Glamping – Prefab or Conversion?
If you’re looking to get in on the glamping action with your own site, or even just a single structure in a spacious garden that you could rent out on AirBnB, then the big question facing you is: prefab or conversion?
The answer depends largely on your budget and what skills you have in-house. Access to materials and the location of the site also play a part in the decision.
Prefabs
There are many benefits to prefabricated structures, not least because there are a number of options, in terms of shape, size and style. This means you can confidently choose a structure that meets the requirements of planning regulations in your area.
Prefabricated buildings mean very little disruption on site, in terms of construction. There may be groundwork to create a suitable base or to connect utilities, like sewerage and water, but the actual build phase is very quick. The component parts of prefab buildings can vary in size: with some able to be brought through a normal gate and others requiring more space, or even a crane to put the structure in position. Check what access you have before making a decision on which prefab to buy.
With a prefab all the plumbing and wiring is in and ready to go, so you don’t need to worry about finding separate tradespeople to do these jobs as you might if you undertook a conversion project on your own. There’s also a warranty in most cases, so the cost of repairs is one less thing to worry about when you’re setting up your glamping business.
The downside to a prefab is that they can lack the unique character you get with a conversion project, but this can actually be an upside. Prefabs tend to blend in quite well in large gardens in more built up areas, while creating a whole site of prefabs creates a uniform look that can be more appealing than a mishmash of different conversions – it’s a matter of personal taste.
Conversions
A conversion project can be a great option for those who are handy with the power tools – keeping labour costs down means you can create something magical without breaking the bank. Doing the project yourself does mean making quite a commitment in terms of time, so if you’re planning on this being a side project at weekends, be prepared for it to take several months.
Conversions can be done by professionals too – there are companies out there converting vans, horseboxes and all sorts into glamping accommodation or campers, so a conversion doesn’t necessarily mean you have to DIY.
Conversions are also perfect for people who have a suitable old vehicle, shepherds hut or even a grain silo (see our previous piece for ideas there). If the structure or vehicle is in situ already then there’s no issue about getting it into place – no cranes needed.
If the structure is on wheels, you still need to get planning permission if it is going to be rented out. The common wisdom is that a structure on wheels isn’t considered to be a permanent structure so it doesn’t need planning permission, being considered to be a caravan rather than a dwelling. This is true if it’s used as an extension of the house (a workshop, home office or similar), but not if it’s going on AirBnB.
A conversion project can have more charm and character than a prefab, and this can be a selling point if there’s a lot of competition in your area for unique glamping experiences.
As we can see, prefab and conversion projects both have their pros and cons, but we hope this discussion has helped you in your decision making process whether you’re looking at one unit, or a whole glampsite.
