A holiday cabin is for many people a dream come true—a private retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, a break from daily routines, and a chance to spend leisure time in beautiful natural surroundings. Owning a holiday cabin means you don’t have to wait long to plan a weekend or a family vacation—and it can even become a source of income if you decide to rent it out. But can this dream really become reality? Will building a holiday cabin drain a fortune, precious time, and nerves? How much does a holiday cabin cost (even roughly) and what does its price depend on? Let’s check!
Holiday cabins – price depends on several factors
Planning the construction of a holiday cabin should begin with a few considerations that largely determine the investment cost. Whether you choose a ready-made solution from the producer’s offer or design your summer retreat from scratch, the final quote will require a handful of information, including:
How many people should the holiday cabin accommodate?
Will we stay in it as a couple or with the whole family? Or perhaps we plan to frequently invite friends or realistically consider short-term rental? At Drewnolandia we build both tiny cabins for couples and larger ones that can host up to eight people, and the prices of these options differ considerably.
Should we go for a cabin up to 35m², or do we need more space?
If we choose a larger cabin, we must anticipate either notifying the building or obtaining a construction permit, which comes with extra administrative fees and a longer wait for a decision. Additionally, bigger space means higher material costs, more expensive transport, and possible project modifications—worth factoring into the budget.
Should the cabin be ground-floor or multi-storey?
Deciding whether our small holiday cabin should be single- or multi-storey significantly affects functionality, costs, and comfort. A ground-floor cabin is often preferred by those who value simplicity and easy access to all rooms. It is also typically cheaper to build and to operate since it doesn’t require extra stairs or more complex installations. It’s a great fit for smaller plots where every square meter matters.
On the other hand, a multi-storey cabin can be an excellent choice for those who need more usable space but don’t have a large plot. The upper floor allows better space utilization and can offer greater privacy—e.g., separating the daytime (ground floor) from the nighttime (upper floor). Though such a project comes with higher construction costs and potentially higher running costs (e.g., heating), it provides ample convenience.
Should it include an enclosed terrace or front porch?
An enclosed small or large terrace or porch is a great solution if we want extra space away from the city noise, protected from weather like rain or wind. This type of area becomes an ideal spot for relaxation, social gatherings, or even storage for items exposed to the elements. However, enclosing a porch or terrace brings additional construction costs, both materials and labor, so it’s worth carefully considering whether you’ll truly need such an element.
Will we use the cabin only in the summer, or should it be all-year-round?
A seasonal cabin or an all-year cabin? This also greatly affects the cost of building a holiday cabin. A cabin used only in summer can have a simpler construction, lowering the build cost, while an all-year cabin requires stronger thermal insulation (e.g., roof insulation) and additional installations like heating or water-sewer systems. Using appropriate materials for thicker walls, windows and doors with better parameters, etc., makes an all-year cabin more energy-efficient and comfortable year-round. After weighing these questions, look for inspiration on our website and pick a design that meets your needs. Remember, you don’t have to stick to a ready-made project! At Drewnolandia we can create a custom design or adapt one of our models to your requirements.
The cheapest holiday cabin, i.e., a mini-cabin on an ROD plot
Renting a plot in a Garden Allotment Sites (Rodzinne Ogródki Działkowe, ROD) is an increasingly popular weekend or holiday retreat for city residents. No wonder—having a plot lets you relax outdoors near home. ROD plots are small, and you should expect close neighbors, but there’s still plenty of room for active play for children or hosting family and friends.
Cabin on an ROD plot is the cheapest of this kind of investment. A small plot means a small building. By Polish law, you cannot live on an ROD plot, so the cabin’s construction does not need to meet strict requirements. Such a holiday cabin on an ROD plot is often just an extension of a garden shed, with a total area of up to 35 m². In our range mini-cabins for ROD plots cost around 10–15 thousand PLN. This type of building does not require a building permit, which minimizes costs and formalities.
Building a holiday cabin – a cost solution for a couple
If you buy private, own land, you can afford to build a holiday cabin where you can comfortably live on weekends, holidays, or even for longer periods (e.g., an entire vacation). Such a cabin must be a bit larger, equipped with electrical and hydraulic installations, and simply functional. If you plan to build a two-person cabin, consider a footprint around 25 m² on a single-story base or possibly with a small mezzanine. That’s enough to fit a small bedroom, a bathroom, and a spacious living area with a kitchenette. Our two-person cabins typically comprise one or two rooms and a large terrace, perfect for outdoor relaxation. It’s worth considering a Scandinavian-style cabin with its characteristic simple look—thanks to a timber frame, assembly is rapid, lowering the overall project cost.
A two-person cabin in our range costs roughly 17–25 thousand PLN.
Family holiday cabin – the price of a vacation home for four
A wooden holiday cabin for a family, say four people, typically has a living area from 25 to 35 m². Even in such a compact space, we can fit a spacious living room with a kitchen, a bathroom, a mezzanine bedroom, and a large covered terrace. This kind of cabin is ideal for family holidays—there’s enough room for parents and kids, and with small compromises we can occasionally host additional guests. This size does not require a building permit, and you can build it on self-prepared foundations to save a little more.
The cost of building a four-person holiday cabin ranges from 25,000 to 55,000 PLN, depending on the chosen design.
And how much does an multi-person holiday cabin cost?
The maximum size of a cabin that can be erected on a plot under the “notify” procedure, without a building permit, is 35 m². With proper use of space, this cabin can accommodate up to eight people! Larger living accommodations also boost the cabin’s attractiveness to potential tenants. This type of cabin is usually all-year-round, suitable for summer vacations as well as winter holidays. It’s an excellent base for exploring the nearby and surrounding areas.
Our multi-occupant holiday cabins are typically multi-storey constructions with several rooms (bedrooms, living room with kitchenette, bathroom) and a large terrace with cover. We can tailor the number of rooms, their size, layout and use to the Client’s needs. The cost of building a holiday cabin that fits up to eight people is around 36–80 thousand PLN.
What other costs should you consider?
The price ranges above are approximate for building and finishing a turnkey holiday cabin. The building will come with doors, windows, a roof, and a floor. The wooden frame is protected and treated, and as owners you receive a two-year warranty (which you can extend). Will there be additional costs?
Yes, with one mandatory cost being the foundations. For small holiday homes or simply covered garden sheds, you can use point-supported concrete blocks, which you can install yourself. This is also the cheapest option—about 30–60 PLN per m². A somewhat more expensive solution is a foundation with formwork pipes or reinforced foundation slab, because besides materials you must also pay for labor and proper ground preparation. Additionally, extras not included in the cabin price, such as wall and floor insulation to ensure comfort in cooler months, will be paid for. Other expenses may include features like a roof overhang to protect against rain or the installation of a underlayment felt to increase roof durability. For all-year homes, we must also account for heating costs and additional conveniences that raise the total investment cost.
Building your own holiday cabin is an investment in personal comfort, rest, and valuable free time. We invite you to explore our offer—Drewnolandia offers a wide range of holiday cabins. All designs are already quoted, and the description includes the cost of optional extras to prepare a complete, comprehensive cost estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What documents are required to build a holiday cabin up to 35 m²?
To start building a holiday cabin up to 35 m² on a recreational plot, you only need to notify construction, not obtain a building permit. The documentation includes the site development plan and information about planned installations.
Can I order a holiday cabin with a custom design, or must I choose from ready-made models?
Yes, we offer the possibility to order a holiday cabin with a skeleton tailored to individual needs. You can choose a design that best fits your requirements and preferences, for example with a terrace. Our team will help you realize a project that will serve you for many years of rest and comfort.
Is it possible to expand the holiday cabin in the future?
Yes, many of our holiday cabins have a construction that allows for later expansion, for example adding another room or a terrace. The wood used for the building’s frame enables easy extension in the future, without major modifications to the existing structure. This way you can adapt the space to changing needs over many years.
What heating options are available in all-year cabins and which are the most efficient?
In all-year cabins we offer various heating options, such as electric underfloor heating, a fireplace, or gas heating, which provide comfort year-round. Depending on your choice, installation and operating costs may vary, but each option is designed to ensure full comfort even in cooler months. Our team will advise you on the best solution for your expectations and budget.
Can a holiday cabin be placed on any plot, or are there restrictions?
Holiday cabins can be placed on a recreational plot, provided they meet the local land-use plan requirements. Remember the rules about minimum distances from plot boundaries and other restrictions arising from environmental protection plans. If you prepare the site yourself, we can plan the location in line with legal requirements, and our team will help with the remaining formalities.
