Question 1

Who is Loghouse UK?

Accepted Answer

Loghouse UK is the UK's only complete timber building specialist offering three construction types — log cabins, modern hybrids, and structural insulated panels (SIP) — designed, manufactured, delivered, installed and fully finished by one company. Founded in Ireland in 2007, 10,000+ projects completed, manufacturing in our own Lithuanian factory since 2020. UK showrooms: Glasgow (Cumbernauld) and Rugby (Warwickshire).

Question 2

Where are Loghouse buildings manufactured?

Accepted Answer

In our own factory in Lithuania, using slow-grown Scandinavian pine. We are a manufacturer, not a reseller — most UK cabin brands buy from third-party factories and add a margin. Factory ownership gives us total quality control, custom manufacturing capability, faster lead times and factory-direct pricing.

Question 3

Is Loghouse UK the same company as Loghouse.ie?

Accepted Answer

We're sister companies within the Loghouse Group, which began in Ireland in 2007. Loghouse UK serves England, Scotland and Wales from our Glasgow and Rugby showrooms, backed by the same factory, the same build teams standard, and the group's 10,000+ project track record.

Question 4

Do you have showrooms I can visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — two full display sites: Glasgow — Caulders Garden Centre, Mainhead Farm, Old Inns Roundabout, Cumbernauld G68 0EP. Rugby — Blooms Garden Centre, Straight Mile, Frankton CV23 9QQ. Walk through full-size cabins, inspect the 45mm walls and German windows, and get a no-obligation quote on the day. Many national cabin retailers have no physical display sites at all — we believe you should see a building before you buy it.

Question 5

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We deliver and install across mainland UK — England, Scotland and Wales. Distance surcharges may apply to remote areas; you'll get an exact figure in your quote before committing.

Question 6

Are your installers employed or subcontracted?

Accepted Answer

Our installation crews are our own trained teams working to Loghouse standards. One company is accountable for your entire project — sales, manufacture, delivery, installation and aftercare.

Question 7

What's the difference between log cabins, modern hybrids and SIP?

Accepted Answer

Log cabins — traditional interlocking slow-grown Scandinavian pine, 45mm+ walls, natural character, 30+ year lifespan. Best for: classic garden rooms, holiday lets, heritage aesthetics. Modern hybrids — timber construction with a premium steel-finish roof and walls. Contemporary architectural look, maximum weather resistance, near-zero exterior maintenance. Best for: modern gardens, commercial sites, low-maintenance buyers. SIP (structural insulated panels) — the highest thermal performance of any garden building type. Best for: year-round offices, gyms, studios where running cost matters. We're the only UK company offering all three — compare them side-by-side in our showrooms.

Question 8

Which building type is best for a home office?

Accepted Answer

SIP or an insulated log cabin. SIP gives the lowest running costs for daily year-round use. A 45mm+ insulated log cabin gives comparable comfort with traditional looks. Either way, insist on: full floor/wall/roof insulation, double glazing and professional electrics — all standard in our office packages.

Question 9

Which building is best for a garden gym?

Accepted Answer

Insulated log cabin or SIP, minimum 3x4m for a functional setup, 19mm+ floor grade for equipment weight, ventilation as standard. We can supply and install the gym equipment too — nobody else in the UK offers that.

Question 10

What size do I need?

Accepted Answer

Rules of thumb: home office 3x3m minimum; office + meeting space 4x3m; gym 3x4m+; one-bed annexe 20–40 sqm; two-bed residential 50 sqm+. Bring your garden dimensions (or a photo) to a showroom and we'll plan the optimum footprint around planning thresholds.

Question 11

Can I get a custom size or design?

Accepted Answer

Yes — fully bespoke. Because we own the factory, we manufacture to your specification: footprint, layout, wall thickness, window positions, door styles, roof type. You're not limited to a catalogue.

Question 12

What wall thickness should I choose?

Accepted Answer

28mm (competitor standard) — summer use only. 45mm (our standard) — 60%+ more timber, genuine 3-season use. 45mm + insulation package or SIP — full year-round living comfort. If a competitor quote looks cheaper, check the wall spec first: it's usually the reason.

Question 13

What timber do you use?

Accepted Answer

Slow-grown Scandinavian pine from cold-climate forests. Slow growth = dense growth rings = stronger, more stable timber that resists warping and splitting. All sustainably sourced.

Question 14

What windows and doors are fitted?

Accepted Answer

German-engineered uPVC double-glazed windows and doors on our premium ranges — better thermal performance, security and lifespan than the single-glazed wooden frames most competitors fit. Timber-framed options available if you prefer traditional aesthetics.

Question 15

What roof options are available?

Accepted Answer

Steel-finish roofing (standard on hybrids; decades of life, zero maintenance) and premium shingles. We'll recommend based on your building type and exposure.

Question 16

Apex or pent roof — which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Apex (pitched): classic look, more internal head height at centre, better rain runoff. Pent (single slope): modern look, easier to stay under the 2.5m planning threshold near boundaries. If your building sits within 2m of a boundary, pent is usually the smart choice.

Question 17

Do I need planning permission for a garden building in England?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Under Permitted Development, a garden outbuilding needs no planning permission if: single storey; max 2.5m total height within 2m of a boundary (otherwise 4m for dual-pitched roof, 3m for other roofs); eaves max 2.5m; not forward of the principal elevation; outbuildings cover under 50% of the garden; not used as self-contained living accommodation. Exceptions: listed buildings, conservation areas, National Parks, AONBs, flats/maisonettes. We assess your specific situation free of charge before you order.

Question 18

Do I need planning permission in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Scotland has its own permitted development rules, broadly similar but not identical to England: the building must be to the rear of the house, max 4m high (pitched) or 3m (flat/pent), any part within 1m of a boundary max 2.5m high, and total outbuildings under 50% of garden ground. Conservation areas and listed buildings need consent. Our Glasgow team deals with Scottish planning daily — bring your postcode and we'll give you a straight answer.

Question 19

Do I need planning permission in Wales?

Accepted Answer

Wales operates permitted development rights similar to England's, with the same 2.5m/4m height thresholds and 50% coverage rule. Article 4 directions and designated areas can remove these rights locally — we'll check for you.

Question 20

Do I need planning permission to live in a garden building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any building used as self-contained sleeping/living accommodation falls outside permitted development and requires planning permission (and Building Regulations approval). This applies to granny annexes, rental units and permanent residences. We build fully compliant residential cabins and guide you through the application — this is core business for us, not an afterthought.

Question 21

What about holiday lets and Airbnb units?

Accepted Answer

Using a garden building as a short-term let typically requires planning consent, and some areas (including parts of Scotland and Wales) require an STL licence. We'll flag exactly what applies to your address during consultation.

Question 22

My property is in a conservation area / is listed. Can I still buy?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes — with consent. Many of our customers in designated areas obtain permission successfully, especially for sympathetic timber designs. We'll advise on design choices that improve approval odds.

Question 23

Will Loghouse help with my planning application?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free planning guidance comes with every enquiry, and for full applications we can support with drawings and documentation. Compare that with volume retailers whose position is "planning is entirely the customer's responsibility."

Question 24

Do garden buildings need Building Regulations approval in England & Wales?

Accepted Answer

Generally exempt if: under 15 sqm with no sleeping accommodation; or 15–30 sqm with no sleeping accommodation AND positioned at least 1m from any boundary (or built substantially of non-combustible material). Over 30 sqm, or any sleeping use, requires Building Regulations approval.

Question 25

What about Building Regulations in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Scotland uses the Building Warrant system. Detached single-storey buildings under 8 sqm are generally exempt; larger buildings and anything with sleeping accommodation typically need a warrant. Our Glasgow team will confirm requirements for your project.

Question 26

Do your residential cabins meet Building Regulations?

Accepted Answer

Our standard residential range can meet Building Regulations with some small changes to specification — structural calculations, insulation U-values, fire safety, ventilation, drainage and electrical certification are all addressed during your project design. We'll confirm exactly what your build needs at consultation stage. We build legal dwellings, not sheds with beds in them.

Question 27

Do electrics in a garden building need certification?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all fixed electrical installations must comply with BS 7671 and Part P (England/Wales). Our electrical installations are carried out and certified by qualified electricians as part of your package.

Question 28

What base does my building need?

Accepted Answer

A flat, level, load-bearing base slightly larger than the building footprint. Options: concrete slab (best for residential/large builds), paving slabs (good for mid-size cabins), timber frame and block foundation (a proven, cost-effective solution for most garden cabins), or ground-screw/steel foundation systems (fast, minimal excavation, great for sloped sites).

Question 29

Can Loghouse do the groundworks and base?

Accepted Answer

Yes — full foundation and groundworks service is available as part of your package. Most competitors leave the base entirely to you and then exclude base problems from their warranty. We take responsibility for the whole build, ground up.

Question 30

My garden slopes. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

No — sloped and awkward sites are routine for us. Ground-screw foundations or stepped concrete solutions handle significant gradients. Send photos with your enquiry and we'll advise the best approach.

Question 31

How far from my boundary/fence should the building be?

Accepted Answer

Practically: at least 600mm for maintenance access. Legally: within 2m of a boundary the max height is 2.5m under permitted development (England/Wales); within 1m in Scotland the 2.5m cap applies. We'll position your building to satisfy both.

Question 32

How do I measure my garden to know what size building fits?

Accepted Answer

Don't just measure the empty space — measure for the building plus working clearance. Here's the correct method: Step 1 Measure your available area Measure your available area. Measure the full width and depth of the space where the building will sit, wall-to-fence, in metres. Step 2 Add access clearance on every side Add access clearance on every side. You need a minimum of 60cm (600mm) of clear space around all sides of the building — for installation access, future maintenance, exterior treatment, and airflow to prevent damp. So for a 4m x 3m cabin, your space needs to be at least 5.2m x 4.2m. Step 3 Check the roof overhang Check the roof overhang. Roof overhangs typically extend 20–30cm beyond the walls on each side. The quoted cabin size is usually the wall footprint — confirm whether your overhang fits within your clearance. Step 4 Check height against planning rules Check height against planning rules. Within 2m of a boundary (1m in Scotland), maximum building height is 2.5m under permitted development. If your building must sit close to a fence, a pent roof is usually the answer. Step 5 Check the route in Check the route in. Measure your narrowest access point — gate, side passage, doorway. Our buildings arrive in sections, so ~1m access width is usually enough, but tell us your tightest point and we'll confirm. The simple formula: Building size + 1.2m to the width + 1.2m to the depth = minimum space required Still unsure? Send us a photo of your garden with rough measurements, or bring them to a showroom — we'll tell you exactly what fits, free, before you spend anything. Every order also includes a site check before manufacture, so nothing gets built that doesn't fit.

Question 33

Do you install, or is it DIY?

Accepted Answer

We install everything — our own trained crews assemble, fit and finish your building. Several of the UK's biggest cabin retailers offer no installation service at all and design purely for DIY self-assembly. If you'd rather self-build one of our kits, that option exists too — but 90%+ of our customers choose full installation.

Question 34

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

Typical garden cabins: 1–4 days on site. Fully finished residential builds with kitchen and bathroom: 1–3 weeks. Customers regularly tell us the speed is what surprises them most — factory precision means everything fits first time.

Question 35

What are your lead times?

Accepted Answer

Typical lead time from order to installation is 10–12 weeks. Because we manufacture in-house, we're not waiting in a third-party factory queue — you'll get a committed timeline with your order confirmation.

Question 36

What happens on installation day?

Accepted Answer

A hi-ab truck will deliver your building and all materials. The build team then confirms the exact location of the cabin with you. The team then assembles the structure, fits windows/doors/roof, completes any interior works in your package, walks you through the finished building and aftercare, and leaves the site clean.

Question 37

Do I need to be home during installation?

Accepted Answer

For the start (site confirmation) and completion (handover walkthrough), yes. In between, our teams work independently.

Question 38

What access do you need for delivery?

Accepted Answer

Our cabins are delivered using a specialist crane truck. The exact delivery method depends on how close the vehicle can safely access your property. Vehicle access — Ideally, we require approximately 3 metres of clear access for the crane truck to reach the unloading point, such as a driveway, front garden, side access, or other suitable location close to the build site. The closer the truck can get, the quicker and more efficient the delivery. Manual handling to the build site — Once the cabin has been unloaded, our installation team will manually carry the components to the construction area. In most cases, a clear access route of approximately 1 metre wide is sufficient for carrying the individual cabin components. Restricted access — If the truck cannot reach the desired unloading point due to narrow roads, low trees, overhead cables, tight turns, steep slopes, or other obstacles, don't worry. We will assess the site and recommend the most suitable solution. We have extensive experience delivering to challenging locations and can often overcome access restrictions with careful planning. To help us assess your site, we recommend providing a few photos or a short video showing the driveway, unloading area, and the route from the unloading point to the cabin location.

Question 39

Do you remove my old shed or building?

Accepted Answer

Yes — old building removal and disposal can be added to your groundworks package.

Question 40

How are Loghouse buildings insulated?

Accepted Answer

Full insulation packages cover floor, walls and roof using high-performance rigid insulation boards, paired with double-glazed uPVC windows. SIP buildings have insulation engineered into the panel core itself — the best U-values in the industry.

Question 41

What's a U-value and why should I care?

Accepted Answer

U-values measure heat loss — lower is better. A 28mm single-skin competitor cabin loses heat fast and costs a fortune to keep warm. Our insulated builds and SIP panels achieve U-values suitable for year-round use at minimal running cost. Ask us for the spec sheet of any model.

Question 42

How do I heat my cabin?

Accepted Answer

Options by use case: electric panel/smart radiators (most popular — our EV Smart Radiator partnership offers app-controlled, energy-efficient units), air-conditioning/heat-pump splits (heating + summer cooling), underfloor heating (residential builds), wood burners (possible with proper flue and hearth — ask us first).

Question 43

Will a log cabin be damp or get condensation?

Accepted Answer

Not when built properly. Correct insulation, ventilation and a proper damp-proof membrane between base and bearers prevent damp. Our buildings include ventilation as standard; our aftercare guide covers seasonal airflow tips.

Question 44

Can I use my building in winter?

Accepted Answer

A fully insulated Loghouse building is a genuine 365-day space — warm in January, cool in July. That's the difference between a 45mm insulated build and the 28mm summer huts sold elsewhere.

Question 45

Can you fit a kitchen in my cabin?

Accepted Answer

Yes — full fitted kitchens through our Portree Kitchens and Clyde Kitchens partnerships: units, worktops, sink, plumbing, appliances if wanted, fitted by professionals as part of your build. No other UK cabin company offers this in-house.

Question 46

Can you fit a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes — complete bathroom suites: WC, basin, shower, tiling, plumbing and extraction. Drainage connection is assessed at survey; most gardens can connect to existing foul drainage or use approved alternatives.

Question 47

What about water and drainage connections?

Accepted Answer

Our groundworks team handles water supply and drainage runs as part of residential and bathroom packages. Feasibility is confirmed at your free site survey.

Question 48

What flooring do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Laminate flooring supplied and fitted is available on all packages (and is a frequent free-upgrade promotion — ask what's running). Engineered wood and vinyl options are available on residential builds.

Question 49

Do you paint/treat the exterior?

Accepted Answer

Yes — professional paint or stain finish in your chosen colour is available fitted (also a regular promotional freebie). Factory pre-treatment protects the timber from day one.

Question 50

Can you supply furniture and gym equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes — through our garden furniture and gym equipment partnerships, your building can be handed over genuinely ready to use. Tell us the end use and we'll spec the interior.

Question 51

How much does a Loghouse building cost?

Accepted Answer

Garden log cabins from ~£4,000; insulated garden offices typically £8,000–£18,000 installed; fully finished one-bed residential/hybrid units from ~£30,000+ depending on spec. Every project is quoted exactly — visit a showroom or send your requirements for a fixed price.

Question 52

Why do your prices beat like-for-like competitors?

Accepted Answer

Factory-direct economics. Resellers pay a factory, then add their margin. You buy from the manufacturer. That's how you get 45mm walls and German uPVC at prices competitors charge for 28mm DIY kits.

Question 53

Do you price match?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our Price Match Promise: bring a written, dated, like-for-like UK quote (same wall thickness, window spec, insulation and installation scope) and we'll match it. Full terms on our Price Match page.

Question 54

Is finance available?

Accepted Answer

Yes — spread the cost with our finance options. Ask for current terms and a monthly example during your consultation.

Question 55

What warranty do you provide?

Accepted Answer

10-year warranty on fully insulated builds, covering the building's fitness for purpose under normal use. Because we supply the structure, base, electrics and finishing, there's one warranty and one accountable company — no gaps between "the cabin company" and "the installer" for claims to fall into.

Question 56

What does the warranty NOT cover?

Accepted Answer

Normal timber characteristics (minor settling, small surface checks that don't affect structure), damage from lack of maintenance or unapproved modifications, and force-majeure events. We put the full terms in writing before you order — ask and compare them against any competitor's exclusion list.

Question 57

Is VAT included in your prices?

Accepted Answer

All quoted prices include VAT unless explicitly stated otherwise. Some residential new-build projects may qualify for VAT relief — we'll advise where applicable.

Question 58

What aftercare comes with my building?

Accepted Answer

Every handover includes our Aftercare Manual covering treatment schedules, ventilation, seasonal care and warranty terms. Our after-sales team remains available by phone and email for the life of your building.

Question 59

How often should I treat the timber?

Accepted Answer

Re-coat exterior stain/paint every 2–3 years (exposed elevations may need attention sooner). Factory pre-treatment plus a professional initial finish extends first-recoat time significantly.

Question 60

The timber has small cracks — is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Fine surface checks and minor settling are natural timber behaviour, not defects — they don't affect structural integrity. Large or through-cracks are different: photograph them and contact our after-sales team.

Question 61

How do I prevent condensation?

Accepted Answer

Use trickle vents, air the building regularly in winter, keep heating low-and-steady rather than on-off blasts, and don't dry laundry inside without ventilation. Full guidance is in the Aftercare Manual.

Question 62

Can I insure my Loghouse building?

Accepted Answer

Yes — garden buildings can typically be added to home contents/buildings policies; residential and let units need appropriate specialist cover. We can point you to brokers familiar with our buildings.

Question 63

Something needs fixing — who do I call?

Accepted Answer

Us. One number: 0330 912 7867, or sales@loghouse.co.uk. Because we built everything, there's no "contact the manufacturer" runaround.

Question 64

Can I put a granny annexe in my garden?

Accepted Answer

Yes — annexes are one of our fastest-growing categories. They require planning permission (ancillary residential use) and Building Regulations compliance; we handle the build side and guide the consents. A fully finished one-bed annexe with kitchen and bathroom is dramatically cheaper than an extension or care costs.

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