Question 1

Do Garden Cabins require much maintenance

Accepted Answer

We design our garden cabins to be as low-maintenance as possible—much like a modern home. 
Traditional fully wooden log-cabin style garden rooms typically require regular upkeep: exterior timber treatments (often annually and at significant cost), ongoing interior timber maintenance, and a wood look aesthetic that can appear dated over time.
Our garden cabins are different.
We carefully select low-maintenance, durable materials to ensure your cabin requires minimal attention for years to come. As standard, the front elevation is clad in composite tongue-and-groove cladding, designed to look just like timber, while the sides and rear are finished in steel box-section cladding or a silicone render. This approach keeps maintenance and costs down without compromising on a sleek, contemporary appearance.
Internally, all cabins are plaster-skim finished and ready to decorate—whether you choose emulsion paint or wallpaper—just like a room in your home.
In short, our garden cabins are built to the same standards as a modern residential property, meaning far less ongoing maintenance and a space that stays looking great with minimal effort.

Question 2

Do I need planning permission

Accepted Answer

As a garden cabin that has a floor area of 25 square metres or less the short answer is NO you DO NOT need planning permission.

Here are the key planning and building restrictions in Ireland if you want to build a garden cabin / garden room / outbuilding in your garden — and how to do it without needing full planning permission:

When you don’t need planning permission (Exempted Development)

Under Irish planning law, many garden cabins are exempt from planning permission as long as they meet all the below conditions:
1. Size Limits
✔ Maximum floor area: 25 m² (about 270 sq ft) for the cabin and any other similar structures (e.g., garden sheds) combined. 
 If you already have a shed or outbuilding built under an exemption, its size counts toward this total. 
2. Garden Space Must Remain
✔ After building the cabin, you must still have at least 25 m² of private open garden space left. 
3. Height Restrictions
✔ Max height:
 • 3 m for flat/mono-pitch roofs
 • 4 m if you have a pitched (slate/tiled) room
4. Location
✔ The cabin must be behind the front wall of the house (not forward toward the street). 
 ✔ Usually placed at the rear or side of the house. If at the side, it should blend with the house in appearance or be screened. 
5. Windows & Boundaries
Windows mustn’t be within 1 m of a neighbour’s boundary (to avoid privacy issues). 
6. Usage Restrictions
For the exemption to apply, the cabin must be used for ancillary domestic purposes like:
 • Home office
 • Gym
 • Storage
 • Hobby room
 …but not as a main living space or bedroom (i.e., no full-time habitation). 
If you intend to sleep there permanently or make it a self-contained dwelling, you will almost certainly need full planning permission and building regulation compliance.

When you do need planning permission
You will need to apply for full planning permission if:
 • The cabin is larger than 25 m².
 • You want to use it as living accommodation (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom). 
 • It’s forward of the front wall of the house. 
 • Your property is in a protected / conservation area (additional restrictions).
 • It reduces private garden space below the minimum.

Building Regulations still apply even if planning permission is not needed — especially for structural safety, electrics, insulation, and damp proofing.

Always maintain good neighbourly practice — while you don’t have to notify neighbours before building, doing so can help avoid disputes later.

Quick Summary (Without Planning Permission)
1. RequirementLimitFloor area≤ 25 m² 
2. TotalRemaining garden free space≥ 25 m²
3. Height≤ 3 m (flat), 4 m (pitched)
4. LocationBehind front wall, usually rear/sideWindows by boundary≥ 1 m away
5. UsageNon-habitable (office/gym/home bar etc)

Question 3

Can I use my Garden Cabin as living accommodation now or in the future

Accepted Answer

Planning, Permitted Development & Future-Proofing
Under current Irish planning regulations, no stand-alone structure built within your garden can legally be used as living accommodation unless specific planning permission has been granted for that purpose.
Our Garden Cabins are designed and constructed to fully comply with permitted development rights, with an internal floor area of 25 square metres or less when not used as a dwelling.

Built for Today — Ready for Tomorrow
While planning permission is not currently granted for garden accommodation under permitted development , we deliberately future-proof our builds. This is in anticipation of proposed legislative changes expected to come into effect in early 2026, which will allow standalone garden accommodation of up to 45 square metres within property boundaries.

Why This Matters
Under the proposed changes, any new-build granny flat constructed under permitted development rules will be required to meet Part L of the Building Regulations—Specifically, strict U-value performance standards, which measure how effectively heat is retained within the building fabric.
(U-values explained in more detail here)

Built to Residential Standards
Our Garden Cabins are already constructed to meet these demanding Part L energy-efficiency requirements whether for intended use as a garden office/ She Shed/ Home bar etc, or with one eye on the upcoming law change. 
This means that, subject to regulation changes and compliance, a cabin can later be adapted to include bedrooms and bathroom facilities, making it suitable for full-time living.
We are not aware of any other garden room provider currently building to this level of specification. Most garden rooms on the market do not come close to meeting Part L standards and would not be compliant for use as living accommodation without substantial and costly upgrades.
These regulations will be strictly enforced to ensure that future granny flats are proper dwellings, not upgraded “posh sheds” that are unfit for long-term habitation.

A Smarter Investment
If you needed further reassurance of the value of a Garden Cabin, this is it.
Our cabins are purpose-built to residential standards if needs be, ready for the much-anticipated change in legislation—protecting your investment and giving you genuine flexibility for the future.
Build once. Build properly. Build ready for what’s coming next.

Question 4

Are Garden Cabins fully insulated?

Accepted Answer

This is where we truly excel.
When visiting many garden room suppliers, you’ll often find vague references to “high levels of insulation” or even claims of A-rated energy efficiency, yet very little explanation of how those standards are actually achieved.

Our Builds are Different.

Every Garden Cabin is constructed in line with modern residential building practices and insulated to the stringent requirements set out in Part L of the Building Regulations, achieving excellent U-values across:
 • Walls
 • Roofs
 • Floors
 • Windows & doors

Advanced Build Systems
Our cabins incorporate modern construction principles throughout, including:
 • Timber framing
 • Vapour control layers
 • Breathable membranes
 • Ventilated batten systems for airflow
 • Airtightness taping
 • Proper ventilation
 • Insulated plasterboard liners to eliminate thermal bridging

This approach gives for example, a wall U-Value of 0.18W/m2.k) which meets stringent current building regulations for dwellings 2025.

Before you commit to any garden structure, ask of any company claiming to meet these standards  how the A1 and current reg's claims are achieved. We sure would like to know too 
(Technical Guidance Document Part L of the Building Regulations)

To deliver outstanding thermal performance and sound insulation for comfortable year round use, we employ a combination of carefully considered construction methods and premium materials.
As standard, we typically install 90mm Kingspan PIR insulation between the timber studs. This alone provides the equivalent thermal performance of approximately TWICE the thickness of  Rockwool or Earthwool insulation commonly used by most garden room suppliers.
Alternatively, we can fully wrap the structure in external insulation, finished with an attractive and durable silicone render for maximum efficiency and a sleek, contemporary appearance.
While many suppliers promote “100mm of Rockwool insulation” as a selling point, our use of rigid PIR insulation effectively doubles that thermal performance with the same thickness of material as standard.

But we don’t stop there.

We strongly recommend the use of thermally lined plasterboard internally. This adds an additional layer of insulation and, crucially, eliminates cold bridging—where heat is lost through structural materials due to the absence of a thermal break. This upgrade comes at only the cost difference between standard plasterboard and the insulated alternative.
In addition, our floors and roofs are insulated with 100mm Kingspan PIR, offering thermal performance equivalent to around 200mm (8”) of Rockwool.
Where budget constraints apply, we can—reluctantly—install Rockwool insulation, as used by many competitors. However, insulation remains one of the wisest long-term investments you can make, and we firmly believe in using the very best materials available for our customers.
Importantly, we do not apply inflated mark-ups for upgraded insulation—only the actual cost differential of the materials.
The result is a Garden Cabin with thermal efficiency, typically up to three times greater than most garden rooms on the market. And when we describe our cabins as A1 energy efficient, it’s a claim we can confidently stand over.

Question 5

What are Garden Cabins constructed from

Accepted Answer

Built like a home - Designed for your garden.

Our Garden Cabins are expertly designed and constructed to withstand the demands of the Irish climate.
Each cabin is built around a robust timber structural frame, incorporating multiple carefully considered layers that work together to deliver a striking exterior, exceptional thermal performance, and a healthy intrnal environment. This approach eliminates the risk of excess humidity the prime cause of condensation and mould, while allowing for a smooth, clean, plaster-skimmed interior finish—just like a modern home.

Exterior Finishes.

We offer a range of exterior finishes to suit both your style and budget. For front elevations, we typically recommend composite cladding, which offers the natural look and feel of timber while being completely maintenance-free. For those who prefer natural materials, options include  Cedar or Siberian Larch for example, which are also available.
The sides and rear elevations—often less visible—are finished in cost-effective yet highly durable materials such as steel box-profile cladding or silicone render, ensuring longevity without unnecessary expense.

Advanced Build Systems
Our cabins incorporate modern construction principles throughout, including:
 • Timber framing
 • Vapour control layers
 • Breathable membranes
 • Ventilated batten systems for airflow
 • Airtightness taping
 • Proper ventilation
 • Insulated plasterboard liners to eliminate thermal bridging

This approach gives a wall U-Value of 0.18W/m2.k) which meets stringent current building regulations for dwellings 2025.

Before you commit to any garden structure, ask of any company claiming to meet these standards how placing Rockwool between a steel/log/timber frame and still achieving 0.18 - A1 energy rating is possible. We sure would like to know too !
(Technical Guidance Document Part L of the Building Regulations)

Each element within the fabric is strategically positioned to retain heat, exclude cold, and maintain excellent indoor air quality (IAQ) for a healthy, comfortable space.

Roofing Options
Roof systems can be configured as warm roofs (insulated above rafter), cold roofs (insulated between rafter), or a hybrid of both, depending on your requirements. 
Our preferred solution as a permanent roof covering  is an EPDM rubber roof system—a single unbroken sheet of seamless, synthetic rubber membrane with a life expectancy of 50+ years.

Windows, Doors & Access.
All windows and doors are high-performance double-glazed units, available in various sizes and configurations to suit your design. Main access options include French patio doors, sliding doors, or premium bi-fold systems.

Foundations & Flooring
Your cabin can be installed on either:
 • A raised, insulated timber base supported by block piers or ground screws, or
 • A fully insulated concrete base.
 • 
IMPORTANT: Please note Cabins and bases are priced separately.
You can have your base installed independently or we can take care of this aspect for you.

Question 6

How are Garden Cabins heated

Accepted Answer

As standard we install an eco friendly electric heater, we build to such a high thermal standard you will need very little heating even on the coldest of days.

There is the option of upgrading to an Air to Air system which offers both winter heating and summer air conditioning.

Question 7

What are the sizings and internal heights

Accepted Answer

You can create a garden cabin with up to 25 m² of internal floor space, featuring a flat roof up to 3 metres high or a pitched roof up to 4 metres, giving plenty of headroom and a light, airy feel.

Our most popular layouts are 3–4 metres wide, making the most of your garden space, and up to 6 metres long, so you can fully utilise your permitted development rights and design a cabin that perfectly fits your needs.

Question 8

What door and window options are avaliable

Accepted Answer

We supply high quality double glazed units that meet current U-value building regulations.
White UPVC is standard, with low e glazing, however colour variations are available from our suppliers.

Doors can be standard sliding or French Doors and we offer premium Bi-fold options in various sizes and frame colours.

Window and door configurations are with the client to decide on number sizes and placement.

Question 9

Electricity supply, lighting and internet connections

Accepted Answer

As standard, we provide a number of internal electrical power points, along with both internal and external spotlighting within your garden cabin. Each cabin is fitted with its own dedicated consumer unit.
A dedicated SWA armoured cable is required to run from your house consumer unit to the garden cabin to provide the electrical supply. As each installation varies, the installation of this supply is an additional cost. This is due to the fact that it is an unseen element of the build and typically requires a trench to be excavated from the house to the cabin location.
Once the electrical supply is in place, the full internal electrical fit-out is included within the overall cabin cost and will be installed, tested, and commissioned by a qualified RECI electrician.

We advise running a CAT 6 cable in the proposed trench for electrical supply which will give you a dedicated link from your homes router to a dedicated garden cabin router so there is no drop off of internet.

Question 10

Do Garden Cabins come with a warranty

Accepted Answer

We provide a 10-year guarantee for all of our garden cabins on all materials and workmanship.

The EPDM roofing system carries a 25-year guarantee, and many of the high-quality components we use are supplied with extended manufacturers’ warranties due to their premium specification.

Simply put, your garden cabin is built to last for generations

Designed to Impress - Built to Last

Question 11

What are the payment terms

Accepted Answer

The terms for your Garden Cabin build are as follows:

30% on signing of contracts
50% on commencement of the build
20% on completion and your complete satisfaction

If you require a concrete base installation this will be priced separately or you can arrange this aspect yourselves.

Question 12

Can I add plumbing or a bathroom to my cabin

Accepted Answer

Plumbing is an option yes, but adding a WC or a shower for example can affect planning status and costs and may require additional permissions from the local authorities.

Question 13

How long does it take to build a Garden Cabin

Accepted Answer

Once the base is ready, your Garden Cabin will be hand built on site within two to four weeks, depending on sizes, specifications and of course the Irish weather.

Question 14

Will a Garden Cabin add value to my home

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, our premier garden rooms 
 • Add usable living space
 • Increase property appeal
 • Improve work from home flexibility
Prospective buyers increasingly see garden cabins as a strong selling feature.

One of the most appealing aspects of creating a garden cabin is the costs when compared to a block build standard home extension. It is generally accepted in todays climate that a home extension will cost in the region of €2,500 - €3,000 a sq mtr.

Garden cabins can cost up to 50% less than this and will, in all circumstances cost considerably less than a traditionally constructed extension, without the long term disruption while still giving you all the benefits and more.

Lots more bang for your buck.

Question 15

Can I customise the design

Accepted Answer

We encourage our customers to tailor designs to their specific needs and we will work closely with you before any ground is broken in terms of:

• Size and layout
 • External finishes
 • Glazing and doors
 • Internal finishes and electrics

GARDEN CABINS
& Media Walls
Tel: 087 4442593 e mail info@gardencabins.ie

Luxury Garden Rooms - Media Walls - Outdoor Kitchens - Landscaping