What Are the Costs of Log Cabins?

Log cabins can be used as some of the best holiday lets on the market. Unlike regular properties though, the cost of log cabins are not as straightforward as you would think.

There are many uses for log cabins including storage, mancave escapes or even business properties. But the most wholesome and common use for a log cabin is creating a holiday home.

What you should consider before building a log cabin

Before we look into the costs of log cabins in greater depth, we first need to get the basics right. You wouldn't want your cosy retreat getting torn down as soon as it's finished, right?

Understand exactly what it is you will need to do before you start building your log cabin.

Land

It may seem obvious, but ensure that any land that you wish to build your log cabin on is actually available to build on. To do this, you will need to get the land surveyed so that your cabin is being built on secure land.

If you don't have any land to build your log cabin on, you may need to acquire a mortgage to buy land. This type of mortgage is different to a holiday let mortgage, so be sure you know what mortgage you're looking for.

Permission

Even if your land is ready to go, you will need to get planning permission and building regulations to build your log cabin.

Building regulations will ensure that you meet all of the structure, energy, drainage and fire safety requirements and standards. Planning permission will ensure that you have the council's consent on building on their land.

Want to know more about planning permission? Check out our guide on planning permission for holiday lets.

Location

If you're looking to turn your log cabin into a holiday let, you will need to consider the best places to locate your holiday let.

Depending on what you want from your cabin, you may want something a little more niche than just a standard property. For example, if you're looking for a property that will accomodate water sports, think of coastal areas or areas near accomodating lakes.

You may also want to consider if your log cabin is going to be located openly in the sun or in the shade.

Building cost of log cabin materials

Building costs of log cabins may vary depending on size and the market for materials. For example, the cost of timber may be much greater depending on the stability of the market.

Timber

As the name suggests, you will need a large amount of logs and timber for your log cabin. The costs of timber can flucuate quite dramatically depending on the market.

On top of the cost of wood, you will need to factor in the costs of different types of wood. The two types of timber that you would commonly use in the UK is either spruce or pine.

Pine

• More affordable

• More abundant in resource

Spruce

• Denser, helping to prevent rotting

• Tighter knots, helping to prevent water absorption

• Stronger than pine

• Appealing white wood colour

With all of this in mind, you should try not to mix your woods when you're building your log cabin. As different woods expand and contract and different rates, you can create a variety of different problems if you mix wood.

Think about what you will need when it comes to aesthetic. Are you going to have a more basic wooden cabin with a plank exterior, or are you going for a traditional log cabin feel with a plank interior with a log exterior?

Roof Style

When thinking of the cost of log cabins, one of the most time and cost consuming elements of the cabin is the roof.

A log cabin typically comes in three styles: flat roof, pitched roof or sloped roof. Do you know your roof styles?

Flat roof - As the name suggests, this is a flat roof that requires a minimal amount of construction cost and material to achieve.

Although more cost affective, this type of roof can create alot of problems. Snow and rain can damage this style of roof and if not cleaned regularly, decaying leaves and debris can cause the wood to rot.

Pitched roof - A pitched roof is where there are two sloped roof tops join to create a point. This roof is much more expensive as it requires more material and more time.

Although the costs are greater, this roof will last much longer and avoid more affects that the elements may throw at it.

Sloped roof - Sloped roof cabins are similar to pitched roof cabins in that they can prevent many of the affects of the elements. This style of roof is still more costly than a flat roof and requires more time, however, they're more cost-effective than pitched roof cabins.

You will typically find a sloped roof on a smaller cabin. For bigger cabins, there will either be a pitched roof or flat roof.

Roof Material

Now you have decided on the type of roof you may want, have you considered the material you are going to use to cover the roof?

Here are some of the more conventional options for roofing:

Felt

Advantages

• A variety of colour options

• Most affordable option

Disadvantages

• Requires most attention and maintenance

• Isn't the best quality and will be affected by the weather fairly quickly

Metal sheets

Advantages

• Long lifespan if maintained correctly

• Easy to apply

Disadvantages

• If not correctly treated, the metal can become rusty

• Takes away from the wooden aesthetic of a log cabin

Slate

Advantages

• Long life span

• Fits the authentic log cabin vibe

Disadvantages

• Requires specialists to install the material properly

• Costly material

Wooden shingles

Advantages

• Long life span

• Fits the authentic log cabin vibe

Disadvantages

• Costly material

• Requires a lot of maintenance

Base

The cost of the base again depends on the material you use. Depending on what you're looking for in terms of life spand and usage, you can either opt for a concrete base or wooden base.

A concrete base is usually the most typical option as it is more structurally sound, providing the cabin with longevity.

Labour costs

Are you skilled enough to do most of the work on your own? If so then you could save yourself a large portion of finances.

Unfortunately, if you're not as skilled in this area of those lucky few, then you're going to need to call for assistance. This does however come at a price.

Here are some of the average prices of hired services that you may need for your log cabin.

Electrician: £280 - £350 per day

Plumber: £150 - £270 per day

Labourer: £100 - £160 per day

Roofer: £150 - £220 per day

Costs and demands will vary on a case by case basis, but it is vital that you factor in labour costs before you start building your log cabin.

Costs of buying a log cabin

The cost of buying a log cabin in the UK can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the size, location, type of wood, and level of customization.

Generally speaking, smaller log cabins can start at around £10,000, while larger, more elaborate cabins can cost well over £100,000 or more.

Some companies in the UK offer pre-fabricated log cabin kits that include all of the necessary materials and instructions for assembly, which can be more affordable than a custom-built cabin. However, keep in mind that additional costs such as land acquisition, foundation, utilities, and permits may also be required.

It's important to do your research and consider all the costs associated with buying a log cabin in the UK before making a purchase.

It's also worth noting that planning permission may be required even for pre-fabricated log cabins, so be sure to check with your local council before making any plans to buy a log cabin.

Costs of letting out your log cabin

This is the part that a lot of property owners will be most interested in - the total costs and potential earnings from letting our your log cabin.

As mentioned at the start of this article, log cabins make great family get-aways, meaning that you could potentially make your log cabin work for you. Whilst you're not using your escape property, why not let it out?

Running your holiday let

If you decide to let your property, you will be faced with costs of running the property. There are many elements you will need to cover. These costs include:

• Any agent fees

• Holiday let insurance

• Business rates for holiday lets

• Furnishing

• Utility bills

• Changeover costs

• Cleaning charges

• Gardening and land maintenance

You can find more details on the costs of running your holiday let on our blog.