If you are looking at modular cabins in the UK, you probably want straight answers. What can you get, what does it cost to start, and what happens between placing an order and having a cabin on your land? This guide takes you through it step by step, the way we would explain it if you were standing in front of us.

What a factory-built cabin actually is

A modular cabin is built in a factory rather than on your site. At Dogleap Cabins, each cabin is built to order by an overseas factory. We coordinate the whole process from the factory to your site, so you are not left chasing different companies for each stage. We supply homeowners, businesses and commercial customers across the UK and Ireland.

Because the cabin is made to your choices, you decide the size, layout, finishes and extras before anything is built.

Modular cabins UK buyers can choose from

The right cabin depends on what you want to use it for. Here is what we offer:

• Garden offices for working at home.
• Holiday and guest accommodation cabins for extra space or a letting project.
• Apple Pod cabins, available as an empty shell, with a bathroom, or with a bathroom and kitchen.
• Expandable cabins in 20ft, 30ft and 40ft sizes.
• Commercial Y-Frame cabins, which are flat-packed.

If you are a homeowner, our residential cabins page is the best place to start. If you need a site office or space for a school, farm, industrial site or construction project, have a look at our commercial cabins page.

What they cost to start

Prices depend on what you choose, so we can only give you the starting points:

• Residential cabins start from £12,000 inc. VAT.
• Commercial cabins start from £2,000 ex VAT.

These are starting prices, not the price of every cabin. Your final figure depends on the size, layout, finishes and extras you pick. You get a final quotation once the factory has approved your design.

Options and upgrades

Once you have a basic cabin in mind, you can add to it. The options include glazing, flooring, cladding, a glass curtain wall and verandas. Think about how you will use the space and how much light you want. A garden office and a guest cabin will probably need different things.

How ordering works, step by step

1. Design your cabin. Use the online configurator to choose the size, layout, finishes and extras.
2. Get your quote. After the factory approves your design, you receive a final quotation.
3. Pay the deposit. A 40% deposit starts production.
4. Production. Building takes about 35 days.
5. Shipping. The cabin travels by sea freight, which usually takes around 70 days.
6. Pay the balance. The remaining 60% is due when the cabin arrives.
7. Customs and delivery. We arrange customs clearance. You can then collect the cabin yourself or have us arrange delivery, installation and certification.

As you can see, it is a longer process than buying something off the shelf. The cabin is made for you and shipped by sea, so it is worth planning ahead and not leaving it to the last minute.

Collecting or having it delivered

When your cabin arrives, you have a choice. If you have the means to move it yourself, you can collect it. If you would rather not, we can arrange delivery, installation and certification for you. It depends on your site and how hands-on you want to be, so tell us what you need when you get in touch.

Things to think about before you order

• What it is for. A garden office, guest cabin and site office each have different needs for bathrooms, kitchens, windows and layout.
• Your site. Think about where the cabin will go and how it will get there. If you are unsure, ask us before you order.
• Local rules. Requirements can vary depending on where you are and how the cabin will be used, so it is sensible to check with your local council.
• Timing. Production and shipping both take time. Leave room for that in your plans.
• Budget. Remember that 40% is due to start production and 60% on arrival, so you can plan your payments.

Common questions

How much do modular cabins cost?

Residential cabins start from £12,000 inc. VAT and commercial cabins from £2,000 ex VAT. Your final price depends on the size, layout, finishes and extras you choose, and you receive a final quotation after factory approval.

How long does it take to get a cabin?

Production takes about 35 days. Sea freight then usually takes around 70 days. If you need to know about timing for a particular project, send us an enquiry and we will talk it through.

Do I have to pay everything up front?

No. A 40% deposit starts production, and the remaining 60% is paid when the cabin arrives.

Can you deliver and install the cabin?

Yes. We arrange customs clearance, and you can either collect the cabin or have us arrange delivery, installation and certification.

The easiest next step is to design your cabin in our online configurator, which gives you a personalised quote. If you would rather ask a question first, send us a message through the contact form and we will get back to you.