Terms & Conditions

1. Orders and Bespoke Goods

1.1. All of our timber buildings (sheds, summerhouses, pigeon lofts, and equestrian housing) are manufactured to order based on your specific requirements and dimensions.

1.2. Because our products are bespoke and customised to your specifications, they are exempt from standard statutory cancellation rights once manufacturing has commenced (as per the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations).

1.3. An order is only considered accepted and final once a deposit has been paid and you have received an order confirmation from us in writing. The payment of this deposit serves as your formal confirmation and absolute acceptance of these Terms and Conditions in their entirety.

2. Pricing and Payment

2.1. All quotes provided are valid for 30 days. After this period, we reserve the right to amend the quote due to fluctuating timber and material costs.

2.2. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required to secure your manufacturing slot and schedule an installation date. By paying this deposit, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

2.3. The remaining balance must be paid in full 48 hours before the scheduled delivery and installation date. We accept payment via bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. The building remains the property of Ecco Sheds & Lofts until paid for in full.

3. Planning Permission & Building Regulations

3.1. It is entirely the customer's responsibility to check and ensure that their bespoke building complies with local Planning Permission and Building Regulations prior to ordering.

3.2. Ecco Sheds & Lofts accepts no liability for buildings erected that contravene local council regulations, boundaries, or height restrictions. No refunds, free relocations, or free modifications will be issued in the event of local authority enforcement.

4. Base Preparation (Customer Responsibility)

4.1. It is entirely the customer's responsibility to provide a solid, completely level base (e.g., concrete slab, paving slabs, or heavy-duty timber bearers) of the correct dimensions before our team arrives.

4.2. If our installation team arrives and the base is deemed uneven, unsuitable, or unsafe, we reserve the right to abort the installation.

4.3. In the event of an aborted installation due to an inadequate base, the building will be left on your property for self-assembly, or a return visit can be scheduled. This will incur a recall charge, which varies depending on the product size and your delivery location.

5. Access and Delivery Restrictions

5.1. You must ensure there is clear, safe, and unobstructed access from our delivery vehicle to the installation site.

5.2. Restricted Access Warning: Our buildings are delivered in large, heavy sectional panels. You must inform us in writing prior to delivery of any unreasonable locations for installation. This includes, but is not limited to: long carries, awkward carries, uneven terrain, or travelling through restricted heights (such as carrying panels through a garage, house, low-height passageways, or arches).

5.3. If you fail to notify us of restricted access and the installation must be aborted because the panels will not fit or cannot be safely transported to the base, the standard recall charge will apply to modify the panels and reschedule delivery.

6. Transfer of Risk

6.1. Risk of damage to or loss of the goods passes to the customer immediately upon delivery to the property.

6.2. If an installation is aborted (as outlined in Sections 4 and 5) and goods are left on-site, it is the customer's strict responsibility to ensure all timber panels and components are stored flat, fully covered, and secured against theft or weather damage until our team returns. Ecco Sheds & Lofts accepts no liability for panels that warp, swell, or are damaged while under the customer's care.

7. Inspection and Acceptance of Goods

7.1. Upon completion of the installation (or upon delivery, in the event of self-assembly), you or a designated representative must inspect the building alongside our installation team.

7.2. Any visible cosmetic defects, damage, or missing components must be noted and reported to our team before they leave the site.

7.3. Once the installation team has departed, the goods are legally deemed as accepted in perfect condition, and we will not be held liable for subsequent claims of cosmetic damage.

7.4. Glazing Standards: Glass and polycarbonate are subject to manufacturing tolerances. Following industry standards, we do not accept claims for scratches, bubbles, or blemishes that are not clearly visible from a distance of 3 metres in natural daylight, or those located within 50mm of the frame edge.

8. Timber Characteristics (Natural Material Disclaimer)

8.1. Timber is a natural, living material. As such, it is subject to variations in colour, grain, and texture.

8.2. Changes in temperature and humidity will cause the timber to expand and contract. Natural occurrences such as shrinkage, splitting, cracking, minor warping, and resin exudation (sap) are entirely normal and are not considered structural defects or manufacturing faults.

9. Maintenance and Guarantees

9.1. We provide a 12-month structural guarantee against manufacturing defects from the date of installation.

9.2. Self-Assembly Exclusions: This 12-month guarantee is strictly valid only for buildings assembled and installed by the official Ecco Sheds & Lofts installation team. We cannot provide any structural guarantee for buildings that are self-assembled by the customer or a third party.

9.3. Unauthorised Modifications: Any subsequent modifications, alterations, or additions made to the building by the customer or a third party after our installation is complete will immediately void this guarantee.

9.4. Clearances and Obstructions: To maintain the structural integrity of the timber, all sides of the building must remain clear of obstructions to allow for proper airflow. You must not lean or store heavy objects, soil, or debris directly against the exterior walls, as this traps moisture and causes premature timber decay. Doing so will void your guarantee.

9.5. Condition of Guarantee: To protect your investment, you must treat your timber building with a high-quality, spirit-based or wax-enriched wood preservative within 3 months of installation, and annually thereafter.

9.6. This guarantee does not cover storm damage, general wear and tear, intentional damage, or issues arising from a lack of regular timber treatment or a subsiding base.

10. Cancellations

10.1. If you wish to cancel your order, you must do so in writing within 7 days of paying the initial deposit.

10.2. Because our buildings are bespoke, if you cancel after this 7-day period (meaning manufacturing has begun), we reserve the right to retain your deposit to cover the cost of labour and materials already allocated to your custom build.

11. Deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland & International

11.1. For deliveries outside of mainland Great Britain (including Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and international locations), additional delivery and shipping surcharges will apply.

11.2. Customs, Duties, and Taxes: For international orders and deliveries to the Republic of Ireland, the customer is strictly responsible for paying any import duties, customs clearance fees, or local taxes required by the destination country. Ecco Sheds & Lofts accepts no liability for delays or additional costs incurred at borders.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

12.1. These Terms and Conditions and any contracts made under them are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

12.2. If you live in England or Wales, you can bring legal proceedings in the English courts. If you live in Scotland, you can bring legal proceedings in either the Scottish or the English courts. If you live in Northern Ireland, you can bring legal proceedings in either the Northern Irish or the English courts.