Question 1

How much does a Kithouse cost?

Accepted Answer

The Kithouse Premiere starts at $165,000 CAD as a constructed and fully finished, ready-to-move (RTM) home.   You also have the option to purchase the Kithouse Premiere as a ready-to-assemble kit starting at $120,000 CAD.    Both options ship from Erickson, Manitoba.  You can anticipate additional costs for foundation, electrical or plumbing outside the building’s shell, solar panel capability and any special customizations.

Question 2

Can a Kithouse be shipped?

Accepted Answer

You’ve got options!

Your fully constructed, ready-to-move (RTM) home can usually be shipped within 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) of Erickson, Manitoba. There is flexibility in that number, we are able to move more or move less depending on road accessibility and things like power lines and bridges.

The Kithouse Premiere can be shipped anywhere in the world that a shipping container can be shipped. That’s good news as it gives us the incredibly unique ability to build Kithouses in both populated and remote places while keeping our homes high-quality and low-cost.

Question 3

How much will it cost to ship my Kithouse?

Accepted Answer

You should probably budget around $10-20,000 + GST for moving a ready-to-move Kithouse from our location in Erickson, MB to your build location.  There are several factors that can affect the cost including distance and the build site conditions   For our ready-to-assemble kits, you should probably budget $5-10,000 for shipping to areas around major centres in Canada and perhaps more if you are in a remote location.  Interestingly, the more costly the shipping to your location, the more likely Kithouse is the most affordable housing choice as there is a lot of efficiency to be gained by having everything arrive, ready to go, in a single shipment with a minimum of waste product being shipped.

Question 4

I am a business looking for housing solutions, is this something Kithouse can help with?"

Accepted Answer

You’re in the right place!

Providing staff housing, social housing, and work camp housing solutions to businesses, and government agencies is one of Kithouse’s main focuses and priorities. Kithouse homes are designed to be extremely energy efficient, durable, and easy to deploy in rural and remote cold climate locations.

Feel free to contact us with details on your housing needs and we would be happy to prepare a project specific proposal.

Question 5

Is there somewhere I can go and see an already built Kithouse?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can book a getaway and stay in an actual, functioning Kithouse. This is a great way to ‘test drive’ the home and decide if it is a good fit for you.

Book a weekend away or your next week-long vacation on the border of Riding Mountain National Park, nestled between dense, colourful forest and sprawling rolling hills. The Riding Mountain Kithouse is located in Onanole, Manitoba and is available for bookings through AirBnB at this link: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/28491215  You may also want to book a time to see a Kithouse build in progress as our ready-to-move location in Erickson, MB.  Contact us at info@kithouse.ca to book a tour of a project under construction.

Question 6

Can I customize a Kithouse?

Accepted Answer

There are several customization options for various features within the Kithouse Premiere. Almost all interior and exterior finishes have at least 2 options, and often several colour sub choices.  For example, you can choose between cement board or metal siding and can then choose the colour. You can choose the colour of window trims, the standing seam metal roof. You have some choices on cabinetry finishes, light fixtures, flooring and many other choices.  Most of these choices do not affect the price. If you don’t like our options, in many cases we will offer the option to omit the component (and the cost) to allow you to shop locally or choose your own. This is the case for flooring, cabinetry, siding, and all lighting and plumbing fixtures.   We are presently wrapping up the work on our online Build & Price tool that will allow you to pick and choose your options with real-time price updates.  In the meantime, we are happy to work with you directly to choose customization options that work the best for you.

Question 7

What kind of foundation is needed for a Kithouse?

Accepted Answer

Your foundation is going to be as unique as you are.    Typically, foundations get built depending on what works for each site. Because of this, our homes are specifically designed to accommodate multiple different foundation types.    Our favourite option is a helical pile or other metal-pier foundation -- these also tend to be the most economical options. This type can cost as little as $10,000 installed and engineered.    In permafrost or very remote locations, multi-point foundations are another great option.    A simple, surface-bearing pad or tripod can work as well, and our building design works great with a concrete slab or full concrete basement foundation.   You've got options. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact us and we can talk you through it. If you have details on your potential build site or any specific goal for your project, we can offer advice on which type of foundation will be your best bet for your build.

Question 8

When are the other models coming out?

Accepted Answer

The Kithouse Premiere rocks! We're entirely focused on meeting the current demand for this model right now.    If you're looking into buying more than one unit, we're open to working together on a design that meets your needs and integrates the current success of the Premiere model being a simple, affordable two-bedroom home that thrives in cold climates.

Question 9

Is there somewhere I can go and see an already built Kithouse?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Did you know you can rent and stay in an actual, functioning Kithouse?   Book your next trip to Riding Mountain National Park - where the Riding Mountain Kithouse resides, nestled between dense, colourful forest and sprawling rolling hills. Located in Onanole, Manitoba, it is available for bookings through AirBnB at this link: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/28491215.   This is a great way to 'test drive' the home and decide if it is a good fit for you.   If you're nearby, you should check out a Kithouse build in person! We're currently building at our location in Erickson, MB. Send an email our way at info@kithouse.ca, and book a tour of the project under construction.

Question 10

Who will build my Kithouse?

Accepted Answer

Well, because of our many build options, you get to decide who builds your Kithouse. 
 If you purchase a ready-to-move Kithouse, it will be constructed in Erickson, MB by Kithouse staff and delivered by a professional building mover. It will then be placed directly on your prepared foundation, and you'll be all set!
 If you're taking the ready-to-assemble route, you have choices. We suggest trying to find people in your area to complete the majority of the build. We'd also recommend having a Kithouse staff join the local build team to get things off on the right track. If your builders are set to go, you may only need our staff for a handful of days. 
 We're also able to offer a more intensive oversight option if your team has modest experience. If your local area is looking to develop more skilled workers, this could also be a good option. We'd be interested in discussing this if it piques your interest, just send us an email!

Question 11

How long does it take to get my home from when I place the order?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we are working on a six-month lead time from the date of receiving your build deposit to being ready to ship your ready-to-move home or ready-to-assemble kit.

Question 12

Is there financing available through Kithouse? Can I finance a Kithouse?

Accepted Answer

Kithouse doesn't offer financing directly at this time. We do however have relationships with lenders who are familiar with our company that we'd be happy to connect you with.

Question 13

Is Kithouse interested in working with Indigenous communities?

Accepted Answer

Most definitely.
 When we were designing the details of Kithouse's main model, considering the challenges of building energy-efficient, durable homes in remote Indigenous communities was top of mind. 
 We are more than willing to work together with Indigenous communities to develop a housing construction strategy that results in great housing solutions for the community while also providing meaningful employment opportunities. 
 Please feel free to contact us to start the conversation.

Question 14

Do you offer net-zero options?

Accepted Answer

The only thing you need for Kithouse to become a net-zero home is a grid-tied, solar array of sufficient size.    The best part about this is many Canadian provinces have net-zero metering programs, meaning you can save money. Manitoba has a net-zero energy grant for new homes!    Fact: Except for the far north and some southern areas with low annual sunlight, net-zero energy can be achieved in almost all of Canada with a small number of solar panels making up a modest solar PV system. A system like that can easily fit on the south side of a building's roof.

Question 15

Do you offer off-grid options?

Accepted Answer

We're currently working on a template off-grid version. However, most off-grid homes require a site-specific design that includes information about occupancy and lifestyle.    If you are seriously considering an off-grid home, you can contact us, and we would be more than happy to discuss the details.

Question 16

What do I need to have done before my Kithouse is built?

Accepted Answer

For your Kithouse to be built on or moved to your site as a ready-to-move (RTM) structure, you’ll need to have the following prepared: Building permit – you’ll have to submit plans to your local authority and obtain a building permit. We can typically provide you with most of the drawings you will require to submit your permit application. Site Preparation – the spot where your house will be built may need to be cleared of trees, levelled and prepared for the foundation. Foundation – you’ll have already thought through which foundation option you’re using and will want to have it in place before the arrival of your ready-to-assemble or ready-to-move home. Electrical service – unless your Kithouse will be off-grid you’ll want to have arrangements in place to connect your home to the local electrical service. The connection would usually happen after the house is built, but making sure there are no surprises before then is a good idea. Freshwater source – how will your house get water? You’ll have to consider a well, storage tank or connection to municipal water systems early in the process. Wastewater - you will likely require a sewage holding tank, septic field or connect to a municipal wastewater system. Having a plan in place before starting construction will start you off on the right foot.   We can help you through this process and provide advice and consultation for a modest fee, contact us today!