Cons of A-frame Houses That Will Make You Rethink
We really don’t want people to build an A-frame house… unless they are totally in love with it.
As in relationships, things end up badly if one is not in full-hearted and for the long run. So, this time, instead of praising A-frame buildings, I am going to give you five reasons you should keep clear of them.
But before you start dreaming of that cozy ski-lodge vibe, here’s a thought: try before you buy (or build). If you’re on the fence about whether an A-frame is right for you, consider booking a stay in one—there are plenty of vacation rentals on Airbnb or find suitable one from our site. Spend a week living in the space. Notice how you move around, how much privacy you have, and whether the layout works for your daily routine. Is it comfortable, or do you find yourself ducking and cursing those iconic steep walls? Do you love the open feel, or do you crave more separation? Take notes on what works and what doesn’t.
At the end of your trial run, ask yourself: are you genuinely smitten, or is the romance already wearing thin? Use your real-life experience to help you decide if you’re ready to commit—or if it’s time to swipe left on the A-frame dream.
1. You can build it by yourself
Yes, a small A-frame home kit (SOLO or DUO for example) is so simple that two people can put it up without extra help.
Larger kits might require more people but the music is the same: you can get it up by yourself.
Why is this bad?
Cause people can get overconfident and face the installation without due preparation.
Here is the hard truth:
without doing proper homework and without involving the right people for help, you are setting yourself up for failure.
A few words of advice:
- read as much as you can on the topic of self-building before you start the project
- talk to people who have done it already or who work in construction
- get a feeling for what you could be overlooking (our Guides can help with that).
If you do these things right, then self-building can become a big plus.
2. It has no external walls
Except for the front and back walls, there is no vertical external surface in the house.