When you need more space at home, it can be difficult to know what the best solution is.
Do you build a permanent sleepout? Extend the house? Or hire a portable cabin that can be delivered to your property and removed when you no longer need it?
There isn’t one right answer for everyone. It really depends on why you need the extra space, how long you expect to need it and how much commitment you want to take on.
Here are a few things to consider when comparing renting a cabin with building a sleepout.
How Long Do You Need the Extra Space?
Start by thinking about why you need another room.
You might need space for:
A teenager wanting more independence
A family member moving home
Temporary accommodation for whānau
A home office
A change in family circumstances
Extra room while you work out longer-term plans
If you know you’ll need the space permanently, building a sleepout may make sense.
If your situation could change over the next few years, renting gives you more flexibility.
With Portacabin, there is a minimum six-month hire period, and you can continue hiring the cabin for as long as you need it.
Think About the Upfront Cost
Building a permanent sleepout can involve a significant upfront investment.
Depending on the project, there may be costs for:
Plans and design
Building work
Foundations
Materials
Contractors
Electrical work
Council requirements
Building or resource consent if required
Landscaping or site preparation
The final cost will depend heavily on what you are building.
Renting a cabin works differently. Instead of funding an entire building project upfront, you pay an ongoing hire cost along with the initial delivery costs.
For households that need extra space without wanting to invest in a permanent structure, this can be a much simpler option.
How Quickly Do You Need the Room?
Building takes time.
Even a relatively straightforward sleepout can involve planning, organising tradespeople, sourcing materials and working through any necessary approvals before construction begins.
A portable cabin can usually provide a much faster solution once the site has been checked and a suitable cabin is available.
Portacabin completes a free site visit before delivery to check your property, access and where the cabin can be positioned.
Once everything is confirmed, the cabin is delivered, positioned and levelled on site.
Do You Want Something Permanent?
This is one of the biggest differences.
A built sleepout becomes part of your property. That can be ideal if you are making a long-term investment and know the room will continue to be useful.
A rental cabin gives you flexibility.
If your teenager moves out, your family circumstances change or you no longer need a home office, you aren't left with a building you no longer need.
Once your minimum hire period is complete, Portacabin requires 14 days' notice when you are ready for the cabin to be collected.
What About Maintenance?
Owning a building also means being responsible for it long-term.
Like any structure, a sleepout may eventually require repairs, painting, roofing maintenance or other work.
With a rented cabin, you are hiring the space rather than adding another permanent asset to your property.
Portacabin also insures its cabins as part of the hire arrangement, although you will need to make sure your own contents are appropriately insured.
How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
Sometimes a full new building simply isn’t necessary.
If all you need is enough room for a bed, desk, drawers or a small workspace, a compact cabin may provide all the additional space you need.
Portacabin offers several sizes, from compact cabins suited to single bedrooms or offices through to larger options that provide more room for furniture and day-to-day use.
Renting May Suit You If...
Hiring a Portacabin could be the better fit if:
You need extra space relatively quickly
Your situation may change
You don't want a major upfront building cost
You want to avoid a full construction project
You need an extra bedroom, office or temporary living space
You want the option to remove the room later
When Does Building a Sleepout Make Sense?
Building a permanent sleepout may be the better option if:
You expect to need the extra space long-term
You want the sleepout to become a permanent part of your property
You want more flexibility around the layout, finishes or features
You’re comfortable with the higher upfront cost
You have time to work through the planning and building process
Still Not Sure? We Can Help
Sometimes the easiest way to work out whether a cabin will suit your situation is simply to see what will fit.
Portacabin is locally owned and operated and provides portable cabin hire throughout the Lower North Island.
Tell us what you need the extra space for and we can recommend a suitable cabin, explain the hire process and arrange a free site visit to check your property.
Get in touch with Portacabin and let’s find the right space for your situation.
