Can I live in a log cabin permanently?

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1. 1. Can I live in a log cabin in my parent’s garden?
   2. How can I live in a log cabin permanently?
   3. Can I live in a log cabin any other way?
   4. Can I live in a log cabin?

Log cabins are wonderful structures that can adapt to almost any purpose. If you need an extra room, a new office at home, a place to complete a workout, or somewhere to run a business from, the options are virtually endless.

Log cabins in Ireland are traditionally built for temporary accommodation, but as they can be very well-built and insulated from the elements, some people are living in them full time. This is not always possible or desirable though. It’s important to think about your plans before you buy one because without planning permission it could become illegal to do so after use has begun.

Can I live in a log cabin? Perhaps. In some countries, log cabins are traditionally found hidden away in the woods, and it’s a great place to make your home. In Ireland, log cabins can be found in remote locations, but it is much more common to find them in gardens.

For the log cabins that are constructed in gardens, there are certain rules in place as to how they can be used. However, there are locations where you can build a log cabin and consider it to be your home – and the difference might be something as simple as obtaining the correct planning permission from the local authority.

Can I live in a log cabin in my parent’s garden?

Let’s start by looking at the upside to this – homes are getting more expensive by the year, and if there is room in the garden, who wouldn’t want that little bit of independence coupled with the comforts of home?

But there are downsides to this too. To live in a log cabin on your own, you would need additional planning permission, including complying with building regulations. Why? Because when anyone builds a permanent structure (and that’s what a log cabin used as a home would be considered as) building regulations must be followed for safety.

It would be easy for anyone to throw up a garden shed, call it a cabin, and move in. It’s cheap, easy, and extremely dangerous, especially if you try to connect mains electricity and gas. One accident later, and the whole place has burned to the ground, potentially with you inside. The building regulations relating to doorways and exits for permanent buildings are there for a reason, as are those relating to fire controlling materials.

Getting a cabin built that adheres to the regulations is possible, and log cabins are real buildings that can be considered permanent. However, keep in mind that it can be time-consuming and obtaining planning permission for a log cabins is a legal requirement.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that if the log cabin is built as an extension to the existing home, it becomes part of the original permanent dwelling. As long as the dimensions fit within the current planning rules, an extension will not need planning permission. Always check with your local planning office to make sure that these rules apply in your area before commencing any work!

This means that when the cabin is built as an extension, you can live in it, but might be sacrificing some privacy due to its direct connection to the main home.

How can I live in a log cabin permanently?

For an entirely separate log cabin that is not in a garden and is not an extension, the rules for creating a permanent home are the same for any building whether it is built from brick, timber, metal, or any other material.

You must apply for planning permission, adhere to the building regulations, and follow all local guidelines. If you own a plot of land, constructing a log cabin on the land is a perfectly valid use of the land – but only if you meet all the legal requirements.

Some land simply cannot be built on, while other pieces of land can only be used for building if the design of the structure is sympathetic to the surroundings. This can even come down to the colour you choose to paint the cabin.

Log cabins such as the Glulam cabins from Loghouse are perfect to use as a permanent home. Alternatively, structures like the 4-bed log cabin or even a custom design of your own can be used.

With many years of experience in design and communicating with planning departments, we are able to offer you the advice which may help you get the permissions you need to build a log cabin to live in.

This experience shows that most people will want all the conveniences they would usually find in a house. Kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms can all be incorporated into a log cabin.

Possibly the greatest issue you may face is connecting a cabin to the mains electric and water supply, but this is an issue you would need to overcome no matter what your new home was built with. While it may seem ideal to try to escape into the countryside, mains connections are important unless you’ll be running your own generator.

Can I live in a log cabin any other way?

Many families own mobile homes in holiday parks or other locations, and it is increasingly popular to use a log cabin for this purpose. Again, planning permission might need to be obtained depending on the exact location and size of the cabin, but it’s often easier to obtain it for a structure in a holiday park.

There are no specific rules controlling how long you can live in your “holiday home”, but there may be conditions imposed by the holiday park itself. Before making the decision to move into a log cabin, you need to ask “Can I live in a log cabin?” to the people in appropriate positions.

Can I live in a log cabin?

The short answer is – it depends! The long answer takes into account what kind and size of cabin you have in mind, and where you want to build it.

If you can obtain planning permission for the exact specification of the cabin you want to build, there’s nothing stopping you from living in Ireland’s best log cabins permanently.

For years, sheds have been the retreat of choice for men at home. The majority of these spaces are just simple garden sheds – but now it’s time for the ladies to fight back! – Check out our blog post about She Sheds – Garden Rooms For The Girls!