There are many things that one can purchase on Amazon — kitchen appliances, clothes, electronics, music, etc.
You name it and you can probably find it on Amazon.
But what about homes?
A few years ago, that might have sounded like a silly question. Today, however, you can buy house-like structures on the site.
Granted, the price tag is quite different.
Large structured buildings on Amazon come in a variety of styles. For example, there are trailers with wheels for easy hauling, structures that come “as-is,” and others that come in a kit and can be built by the consumer.
While many of these structures can’t really be labeled as “homes” — living in them full-time usually isn’t recommended — they can be used in different ways.
Allwood Industrials is an e-retailer that sells structures made from wood. According to their website, they are a family-owned company that was founded in 2000. Interestingly, the wood products they sell come from Scandinavia and Baltic States.
The company suggests their structures can be used in a variety of ways such as wine tasting rooms, yoga studios, lake houses, retail spaces, and even guest houses.
The price of their structures are as varied as the structures themselves. A small studio cabin costs around $6,250 and a larger cabin comes in at over $50,000.
Their cabins are shipped as kits that not only include the wood in order for buyers to build the structures themselves but they are also sent the tools to do so.
Recently, one of the company’s cabins is receiving significant attention from Amazon customers.
The Allwood Avalon Cabin Kit is a $32,990, 540 square foot cabin that ships for free if purchased on the Amazon website.
“If you are searching for a cabin with a functional floor plan, take a look at Allwood Avalon,” the description reads.
They also note that the cabin features a 218 square foot loft area.
“With thicker than usual (2-3/4″) wall planks, Avalon is very energy efficient and well suited even for colder climates. Assembly of this solid wood cabin takes about a week for two adults.”
When purchasing the cabin, buyers are able to choose between a cabin with three rooms or five.
Still, there is room to be reluctant. One user pointed out that the cabin actually isn’t “well-suited” for colder climates.
“Only access to the bathroom is from the patio. It’s a glorified outhouse. Definitely NOT suited for cold climates!”
They aren’t wrong. One look from the photos reveals this seemingly overlooked flaw.
Not to mention that building a structure of this size requires heavier equipment such as a forklift or a crane.
Aside from skeptic users, these sort of kit buildings face criticisms from tiny home builders who warn of the structures’ safety and overall affordability.
Experts pointed out that the structures lack a foundation that is needed to keep the structure from crashing down, insulation-ready components, plumbing, and electricity.
Andrew Bennett of Trekker-Trailers in Florida flat out says the cabin is a “waste of money.”
“They are playing on the tiny house industry. It would be more cost-effective to start from scratch.”
Still, Allwood has sold many of their products over the years. They also state that they are always upfront with buyers about what each structure would be best suited for.
“We are confident that our hundreds of satisfied cabin kit customers do not consider themselves ‘ripped off’ in any way. The website descriptions together with personalized customer support ensure the buyer knows exactly what is and isn’t included with every model of cabin kits we sell.”
Would you buy one of these structures?
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