FAQ

Here you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Please contact us if you have any further queries or cannot find the answer you are looking for on our site.

If you have already received your order and have any further questions please contact our customer service team.

Log Cabins and Garden Offices

Timber Source

Spruce v. Pine We use SLOW GROWN SPRUCE in our Log Cabins.* The timber is responsibly sourced from cold northern regions where the timber grows slowly. We all know the old adage of counting...
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Why our windows and doors are the best.

Premium Plus™ Windows & Doors: ...
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What is TripleTherm^®?

TripleTherm® is Dunster House Ltd.'s unique and innovative method of insulation. Designed in-house at the Bedford factory, TripleTherm® can be described as a "cabin within a cabin"; an...
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Do I need Planning Permission for Log Cabins and Garden Offices?

Under new regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and...
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Planning Permission – why is the 2.5m rule important...

Planning Permission – why is the 2.5m rule important... Planning permission can be a complicated mine field – it was not made any easier when the UK government added another set of rules in...
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What is the best way to prepare a base for my Log Cabin or Garden Office?

For your Log Cabin, we recommend one of our RapidPad™ foundation Systems. We have a unique range of Foundations here at Dunster House Ltd which we have designed alongside most of our Garden...
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What tools do I need to build my Log Cabin or Garden Office?

Good quality DIY hand tools, such as: Drills Hammer Screwdrivers Level Stepladder Tape Measure Saw Ball of String (to check the diagonals)
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Does the Log Cabin need to be treated?

Log Cabins are supplied untreated to enable you to decorate and finish it to your own individual style and tastes. The only part of the cabins that is pre-treated are the bearers, which are...
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Why aren't Log Cabins pre-treated?

Log cabin timber is kiln dried – a process that reduces moisture content to approximately 14%. This drying ensures that all wood is reasonably sized and capable of locking together tightly and...
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Do you offer an Installation Service?

We offer an installation service for log cabins, garden offices, summerhouses, garages, car ports, guest lodges, greenhouses, sheds and stables. WE USE OUR OWN WORK FORCE AND NOT SUB CONTRACTORS....
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What to look for in a Garden Structures company

By Alex Murphy. No one wants to buy from a company that might be in financial trouble, especially in these uncertain times. To do so is to risk every penny you have paid. If a company goes...
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Understanding Roof Insulation

Our roof insulation is made with 50mm polyurethane bonded to an MFP external top layer and when installed gives the cabin an overall roof thickness of approximately 80mm. Roof panels are...
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How easy is it to construct our Dunster House cabin?

The following pictures show the simple construction process for building one of our Log Cabins. Full and detailed assembly instructions will be supplied with your log cabin.
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What is a U-Value?

A U-value is the measure of rate of heat loss through a material i.e. wall. The higher the U-Value figure, the more heat that is lost. These figures can vary depending upon the type of material in...
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How are Lienne Garden Offices constructed?

The Lienne Office is a contemporary design and will bring an impressive element to your garden. With large, double glazed windows and doors as standard you will not only have plenty of natural...
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What are the features of a Lienne Garden Office?

There are a few different features which make this Office contemporary and modern. We have made sure that this Office is the standard you would expect to see in your own home and have thought...
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Dunster House Complaints

Our Customer Services Team! Hopefully you’ll never need to contact our customer services department – only 2.5% of our customers ever do – but if you do need us it’s reassuring to know...
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What are the features of our Lienne Office Windows and Doors?

Why should you choose a Dunster House Lienne Garden Office? Window and doors asthetic –The exterior is light oak on white, wood grain effect uPVC which blends the Office in with the...
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Do I need to Fully Comply with Building Regulations?

The answer to this question depends mainly upon two things: 1) Is the building over 30 square metres of internal space? 2) Regardless of the size of the building - Is the building going to...
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Do I need to Partially Comply to Building Regulations?

If your proposed building is under 30 square metres and is not for overnight accommodation or commercial purposes then you should only need to be concerned about one section of the building...
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What does my Guarantee cover and how long does it last?

Warranty is subject to proper installation and normal residential use. All Pressure Treated Wooden components carry a 10 year warranty against damage by insects and fungal decay on. This does...
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Opening Times Over Christmas

The Christmas period is nearly upon us, and we at Dunster House are excited about Santa coming to visit. We have been working extremely hard all year round, and we can't wait to see what...
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Do I need to comply with Building Regulations?

To find out more use our Building Regulations Introductory Guide
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Climbing Frames and Swing Sets

How do I ensure that my Climbing Frame is on a stable and safe surface?

The Climbing Frames and Swing Sets should be positioned on level grassed ground, or similar. If Ground Anchors are supplied they must be used, additional Ground Anchors are available for...
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What Safety Standards do your Climbing Frames comply with?

Our Climbing Frames are all Independently Safety Tested to comply with European Safety Standards EN71-1, EN71-3, EN71-8, and EN71-9, and are all CE Rated.
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Are your Climbing Frames treated?

All our climbing frames are made with Pressure Treated Timber to protect against damage from rot, fungus, and insect infestation. The treatment used is non toxic and CCA (Copper Chrome Arsenic)...
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What does my warranty cover and how long does it last?

Warranty is subject to proper installation and normal residential use. Our Climbing Frames and Swing Sets carry a 10 year warranty against damage by insects and fungal decay on all Pressure...
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What tools do I need to assemble my Climbing Frame?

To assemble your Dunster House, you’ll need to buy, own, beg, borrow or steal (please note, don’t steal) the following good quality DIY hand tools....
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Stables & Field Shelters

Do I need Planning Permission for Stables and Field Shelters?

For free, helpful advice, we would recommend getting in contact with your local planning officer for an informal discussion. It is also advisable to consult with your local parish council and any...
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If I require Planning Permission, what assistance can you provide?

We are able to supply you with elevated drawings of your stable complex for a small fee of £127.66 (excluding VAT); this amount is later refunded against the value of your order.
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Do I need to lay a Brick Course for my Stables?

No Brick Course is required with our Stable Range. Pressure Treated bearers are provided, which are bolted down and sealed to your concrete base. This saves the time and hassle of getting a brick...
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Can I create my own Stable Yard using your products?

Our modular system allows you to create the stable complex of your dreams. Simply select a Tipperary Petite (10’x12’), Tipperary Solo (12’x12’) or Tipperary Grande Solo (14’x12’)...
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Eco Products

How does your Cabin/Off Grid Solar Lighting Work?

The premise behind our Solar Lighting System is very simple. The PV panels (which are placed on a roof) collect radiation from the Sun, which charges the battery. The lights are then powererd by...
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How does your Roof Mounted Solar Heating work?

The roof mounted solar air heater uses solar radiation to heat fresh air brought in from the outside to heat the cabin. The air drawn in by a solar powered fan. It is drawn over a special metal...
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Will Solar products work in the UK?

Yes! All our Solar products utilise radiation from the Sun. This means that even on an overcast day, depending upon if the Sun's radiation is high enough, you can still be using our products to...
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Where can we use the Solar products?

Our Solar products are versatile and can be utilised anywhere that you require heat or light. Within the home these products can provide back-up heating and lighting in the event of a power cut,...
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How quickly will I get my money back?

The exact payback time for any product will depend upon its exposure to Radiation and the amount of time that the system is used. That being said, our 6 Bulb 25w Solar Lighting System is likely...
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We Supply Timber Products to 'Competent DIY' Customers

What is a "Competent DIY" person? And what am I buying?

We supply timber products to "Competent DIY" customers. A definition by the Concise Oxford Dictionary of the word "Competent" is to be "Adequately qualified or...
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Ordering and Delivery

How do I place an order?

You can easily and safely place an order and purchase goods through our online service. Our form pages are secured using High Level 128-bit SSL Encryption. Credit card payments are processed by...
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Where do you deliver to?

We deliver our Log cabin and other Garden products to the mainland United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland). Some exceptions apply, and these are illustrated below. Please contact us for full...
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What do i need to know about my delivery?

Help us to help you. As much as we'd love to arrive by magic carpet to present you with your goods during your lunch hour, we have to work within our limits. At Dunster House, our formula is...
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Do you ship goods overseas?

We do not ship goods outside of the mainland United Kingdom – Dunster House is never the exporter. We will only ship to ports and deliver to your designated agent. Additional charges may apply...
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How long will it take for my order to arrive?

Delivery times may vary depending on seasonal demand. Please see individual products for more specific and up to date delivery times, you can also ring us on 01234 272445.
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How much does delivery cost?

ALL PRODUCTS EXCEPT uPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS Deliveries to Mainland England and Wales for orders over £1000 are FREE. This applies to main products only, optional extras being delivered...
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Can I return goods and receive a refund? And other legal stuff!

Dunster House products are designed for competent DIY assembly by two or more adults. Before you assemble your delivered Timber products please ensure that you have read the instructions and...
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Complaints with Dunster House

As a long established British company, we try our hardest to provide the best possible service to ensure we achieve maximum customer satisfaction and make your experience with Dunster House a...
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Building Compliant Cabins

Can I rely on you to fix any problems which may occur during and after installation?

Support for the 'Delivered' version of our DIY buildings is provided by our dedicated Customer Services team. There are comprehensive assembly instructions provided but you will need to either be...
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Are there any hidden costs?

The total cost you pay will be that as shown in your shopping cart when you checkout, unlike many other companies we include the cost of delivery. Before proceeding to the checkout why not take a...
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What impact will the build have on my garden?

We will deliver your product on a 7.5 tonne flatbed lorry and will deliver to the kerbside only.
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Do you sort out all the plumbing and electrical work or do I need to source an outside contractor?

As a DIY building, you can tailor it to suit your needs and requirements, as a result electrical and plumbing services are not included allowing you to therefore source an outside contractor for...
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Will I still need to apply for planning permission?

This DIY project will most likely require planning permission. We can help make this process simpler by providing Planning Permission drawings (at a cost, which is then deducted from the cost of...
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Is there a guarantee on any of the optional extras?

Due to the nature of a DIY product, beyond the product being fit for purpose we cannot provide a guarantee as problems may result from incorrect installation. We provide full and comprehensive...
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Can it be built on a slope?

The building needs to sit on a level foundation. As you will be installing it, it is up to you to decide if levelling can be achieved through ground works on your site.
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Can it be built in an area prone to high winds?

In short yes, the cabin is built to Building Regulations standards and our engineer has designed the cabin to be suitable for the vast majority of locations within the UK, including what some...
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What happens if Planning is not approved?

If you wish to you can appeal the planning decision but ultimately if planning is not granted then providing that you waited to see the result of the planning application before ordering the...
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FAQ