Cabins are becoming an increasingly popular addition to New Zealand homes because kiwis are realising the huge advantages that this extra living space can provide.
There are multiple benefits to buying a cabin for your garden. They provide a comfortable and protected area to expand your home and your liveable space while in nature. A cabin makes for year-round functionality whether for a family BBQ, a kids playhouse, a home office, a studio or sleepout.
Transforming your outdoor space by adding an Outpost cabin can deliver a foundation for creating precious memories for a lifetime.
15 Benefits of Buying a Cabin
There are so many great opportunities that open up to you when you invest in a cabin for the garden. It’s the kind of purchase that’ll leave you wondering how you ever lived without it.
We believe these are 15 great reasons you should think about investing in a cabin for your garden:
- You can transform, personalise and use your cabin however you wish
- It adds an extra living space or storage outside your home
- You can use it as an extra bedroom or sleepout
- It provides the outdoors experience while being sheltered from the elements
- You can escape from the hustle and bustle of the house
- It will encourage you to spend more time outside
- It’s makes a great space for entertaining family and friends
- You can spend time in the garden throughout the seasons
- You can use it for garden furniture storage when you’re not using it
- It frees up space in the house
- It will add value to your home
- If you don’t want to move but want more livable space
- It can be used in the place of a garage or shed
- It’s the perfect little addition for the kids to play house
- Being so close to nature is good for the soul
What Can I Do with a Cabin in the Garden?
There are plenty of ways for cabin utilisation. You likely have some ideas in mind and we wouldn't be surprised if it was a debated conversation within your household. Afterall, the whole family will want to use it. Deciding what to do with the extra space may have your mind in a tizzy, but we have some inspiration for you.
You could turn your cabin into:
An outdoor living room
The obvious choice to please the whole family is to turn your cabin into an outdoor living space that opens out into the garden, add a comfy couch or daybed, a bookshelf and some warm lighting for an ultimate outdoor experience to take advantage of throughout the year. You could even add a convenient mini fridge to hold snacks and drinks so you don’t have to venture inside too often.
A summer house
A summer house is a perfect opportunity to provide a comfortable space to enable you to spend more time in your garden, enjoying the outdoors and connecting to nature with proficient shelter from the elements. Add some rattan furniture, comfy cushions, some fairy lights and a BBQ on the deck for a space you’ll never want to leave.
A home office
Thanks to the pandemic, a lot of people are investing in cabins to transform into home offices at the bottom of their gardens. Separating your work hours from your home time can increase your productivity. Giving you the privacy you need to get the work done and creating a space where you can mentally be in the zone and away from distractions.
Yoga studio or a gym
Instead of getting your equipment out of the cupboard everytime you need to workout, you can turn your cabin into the type of gym that you look forward to using. Add some mirrors, rubber flooring, a dumb bell rack, a fridge full of rehydration, some towels and all your yoga props for a space that inspires you to work out.
A kids playhouse
Creating an imaginative space for the kids to play especially during the school holidays will keep them occupied for hours on end. The great thing about an outdoor playhouse is they can get vitamin D and outdoor time while being protected from the elements. You can decorate your cabin however you please and fill it with fun games to play. With some well thought out furniture you could create a space the whole family can enjoy.
A BBQ area
Adding comfortable seating and cosy cushions inside and out, along with tables and chairs, decking and a grill can make this space the perfect hangout for family and friends during the warm summer evenings.
A studio, she shed or a man cave
Turn your cabin into your own personal retreat with outlets for all your favourite hobbies whether it’s reading, writing, painting, woodwork, pottery or gardening. Creating a dedicated space to relax and nurture your hobbies while being immersed in nature will help to get the creative juices flowing.
Turn it into a sleepout
A sleepout is a fantastic addition to any property if you have the space to create an outpost building in your garden. A sleepout would be perfect for kids who are currently sharing or for when your parents come to stay. Add a bed, some cabinets, curtains and some lighting and you’ve created an extra bedroom to your house. It will also raise the value of your home should you decide to sell.
A Balinese bathroom
Have you ever experienced an outdoor bathroom? Immersing yourself in nature is a perfect relaxation tool. If your idea of tranquillity is a peaceful bath, your favourite tipple and a great view, then transform your cabin into a relaxation haven with a clawfoot bathtub, lots of candles, some sheer privacy curtains, along with the sound of the birds chirping and the trees rustling to take away the stresses of the day.
Cafe, or wine bar
You don’t have to go as far as installing a bathtub, a simple coffee or wine bar inside a perfectly positioned cabin could provide the best views while you sit with your early morning coffee or your evening tipple while you watch the sun go down. Add a couple of lounging chairs to share it with your favourite person.
A movie centre
Add a snug couch and a giant TV to your cabin in the garden for the ultimate movie experience. A surround sound, some black out curtains, neon lights and a sturdy padlock are all you need to create the theatre experience steps away from your house.
Does a Cabin in the Garden Add Value to Your Property?
If you choose to add a cabin to your garden you might wonder how much value it can add to your home should you decide to sell your property in the future.The great news is a cabin offers extra, functional space making your garden so much more useful.
It’s been noted by real estate agents in NZ that homes with a cabin addition could increase your property value by up to $100 000. The added value does of course, depend on the size and quality of the cabin. Buyers are now seeing this as a highly valuable asset when searching for homes in NZ. Especially with the recent increase in working-from-home, a lot of people value the extra space.
Do you Need a Building Consent for a Cabin?
The new permit rules in NZ which came into effect in August 2020 indicates that a number of low-risk buildings such as sleepouts, greenhouses and sheds can be built up to 30 square metres without requiring a building consent, as long as it is single storey and detached from your main house.
However, take note that there are many exemptions to the rule, you can read the Summary of new exemptions on the government website. It also states that if you plan to add a kitchen or bathroom to your cabin, you will need to apply for a building consent from your local council. It also applies if you want to add any loft space higher than 900mm.
Should I Buy A Cabin?
If you’re not yet convinced that a cabin in the garden is the best thing since sliced bread then maybe visualising one of our cabins on your property will sway you. Check out our range of tough built and durable cabins of all different sizes, shapes and designs. We have a range of designs and sizes available and are happy to work with you to accommodate your requirements and your budget.
At Outpost Buildings we have a variety of strong and inviting, relocatable cabin designs to choose from. Our kitset cabins come flat packed and include everything you need to construct your cabin. Contact our team today, we also offer free kitset delivery within New Zealand to Toll Transport Depots.
