What to Look for in Log Cabins

If you’re running out of space in the house but don’t want the bother and expense of building an extension, a log cabin may be a relatively quick and easy solution.

This type of structure can make an ideal home office, playroom, workshop or games room, providing an attractive outdoor retreat as well as adding interest and value to your home. Here are a few practical pointers for anyone considering a log cabin:

What’s the difference between a log cabin and a summerhouse?

Log cabins share some features in common with summerhouses but are larger, more substantial buildings made from much thicker timbers. Their walls are built up using interlocking precision-cut logs which slot together so tightly that no fixings are required. Floors and roofs are normally constructed from close-fitting tongue and groove timber, resulting in strong and watertight structures suitable for a whole range of uses.

The logs are usually made from kiln dried wood. This process extracts moisture from the timber to a precise level, which reduces warping and minimises the risk of splitting.

What are the main points to look for in a log cabin?

Not all log cabins are the same. Wall density can range from around 28mm up to more than 50mm, and floors are usually between 19mm and 28mm thick. Some cabins are double-glazed, making them usable in all weathers, whereas others may only have single glazing, so check before you buy.

As for roofs, most are around 19mm thick and available with a choice of covering. Felt shingles are widely considered the most attractive, but you can also get corrugated bitumen panels and felt sheeting.

Consider the shape of the building as well. Log cabins with pitched roofs tend to be taller than those with flat or sloping roofs, which can sometimes limit where you are able to place them in your garden. And traditional chalet-type structures with roof overhangs often take up more ground space than modern minimalist designs, so remember to allow for this when measuring up.

Do you need planning permission for a log cabin?

If you are thinking of erecting a small detached building such as a log cabin, shed or sun room in your garden, you will not normally need planning permission. These are the main points to bear in mind:

1. You are not allowed to place a building beyond the front wall of your house – in other words, in the front garden.

2. No more than 50% of the land around the original dwelling can be taken up with outbuildings or extensions – so if you have a small back garden, measure carefully to make sure there is enough space left over for a cabin before you commit yourself.

3. Height is a major factor. If the cabin is less than 2.5m tall at its highest point, you can place it within 2m of your boundary – otherwise, you will have to position it further away.

Do log cabins have to comply with building regulations?

Building regulations are safety rules that govern how well a structure is built. They won’t apply if your log cabin is less than 15 square metres in size and contains no sleeping accommodation. Even if the cabin is between 15 and 30 square metres, it will usually only have to meet building regulations if it is situated less than 1m from your boundary.

However, if you are hoping to use the cabin as a granny annexe, guest room or holiday let, then it must comply with building regulations because it will include sleeping accommodation. This applies to any size of cabin and is down to safety reasons. More information is available on the government’s Planning Portal website.

Where’s the best place for a log cabin?

Put the cabin on a level part of the garden. Leave a good gap all around the building so you can reach the walls to apply treatments or carry out repairs, and remember to allow for roof overhang when measuring the space available.

Don’t position the cabin where it will block out your neighbours’ light, and be aware of planning rules – if the building is more than 2.5m tall, you should not place it within two metres of the boundary.

Consider the direction of the sun, as you may not want sunlight beaming straight in if you’re going to use the cabin as an office. Think about convenience too. If you’re planning to install electricity in the building, putting it near the house will make it easier to connect a power supply.

What base do you need for a log cabin?

Good foundations are vital for any garden building. If the base isn’t strong enough, or is even slightly uneven, the walls will eventually warp.

For adequate support, it’s best to put the cabin on a 150mm thick concrete base. A paving slab base should be sufficient for smaller cabins of less than 30m�, as long as it is completely level. Try to make the base exactly the same size as the cabin for a neat appearance.

Renovating Your Home and Self Storage

There is a time in the life of every home owner when they have to renovate their home. It can happen at any time of year, even before Christmas. What does it mean to a potential homeowner then? Does it mean that they cannot use their home while it is being renovated? And most importantly, what are they supposed to do with their belongings for the duration of the renovation process? These are only some of the questions many home owners keep asking themselves.

One possible solution to the challenges related to renovating your house is renting storage units such as storage units Orlando You can rent such storage units for as little as one month, which should be enough time to allow you to renovate your property throughout. Check the unit of your choice if they are able to offer you that sort of conditions because this is the shortest contract you can possibly find.

One of the biggest challenges is transporting your goods to and from such a facility. Usually, you will be required to do it on your own, although there are some facilities that will offer for a price their assistance with that. Whichever option you choose remember to place your belongings in a storage unit in such a way so that they don’t damage your other goods. If this is something you find challenging, don’t hesitate to ask for help with it.

Once you have the key for the unit ready, head to the facility to check how you are going to arrange your belongings. Make sure that you use your space effectively and don’t leave any too big gaps between your items unless it is absolutely necessary to do so. Keep in mind that heavier things might damage lighter goods if they are placed on the top of them. This is why you should make sure that you put all the things the right way in your storage facility or you risk damaging them and this damage might be irreversible.

As you can see, there are many benefits of storage facilities. You might want to make yourself familiar with them.