Need some more space at home? Maybe the bach or crib could do with an extra room or two?
Installing a cabin or tiny home could be the perfect solution.
Far more affordable than adding an extension to your home, a cabin gets you the same amount of space at a fraction of the cost.
So, what is the process to buy a cabin?
Do you need to get building consent or groundworks? How about approval from the council?
We cover all that info (and more) in this article, so read on to find out.
What Is The Process To Buy A Cabin?
Can I Add A Cabin To My Property?
In New Zealand, if you have the space you are legally entitled to build a “second dwelling” of up to 30m2 on your property without needing to subdivide.
So, can you do it at your place?
The best place to start your research is on your local council’s website, as that will have all the guidelines and regulations for your town. Depending on what you are looking to build you may need to obtain building or resource consent.
Enquire about what you might be able to do on your individual property. Don’t forget to ask about the potential costs involved so that you can make informed decisions about your next steps.
It can also be helpful to have a chat with a building company that has experience in building second dwellings, cabins and sleepouts – like the team here at Pencarrow. We deal with these regulations every day, so can give advice on what might be possible with your space.
The Process To Buy A Cabin
Installing a cabin on your property gives you great flexibility as the space can be used in a number of different ways. Whether you want a granny flat, a teenage retreat, space for guests or a home office, a Pencarrow cabin is a great solution.
So, what is the process of getting one installed?
1: Let’s Chat
The first step is to have a discussion about what you need. We’ll discuss the purpose of the cabin, show you some of our standard plans and what design you’d like to see. Then, we’ll talk through all the logistics, specifications and onsite requirements so that everyone has the right expectations.
2: Proposal and Quote
Once we’ve nailed down the specifics, we can then send you a formal proposal and quote based on our discussions. From there, we can finalise any remaining aspects.
3: Building and Resource consents
Not sure if you need consent or what steps are needed throughout the build? Check the ‘What needs to happen section’ below.
4: Building Contract
Once you are 100% satisfied with the proposal, then it’s go time! You’ll accept the quote, sign the building contract and pay the deposit. Our team will prepare and submit the relevant council consent documentation to Porirua City Council and begin construction of your cabin once approved.
5: Keep Calm and Communicate
This is the part where we build your cabin. All you need to do is sit tight and wait for us to finish. We’ll keep you fully informed throughout the build process with photos and schedule updates, and you can even come and do a walkthrough at our workshop if you want to. This is also the time that onsite works will happen at your place to make sure it is ready for delivery day.
Speaking of delivery day, make sure to book a day and time for delivery three weeks out. Plus organise insurance for transit.
6: Delivery Day
All that’s left to do now is to deliver your cabin! With the help of a transport truck, your cabin will be delivered and placed onto the foundations. We can either supply a builder to connect the cabin to the foundations or you may have a local builder you’d prefer to use. After this point the electrician, plumber/drainlayer carries out their work to connect the cabin services to the existing services. You can now move in and enjoy your fabulous new space!
What Needs To Happen
We are here to help make the process of buying a cabin as easy as possible. But, there are some technical aspects to consider before diving in. Here are some of them:
Building Consent
Will you require building consent for your cabin? Well, that all depends on a number of things. The actual regulations will be set by your local council, so it is imperative to check with them about your plans before deciding on anything.
As a rule, the following will require building consent:
Any additional structure that is greater than 30m2 in floor area
Plumbing and drainage (if your cabin has a bathroom or kitchen, this will apply)
If your cabin is over 10sqm and sits less than 3 meters from will sit less than 1m away from your boundary line
For more information on what will require building consent, check out the MBIE specifications here.
However, Pencarrow Cabins will still be applying for a consent to build your cabin through Porirua City Council by submitting the architect and engineer drawings, plus specifications. Once approved and granted, Porirua City Council building inspectors will carry out inspections at certain stages throughout the build process to ensure the cabin is being built to building code NZ3604, as per the approved architects and engineers plans.
Now your foundation design and pile depth will need to be assessed by an engineer. The engineer will carry out a Geo-Technical (Geo Tech) assessment or Penetrometer test. These test and report results recommend the most appropriate foundations for your building.
From there an application to your local council for building consent will also be required. This will cover the location of the cabin, foundations, and connections of services i.e plumbing / drainlaying and electrical.
Groundworks and Piles
Your cabin will need to have a reasonably flat surface to sit upon. If your section is not flat, then groundworks could be necessary to create an appropriate site for your cabin.
Cabins either need to be set on a concrete base or on a pile system.
You may find that you require Geotech testing in your yard to determine how deep your piles can go. Expect to pay approximately $5,000 for this service.
Plumbing and Waste
If you are intending to have a kitchen or bathroom in your cabin, then you will need to have a plan for how the cabin’s pipes will be connected to your street’s water and waste supply.
You will need to chat with a plumber about obtaining a quote for water and waste connection. Plus, your plumber will need to supply a drawing detailing how they will be connecting your cabin to the services. This plan will need to include specifics on connection, pipe size and measurements.
Need Some Help?
It is an exciting step to be expanding the space at your property with a cabin. But, there is a lot to think about before that new space is ready to use!
That’s why Pencarrow Cabins is here to help.
Our speciality is building high quality, NZ made cabins. So, we know a thing or two about the process. We can work with you throughout the entire process – from assisting with your building consent application, right through to putting the finishing touches on your cabin. Or, we can offer a complete turnkey solution.
Reach out to our team today to chat about the process to buy a cabin.
