Even tho we tuned down our larger cabin dream, I still constructed it with the idea of a place to sleep and hide from the elements. The short/long term plan was to provide a starting point (control center) to work from and build the garage with 2nd floor apartment. We also have no power (yet...it's available, but about 8 grand away). Enter Mr Generator.
Anyway, you have to do this with thought of leaving ALL options available later down the road. For instance....

  • Like Theo said, insulate it very well. Your size structure should have 6" walls (framing cost increase is negligible)
  • I am a firm believer in unfaced insulation, then install a 6 mil plastic vapor barrier to seal the entire living side
  • Wire it like a garage or house. Include a 100 Amp panel (or go for broke on 200). Have enough conduit coming in to allow both power in and power out, or use 2 conduits. You will be able to use your cabin power panel to continue the wiring out to other electrically powered fixtures in the outside area. Remember; you will run power to the cabin someday, even if it's the genny set
  • Run your gas lines inside the walls/ceiling. PRESSURE TEST THEM...!
  • Consider a generator for the window A/C that you're gonna love when you need to take a break and eat lunch in a proper environment when it's 98 degrees. This will require either a genny on wheels or, like our plan, a small doghouse type power house about 100 feet away with an underground power feed
  • We installed a small, 7 ft wide overhead insulated garage door. It provides the option of storing something larger, should the need arise later
  • install a standing seam metal roof....period! The environment next to a pond is too humid. Asphalt shingles can become mossy, even with the zinc drip strips. The upgrade of metal is a v good investment
  • 75% of the meticulous work for exterior framing and finishing (siding, enclosed soffits, corner details, gable overhang, etc) is at each end of the structure. All the stuff in between is repetitive and moves much faster during construction and finishing. The point: don't be afraid to stretch the building length. It's the easiest and cheapest way to increase square footage