If you are looking at modular cabins in the UK, you probably have a practical job in mind: a garden office, a guest room, a site office or a meeting room on a farm. This guide explains what a modular cabin is, the different types, and how buying one from Dogleap Cabins works from the first click to the day it arrives.

What is a modular cabin?

A modular cabin is a building made in a factory rather than put together from scratch on your land. Ours are built to order by an overseas factory, and we coordinate the whole process for you. You choose the size, layout, finishes and extras, and the factory builds it to that specification. It is then shipped to you.

Because the cabin is made directly by the factory, you are buying without a long chain of middlemen. That factory-direct approach is where the value comes from, and we are here to handle the coordination so you are not dealing with an overseas supplier on your own.

Who buys them?

Our customers fall into two broad groups.

• Homeowners who want a garden room, a home office or extra accommodation for guests or holiday lets.
• Businesses such as construction companies, industrial sites, schools and farms that need a site office, meeting room or other modular building.

Residential and commercial cabins

We split the range into two main groups, because the needs are different.

Residential cabins run from compact garden rooms to larger accommodation units, starting from £12,000 inc. VAT. They suit garden offices, guest accommodation and holiday use.

Commercial cabins cover site offices, farm offices, meeting rooms and similar uses, and start from £2,000 ex VAT. Note the difference in how the prices are shown: the residential price includes VAT, the commercial price does not.

These are starting prices. What you pay depends on the size, layout, finishes and extras you pick, and your final figure is confirmed in your quotation.

The types of cabin you can choose

• Apple Pod cabins come in 20ft and 40ft sizes. You can choose an empty shell, a version with a bathroom, or one with a bathroom and kitchen.
• Expandable cabins come in 20ft, 30ft and 40ft frames. Layouts include an empty shell, bathroom, bathroom and kitchen, and several office arrangements.
• Garden office cabins are available for people who simply want a separate space at home to work.
• Commercial Y-Frame cabins are available for business use.

Frames are offered in colours such as white, grey and black, and you can add finishing choices such as flooring, wall panels, exterior panels, kitchen cabinet colours and countertops. Optional extras include verandas and decking.

How ordering modular cabins in the UK works with us

The process is the same whichever cabin you choose, and the stages are set out clearly so you know what to expect.

1. Configure your cabin online. Use the online configurator to pick your size, layout, finishes and extras. You receive a personalised quote.
2. Factory approval. The factory checks your configuration, and you then receive a final quotation.
3. Pay a 40% deposit. This starts production.
4. Production. Building takes about 35 days.
5. Shipping. Your cabin travels by sea freight, which usually takes around 70 days.
6. Pay the remaining 60%. This is due when the cabin arrives.
7. Customs and handover. We arrange customs clearance. You can then either collect the cabin yourself or have delivery, installation and certification arranged.

Those timings are worth keeping in mind. Production and sea freight are the two main stages, and there are steps before and after them, such as configuring, factory approval and getting the cabin to its final spot. If you need the cabin by a certain date, plan well ahead and tell us when you get in touch.

Collection, or delivery and installation

Once the cabin has cleared customs, you have a choice. If you have the means to transport it, you can collect it. If you would rather not deal with that, we can arrange delivery, installation and certification for you. The right choice depends on your site, so mention access and ground conditions when you ask for a quote.

Things to think about before you order

• Where it will go. Measure the space, and think about how the cabin will be reached on the day it is delivered.
• What it is for. A garden office, a guest room and a site office each need different layouts. Decide whether you need a bathroom or kitchen area.
• Local rules. Requirements for siting a building differ from place to place, so check with your local council before you commit. If you are unsure what certification you will need, ask us.
• Your budget and timing. You pay 40% to start production and 60% on arrival, so plan your cash flow around those two payments.
• What is in the quotation. Read it carefully, and ask if anything is unclear before you pay the deposit.

Common questions

How much do modular cabins cost?

Residential cabins start from £12,000 inc. VAT, and commercial cabins start from £2,000 ex VAT. Your final price depends on the size, layout, finishes and extras you choose, so the configurator is the best way to get a figure for your own cabin.

How long does it take to get a cabin?

Production takes about 35 days, and sea freight usually takes around 70 days. There are other steps either side, including factory approval of your quotation and delivery to your site, so ask us if you have a date to work towards.

Do I pay everything up front?

No. You pay a 40% deposit to start production, and the remaining 60% is due when the cabin arrives.

Do you supply cabins in Ireland as well as the UK?

Yes, we serve both the UK and Ireland. If you are not sure how delivery would work for your location, send us an enquiry and we will explain.

The easiest next step is to try the online configurator and see a personalised quote for the cabin you have in mind. If you would rather talk it through first, send an enquiry through our contact form and we will get back to you.