Home Q&A: Should I buy a garden cabin that’s habitable but does not meet building regulations?

Is it ever advisable to erect a back garden cabin that’s habitable but does not meet building regulations? File picture

Question

Should I buy a back garden cabin that’s habitable but does not meet building regulations? My garden and the cabin meet the planning exemption in every other way.

Answer

Absolutely not, and I’m glad to have been asked this question, as I’ve seen timber cabins being advertised on social media which, to my eye, are not up to these standards as sold. 

Rules surrounding the planning exemption for 32 sq m to 45 sq m garden builds for residential use (SI No 340 of 2026) are crystal clear. Chief among them is that the modular cabin, house — whatever you want to call it — must meet and be certified as meeting current building regulations standards for full-time habitation. These are the same rules as for any house or apartment. 

In outline, these regulations include the following. Part A — the foundation, floor and roof must be structurally safe and correct (demanding certification by a chartered engineer). 

Part B — fire safety (means of escape), including fire breaks between buildings and fire alarms. 

Part F and E: Ventilation measures must be in place and adequate to the needs of the cabin, and there should be acoustic insulation between rooms as in any home up to standard. 

Part L - Energy performance must meet the stipulations of Part L of the current regulations, including full and proper insulation and airtightness measures through the building envelope. 

If the building you are considering does not meet standard building controls and safety measures on completion, it will not fall under the exemption for habitable garden homes. If you’re offered a cheap building (under €60,000 turnkey) without a full written guarantee of compliance? Red flag.

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