| Log cabins may not be the first item you would think | | | | stores. |
| of putting on your Christmas wish list, but if you | | | | Who is going to build your log cabin? |
| have your parents, in-laws, aunts, uncles and | | | | For some people, the idea of erecting their own log |
| numerous children descending on you over the | | | | cabin is met with delight and enthusiasm, and it can |
| Christmas period, a log cabin used as a guest room | | | | be a rewarding and satisfying experience. Most log |
| could give you the extra space you need for your | | | | cabins only require quality basic tools, for example: a |
| guests. | | | | drill, hammer, screwdrivers, and a level and good log |
| To determine what sort of log cabin will suit you, | | | | cabins come with detailed building instructions to guide |
| there are a few questions that need to be answered: | | | | you all the way. For other people, the idea of |
| How much space do you have for a log cabin? | | | | erecting their own log cabin is, well, abhorrent! The |
| Unless you have a garden the size of a postage | | | | best option would be to find a local builder, or the log |
| stamp, there should be a log cabin to suit you. Many | | | | cabin company could recommend one for you. |
| log cabins are designed for smaller gardens where | | | | Once your log cabin is built, the only problem you'll |
| space is limited, and if space is not an issue, you | | | | have are your relatives fighting over who is going to |
| could have a log cabin the size of a small house with | | | | stay in it! |
| two storeys. | | | | When Christmas has been and gone, instead of |
| Who will use your log cabin? | | | | leaving your log cabin empty, collecting spider webs |
| If young and old alike are to use your log cabin, it | | | | and dust, it could earn you money as bed and |
| would be best to have a log cabin with a double door | | | | breakfast accommodation. Who could resist staying |
| entrance so prams and wheelchairs can be easily | | | | overnight in a rustic yet modern accommodation? |
| accommodated. | | | | And tax-wise, a B&B can prove to be very beneficial |
| What is your budget? | | | | as a home based business. However, before you |
| Small log cabins start at about £600 and can run | | | | start, you should check with your local planning |
| into thousands for very large log cabins with all the | | | | authority, as you'll be changing your home from |
| extras - such as a veranda, double-glazing, window | | | | residential to business. If you think a B&B would be |
| shutters, window boxes, etc. A good log cabin | | | | too much work, you could rent it out to a lodger, so |
| company will stock log cabins to suit all budgets. | | | | you would have a steady income every week |
| Which type of log cabin should you choose? | | | | month. If you own freehold property, you will need |
| Log cabins usually come in a high-quality DIY kit form. | | | | to inform your insurers about a lodger, and if you |
| The log cabin kits come in a variety of wall thickness, | | | | have a mortgage, you may need permission from |
| ranging from 28mm to 45mm and are normally made | | | | your mortgage lender. |
| from pre-cut, pre-notched, tongue and grooved kiln | | | | Log cabins may not be what most people would |
| dried timbers for quick assembly. Shopping online is a | | | | choose as a Christmas present, but there aren't |
| good place to look for log cabins as they display a | | | | many gifts that provide additional space for the |
| range of designs, provide details about each log cabin, | | | | home, and a way to earn extra income. |
| and are often cheaper than garden centres or DIY | | | | |