is the Smartest Time to Start Your Fall Build
Plan now. Build when the weather is perfect. Move in before the snow flies. We get it. Summer rolls around and you finally have a little...
Jun 18, 2025


Thinking of Building This Fall? Now’s the Time to Get Started.
There’s something special about building in the fall. The bugs are fewer. The air’s a little crisper. The rhythm of the season supports...
Jun 4, 2025


Rebuilding After a Natural Disaster: A Shelter-Kit Solution
Natural disasters can change everything in an instant. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and tornadoes leave behind destruction, displacing...
Apr 22, 2025


WHO CAN BUILD A SHELTER-KIT?
Who Can Build a Shelter-Kit? More People Than You Think! So, you've got your Shelter-Kit package, a beautiful piece of land, and a dream...
Apr 13, 2025


WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DIY KIT BUILD
What to Look for in a Kit Building (And Why It’s Not Always an Apples-to-Apples Comparison) If you're researching kit buildings for a...
Apr 6, 2025


WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? When you're looking to build your own home, cabin, barn, or garage, you want a kit that's not just...
Apr 1, 2025


Build Your Dream ADU in Massachusetts with Shelter-Kit
With Massachusetts' new by-right Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law now in effect, homeowners have a fantastic chance to create...
Mar 9, 2025


Building Your Dream Home: How DIY Home Kits Save Money
Building your dream home doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re planning a cozy cabin, an off-grid retreat, or a full-sized...
Mar 4, 2025


Start Getting Ready for Your Spring Build!
With the new year underway, now is the perfect time to start planning your spring build! If you're dreaming of a new home, a cozy...
Feb 3, 2025

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