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FAQ

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about our prefabricated wooden buildings.

Frequently asked questions

Is a wooden cabin a long-lasting choice?
All building materials are roughly equally long-lasting. Historically, building materials were chosen not for durability or strength, but for availability and the local climate. In the Mediterranean region that material was stone; in our part of the world, timber. The fact that one house stands longer than another today is down not to the choice of materials, but to the conditions of use and the quality of construction.

Some specialists tend to single out timber as a material that is less susceptible to the negative effects of the weather. Timber is a natural, "living" material that constantly and harmoniously "interacts" with its surroundings.

It should also be stressed that glued laminated timber structures are not only as strong as steel structures, but sometimes even surpass them. A wooden beam, especially one made of glued laminated timber, is more fire-resistant than a steel or even a reinforced concrete one. Because steel melts and changes shape, a hot steel structure can collapse quickly. A wooden beam, even when charred, retains its load-bearing properties for a long time.

Another important property is that timber "breathes", as it has exceptional vapour and air permeability. For this reason, wooden houses can ventilate themselves while retaining heat at the same time. Specialists have found that timber stores heat and is usually two degrees warmer than the objects around it.

Timber is a natural material; its movement, settling and adaptation depend on the weather conditions.

Large and small cracks, differences and changes in colour tone, as well as a changing structure, are not defects of the timber, but the result of its growth and a characteristic of timber as a natural material.

Timber surfaces that are not coated in time turn greyish and may develop blue stain and mould. Properly maintained wooden buildings will be cosy and long-lasting.
Which wall thickness would suit me best?
Those planning to buy a wooden building – a storage shed, garden cabin, summer house or residential house – often wonder which timber thickness would suit their building best. This is an important decision that has a major impact on the strength and price of the building.

Sodnamis.lt offers buildings made of 28 mm, 44 mm and 68 mm solid timber and 88 mm and 132 mm glued laminated timber. Which thickness is most suitable in which case:

  • 28 mm wall logs – most often used for small buildings intended for storage. From timber of this thickness we make storage sheds that are perfect for storing things while also adding to the look of your yard. Using thinner timber for storage sheds lets us offer a more attractive price. A 28 mm storage shed will serve you well if it is properly maintained.

  • 44 mm wall logs – the most popular building timber, from which Sodnamis.lt makes most of its garden cabins, summer houses, garages, studios and other products. 44 mm wall logs are made with a double tongue and groove and are ideal for a wide range of structures. We also recommend 44 mm wall logs for those who plan to insulate their house from the outside and do not want to overpay for the main structure.

  • 68 mm wall logs – from timber of this thickness we make larger summer houses, villas and residential houses. Products of this thickness are strong and attractive. 68 mm wall logs are often used for buildings that are later insulated from the outside and adapted for permanent living.

  • 88 mm and 132 mm wall logs – these are glued laminated timber products, regarded as high-quality timber with exceptional aesthetic and strength properties. This timber is more resistant to climatic conditions and has fewer natural timber defects such as cracks, twisting and so on. Sodnamis.lt makes houses from 88 mm and 132 mm timber to individual order only.

If you find it hard to decide which timber thickness to choose for your building, consult the Sodnamis team.
Which foundations do you recommend for my cabin?
When planning to build a cabin, it is important to consider which foundations to lay so that the cabin serves you well for a long time.

The type of foundation chosen usually depends on several key factors:

  • The size of the cabin
  • Its intended use
  • The soil on the plot
  • The terrain and dampness of the plot

All of these factors influence the choice of foundation type and the cost of laying it.

Pile foundations

If you are buying a small cabin or storage shed that you plan to use only in the warm season or for storing things, you can opt for a simpler foundation solution. In most such cases, pile foundations are the most suitable.

The piles are drilled at support points under the entire area of the cabin, not just around its perimeter. On level ground, the foundations typically rise about 10 cm above ground level.

Laying pile foundations for a garden cabin or storage shed is one of the most economical and simplest solutions. The piles are usually drilled to a depth of about 1 m, so less material is used and the cost of laying the foundations can be reduced.

To improve the appearance of the foundations and give the cabin extra protection from the elements, we recommend finishing the outside of the foundations with cement board or metal flashing.

Properly laid pile foundations will last a long time and in most cases will be the optimal and economical solution.

Slab foundations

Another popular way to lay foundations is a slab foundation, where the entire area under the house is concreted. This type of foundation is often chosen by customers building a larger garden house or summer house. It is also suitable if the house is to be used all year round.

Slab foundations can be insulated from below, so this is a suitable solution if you want to reduce cold coming up from the ground or plan to install underfloor heating in your wooden house.

A slab foundation helps protect the house from ground moisture and is a strong, reliable solution.

Laying a slab foundation usually requires a fairly level plot. So when planning to build a summer house or cabin, assess your plot and, if there are significant differences in height, include site levelling work in your costs.

In some cases a slab foundation may be the most suitable or even the only solution for a smaller cabin or storage shed, too. This is particularly relevant if moisture accumulates on the plot, pile foundations cannot be laid, or other soil or site conditions prevent it.

Other foundation solutions

The foundation methods listed above are among the most popular, but certainly not the only ones. If you have another idea of how you would like to lay the foundations for your cabin, or already have foundations in place, get in touch with us. We will assess the situation and help you find the most suitable solution.

We are constantly interested in new solutions and modern technologies and are always looking for fast and optimal ways to lay foundations. We are also ready to hear the solutions you propose.
Can I lay the foundations myself?
You can lay the foundations yourself. A Sodnamis© representative will provide you with a recommended foundation plan, which will make laying the foundations easier and help you determine the required distances and dimensions more accurately.

Even if you plan to lay a different type of foundation from that shown in the recommended plan, you can use it as a guide to check the main dimensions and distances.

If the cabin is to be built by the Sodnamis© construction team, please send us photos of the finished foundations once they are laid. This allows us to assess the situation in advance and reduce the risk of additional questions or problems when we arrive to carry out the construction work.

Important: Sodnamis© does not provide advice on the technical aspects of laying foundations.
When is roof insulation needed?
We usually offer insulation materials for larger garden cabins and summer houses. Of course, all the buildings we make can be insulated, but storage sheds, garages, gazebos and other small buildings intended for storing things or for summer leisure are insulated much less often.

The main insulation options we offer:

  • Roof insulation
  • Floor insulation
  • Wall insulation

Roof insulation

We recommend insulating the roof if you plan to use the house in the colder months or all year round. In that case it is worth choosing a thicker layer of insulation, which will help reduce not only cold coming in from outside, but also heat loss through the roof.

It is important to stress that roof insulation protects not only against cold, but also against heat from the sun. So we recommend it not only for those who will use the cabin in the cold season, but also for those who plan to spend time in it in summer.

An insulated roof helps reduce the amount of solar heat entering the cabin, so on hot summer days the interior stays cooler and more comfortable.

If you plan to use the cabin only in the summer season, a thinner roof insulation option is usually sufficient.
Which insulation thickness should I choose?
The thickness of roof insulation depends on how you plan to use the cabin. The thicker the insulation layer you choose, the lower the heat loss.

The main roof insulation thicknesses we offer:

  • 10 cm – recommended if you plan to use the cabin mainly in the warm season or only occasionally when the weather turns cooler. This insulation also helps reduce the amount of heat from the sun entering the cabin.

  • 20 cm – recommended if you want to use the cabin in the cold season as well, but do not plan to live in it permanently.

  • 30 cm – recommended when building a house for permanent living, where it is important to minimise heat loss and ensure better energy efficiency.

If you are unsure which roof insulation thickness to choose, you can always consult our team. We will help you pick the most suitable option for the planned use of your cabin.
Do I need to insulate the floor?
Whether you need floor insulation, and how thick it should be, depends on when you plan to use the cabin and what type of foundations you intend to lay.

If you plan to use the cabin only in the warm season and have laid pile foundations, floor insulation is not essential. However, if you want to reduce the effect of cold or damp on cooler days and have warmer floors, it is worth considering at least the thinnest – 5 cm – floor insulation option.

A layer of floor insulation not only helps keep the heat inside the cabin, but also gives the floor structure extra protection from external influences.

If you plan to use the house all year round, a thicker layer of insulation is recommended. In such cases, warm foundations – for example a slab foundation – are often installed. Floor insulation then becomes an additional measure that helps insulate the cabin floor even better and reduce heat loss.

You can find more information about the different types of foundations in our article on foundations.

If you are unsure which floor insulation thickness to choose, you can always consult our team. We will help you pick the most suitable solution based on the purpose of the cabin and the type of foundations chosen.
When and how are the walls insulated?
Wall insulation is recommended for those who want to adapt their cabin for year-round use or plan to use their summer house in the cold season as well.

The main recommended wall insulation thicknesses:

  • 10 cm – recommended for a summer house that you plan to use mainly in the warm season, but occasionally visit in the cold season too.

  • 20 cm or more – recommended for a house that you plan to use or live in all year round.

Wall insulation is fitted from the outside of the cabin. This not only preserves the usable interior space, but also gives the whole wall structure extra protection from external influences, moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Wall insulation is finished with external wooden cladding. You can paint it in the colours of your choice yourself, or order it from Sodnamis© already factory-painted.

If you have any questions or are unsure which wall insulation thickness to choose, contact the Sodnamis© team. We will help you pick the most suitable solution for the planned use of your cabin.
Will a cabin bought from Sodnamis.lt come with all utilities (water and electricity)?
All the cabins we sell can be fitted with the utilities you want: electricity, water supply, sewerage, a solar power plant, an alarm system and so on.

These utilities are not installed in the cabins we sell – you need to arrange them yourself. Depending on the type of utilities and the specifics of the installation, the work can be carried out before the cabin is built, during construction or once the cabin has been erected.

The Sodnamis.lt team is always ready to share its knowledge and practical experience and advise on what to pay attention to when planning the installation of different utilities.
Can I install a heating/cooling system in my summer house or garden cabin?
All commonly used heating and cooling systems – such as underfloor heating, air-to-air and air-to-water systems, etc. – can be installed in the garden cabins, summer houses and other buildings we manufacture.

Once you have chosen the heating or cooling system you want, it is important to assess in advance all the additional requirements for its installation.

For example:

  • If you plan to install underfloor heating, you need to consider a suitable floor structure and covering. Our standard wooden floors may not be suitable in this case, so the floor solution should be chosen according to the requirements of the specific heating system.

  • If you plan to install a fireplace or stove, you must plan in advance how the surrounding wooden structure will be protected from heat, and plan a suitable location for the chimney and its installation.

We recommend discussing all technical details relating to the installation of your chosen heating or cooling system with the system supplier or installer in advance, and informing your Sodnamis.lt representative of the planned solutions.
Which roofing should I choose?
When buying a garden cabin, storage shed or summer house, the question often arises of which roofing to choose, why one roofing is better than another and in which cases it is worth choosing.

When choosing roofing, it is important to consider the following key factors:

  • Service life
  • Maintenance requirements
  • Suitability for the specific roof structure
  • Appearance
  • Compatibility with existing buildings
  • Price of the roofing

Bitumen shingles

The most popular roofing, and the one most often offered for garden cabins and summer houses, is bitumen shingles. It is the optimal solution in terms of price, technical properties and appearance.

Bitumen shingles come in a variety of colours, so they are easy to match to the roofs of existing buildings or the planned exterior colour of the cabin. We offer the five most popular colours:

  • Green
  • Red
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Black

If you buy the roofing from us, it will be delivered together with the cabin.

Underlay for bitumen shingles

To install bitumen roofing properly and comply with the manufacturer's technical requirements, a special underlay for bitumen shingles must be used.

The underlay is laid before the bitumen shingles are installed. It gives the roof structure additional protection from moisture and is an important part of a correctly installed roofing system.

The roofing installation is considered correct, and the warranty applies, only when the bitumen shingles are installed using the underlay intended for them.

If you plan to buy bitumen shingles from us together with the cabin, we can also supply the underlay you need.

EPDM roofing

In some cases bitumen shingles cannot be used for technical reasons, for example when the roof pitch is too low. In such cases one of the most reliable solutions is EPDM roofing.

EPDM is recommended for flat or low-pitch mono-pitch roofs where the roof pitch is less than 7 degrees.

EPDM roofing has good waterproofing properties and reliably protects the roof from moisture ingress. Although this solution is usually more expensive than bitumen shingles or some other roll roofing, EPDM is a long-lasting roofing that is widely used in practice.

To make choosing roofing easier, for each cabin we suggest the roofing options we consider most suitable and reliable for that particular roof structure.
When should I choose metal roofing?
Customers planning to buy a summer house or a residential house often look for durable, long-lasting solutions not only for fitting out and insulating the house, but also for the roofing.

In such cases we recommend choosing steel roofing. It is long-lasting, strong and versatile, making it suitable for all types of houses.

Steel roofing is made individually to the dimensions of each house's roof slopes. This allows the roofing to be fitted precisely to the specific project and ensures reliable service for many years.

Steel roofing manufacturers offer a wide range of colours, so you can easily pick the shade you want and match it to the overall exterior of the house.

At Sodnamis.lt you can also order steel roofing together with your cabin. It will be delivered with your order, and if you choose our installation service, it can also be fitted together with the house.

Less hassle for you – more solutions in one place.
Why do I need a rainwater drainage system?
When planning to buy a garden cabin, summer house, carport or gazebo, it is worth thinking in advance about which additional solutions will help the building last longer and be useful for its maintenance.

One of the most important accessories is a rainwater drainage system. We recommend installing one regardless of the roofing chosen.

A rainwater drainage system:

  • Collects the rainwater running off the roof and directs it where you want it to go.
  • Prevents water dripping at the entrance to the cabin.
  • Helps protect the facade of the house and the ground around the building from excess water.
  • Gives the building a more finished and attractive look.

The two most commonly used types of rainwater drainage system are metal and plastic. They differ in their properties, durability, appearance and price.

Whichever system you choose, it can be adapted to and installed on the buildings we manufacture.

If you do not want to spend time searching for and ordering a rainwater drainage system, we can take care of it for you. At Sodnamis.lt you can order a metal rainwater drainage system together with your cabin. It will be delivered with your order, and if you choose our installation service, it can also be fitted together with the building.
Will Sodnamis© build the cabin for me?
From a small storage shed to a large residential house – Sodnamis is ready to help make your construction project run smoothly and successfully. You can draw on our many years of experience in manufacturing, construction and project management.

If you want to save your time and effort and have decided to order the installation service for the wooden building you have purchased from Sodnamis.lt, you will receive the following standard services:

  • Unloading, acceptance and inspection of the house package.
  • Construction work using our own equipment, including the assembly of all external and internal walls of the house according to the design plans and drawings.
  • Installation of windows, external and internal doors.
  • Installation of shutters, if included in the project.
  • Installation of the roofing, if the roofing was purchased from Sodnamis.lt.
  • Use of the standard installation accessories needed for the construction work – nails, bolts, wood screws, fixing plates, etc.
  • Instruction on how to adjust the windows, doors and the adjustable structural posts.

Additional services available:

  • Laying of foundations, excluding site or ground levelling work.
  • Installation of a rainwater drainage system.
  • Removal of waste and packaging materials left after construction.
  • Flashing of barge boards.
  • Flashing of foundations.
  • Roof, floor and wall insulation.
  • Wall painting.

We offer our customers the option of ordering the full package of services in one place – from design and manufacture of the house to its delivery and construction.

By choosing our installation service, you will reduce the need to look for builders and tradespeople in different fields yourself, and the Sodnamis team will be responsible for the quality of the work we carry out and the structures we manufacture.

Less coordination and hassle for you – more responsibility and work in one pair of hands.
Can I build the cabin myself?
If you have decided to build the cabin you have purchased yourself, Sodnamis.lt will provide all the technical drawings needed to assemble it. The parts of our products are labelled to make the assembly process as clear and simple as possible.

Before deciding to build the cabin yourself, we recommend considering the following questions:

  • Do you have enough experience in building or assembling wooden structures?
  • Do you have all the tools needed for the work?
  • Do you have the necessary fixings – nails, bolts, wood screws, fixing plates, etc.?
  • Are you prepared for physical work, including lifting and carrying structural elements?

Important: if you choose to build the cabin yourself, the customer is responsible for the quality of the assembly work and the correct installation of the structure.

The manufacturer's warranty covers manufacturing defects, but it does not cover damage, deformation or other problems caused by improper assembly, installation errors or failure to follow the manufacturer's installation requirements.

Therefore, before starting construction work, we recommend studying the drawings and installation information provided carefully and, if you have any questions, contacting the Sodnamis.lt team.
What is the best way to paint a cabin?
Have you already bought a wooden cabin or summer house, or are you still planning to? Once you have weighed up the key questions and chosen the most suitable option, you will have a place for rest, leisure or everyday living.

But it is important not to forget to take proper care of the exterior of the cabin, too. When planning the interior, people sometimes forget that protecting the timber from the elements is just as important.

Painting the timber

When buying a cabin, choose a reliable paint manufacturer or supplier in advance and make sure the products you choose are suitable for exterior timber and provide long-term protection.

When choosing paint, pay attention to the following:

  • Whether the paint is intended for wooden surfaces.
  • Whether it forms a suitable protective layer and helps protect the timber from moisture.
  • Whether it provides protection against UV rays.
  • How often the coat of paint will need to be renewed.
  • Whether priming or other preparatory and protective coats are required before painting.

By choosing high-quality paint suitable for timber, you will help protect the cabin from the elements and extend its service life.

Impregnating the timber

Another way to protect the timber is impregnation. When choosing an impregnating agent, make sure it is intended for exterior timber and provides sufficient protection against moisture, biological attack and other environmental factors.

Important: wooden windows and doors must be coated with a paint system suitable for them. Impregnation alone is not a sufficient final protection for wooden windows and doors.

When should I paint or impregnate?

Painting or impregnation should be carried out as soon as possible after the cabin has been erected, and no later than 2 weeks after construction work is completed.

Regular maintenance

Proper care of a wooden building is not limited to the initial protective coating. The condition of the paint or other protective coating should be checked regularly and renewed according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the chosen product.

By noticing worn, cracked or damaged coating in time and renewing it, you will help protect the timber from moisture, UV rays and other environmental factors.

A properly maintained wooden house will keep its appearance and properties for longer and serve you reliably for many years.
What is the impregnation offered by Sodnamis©?
If you would like extra protection for your cabin, or are unable to paint it straight after construction, Sodnamis.lt offers the option of ordering a factory-impregnated cabin.

During production, the wooden parts of the cabin are dipped in an impregnation bath, so the impregnating agent coats the timber surfaces and provides additional protection against the elements.

When does an impregnated cabin need painting?

If you buy a factory-impregnated cabin, the final painting of the walls can be done later – we recommend doing it no later than within 1 year.

Important: this exception does not apply to windows and doors. They must be coated with a suitable paint system immediately after the cabin is erected, in accordance with the maintenance requirements provided. Impregnation gives windows and doors only temporary protection and does not replace the final coat of paint.

Regular maintenance

Proper care of a wooden building includes not only the initial protective coating of the timber, but also the subsequent renewal of the paint or other protective coating.

Remember to check the condition of the timber surfaces regularly and renew the coat of paint according to the recommendations of your chosen paint manufacturer.

By choosing high-quality timber protection products and maintaining the cabin properly, you will help it keep its appearance and serve you well for a long time.
Can I change the cabin to my preferred layout?
We can modify all standard cabins to suit your wishes and dreams. When changing a cabin you can move walls, add or reduce the number of rooms, change the type of windows and doors, make the cabin taller or lower, or even add a second storey. Sodnamis© offers you wide freedom of modification and a quick price calculation.
Can I send you the design and plans of the cabin I want?
A custom-built house is a unique solution tailored to the specific needs and taste of the customer and to the plot of land available.

Sodnamis© offers a quick price calculation, a clear and specific quote, and professional advice throughout the project.

When designing a custom house you can choose:

  • The type of timber and the wall thickness.
  • The roof shape and structure.
  • The types of windows and doors and their layout.
  • The size of the house and the interior layout.
  • Insulation, finishing and other technical solutions.

The wide range of options allows you to create a house that meets not only your aesthetic expectations, but also its intended use and technical requirements.

Contact the Sodnamis© team and together we will create a wooden house tailored to your needs. We will make sure the whole process – from the first idea to the final design – is as simple, clear and enjoyable as possible.
Can I change the windows and doors of a standard cabin?
If you would like to replace the windows or doors of a standard cabin with different ones, but want to keep the price of the cabin as low as possible, we recommend choosing windows or doors that are larger than those in the standard design.

In that case, the existing openings can be enlarged during construction and the chosen windows or doors fitted without changing the standard cabin production process. This often avoids additional production changes and reduces their impact on the final price.

In all cases we recommend consulting the Sodnamis© team before making any changes. Our staff will assess whether the changes you want are technically feasible and suggest the best solution.
What advance payment do I have to make?
An advance payment is required so that we can confirm your order and start processing it.

The size of the advance payment depends on the type of cabin chosen:

  • Custom-designed cabin – 30% advance payment.

  • Standard cabin – 10% advance payment.

The remaining amount due and its payment terms are set out in your order documents.
How does the rest of the payment work?
Once the cabin has been ordered and the advance payment made, the remaining order amount must be paid before the cabin is delivered to the construction site you specify.

Before delivery, the remaining part of the cabin price and all additionally ordered materials or accessories must be paid for.

The remaining amount due depends on the advance paid earlier:

  • Custom-designed cabin – the remaining 70% of the order amount.

  • Standard cabin – the remaining 90% of the order amount.

Payment must be made by bank transfer no later than 1 day before the agreed delivery date.

For delivery to go smoothly and on time, the full amount due must be received by this deadline.
Can someone else pay part of the amount on my behalf?
Different people can pay for the cabin purchased, but the payment reference must state the name and surname of the customer (the person who officially purchased the cabin from Sodnamis©).
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