{"id":14320,"date":"2026-07-14T17:08:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T17:08:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.logcabinslv.co.uk\/blog\/?p=14320"},"modified":"2026-07-14T18:03:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T18:03:36","slug":"45m2-planning-exemption-ireland-why-wait-before-building","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.logcabinslv.co.uk\/blog\/2026\/07\/14\/45m2-planning-exemption-ireland-why-wait-before-building\/","title":{"rendered":"Why We’re Asking You to Wait Before Buying Your 45m\u00b2 Timber Frame Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why We\u2019re Telling You to Hold Off on Buying Your 45m\u00b2 Timber Frame Home<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hi, everyone, here from Factory Cabins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably seen some buzz about the Irish government\u2019s plans\u2014maybe you\u2019re already dreaming of setting up a 45-square-metre timber frame home in your garden. No lengthy planning application, just a quiet office at the end of the lawn or a spot for your parents to settle in. It all sounds amazing, and I get why people are excited. Honestly, this kind of sustainable, flexible living is what we\u2019re all about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But let\u2019s cut to the chase: don\u2019t rush out to buy or build anything just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know; it sounds odd coming from someone who builds timber-frame homes for a living. But my job\u2019s not just to sell you a dream\u2014it\u2019s to make sure you get something you can actually keep and enjoy for decades. I don\u2019t want anyone getting stuck with a home they have to tear down or modify because of last-minute rule changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, what\u2019s actually happening?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back in April 2026, the Irish government proposed changes to the Planning Exemptions Regulations. They want to make it easier to put up detached, habitable modular dwellings\u2014think garden rooms, small cabins, or granny flats up to 45 square metres, with no full planning permission required. They\u2019re even talking about raising the exemption limit for house extensions a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It sounds nearly there, right? But here\u2019s the catch: as of July, this is still a proposal. It hasn\u2019t become law yet. The Oireachtas Housing Committee is reviewing it. Until everything is signed off, none of this is guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rules might shift. The size limits could change again, new conditions could get tacked on, or it could take longer than planned. What looks simple now might get complicated before they give the final go-ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why waiting makes sense<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s be real\u2014a garden home is a big investment. When you choose Factory Cabins, you\u2019re getting top-quality Swedish spruce, insulation with aerogel, triple-glazed windows, and airtight construction that actually keeps a house warm in winter. None of this is \u201ccheap and cheerful”, and it shouldn\u2019t be. The last thing you want is to go all in, only to realise you need to spend more on alterations or\u2014worse\u2014tear it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you buy or build before the new rules are final, you could end up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Spending money fixing things that don\u2019t match the final law\u2014size, layout, materials, you name it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Getting stuck with enforcement notices if the finished rules are different than expected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Needing expensive upgrades to meet fire safety, energy, or ventilation requirements that weren\u2019t clear up front.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dealing with stress and delays sorting out compliance after the fact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    None of us want you to go through that\u2014and we\u2019d never want to offer a home we\u2019re not sure will meet the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Planning exemption \u2260 Building Regulations compliance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now, this gets missed a lot, so let me say it clearly: even if they drop the planning permission requirement, your garden home still needs to hit all the building regulations. That means fire safety, nearly zero energy standards, proper ventilation, accessibility (if it applies), and structural integrity. There\u2019s no sneaking past these. They\u2019re there to keep you, your family, and your neighbours safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our buildings are built for high performance\u2014walls with U-values as low as 0.12 W\/m\u00b2K, Passivhaus-standard airtightness, proper ventilation, PV-ready roofs, and the works. But even our best designs can\u2019t skip regulations. Until we know exactly what the finished legislation says, we can\u2019t promise today\u2019s designs will pass tomorrow\u2019s inspections. That\u2019s just the reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So, what should you do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First, don’t worry; this opportunity isn\u2019t disappearing. If and when the new law passes, it\u2019ll open the door to the kind of high-quality, net-zero homes we specialize in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Second\u2014get informed. Bookmark the Citizens Information website, keep an eye on updates from the Oireachtas Housing Committee, and maybe contact your local planning office about your site. Understanding your options now will save you trouble later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Third, plan if you want! Start sketching out layouts, dream up your ideal finishes, and picture where the morning sun will hit. If you want, give us a call\u2014we\u2019re always up for a chat about what\u2019s possible. But don\u2019t sign contracts, pay deposits, or start works until the law is final and clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    We\u2019ll be here when you\u2019re ready<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We\u2019re not going anywhere. Our team in Lithuania will keep making top-quality timber panels, and we\u2019ll keep refining our net-zero standards. Once the Irish law is set, we\u2019ll be ready to help you build something truly great. Not just compliant\u2014exceptional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you want to stay up-to-date, let us know. We\u2019ll send news as it happens\u2014no pressure, no hype, just solid, honest info from people who care about doing things right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the end of the day, we\u2019re not just building cabins\u2014we\u2019re helping people make homes that last. That\u2019s why we\u2019ll always encourage you to do things right, even if it means hitting pause for a little while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Got questions? Drop us a message anytime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Warm regards,

    Factory Cabins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    +370 6889 3563<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are able to offer a full turnkey solution. with a full interior fit-out and everything else you may need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    P.S. If you want us to let you know as soon as the new rules pass, or if you want clear info about the building regulations, just ask. We\u2019ll make sure you get what you need when you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Please send us an email to sales@factorycabins.com<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All bespoke designs are welcome. PLEASE call 020 8226 5164<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whatsapp<\/strong> +370 6889 3563<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Why We\u2019re Telling You to Hold Off on Buying Your 45m\u00b2 Timber Frame Home Hi, everyone, here from Factory Cabins. You\u2019ve probably seen some buzz about the Irish government\u2019s plans\u2014maybe you\u2019re already dreaming of setting up a 45-square-metre timber frame home in your garden. No lengthy planning application, just a quiet office at the end 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