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Portable cabins are in demand as a fast, versatile and affordable way to expand your business space, school or healthcare facilities. They are also invaluable for temporary locations where you may wish to transport the cabins for use as toilets, gatehouses, changing rooms, and much more.
The modular cabins can be hired or purchased, depending on your needs. Here’s a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about portable cabins.
What are portable cabins made from?
Portable cabins are prefabricated structures, typically made from durable but lightweight materials such as steel frames and timber or composite panels. They are designed to be easily transported and adapted to a range of purposes. They will generally come ready equipped with insulation and heating and lighting systems.
Do I need planning permission for a portable cabin?
In most cases, you will need planning permission if the cabin is going to be in place for more than 28 days and the surface area is larger than 100 square metres.
Additionally, permission is required if the cabin is to be used as an extension to an existing building, it takes up more than 25 per cent of the site’s area, it significantly reduces the amount of land available for parking and vehicle use, or it is within five metres of the site boundary.
If the cabin’s surface area is less than 100 square metres, or it will be used for 28 days or fewer, then you do not need to obtain planning permission.
Further exceptions might apply if you are using the cabin as an extension to an existing building, and the cabin is shorter in height than the original building; the portable structure is less than 25 per cent of the original building’s volume, and it is directly relevant to the purpose of the existing building.
However, if there is any room for doubt, it’s always best to check with your local planning authority first. Bear in mind that the whole application process can take up to 12 weeks to complete.
If you need to install a portable cabin for an urgent need, it is possible to apply for retrospective planning permission, which the local authority should grant if you have a genuine case to demonstrate the need was essential and immediate.
Can portable cabins be customised?
Yes, modular cabins can be customised to a wide range of purposes. In most cases, they can be adapted or will come ready equipped with basic utilities such as electricity connection points, and lighting and heating. They may have plumbing for sinks, toilets, and showers, and kitchenette areas.
It’s also possible to hire or buy anti-vandal cabins, which have steel reinforcements and special locking systems on the doors and windows for extra security. The exterior of the cabin can be customised with panelling in a range of colours and finishes to help them blend with the existing buildings, or to fit in with your brand identity.
The interior of the cabins can be divided into multiple rooms with partitions, in order to create cloakrooms, storage space, offices, and so on. Furthermore, multiple cabins can be stacked up to four storeys high or adjoined to create larger spaces, giving you the option to scale up or down as your needs change.
Is it better to hire or buy a portable cabin?
If your needs are short term and have a definite end date, then renting will be the most convenient and cost effective option. The rental company will usually take care of all the maintenance and repairs of the cabin, and may offer flexible terms such as extendable leases or hire-purchase options.
If you need the cabin for long-term use, then buying will be more economical in the long run.
How much does it cost to rent or buy a portable cabin?
Costs vary depending on the size, age, materials, customisation level, and location of the cabin, so it’s necessary to research prices and get quotes depending on your individual needs. Remember to factor in delivery, installation, any planning permission fees and connection of utilities. You will also need to have a flat and firm base to install the cabin on.
For more information on 5 FAQs About Hiring Or Purchasing A Portable Cabin in the UK talk to Cabinlocator Ltd