FAQs

We are committed to finding a delivery solution for even the most challenging sites. The pre-built, panelized design of The Mountain Refuge allows for some flexibility for delivery. Send us your site location for a quick feasibility assessment. If your site is in an inaccessible remote area, helicopter delivery is an option.

Certain installations need to be handled by local professionals, managed by your general contractor (GC).

What we can't provide:

• Electrical Wiring, Boxes + Panel: Must be installed by a local licensed professional. We provide detailed plans and supply lights, pendants, and fixtures.
• Plumbing Parts: Must be installed by a licensed professional. We provide a schematic of plumbing runs in relation to architectural and structural members.
• Mini-Split System: Must be installed by a local licensed professional.

Our goal is to ensure the process is as streamlined and efficient as possible, with clear guidance and support for the necessary local installers.

If you decide to hire ELMNTL to manage your off-grid design, we’ll start with a one-hour consultation ($250) to discuss your options. Then, we design an off-grid system for you and provide an estimate. We handle zoning approval and permits if needed. We coordinate installation with your local GC and solar installer, fit any special appliances, and finalize load details. Once complete, your Mountain Refuge will be fully operational off-grid to start your adventure in nature.

Designed to withstand extreme conditions, The Mountain Refuge is outfitted with Class A or WUI fire-rated, fireproof exteriors and can withstand up to 195 mph wind. With a snow-load capacity of 100 lbs/sqft and a water-tight envelope, The Refuge provides complete protection from the elements.

ELMNTL builds are made in Lyons, Colorado with love and expert craftsmanship. Our fabrication team combines years of experience building high-end cabins, advanced boat building techniques, passive house construction techniques, mass timber and timber framing, and the precision of furniture craftsmanship to each project. We believe there’s magic in every detail and that your lifetime investment deserves this special touch.

Accessory dwelling unit cost depends greatly on what amenities you choose. For ELMNTL Shelter, the cost to build an ADU will be less if you choose our pre-set floor plans. By determining the design, we can lower the ADU cost per square foot. ADU cost will vary from company to company based on design and material choices. The designs ELMNTL offers are premium compared to other ADUs for sale. Our prices are comparable with other high-end tiny home costs.

With ELMNTL’s configurable architecture, the question is what can’t you use it for? Design anything - a hotel cabin, an ADU, a backyard office, a yoga studio, a cafe, or even a full time home.

Our Zero-to-Launch services cover everything needed to bring your project to life. We eliminate the guesswork and red tape from designing, building, and launching your dream getaway. ELMNTL goes beyond Turnkey Services, partnering with you to provide tailored solutions that ensure your idea's success.

Yes, site work is necessary to prepare for the installation of your ELMNTL Shelter. The scope and cost of site work will vary greatly based on location, local GC and labor costs, and your foundation design. An ELMNTL project manager will work closely with your GC to ensure your site is ready for delivery. For an additional service, ELMNTL can hire and fully manage a local GC on your behalf.

Our Turnkey Services cover the entire building permitting process. We handle documentation preparation, application submission, approval, fee payments, and inspection scheduling on your behalf. For site planning and zoning assistance, ELMNTL offers these services for an additional fee.

Permanent Foundation: ELMNTL designs the best foundation for your site based on soil reports and elevations from our feasibility assessment. We collaborate with your local GC to pour the foundation before delivery. Our floor systems are compatible with helical piles, drilled piers, or micropiles, with an option to add a perimeter foundation

Temporary Foundation: This type is not permanently attached to the ground and can be moved or relocated in the future.

At ELMNTL, we care about the end of our products’ life cycle. All the materials in our structures are designed to be disassembled and reused or composted.

1. Ability to deliver projects in areas where contracting labor is scarce and on-site costs are high.
2. Fixed price predictability of pre-fabrication reduces the risk of budget overruns common in traditional on-site construction.
3. Quality control of handcrafted products with premium finishes, at a lower cost. On-site equivalent often costs 2x due to added complexity.

Wherever there is level ground. ELMNTL Sauna can transform your backyard into a personal health spa. For convenience, we recommend installing a sauna in a backyard. For an adventurous experience, choose a remote spot on your site. For hospitality, we recommend a beautiful, natural setting where your guests can enjoys views while relaxing.

At ELMNTL, we care about the end of our products’ life cycle. All the materials in our structures are designed to be disassembled and reused or composted.

Our Zero-to-Launch services cover everything needed to bring your project to life. We eliminate the guesswork and red tape from designing, building, and launching your dream getaway. ELMNTL goes beyond Turnkey Services, partnering with you to provide tailored solutions that ensure your idea's success. See more here.

Yes, site work is usually necessary to prepare for the installation of The Mountain Refuge. The scope and cost of site work will vary greatly based on location, local GC and labor costs, and your foundation design. An ELMNTL project manager will work closely with your GC to ensure your site is ready for delivery.

For an additional fee, ELMNTL can hire and fully manage a local GC on your behalf.

Our Turnkey Services cover the entire building permitting process. We handle documentation preparation, application submission, approval, fee payments, and inspection scheduling on your behalf. For site planning and zoning assistance, ELMNTL offers these services for an additional fee.

See more about site work costs here. Your site work cost depends on your site conditions and the cost for local general contractor and crew.

You can DIY about 60% of The Mountain Refuge. Wall and roof panels require equipment mobilization and professional handling. Once the structure reaches the dry-in stage, you can complete the rest of the assembly yourself with our kit of parts. We provide detailed assembly instructions and recommend recruiting at least one friend with building experience to assist.

There’s little upkeep needed to keep The Refuge performing well and looking beautiful. For natural Yaki Sugi siding, it's best to apply tung or linseed oil every 3-5 years, but even without applying, it'll still stand the test of time. The manufacturer warranties it up to 50 years and it'll last a lot longer with occasional oil touch-ups.

To maximize return on your investment, for example, a 500 sq ft ADU might be a better choice than the cost to build a 400 sqft ADU. We recommend to maximize the space while keeping ADU requirements for your area in mind. Final estimates are similar to other high-end tiny home prices.

1) Ability to deliver projects in areas where contracting labor is scarce and on-site costs are high.

2) Fixed price predictability of prefabrication reduces the risk of budget overruns common in traditional on-site construction.

3) Quality control of handcrafted products with premium finishes, at a lower cost. On-site equivalent often costs 2x due to added complexity.

We provide the best delivery rate available at the time of shipment. On average, the rates are between $4/mile - $7/mile.

There’s little upkeep needed to keep ELMNTL Shelter performing well and looking beautiful. For natural Yaki Sugi siding, it's best to apply tung or linseed oil every 3-5 years, but even without applying, it'll still stand the test of time. The manufacturer warranties it for 50 years and it'll last a lot longer with occasional oil touch-ups.

Your local contractor will facilitate utility hook-ups.

Yes. Whether you configure your ELMNTL Shelter with expansion in mind or not, we have options for joining more modules to add on space. Stacking or extending modules requires planning ahead. Whle joining standalone modules by glass walkways, is a possibility at any point.

Depending on your use case, you may qualify for specialized loan categories. If you’re installing an ELMNTL Shelter as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or a backyard studio, be sure to explore simple HELOC financing with your bank. If you are building a second home or a vacation rental, ask your local credit union or a bank about a construction loan.

When building a sauna at home, it's important to factor in not just the cost and effort but also the lifespan and quality. ELMNTL Sauna is made with high-end craftsmanship, immense attention to detail and a ton of passion. We use premium materials for long-term reliability, minimal maintenance and a luxury experience. If you’re looking for an elevated sauna experience, go with ELMNTL.

Yes. Building an ADU in your backyard can give you an additional space for family and friends, but it can also be used as an investment for rental income. Many states incentivize homeowners by offering simple financing options for even ADUs with higher ADU prices to provide more affordable housing solutions.

Be sure to look up any loan programs you state or bank might have for ADUs. Also, explore simple HELOC financing with your bank.

An ADU on your property can significantly increase real estate value by providing additional living space, rental income, and flexibility for future use. The ADU meaning in real estate is the same as elsewhere.

In many states, the cost of permitting an ADU is less than traditional permitting due to housing incentives. ADU requirements, permitting costs, and ADU zoning vary across states, so be sure to check these parameters for legal ADU construction and use in your jurisdiction.