Log Cabin Summer House Build 9 Years Later.

Take a look at this customer's 9-year-old log cabin summer house. The customer was under the impression they had a guarantee with this company, but the company only holds customer records for 6 years and has no record of their order now. The customer only has an unsigned document outlining the conditions required to maintain their summer house in good condition.

I want to make it clear that this is a summer house, sold as such, meaning it's typically only suitable for use during the warmer months. Unfortunately, the customer spent £5000 on it, plus a £3000 installation fee, and now, 9 years later, it has deteriorated, requiring them to consider purchasing a new one.

Lets take a look at these photos in more detail.

While they naturally followed some of the well know guidance, such as protecting a timber structure, they did not adhere to all the recommendations. This oversight I believe stems from being too excited and forgetting to read the small print and terms and conditions.

Their base is raised off the floor, which helps prevents surface water issues with the timbers. However, the internal floor still shows signs of dampness and damage. Without a drip edge, such issues are inevitable with a timber structure. Although expensive exterior paint can offer protection, deterioration will occur eventually. Wood rots, that's that!

There are numerous signs of penetrating and rising damp in this summerhouse. Unfortunately, the customer has not kept up with the yearly maintenance and aftercare instructions. These were issued to the client via email, when they purchased the log cabin, but they failed to read the attachment. Best practice would be for the log cabin to be handfed over to the customer, the maintenance instructions discussed and a signed copy be held by both parties. I believe the customer was too excited with their new purchase to worry about reading the docs they were not aware were so important.

Aftercare Instructions

I have reworded some of the after-care conditions from the company that installed the summer house above. My responses are highlighted in red.

• Regularly inspect beneath and around your shed for standing water. - Oh I agree with this statement, because standing water will rot the timber floor faster and cause damp quicker.

• Silicone seals around doors and windows are crucial for maintaining a summer house's integrity. Over time, they can degrade due to harsh weather, UV radiation, and daily wear. Regularly inspect seals for damage like cracking or peeling. Promptly replace damaged seals to prevent drafts, moisture intrusion, and structural damage. Proactively maintaining these seals is essential for your home's long-term health and efficiency. - Mastic companies are quite expensive. You can try and do it yourself, but genuinely an art you might make a mess of it. But also timber is one of those products that expands and contracts in hot and cold weather. I actually don’t think masticing the single glazed, timber framed windows would work. I wonder whether their showroom buildings are masticked? Guess what I checked, they’re not lol!

• Your summerhouse is crafted from 100% pressure treated timber, enhancing durability and protection against rot and insects. This treatment infuses the wood with preservatives, creating a barrier against moisture and pests. However, treated wood can still be vulnerable to water penetration, so we recommend sealing your building with a high-quality waterproof paint or sealant to prevent damage and improve appearance. We recommend use X product (I believe recommend means, you must use), available from us, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for application, as multiple coats may be needed. Ensure adequate space around the building for maintenance, ensuring longevity and ease of access for inspections and repairs - According to the product's website, they recommend applying 2 to 3 coats, of this paint that they supply. A 25L drum costs £240, and 1L covers 8 m². Calculating the amount of paint needed, the customer has approximately 25m² of wood to paint, excluding doors and windows. Therefore, they need to purchase £240 worth of paint annually. And then pay someone to do it, who will charge them at least a day, drying times may mean this has to be a 2 day visit. If you're not going to do the work yourselves.

• Installing gutters is crucial for protecting your property by directing rainwater away from the structure, helping to prevent penetrating damp. Regular maintenance, including cleaning debris and ensuring downpipes direct water away from the foundation, is essential. This proactive approach preserves the structure's integrity and longevity, protecting your investment and preventing costly repairs. This customer has not fitted gutters and the example on their website is so funny. Putting guttering on gable ends just isn’t a thing lol! A couple of their buildings in their show areas have gutters, but not on the gable ends.

• Treat your cabin promptly with a high-quality clear wood preservative on both interior and exterior surfaces to protect against moisture, insects, and environmental damage. Afterward, apply an exterior wood stain or sealant to enhance appearance and provide additional protection. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for products and application techniques. A thick preservative application is recommended to seal cracks and prevent water damage. Perform this treatment annually and check all seals to maintain your cabin's integrity and appearance, extending its lifespan and ensuring safety and enjoyment - Protect internally makes total sense, but I know this customer was not aware this had to be done. They never read their maintenance document.

It's crucial to thoroughly read your guarantees and maintenance documents before making a purchase. Understand the maintenance requirements and assess whether you can handle them. Avoid the mistake made by this customer.

Conduct thorough research when selecting your garden structure. This log cabin is sold as a summer house, making it ideal for use during warm weather. For more insights on your options, explore my garden room types post.

We are more than willing to build another Fox Den for anyone. Our prices are significantly more affordable compared to larger companies. Why not contact us for a quote, we will surprise you!