Installation
Easy Build Cabins with Lifestyle Cabins
Site Selection, Assembly, and Finishing.
There are some important points to note about site selection, assembling and finishing (protecting) your cabin.
District Planning and Site Selection
• As these cabins are prefabricated and below 30m2 there are exemptions in the Building Code, specifically designed for these types of buildings that in most cases mean a Building Consent is not needed. However there are other factors that need to be taken into account to qualify for the exemptions. Therefore you still need to check carefully with your local council, to make sure your proposed building work does not have any district or regional planning implications.
• We assume that you have made these enquiries and that you have checked carefully that the building of the cabin does not contravene any laws or regulations. The Lifestyle Cabin Co Limited accepts no responsibility for improper site selection or for the customer not making the correct enquires.
• This link is helpful in understanding what is required.
Foundations
Your cabin needs to be built on a perfectly flat surface. The foundations need to be built to the New Zealand building standard NZS3604:2011. Other options may be available so you should check with your local authorities. Whichever approach you take you must ensure they meet all relevant standards.
Lifestyle Cabins supplies foundation plans for all cabin models should you wish to use them.
We assume the site selection you have made has been in accordance with all your local regulations and Lifestyle Cabins assumes no responsibility for this. As always with any building work you should contact your local authorities to check the local regulations.
We recommend keeping the underneath of the cabin as dry and as free of vegetation as possible. We recommend placing a damp proof course (or similar like black plastic) on the ground or under the floor beam that will protect the cabin from rising damp, moisture and decay.
Assembling your Cabin
Please always refer to the Maintenance Manual and Instruction Manual in conjunction.
Lifestyle Cabins are supplied in kitset form. They come with a full set of assembly instructions and all of the fittings and fixtures.
It is important to note that assembling one of our cabins is not something you should attempt if you have no building or practical experience or inadequate tools. The assembling and understanding of the instruction manual can be quite confusing for the inexperienced.
You must allow sufficient time, assistance, and resource to complete the job properly.
If you choose this option it can be very fulfilling as many of our customers tell us that assembling one of these cabins is one of the more satisfying things they have done.
Most of our customers DIY these cabins themselves.
If you feel this is not a job that you want to tackle yourself then it is best to arrange for a contractor to complete it for you. Any skilled handyman or builder is able to complete this project.
Lifestyle Cabins is happy to put you in touch with a contractor. We have access to contractors in most parts of the country.
Plumbing and Kitchen.
• Lifestyle cabins sell cabins that do not contain plumbing or cooking facilities. The absence of these is one of the conditions for the exemption from the building consent process.
• If you want to install these facilities you must contact your local council and check with them if it is possible. If it is possible you will need to obtain a building consent.
• The Lifestyle Cabin Co Limited accepts no responsibility for the installation of these facilities, or if a building consent would be granted if the customer intends to install them.
Finishing (Protecting) your Cabin
Please always refer to the Maintenance Manual and Instruction Manual in conjunction
Wood is a natural material, affected by a wide range of natural conditions. Large and small cracks, colour and tone differences, and some dimensional changes are to be expected. This is all quite normal and contributes to the beauty of wooden products. These changes tend to enhance the natural look of your cabin.
• Some settling of the cabin is normal as is some of the joins widening and changing. If any gaps appear they can be easily sealed with a paintable silicone.
• In order for your cabin to remain in top condition and be durable it must have the appropriate coatings applied within two weeks.
Wood Oil (CD50)
• The durability certificate states that the product CD50 should be applied. This is an excellent product that contains non-toxic chemicals that prevent fungal and bacterial action as well as deep penetrating oils that reduce movement and cracking and stabilise the wood.
• CD50 is able to be used both inside and out and on the ceiling and floor.
• The best way to treat your cabin is to coat the timber pieces prior to assembly. This gives the best protection.
• Be sure to always apply the product to the underside of the floor boards and the underside of the cabin prior to construction as these can be difficult to reach once the cabin is complete.
• Applying CD50 to the rest of the assembled cabin is also a suitable solution.
• Please consult the website www.cd50.co.nz for the specific instructions on application and other matters. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Your cabin is an investment and you want it to stay in excellent condition.
• Be sure to recoat the cabin when the appearance deteriorates or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you want to paint your cabin after having oiled it then you should wait 6 months from the time of CD50 application and then choose an oil based paint system.
• Be sure to follow the paint manufacturers instructions precisely.
• Note that CD50 has a strong odour. If using it on the inside this can take a week to dissipate.
Exterior Painting (not oiling)
• Paint is a suitable option.
If you choose to paint the exterior, we set out below our recommendations as to how to do this. Please note that these are our recommendations and we are not responsible for the quality of the work done or for the process – if you wish to ensure the process and quality are what you require, we suggest you seek advice on this from a professional.
If you choose this option then the following should be undertaken.
• Please note our recommended paint supplier is Resene. However other companies offer a similar product range.
• Painting must take place within 2 weeks of assembly. This prevents any deterioration of the timber and minimises the chances of excessive cracking, discoloration, or shifting of the timber. It also ensures that moisture cannot enter the timber.
• As recommended by the experts at Resene – Firstly apply a coat of ‘TimberLock’. Wipe off excess ‘TimberLock’ at time of application and leave to cure for at least 48 hours before over coating with a full coat of Wood Primer. Apply an undercoat of ‘Quick Dry’ and finish with 2 coats of ‘Lumbersider’.
• If selecting dark top coat colours we recommend the Resene CoolColour version of the top coat colour. Application of a Resene CoolColour system will reflect more heat than the same colour made using non-cool pigmentation and reduce heat related stress on the substrate; it will not make the painted surface cool to touch.
• A CoolColour system will not necessarily stop resin migration from resin rich timber such as pine which is painted in dark colours or colours with an LRV that is below the timber suppliers LRV restrictions. There is no difference in the LRV values between the non-cool and cool colours as LRV is a measurement of reflectance of visible light, colour only.
• When the paint starts to deteriorate be sure to repaint before it gets to a poor condition. Paint usually lasts between 5 and 10 years depending on the environment. The time to first maintenance is 5 years so we recommend repainting every 5 years.
Interior Painting
• Protecting the interior is important also.
• The interior can be painted as well however this will cover the beautiful timber colours. For this reason we suggest that a finish is used that allows the wood to show its natural beauty.
• If a clear finish is required then 3 coats of Aquaclear.
• If you do decide to paint then 1 coat of Resene quick dry undercoat and 2 coats of Spacecote Low Sheen.
If you are unsure as to what would be the best approach, we suggest you speak to an experienced painter.
Floor
• Your floor is solid wood tongue and groove timber. It will retain its beautiful look if looked after carefully
• The first thing to ensure is that when the cabin is being constructed it is not damaged or discoloured in any way at all.
• Be sure to follow these basic steps
• Do not walk on them in dirty footwear. Be sure to only wear socks or other clean foot coverings.
• Do not spill anything on them.
• Do not expose them to rain or other moisture.
• Make sure all contractors adhere to these rules.
• As discussed you should apply a coating ASAP, so as to prevent any of the above issues developing. Lifestyle Cabins required timeframe is within 2 weeks. CD50 is the recommended product.
• If urethane is desired check for a suitable product which reflects the level of wear the floor will receive. If the underside of the floor has been treated with CD50 the supplier should be informed of this and will recommend a suitable product.
• Failure to do anything will result in rapid discoloration and dirtying of the floor, as well as potential deterioration of the wood.
• As always if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us
Get in touch with us!
Let us build a stunning Lifestyle Cabin in your outdoor space and convert it into a usable, private working area.
139 WAIRAU ROAD, WAIRAU VALLEY, AUCKLAND
0800 99 77 35
Woodside Cabin is available for viewing in
West Melton, Christchurch (Appointment Only)
027 291 9962