Rural Leisure Log Cabin Tips

The Log Cabin industry is still relatively new in the UK and like the window replacement industry at the start, it does have some cowboys.

They give the industry a bad name and could give you a real headache, so here are a few tips to help you reduce the likelihood of buying a “pup”!!!

1. Ensure that the cabin you buy has been built to Building regulations or a recognized British or European standard. If you buy a Chalet built to no quality standard and have a problem, you will be in legal difficulties. For instance all door glass and any window areas less than 900mm from the finished floor level need to be safety glass to BS 6206, children are particularly at risk if this is not done.

2. Make sure that the whole chalet is pressure treated. Without pressure treatment, your chalet will be at risk from wood-boring insects and fungal infestation and subsequent wood decay.

3. Check that the windows and doors have been manufactured to a high standard of security. Some of the products on the market can be forced or broken into within seconds; do you want that to happen?

4. Make sure that you are very clear on what you want and choose a company who will make to order if you need a non standard product. Be sure that you know what you are getting for the price or make sure to check and re-check that you are getting exactly what you want for an agreed price. Does the price include pressure treatment, delivery, insulation, installation, staining and varnishing?

5. If you are having your base put in by another company, ensure that the size is correct and level, with a flat trowelled finish. If you do not get this there may be problems in installing the cabin which could cost additional money and leave you with a job you are unhappy with.

6. Make sure of your position on planning. Some developments do not need planning but you should always check, either on the website of the Office of the deputy prime minister, or you local borough council planning office.

7. Seeing and walking around a cabin is very important. You have a better understanding of the construction and finishes, plus you get a feel for the actual size of the rooms and the space you will have once furnished.

8. Environmentally it`s important to use timber from a sustainable source and from a quality viewpoint ensure that the timber is slow grown as the wood will be dense, long lived and less likely to split and move.

9. Check the guarantees for the cabin, roof, double glazed units and the workmanship. A good product and company will offer long guarantees, but check the wording to make sure it actually means something.