Are you thinking of building a cabin in your garden but are not sure whether it’s a good idea or not? Then you are one among many people. Nowadays, more and more people are contemplating undertaking such a project so it’s quite understandable if this is your desire too. Most likely, the question that is on your mind is can I put a cabin in my garden?
Provided you adhere to the planning and building regulations in your area, it’s possible to have a cabin in your garden. Research on whether there are any existing restrictions to building a structure in the garden is essential too.
A cabin in your garden can have multiple uses. It can be used as: a home office by remote workers, a holiday home, a shed, gym, or a spa- the possibilities are limitless. Having such a structure in your garden can have a lot of advantageous effects.
In this article, we are going to have an in-depth exploration of all the aspects of building a cabin in your garden. So read on to find out more. This will most assuredly be an enlightening read for you!
Can I Put A Cabin In My Garden?
For years now, most people have toyed with the idea of having a cabin in their garden. The only problem is that a majority of them have no clue of whether such a project is possible and acceptable. If you are one such person then rest assured that you are in the right place.
The simple answer to this question is yes.
You can put a cabin in your garden. The only catch is that you may need to research the planning and building regulations in the area you live in to determine the requirements for such an undertaking. If you adhere to these regulations when building your cabin in your garden, then all will be smooth sailing.
Garden cabins have a lot of benefits and this is something that most local authorities are aware of. That’s why there are few restrictions to building garden cabins. Some of these benefits are:
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- It has multiple uses– It can be used as a home office, a guest room, a studio, a spa, a garden shed, a gym, and much more.
- It can add value to your property– A garden cabin can add value to your property by up to 7%. This can turn into a worthwhile investment over time.
- It can add aesthetic value to your garden– A cabin can add a cool and breath-taking look to your garden. A well-maintained structure that is well decorated can change the character of your garden and complement it.
- It’s durable– A cabin that is well constructed can last a lifetime. This means you can use it for years.
So having a cabin in your garden may just be the best idea for you. So now that you know that you can put a cabin in your garden and reap the benefits, why not try this out?
Do You Need Planning Permission For A Garden Cabin?
Before deciding on what cabin to construct in your garden, you may have to consider the planning regulations in your area which could apply to your garden building. This knowledge is absolutely essential and should never be ignored. But there’s no need to be alarmed. It’s a bit more straightforward than you can believe.
To answer the question, you don’t necessarily need planning permission for a garden cabin. In most cases, constructing a garden cabin is straightforward and won’t require you to apply for planning permission. We should, however, mention that in some other cases, planning permission is necessary for your garden cabin. Let’s break it down!
A garden cabin is considered as an outbuilding on your property. Outbuildings are classed as “Permitted Developments” which means that they do not require an application for planning permission provided the conditions that are set under planning laws are met.
You won’t need planning permission if your cabin:
- Is built at the side or rear of your house.
- Is a single story.
- Is over 6.56ft from the boundary of your property.
- Has a maximum height of 8.25ft.
- Has a maximum overall (ridge) height of 13.1ft with a dual pitched roof.
- Has a maximum overall (ridge) height of 9.8ft with a flat roof.
- Has a maximum coverage of 30 square meters if the garden covers more than 100 square meters or has a coverage of 20 square meters if the garden is less than 100 square meters.
- Isn’t built on the grounds of a listed building.
- Isn’t built in an area of conservation or natural beauty.
- Isn’t to be used commercially.
- Isn’t to be used as a dwelling,
- Doesn’t include a veranda, balcony, or raised platform.
If your garden cabin doesn’t meet the above requirements, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local authority. The requirements may vary from state to state so it’s important to carry out in-depth research before constructing your garden cabin.
If you are in any way unsure, it’s important to seek guidance from your local authority in your respective state.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Simple Cabin?
Planning to build a garden cabin is an exciting thought. But one thing that most people are often worried about is the cost. If you are one such person, don’t let the uncertainty surrounding the cost of constructing the cabin put you off.
On average, it will cost you anywhere around $15,000-$20,000. Some of the things that will determine the cost are the size and complexity of your cabin. So the bigger and more complex your cabin, the more this figure is likely to be.
Here is a breakdown of the average cost of constructing a garden cabin:
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Site Preparation And Foundation
Preparation of the site by clearing vegetation and rocks, removing turf and topsoil, and leveling the site will likely cost you $3 per square foot. Laying the foundation can cost up to $1,200.
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Utilities And Services Such As Drainage, Gas, Water, And Electricity
Installing these utilities is a hot topic in cabin construction. This is because it has the potential to alter the finished cost greatly. It will likely cost you around $3,000-$8,000 to install utilities and services.
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Timber And Roof
Timber and logs can become the most expensive stage of your cabin construction. You can look for a couple of suppliers in your area. You are likely to fork up close to $6,000 for this. This includes purchasing, preparing, cutting, and constructing the logs.
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Insulation
When it comes to insulating your cabin, there are dozens of choices to use. It can cost you up to $2,000 to insulate the walls, floor, and roof.
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Windows And Doors
These will cost you about $500 to install.
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Floors
Depending on your choice of floors, you will likely fork up about $800.
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Labor
If you are unable to build the cabin yourself, labor will cost you about $1000.
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Tools And Equipment
You obviously need these for the construction. You will spend as much as $1000 to purchase tools and equipment for the construction of your cabin.
All in all, these are average costs and you can spend more or less depending on the size and design of your cabin. But the bottom line is that building a garden cabin on a budget is attainable and possible.
How To Build A Cabin In Your Garden
Here is a simple step by step guide on how you can build a cabin in your garden:
- Plot your land– Decide on the best location for your cabin. Once you have decided on a location, clear it to lay the foundation.
- Set the foundation– Make sure the type of foundation you choose is good for your cabin and set it up.
- Install the subfloor and joist– Place the joist and proceed to install your cabin’s flooring in a horizontal direction from that of the joists.
- Install walls– This can be done by log joinery. Use a nail ramp, face it on the sidewall to raise the log easily, and pull up the log using a block and tackle. Once in place, nail it in. Do this for all logs until you have installed all walls. Leave room for the windows and door.
- Install the roof– Once the walls are built, the roof immediately goes on.
- Install the windows and door– Put up the windows and nail them into place.
And with that, you are done building your cabin!
In conclusion, constructing a cabin in your garden is not only possible, but it is also affordable and provided you meet the requirements, you won’t need planning permission. So what is stopping you from constructing one for yourself?
