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Everything You Need to Know About Log Cabin Extensions

Having a log cabin as an extension is a great way to add value to your home. Whether you need an extra bedroom, gym, home office, kitchen extension or guest room among other things, a log cabin extension is a great way to achieve that extra living room thanks to its versatility. To achieve your desired design, you should hire a qualified and reliable builder for the project.

view to back of the garden log cabin from kitchen

Why do I need a log cabin

Whether you decide to buy or have it built on-site, a log cabin is a great investment decision for any homeowner. Not only does it significantly improve the value of your property, it is also a great way to acquire extra space.

Most of the time your needs dictate the type of extension you want for your property. Whether you need an extra room, a home office, or perhaps a sauna, residential log cabins are typically simple and effective.

We also cannot forget to mention that log cabins are a great environmentally friendly solution. Their environmental impact is reduced since they are made from renewable and sustainable material like wood.

Unlike the traditional wooden home, a log cabin house extension is easier to maintain. It is easier to establish if there are any insects or if the cabin has any problems because it has fewer hollow walls.

Also, log cabin house extensions are less susceptible to fires. The wood lacks air pockets hence making it burn slower, unlike traditional wood. This way, you will have adequate time to put out the fire before it spreads or causes more damage.

Another great advantage of log cabins is that they are energy efficient. By appropriately sealing the log cabin, you will not have to worry about having a cool house during the summer or heating up your home during winter.

rear of the house

Important factors to consider when planning a log cabin house extension in the UK

Whenever you intend to build a log cabin as an extension to your home, thorough planning is an essential part of the project. Highlighted below are some of the important factors you need to put into consideration before embarking on building your log cabin home extension.

  • Establish your budget. Establishing your budget will enable you to plan accordingly and avoid incurring any extra costs for your project.
  • Select the right builder. You should be able to choose suitable and reliable house extension builders for your log cabin construction. This will help you avoid any structural complications that might arise.
  • Will there be any party wall agreements necessary? You or your builder should be able to establish whether having any party wall agreement with your neighbours will be necessary.
  • The design of your cabin extension. By working closely with your builder, you should be able to come up with a suitable style.
  • The size of your log cabin. You should choose a reasonable size that is suitable for your home and one that you can afford.
  • The type of logs that will be used for your construction. You should look at the quality, cost, durability and maintenance requirements among other things.

Planning permissions for a log cabin house extension

planning application

Before commencing any construction project, it is crucial to establish whether your project falls under permitted development rights. With our team of builders in London, you will not have to worry about this since we handle everything from the initial planning, acquiring planning permissions if necessary and ensuring adherence to the building regulations among other things.

Although most log cabins fall under permitted development rights, it is advisable to consult with your local authority officers so that they can guide you accordingly.

Usually, a log cabin should not exceed a height of 4m if the roof has ridges. If it is a flat roof, then the height should not exceed 3m. Consulting with your builder or local authorities will help you make the right decision.

Before, any structure that was to be built was required to be within 2m of the property boundary. Homeowners can now build their log cabins as close to their homes as they want thanks to the changes made in 2008 on The Town and Country Order allowing this.

This means you can have your log cabin attached to your home provided the height and size are within the stipulated requirements.

Things that will determine whether you will need any planning permission

  • Location of your property. Is it within a conservation area or near a highway?
  • If the building is on a listed property.
  • Size and height of your log cabin. The roof height and cabin sizes matter a lot since there is a limit for each.
  • If the area covered by the log cabin is 50% more than the total area of curtilage.

How long do log cabin home extensions last

Your log cabin home extension can last for several years depending on how well you take care of it. Also, the weather conditions will have an impact on the durability of the cabin. You should be aware of the kind of weather conditions experienced in the area so that you can build your extension accordingly.

The type of materials used in the construction also impacts the durability. Which type of logs will be used? Where are they sourced from? How well do you treat your logs? If the logs are well treated then it will be hard for insects to be an issue.

With our team of builders you get experts to handle everything. From choosing the right floor, roof, walls and ensuring there is great insulation, our specialists take care of the project from start to finish. Not to mention the qualified interior design experts who ensure that the interior decor matches your personality and style!

Clara Annesley

Clara Annesley is an interior design and construction content writer. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design Technology from the University of West London. Clara specialises in residential construction for topics like health & safety, architectural design and writing cost guides for renovation and remodelling projects.