The popularity of Garden Rooms and Log Cabins is skyrocketing across Irish homes as owners increasingly seek extra space for offices, studios, gyms and entertaining. However, these additions require due diligence before breaking ground – impulsive purchases risk turning dreams into financial nightmares.
As a veteran garden construction company with over 15 years of experience and 6,500+ projects, the Loghouse team knows that poor planning can result in expensive rebuilds and lost savings if you realise that the small Garden Cabin you build does not suit your requirements in terms of usage. This guide shares some expert knowledge to set your garden-building project on the road for success.
Garden Cabins Ireland – Typical Sizes and Layouts
A garden cabin’s size impacts everything from planning permission required to enjoyment and functionality. While compact buildings seem affordable initially, limited dimensions ultimately frustrate daily users long-term. (More info on – Planning Permission Ireland)
Daily users need sufficient space to suit their activities, otherwise, frustration can build, which may lead to one starting again from scratch and rebuilding a bigger Garden Cabin – an expensive lesson voiding any initial savings realised by choosing the smaller option!!.
Carefully evaluate what size your garden cabin needs to be. For instance, using the garden cabin as a craft studio may require large storage spaces only garden cabins with spacious footprints provide.
Alternatively, if you wish to use your Garden Log Cabin as a leisure lounge/garden bar, a cabin which can accommodate seating, a bar with storage for drinks and possibly a pool table would be required. (More info on – Garden Snooker Room) Plan and make provisions so that your new dream Garden Cabin is the correct size and well-suited to your daily usage. (More info on – Garden Bars Ireland)
Garden Cabins Ireland – Construction and Material Choices
Loghouse’s garden cabins are crafted with a focus on the unique Irish climate. Our team use FSC-certified Scandinavian Pine, ensuring eco-friendliness and durability. The design process is flexible, allowing for tailor-made solutions that fit individual needs and aesthetics. Attention to detail in insulation and weatherproofing makes these cabins suitable for year-round use. The garden cabins come with options for customisation in terms of size, design, and additional features, catering to diverse requirements, from simple garden cabins to more complex structures.
Garden Cabins Ireland – 2024 Costs Breakdown
When budgeting your garden dream build through Loghouse, the base cabin or room cost depends on chosen dimensions ranging from 3x3m (from €13,199 delivered) up to 4-bed log homes spanning 9m in length (€47,600+). (More info on – Log Cabins Kilkenny)
Beyond the base build materials, be sure to factor in:
- Delivery Fees (free within Leinster, €1.70 per km outside)
- Foundations & Ground Works (foundation screws from €90 p/m2)
- Optional Insulation Upgrades (wall/roof insulation €200-€500 for small builds, higher for larger)
- Electrical Connections to Power Interior (quote based on property fuse board proximity)
- Plumbing & Wastewater Requirements (€1000-€5000 depending on complexity)
- Custom Interiors Fit Out Like Kitchens & Bathrooms
- Integrated Furnishings Through Partners Where Desired
- Landscaping, Surfacing and Access Routing Around New Build
Here is an example of the available options and related prices for our KILKENNY LOG CABIN 4m X 3m
Garden Cabins Ireland – Planning Permission Guidelines
In Ireland, planning permission requirements for log cabins and garden buildings primarily depend on the size and location of structures. (More info on – Log Cabin Planning Permission)
Buildings under 25 square meters (269 square feet) situated to the rear of an existing home commonly don’t require council approval in many counties. However, specifics can vary – always verify with your local county council first.
Here is some official information regarding planning permission from Citizens Information (www.citizensinformation.ie):
What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is an approval required from your local county council before undertaking certain development projects like building houses, extensions or conversions. It ensures construction aligns with regulations around appropriate land usage, environmental impact, housing availability and infrastructure demands.
When Do I Need Planning Permission?
Permission is required when structurally altering or building new free-standing permanent structures. This includes new houses, extensions, conservatories, conversions of sheds and garages into accommodation etc.
However, outbuildings like garden cabins may be exempt based on dimensions and exact siting – always verify with your specific county council. Permissions also apply when significantly changing land or building functional uses, like operating commercial services from home.
Penalties & Unauthorised Work
Proceeding without necessary permission risks enforcement action including heavy fines and demolition orders. However, if work has commenced inadvertently, owners can lodge retention permission requests but approval is not guaranteed.
Application Process & Timelines
Submit applications with supporting documents like drawings, public notices and fees to your council. Generally, the local planning authority must make a decision on a planning application within 8 weeks of receiving the application, but if the local authority needs more information, or the decision is appealed, it may take much longer. Appeal decisions through An Bord Pleanala within 4 weeks although reworking plans to overcome issues accelerate outcomes.
Assessing Site Practicalities
Consider key factors of you log cabin build project. Plan drainage routing to prevent flooding situations, making provisions for allowing rainfall runoff. Position builds on graded land avoiding overly sloped areas. Plan access routes for construction crews to ease delivery logistics once works commence.
Research underground electrical and plumbing connections feasibility and budget costs for foundational provisions. Altering concrete foundations later can prove painfully complex and expensive.
Loghouse Ireland, Bray Showroom, Horkans Garden Centre, Glen of the Downs, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 W3V8 ; Tel: 01 201 7675 ; Driving Directions:
Comprehensive land surveys and site analysis with ensure projects run more successfully. Meticulous upfront planning helps transform plans on paper into your dream garden building, blending aspirational design with pragmatic logistics. Work closely with experienced building partners like Loghouse when developing the scope of your building project. Our team’s many years of expertise can help spot potential issues early, a valuable asset to both first-time and seasoned builders alike ensuring a smooth and successful installation.
Beyond optimal sizing, Loghouse allows buyers to fully customize their perfect garden retreat through a range of materials and insulation.
Our Scandinavian pine log cabins with 45-70mm wall thickness options can lend wonderful rustic charm to your back garden. With steel roofing and premium living-type windows & doors guarding against the harsh Irish weather.
Inside, customise the interior depending on your log cabin’s intended use. Many of our customers build garden bars to gyms to hair & beauty studios. (More info on – Log Cabin Interior Design) Work with our design specialists to actualise your vision down to lighting schemes and power provisions facilitating full-time remote office use or off-grid leisure. (More info on – Log Cabin Interior Design)
We approach every customer journey as a collaborative partnership whether your new Log Cabin or Garden Room leans towards classic or contemporary. We pride ourselves on the flexibility to customise every garden built to match individual customer needs and desires for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Ever wondered about….Insulated Garden Rooms Ireland. Check out our latest blog post for details.
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