New Summerhouse defects

Soozmoney29

Hello

We recently bought a summerhouse from Buy Sheds Direct and built it ourselves - husband is a carpenter. All good to begin with however the walls and apex bit have developed splits in the tongue and groove which means it's no longer waterproof - daylight visible!

I emailed BSD to complain and they've offered little in the way of solutions - the back wall of the summerhouse is up against our boundary wall and cannot be accessed - building the summerhouse meant one side and the back were put up first.
3 panels plus the apex have developed splits.

BSD info on website:
The walls are constructed from 12mm shiplap tongue and groove cladding, on a 28mm x 28mm frame, making for an incredibly robust structure. This tightly-interlocking design also provides weather-beating performance and increases durability, while shiplap's scalloped profile enhances aesthetic appeal. A sumptuous smooth-planed finish perfectly rounds off the summerhouse's exceptionally attractive appearance.

I have declined their offer of one replacement panel plus £100.00 compensation as the defects will make their 25 year guarantee null and void.

I'm grateful for any advice as this morning's email from them said this was their final offer.

Thanks

QrizB

We recently bought a summerhouse

How recently did you buy the summerhouse? When did you erect it?

We've recently had a period of exceptionally hot weather; did the cracks appear during this period?

the walls and apex bit have developed splits in the tongue and groove which means it's no longer waterproof - daylight visible!

I've owned several sheds and this does not surprise me. T&G sheds are rarely weathertight.

Did BSD advertise this as a weathertight structure?

the defects will make their 25 year guarantee null and void.

Have BSD told you this, or is it an assumption?

What does the 25-year guarantee actually cover?

I'm grateful for any advice as this morning's email from them said this was their final offer.

How much would a carpenter charge to fix the shed?

Soozmoney29

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82058204#Comment_82058204

Thank you for the reply..

Only bought on 18th June - put up in the last 2 weeks.
yes - the blurb from their website states:

"The walls are constructed from 12mm shiplap tongue and groove cladding, on a 28mm x 28mm frame, making for an incredibly robust structure. This tightly-interlocking design also provides weather-beating performance and increases durability, while shiplap's scalloped profile enhances aesthetic appeal. A sumptuous smooth-planed finish perfectly rounds off the summerhouse's exceptionally attractive appearance."

my assumption on the guarantee which website states:
 "Boasting premium shiplap cladding, pressure-treated wood and an extraordinary 25-year guarantee, they simply ooze sophistication and class."

It's a summerhouse which I want to be usable all year round - planning on insulating later on.

Thank you!

born_again

the back wall of the summerhouse is up against our boundary wall and cannot be accessed

Well that is not their fault. How do you plan on treating the wood as will be required over the years.

QrizB

So the summerhouse is something lime this one?

https://www.buyshedsdirect.co.uk/8-x-6-forest-beckwood-double-door-apex-summer-house-4-windows

The "extraordinary 25-year guarantee" is against rot, not against any other defects.

There's no mention of the summerhouse being weatherproof that I can see; however if you look on the manufacturer's website:

https://www.forestgarden.co.uk/product/beckwood-apex-summerhouse-8x6-double-door-4-window/

… there is a single line on a graphic that says "interlocking, pressure treated shiplap cladding giving a watertight weather-beating seal". I'm not sure if that's sufficient to be read as the manufacturer telling you the summerhouse as a whole is intended to be weatherproof.

Note the manufacturer also says:

Think about what you want to use the summerhouse for. Summerhouses make a great addition to your home at a cost-effective price. They’re relatively small and the buildings aren’t insulated – if you’re after a fully functioning year-round office or a gym with lots of space then you should look at alternative Garden Rooms or Log Cabins on the market.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82058325#Comment_82058325

If it is the one shown in QuizB’s link

• 
  Maintenance freedom - wood never needs retreating

Jemma01

Come on now!!?! Didn't even last two weeks, id send it back, surely there's a return policy!?

Does it have proper drainage if it is against the wall?

lincroft1710

18 June! 18 June! That's 2 weeks ago! A cheap shed will easily deteriorate in a very short space of time.

Put your foot down and reject for a full refund

If it is a "Forest" product, by pass the retailer and go straight to the manufacturer. That's what I did and got a full refund a couple of years ago from Forest.

mta999

A summerhouse is not meant for all-year use (the clue is in the name!)

Soozmoney29

Thanks for the comments - I have now emailed Forest with my complaint and will wait to see what happens…

Swipe

Push for a refund and persuade your carpenter husband to build his own. Lots of decent designs and tips available on youtube.