Building A Small Chalet

[chin85]

My dad has a small holiday chalet in South Wales, its in a sort of field and has its own secluded spot. Its very basic, only has cold running water as far as luxuries go. If it was to be demolished, approximately how much would it cost to build a new one about 20ft x 25 ft with a kitchen, living room, small bathroom with toilet and working shower and two small bedrooms just big enough to hold a single bed. I'm not sure if you're allowed to build out of brick there, so it will probably be mostly a wooden structure.

Also, does anyone know anything about powering a tv, shower, cooker etc without the building having a proper electricity supply from the grid.

Thanks

[jake-the-peg]

The first thing to consider is planning permission. Did the chalet have planning permission and what is the council's policy on planning in rural locations. This is often very difficult to obtain unless the person has a particular need to be there (agriculture etc.) I'd guess that the council might well look on it as a blatent attempt to turn a quick buck and say no. Whether it's brick or wood is likely irrelevant.

Beside that you'd be best to try to get a permanent electricity supply otherwise you'll need a generator which is likely to be somewhat noisy and expensive to run. In terms of heating and cooking  a range like a Rayburn running off the big Calor gas cylinders is a common solution.

I take it you have existing sewerage a septic tank or the like -if not you'll have to think of that.

I guess the price of the building will depend a lot on local factors like the builders charges where you are. Look up some of  the Timber frame buildings on the web though it'll give you an idea of what is available. 

[moomoojaj]

I agree with jake. But whatever you do, do not opt for LPG heating. This form of heating fuel is expensive. Use oil fired heating for economy.