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Mobile Log Cabins Regulations and Suppliers

#1 surreydodger

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Posted 02 June 2010 - 12:00 PM

Hi all

As we are now at the stage of looking to buy a mobile log cabin, I thought it might be helpful to all to share some of the info I now have to hand. Whilst doing that, it seems that one of the most common questions is the law relating to what constitutes a mobile home.

So, first, the regulations which areall in Dave's book but annoted here for quick reference.

Maximum size - 20mtrs in length x 6.8mtrs wide
Height - technically, there is no exterior height restriction. There is an internal one where the dimension between floor and ceiling is 3.05mtrs.

(the above relate from http://www.opsi.gov....06/20062374.htm )

So far as what constitutes a 'mobile home' it is that it is transportable. The important word is that it is 'capable' of being transported, either by being towed by a vehicle or put on a trailer or vehicle capable of carrying it.

The mobile home should be 'capable' of being moved in no more than two pieces. That means that it could be moved in one piece or two pieces. But, this does not prevent you from buying a mobile home as a kit in many thousands of pieces and constructing it on site. So long as when it has been constructed out of many thousands of pieces it is now 'capable' of being moved on a trailer or on it's own wheels, it is within the regulations.

If the mobile is so big that it has to be done in two pieces, then the unit must be 'capable' of being split into two pieces and each piece must be capable of being movable without any further works. This goes the same when putting it together. The final job of construction is the joining of the two pieces to complete the mobile unit.

The regulations and case law finds that you are not bound by having to have your mobile home delivered to site in a complete form. hence, one can buy it in kit form and self-build, so long as the above are complied with.

If there are any contrary views to the above, please post below, Thx.

Mobile Log Cabin Suppliers,,, beware!! (2nd June 2010)

As of the time of writing, I have yet to visit any supplier. One thing I am mindful of at this stage is there seems to be quite a few sellors around quite happy to just be taking a commission on a sale,,, i.e. agents for manufacturers. I would personally advise thoose unfamiliar with buying such a thing to be very wary. Where possible, talk direct to the manufacturer. They may likely just point you to the agent but be persistent and make sure you know as much as you can about the manufacturer. Agents for such things come and go with the wind so knowing the manufacturer is crucial should anything go wrong down the line.

If you have too lay down a deposit, which is not an unfair demand, request this is put in an escrow account, only to be released once your mobile is delivered to your satisfaction.

New Forest Log Cabins Ltd
Wyevale Garden Centre
Wimborne Rd West
Wimborne
Dorset, BN21 2DN
01202 868844
Website

Scandanavian Log Cabins Direct

East Grinstead
W Sussex
01342 311131/888196
Website

Finest AM Log Cabins
Christchurch Business Centre
Grange Toad
Christchurch
Dorset, BH23 4JD
08448 000308
Website

House UK
Mobile Park Homes
poss Wisbech
(some ambiguity to who is what with this site)
Website

Norwegian Log Buildings Ltd
230 London Road
Reading
Berkshire, RG6 1AH
0118 966 9236
Website

Finlog UK
Mulbery Lodge
Eversleigh Rd
New Barnet
Herts, EN5 1NE
08458 121314
Website

Bespoke Log Cabin Company
Red House Farm
Saxtead
Woodbridge
Suffolk, IP13 9RD
01473 684850
Website

Timberspace UK Ltd
Unit C, Paynetts Business Centre
Cranbrook Rd
Goudhurst
Kent, TN17 1DY
01580 212165
Website

Tsarina Imperial Dacha Co Ltd
Forrest Estate
Dalry
Castle Douglas
Dumfries Galloway DG7 3XS
01292 551840 (Eves)
Website
(not sure about this site,, they appear to make a nice product but not certain about mobile)

Log Cabins South West
Treganna Farm
Blisland
Bodmin
Cornwall, PL30 4QJ
0845 634 5025
Website

Rural Accomodations
(as Log Cabin World)
Sandside
Cockerham
Lancaster, LA2 0EL
01524 792633
Website
(another site which is a little vague,, I suspect just an agency)

Log cabins coome in different guises and qualities. I suggest you spend some time loooking at various manufacturers and get to know the diferences. The basics are

square log - basically, cut timbers slotted together. Either single skin or double skin with insulation between. If you are going to live in it, you need insulation.

round log - the traditional 'log cabin' look. Tends to be more expensive but usually stronger and (according to ones own view) better looking. Not so frequently available as a mobile unit.

Clad - these units are the cheapest. They have an internal wall from either plasterboard or softwood and an outer layer which is akin to tongue and groove boarding. There is usually insulation between the inner and outer layer.

#2 Canning Farm

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Posted 02 June 2010 - 04:03 PM

surreydodger, on 02 June 2010 - 01:00 PM, said:

Hi all

#3 damagedgoods

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Posted 04 June 2010 - 07:28 AM

Thx for this thread - very helpful, I've been looking into this myself and have found that many of the sites are pretty vague.

we are going to have to go for a maximum sized one as I don;t think the family will appreciate being squeezed into something tiny - I'm amazed at the price as I've just built a 3bed bungalow for 25% of the cost (including labour!)... Are 'park homes' a possibility - I've not found anyone other than agents for them and also not ones that are 20M long.

#4 Derek O

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Posted 04 June 2010 - 09:03 AM

Hi when you say you built a 3 bed bungalow did you mean you were hands on,if so why not construct one yourself,I know of a carpenter who built the maximum size permitted with the capability of technicaly being split into 2 pieces.I unfortunately do not have such skills and I think using 4x2,nails,ply,and box profile wouldnt look quite so good !

#5 damagedgoods

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Posted 04 June 2010 - 09:19 AM

Derek O, on 04 June 2010 - 10:03 AM, said:

I don't trust my skills enough to build a mobile home, or at least a nice looking one! I'm fine for brickwork but for the bungalow it was in-fact a change of use form a redundant packing shed to a 3 bed annex. the reality of the situation was it had to be underpinned (£5K - all in, was a bit of a bargin) all the brickwork was built up/re-done (£4K), Roof (3K), going to do the windows and render it next but start to finish the project will come in at 25-30K... the only real work (as I've not had the time) was the demolition... the point I was trying ot make was that it seems liek a LOT of money for some of these ready built mobile log cabins - £100K+...

#6 shepie

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Posted 04 June 2010 - 09:52 AM

Sounds great to those who don`t know ,building a bungalow for 30 k the reality is that for that you only get the shell it`s the interior / heating /kitchensetc that cost the other 40 k

Shepie

Shepie

#7 surreydodger

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Posted 04 June 2010 - 10:38 AM

So far I've had responses from all but the 'House UK/Mobile Park Homes' and the Scottish 'Tsarina' companies.

I am far from decided on which firm to use for my 20 x 6.8 but I do like the 'Log Cabin South West (also called 'North Coast Log Cabins'). There models have a double skin in either 70mm thick timber or 90mm thick. Both have a 100mm cavity that can be filled with insulation. I have asked for a price on the 90mm thick option and have been quoted £59500, plus the roof covering which I am awaiting details (I'd guess another £3000 -ish). This is supply and deliver only, to erect they would charge a further £14,500 bringing the total to £75,000 (+ roof covering).

Compared to prices I have seen elsewhere versus the type of construction, I quite like the above. They also look incredibly simple to slot together and thus I might be able to save £10K on the install if I choose to hire a couple of locals to lend me a hand putting it together.

And then of course, we haven't had a little haggle yet

#8 rasputinscotland

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Posted 19 July 2010 - 05:56 AM

surreydodger, on 04 June 2010 - 11:38 AM, said:

Hi There SurreyDodger

My name is Michael Dutton, Managing Director of the Tsarina Imperial Dacha Co Ltd. I dont recall having received an e-mail from you regarding your possible project of a Log Building, so i thought i would respond to your blog here. We can design and manufacture a mobile log home from 150 mm, 200 mm or 300 mm machine rounded logs. Prices can range from £30,000 upwards (Ex Works and Ex VAT)and will depend on size, diametere of logs and many other factors which will come to light as plans are drawn up. Our prices cover everything (walls, windows, doors, insulation, timber flooring, roof assembly including the roof finish in storm proof tiling systems, however we do not undertake plumbing, electrical or foundation work, although we do advise on foundations. Finishing work such as bathroom and kitchen installations are also not carried out by us as it normally works out far cheaper for you to employ local tradesmen. We build in accordance with International Log Building Standards, and as such the foundations must raise the base logs a minimum of 300 mm above ground height at the lowest point. Should you be interested in what we can offer, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. My contact details are on my webpage at http://www.tsarina-imperial-dacha.com and click on Contacts Link.
Regards
Michael

#9 surreydodger

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Posted 19 July 2010 - 08:43 AM

Hi Michael

Thanks very much for your much welcomed response here. I am sending you an email requesting details.

#10 faarm

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Posted 24 July 2010 - 07:44 PM

Really helpful, many thanks.

Did you look at cabinsuk.co.uk? Think the design looks nice but not sure if would count as mobile - pricing seems very reasonable. Just over 6k for 4.5m x 6m.

surreydodger, on 02 June 2010 - 12:00 PM, said:

Hi all

#11 surreydodger

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Posted 24 July 2010 - 08:49 PM

Hi Faarm,

Yes, I did come across them but all they seemed to produce were garden cabins as opposed to something you would use for a house/dwelling.

And anyone who calls themselves Cabin Suk kinda made me a bit wary

#12 faarm

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Posted 25 July 2010 - 03:36 PM

Hi Surreydodger,

I spoke to the owner of the company (obviously not someone who is completely unbiased) but apparently people do live in them and one can have internal walls etc (obviously kitchen, bathrooms etc not included). I guess I was just shocked by how much mobile log cabins can be! One could build a house for similar prices! And if one is later to replace it with a brick house it is quite an expense. He also said if you have a house already on the land you can put one of the cabins up WITHOUT PP and live in it for 49 weeks per yr as long as no permanent kitchen ie needs to be camping style kitchen equip. True or False??

#13 DAVE C

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Posted 25 July 2010 - 06:08 PM

Hi faarm suspect the answer is false. There are changes to permitted development in Town and Country Planning Act ammendmant 2008 but these relate to plots which already have house s. Ask your adviser to guarantee he will nrefund if you have planning problems and he will probably change his advice. Dont forget to tell these people you are looking to site on agricultural land which at present does not have residential permission.
Dave C

#14 surreydodger

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Posted 26 July 2010 - 09:24 PM

Hi Faarm,

I've never heard of the 49 week rule but if the salesman can point you to the relevant planning regs, then your'll have your answer gauranteed. I'd still be dubious that these glorified Wendy houses will be that comfortable to live in. You only have to consider that a modern house with two walls of 100mm thick with a 100mm of insulation in the cavity gets cold without heating. Still, if they are insulated to some degree and not that big internally, your fuel bills should be manageable.

There is the ruling with siting caravans on a house curtialge which allows you to live in it so long as meals are taken inside the main dwelling (very heavily policed rule of course

). Maybe this ruling applies to such a structure?

#15 faarm

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Posted 27 July 2010 - 04:50 PM

[Thanks Dave and Surrey Dodger,

YEs you could be right about the meals thing - apparently the rule forbids a permanent kitchen in the dwelling.

Will keep you all posted if I find the relevant legislation

#16 PumpkinEater

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Posted 27 July 2010 - 09:16 PM

Hi - I believe the info given in http://www.planning-...uk/caravans.htm to be correct. Certainly, that is what I relied upon when putting a caravan in my garden for my son when he went to uni so as to aid giving him a feeling of his 'independence' continuing to grow when he returned home.
Rita

#17 StevieNI

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Posted 08 August 2010 - 11:26 PM

This is quite a good link to a chap who built his own cabin in Canada. I just love those concrete foundation blocks...
Seems a lot cheaper than a caravan.

http://www.small-cabin.com/

Its the Volvo of temporary living - 'its a bit boxy'

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Field to Farm Community: Mobile Log Cabins - Field to Farm Community

Mobile Log Cabins Regulations and Suppliers

#1 surreydodger

#2 Canning Farm

#3 damagedgoods

#4 Derek O

#5 damagedgoods

#6 shepie

#7 surreydodger

#8 rasputinscotland

#9 surreydodger

#10 faarm

#11 surreydodger

#12 faarm

#13 DAVE C

#14 surreydodger

#15 faarm

#16 PumpkinEater

#17 StevieNI

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Skin and Language

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Field to Farm Community: Mobile Log Cabins - Field to Farm Community

Mobile Log Cabins Regulations and Suppliers

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Skin and Language

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