Just carrying out a reviews check before buying a £2000 log cabin. I was so close to placing an order... ...I think you have just saved me money and a major headache. Many thanks for the uploaded video.
I think Elbec are the middle men and Shire the makers. I bought a Shire log cabin just before lockdown for around £2200. (It’s now £3500). Half the pieces were for a different model (door on opposite side). When I initially called up the guy I spoke with was awful.. implying it was my mistake. Eventually I spoke to a female who in fairness was helpful. I listed all the missing/wrong parts… and there were many.. and they sent them out on another flat bed and collected the wrong bits. During this time I had a huge pile of timber sitting at the bottom of my garden for about 3 weeks while it rained heavily several times. I did my best to cover it with tarpaulins but some got wet. When the new bits arrived I checked them all in front of the driver and there were still two bits missing!! .. without which I couldn’t build it. They then fed ex’d me the remaining bits a few days later. Once I started building I discovered bits that wouldn’t fit so had to make the pieces from scrap bits. The roof felt supplied was the wrong type as I’d paid for the upgraded tiles. This had to be replaced. They must of spent any profit they made on redelivery fees! Eventually we got it up and painted and I have to say it looks great. Not a positive experience..wouldn’t use again. Their quality control is non existent.. you have been warned!!
You know that shire and elbec are actually different companies right? Shire is the producers and manufacturers of the shed. ... elbec are just one of many distributors. You can buy shire sheds from many companies.
Interesting! I just put my Shire shed together and had a slightly similar experience. It arrived with no doors so the parts had to sit out in the rain until they arrived - which they did after about 5 days. Construction was not a problem - everything fitted and even the floorboards were exactly the right size. I didn't bother with skirtings as I wanted stuff right up against the wall. The only really odd thing is that I have SO MUCH timber left over!! I re-checked all the drawings and I've made it exactly as designed, but I have about 30 pieces - some of which are 4 metre wall logs. Seems like Shire could do with some quality control reorganisation.
Sorry to see you had mare,I only have the opposite to say. Delivery on time, instruction so clear that a child could erect, and the quality exceptional.The summer house we bought is now a all year round garden room. The service also brilliant. When I called to request an extra part as I broke the piece of wood, they sent a replacement free. Not sure if helps anyone but we are extremely happy with all we received and it has done nothing but improve our lives.
Funny no other reviews or info on your account, how much did they pay you to say that or do you work for them lol. Check trustpilot before ordering off these clowns. 2 years on and they are still up to the same stuff.
I had a faulty greenhouse from this company and as you found they are not interested in the customer even after threats of legal action and trading standards.
My wife asked me to build an outdoor office for her Covid-19 affected business near my workshop, then came across Elbec website and got major excited! When shown I jus couldnt believe the price for what I was seeing and so began to research (if it's too good to be true, then it's not!). Soooo glad I did. Sorry you went through this, but glad for the video evidence. Best of luck to you fella. I'm off to build it myself from scratch.
I was looking at that same log cabin, sorry to see how you have been treated and l hope everything works out fine for you, but a massive thank you for the vlog, l will never buy of that company
I ordered a Forest Garden bike shed from Elbec this summer. It arrived a lot earlier than anticipated but the shed is fine, and good value. Surely Elbec is just a supplier, not a manufacturer. If my Forest Garden shed was not up to scratch I would be blaming them, not Elbec.
Many thanks - you have just allowed me to stop a purchase and rethink my plans. Sorry you had all this grief - really appreciate you taking the time to inform us all - extremely generous of you.
Unfortunately I did not see this video before purchasing one of these shire buildings via Wickes! It took months to be delivered (ordered beginning October 2020-delivered end of jan 2021!) the instructions are about as helpful as slick tyres in the snow! Pieces not machined correctly-poor workmanship on pieces (some look like they were hand cut by a toddler!) if you actually followed the instructions on my building-the front would have sat higher than any side by 2ft! Thankfully I’m pretty good at woodwork and on the tools so planer, mitre saw, circular saw, impacter, paslode nail gun, level, chisel set, hand saw...you name it it was needed! In just under 48hours it’s all together (bar windows and doors as I’m fitting upvc instead!), I would not recommend buying one of these unless you are highly skilled. I showed a mate who has been a chippy all his life and he is amazed it’s gone up and said he wouldn’t have known where to begin! Also, I have installed my own flooring for extra strength which I’d highly recommend because those floor panels are so flimsy. I should have just built my own from scratch! Had I known how poor the quality of the parts and instructions were going to be I’d never had ordered! Hindsight is a wonderful thing
We had 6 months of missed deliveries & date after date was missed with no prior warning. We cancelled the order. Shires are the supplier for B&Q so B&Q gave us our money back. At aour previous property we had a similar fiasco with Shires, they were the supplier for Tesco Direct, tesco of cours ehad to give us our money back. I think both B&Q & Tesco were embarrassed & at the end of their rope with Shires as they indirectly told us we were by no means alone in our problems.
I purchased an ill-fitting shed with insufficient screws from them last week. Delivery arranged for 8-12am. It arrived at 6:40pm. We unloaded in pitch black. The driver said he left Cambs at 1pm. They claimed it was 11am after their "investigation". No offer of recompense. Appalling. Look elsewhere.
we also had to help the driver to unload the flatbed truck & we (my wife & i) carried every part of the thing the 50 yards into our garden whilst the driver was fumbling with the tie down straps on his truck.there was also the language barrier as i think the guy was polish & we couldn't understand very much of what he said.so a good time was not had by all.
Whoah... I am in the market for a new garden shed and was going to buy from Elbec, but this has put me off. This is truly shocking. Think I'll go elsewhere. This is not great publicity for them at all and I don't doubt what happened to you for one moment.
Having seen this shower of a companies work first hand, I am shocked that they are still in business. 2 yrs ago I assisted in building the bird of prey pens that are in the background, these were designed by Phil and his nephew and the cutting list drawn up by both of them. I find it frustrating, bizarre and unusual that the company that supplied the building in the video are claiming that anyone with DIY skills could put it together. It is a LIE !! . most DIY is done with more tools than the "professional fitters" turned up with ( hand saws, screw drivers and nails ). I know where I wont be spending my money!
hi there mate i can simpathize with you as we had the bright idea of ordering a summerhouse from these cowboys.it arrived the day before yesterday (wednesday) there are splits in most of the timbers ,the thing arrived damp with loads of staples in it the floor panels don't line up without mods,& where you have to butt two side panels together the fixing bars are so badly bowed that when drilled & screwed together they have daylight gaps through the joints of at least 10 mm or possibly more & the planks on the outside walls are staggered by at least half an inch & there are not any filler/cover strips included in the kit of junk.cheers mate from another dissatisfied punter.
Wish I had seen this before buying a £400 shed from them. Clearly nothing has changed since 2014. I've had a bad experience too. The quality is very poor and had trouble with their delivery as well. I asked for replacement parts and they managed to mess that up too. I bought the shed via Elbec. I noticed other companies stock their products too like Homebase and B&Q. Why do they continue to with this company, I realised these problems have been going on for at least 5 years. Should go to trading standards I think.
As with so many cowboy companies there are these days when virtually all quaility and craftsmanship is a thing of the past - it is amazing to find they are zstill in business. But thank you any way, 'dodgy' reviews from Trustpilot as with Amazon I no longer trust at all, but when time, effort, well thought out, strong visual evidence and humour thrown in which took to put together is certainly appreciated and I for one was thinking of using this company but not now.
I have just ordered a garden bar! It’s only small so I am hoping it won’t have any major issues worried now. How has your summer house held up 6 years later? Did you try and claim money back from a small claims court? So sorry this happened to you.
I wish i had seen your video before buying mine last year, i have also hsd problems with mine from the start 😔 im a single mum trying to work from home and build a business working from my cabin so £2000 was alot of money for me. Its caused me so much stress and anxiety and still is to this day
Oh Crapola. Im just in the process of booking an instalation date for a summerhouse from Shire using their workmen. No wonder they've spent past two weeks umming and ahhing over photos I've had to send them so the can decide whether my base is perfect enough for them to come and construct their building on. Doesn't fill one with confidence when they claim that a building will warp and collapse due to a rubbish base as if the quality of the building nor the skill of the builder would have anything to do with it!
Oh I’m the same waited 3 month for delivery and have to leave it out in rain for a month before they can install it been emailing calling not getting back to me it cost 1300 for summerhouse so worried now
Who is the annoying woman who keeps butting in whilst filming? thing is Elbec are a distributor of the shed manufacturers complaint should be with Shire via Elbec ???
I am afraid to say I have to disagree, I had a wonderful experience with Shire after purchasing my first building a few years ago and have purchased 2 more since. Product, delivery, customer service - all spot on. Don't believe all you read folks. Some people just like to complain!
About to spend £4000 with them on a log cabin, after seeing this maybe I'll pay extra for Dunster house version. I'll check what their reviews are like first!!!
But if the same shed is sold by Ebay and by Elbec would there not be the same problems? From what I can see the problem is with Shire sheds, not Elbec so surely other brands of sheds should be OK.
ShireGB sell through many distributors from Wickes to B+Q and many other national wooden building retailers. Unfortunately Elbec failed to support their customer and get the matter resolved. So while ShireGB caused the installation issues through poor product control, Elbec failed to get the matter resolved for the customer. On that basis, Elbec appear not to be a customer supportive company no matter what make building you buy from them. So I guess its "Buyer Beware" when dealing with either company.
Incorrect roof beams, agree. Poor door lock recess, agree. Fairly easily sorted. Everything else is due to the environmental conditions during your build. It was foolhardy to proceed in those conditions.
2020, was going to buy a garden shed today from them. Did my usual research and found this plus the trust pilot reviews! Won't be buying from them now!
Managed about 7 minutes of the video, its just no one can read and listen at the same time , it's physically impossible. However, your video will stand up in court for the complete incompetence of the so-called representatives that they sent (anyone can wear a high viz) and the shite quality of the actual product, best thing is the drawings, they are hilarious. I hope you got on ok.
After seeing what looks to be a good looking service an great product looks to be more of a cowboy outfit who have no respect for the people they sell to. To have bare face cheek and send out some who does not have a clue why they are there just to try an cover for terrible product. Elbec/ shire you should be ashamed and need to look into customer care an product quality. You should be shut down.
The way you have been treated is shocking and to be frank, Disgusting, I would get in touch with trading standards, and rogue traders and the fitters they sent out to you where the hell did they get them from?, they could not even communicate to you in English, they need shaming, and to close dialog with you shows they are both un-professional and definately have something to hide they need investigating, disgraceful.
Complain to these people, you can get their addresses off here. It's simply public information for people to use if they have any doubts about making any sort of investment. Took me two minutes. You can also check a director against another business if you think another website looks identical in format, it's probably the same address trading as several companies. beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05148676/officers
Well I know I wont be buying anything from them that's for sure!!!! well under par for any standard of building in the UK. Cowboy building firms !!!!! I was looking forward to see a good product and order my self, wow boy oh boy did they miss out!
I was just about to order a shed from these guys....so glad I held off!
Just carrying out a reviews check before buying a £2000 log cabin.
I was so close to placing an order...
...I think you have just saved me money and a major headache.
Many thanks for the uploaded video.
I think Elbec are the middle men and Shire the makers. I bought a Shire log cabin just before lockdown for around £2200. (It’s now £3500). Half the pieces were for a different model (door on opposite side). When I initially called up the guy I spoke with was awful.. implying it was my mistake. Eventually I spoke to a female who in fairness was helpful. I listed all the missing/wrong parts… and there were many.. and they sent them out on another flat bed and collected the wrong bits. During this time I had a huge pile of timber sitting at the bottom of my garden for about 3 weeks while it rained heavily several times. I did my best to cover it with tarpaulins but some got wet. When the new bits arrived I checked them all in front of the driver and there were still two bits missing!! .. without which I couldn’t build it. They then fed ex’d me the remaining bits a few days later. Once I started building I discovered bits that wouldn’t fit so had to make the pieces from scrap bits. The roof felt supplied was the wrong type as I’d paid for the upgraded tiles. This had to be replaced. They must of spent any profit they made on redelivery fees! Eventually we got it up and painted and I have to say it looks great. Not a positive experience..wouldn’t use again. Their quality control is non existent.. you have been warned!!
You know that shire and elbec are actually different companies right? Shire is the producers and manufacturers of the shed. ... elbec are just one of many distributors. You can buy shire sheds from many companies.
Hi, I'm glad I came across your video. I was about to order a Shire shed so thank you very much, you've just saved me money :)
Interesting! I just put my Shire shed together and had a slightly similar experience. It arrived with no doors so the parts had to sit out in the rain until they arrived - which they did after about 5 days. Construction was not a problem - everything fitted and even the floorboards were exactly the right size. I didn't bother with skirtings as I wanted stuff right up against the wall. The only really odd thing is that I have SO MUCH timber left over!! I re-checked all the drawings and I've made it exactly as designed, but I have about 30 pieces - some of which are 4 metre wall logs. Seems like Shire could do with some quality control reorganisation.
Ha, I had a shire 5.5 x 3.5 with a porch. Had loads of bits missing, which delayed the build... Pain in the bum, but its still standing 7 years later.
Sorry to see you had mare,I only have the opposite to say.
Delivery on time, instruction so clear that a child could erect, and the quality exceptional.The summer house we bought is now a all year round garden room.
The service also brilliant. When I called to request an extra part as I broke the piece of wood, they sent a replacement free.
Not sure if helps anyone but we are extremely happy with all we received and it has done nothing but improve our lives.
Funny no other reviews or info on your account, how much did they pay you to say that or do you work for them lol. Check trustpilot before ordering off these clowns. 2 years on and they are still up to the same stuff.
Wow this saved me a lot of trouble. I am looking for a summer house and I was going to order one from shire .....thank you very much ...
I had a faulty greenhouse from this company and as you found they are not interested in the customer even after threats of legal action and trading standards.
My wife asked me to build an outdoor office for her Covid-19 affected business near my workshop, then came across Elbec website and got major excited! When shown I jus couldnt believe the price for what I was seeing and so began to research (if it's too good to be true, then it's not!). Soooo glad I did. Sorry you went through this, but glad for the video evidence. Best of luck to you fella. I'm off to build it myself from scratch.
I was looking at that same log cabin, sorry to see how you have been treated and l hope everything works out fine for you, but a massive thank you for the vlog, l will never buy of that company
I ordered a Forest Garden bike shed from Elbec this summer. It arrived a lot earlier than anticipated but the shed is fine, and good value. Surely Elbec is just a supplier, not a manufacturer. If my Forest Garden shed was not up to scratch I would be blaming them, not Elbec.
Many thanks - you have just allowed me to stop a purchase and rethink my plans. Sorry you had all this grief - really appreciate you taking the time to inform us all - extremely generous of you.
Unfortunately I did not see this video before purchasing one of these shire buildings via Wickes! It took months to be delivered (ordered beginning October 2020-delivered end of jan 2021!) the instructions are about as helpful as slick tyres in the snow! Pieces not machined correctly-poor workmanship on pieces (some look like they were hand cut by a toddler!) if you actually followed the instructions on my building-the front would have sat higher than any side by 2ft! Thankfully I’m pretty good at woodwork and on the tools so planer, mitre saw, circular saw, impacter, paslode nail gun, level, chisel set, hand saw...you name it it was needed! In just under 48hours it’s all together (bar windows and doors as I’m fitting upvc instead!), I would not recommend buying one of these unless you are highly skilled. I showed a mate who has been a chippy all his life and he is amazed it’s gone up and said he wouldn’t have known where to begin! Also, I have installed my own flooring for extra strength which I’d highly recommend because those floor panels are so flimsy. I should have just built my own from scratch! Had I known how poor the quality of the parts and instructions were going to be I’d never had ordered! Hindsight is a wonderful thing
The customer here was very calm and measured and polite. I would have gone through the roof and put them through it too, if it was on.
We had 6 months of missed deliveries & date after date was missed with no prior warning. We cancelled the order. Shires are the supplier for B&Q so B&Q gave us our money back. At aour previous property we had a similar fiasco with Shires, they were the supplier for Tesco Direct, tesco of cours ehad to give us our money back. I think both B&Q & Tesco were embarrassed & at the end of their rope with Shires as they indirectly told us we were by no means alone in our problems.
I purchased an ill-fitting shed with insufficient screws from them last week. Delivery arranged for 8-12am. It arrived at 6:40pm. We unloaded in pitch black. The driver said he left Cambs at 1pm. They claimed it was 11am after their "investigation". No offer of recompense. Appalling. Look elsewhere.
we also had to help the driver to unload the flatbed truck & we (my wife & i) carried every part of the thing the 50 yards into our garden whilst the driver was fumbling with the tie down straps on his truck.there was also the language barrier as i think the guy was polish & we couldn't understand very much of what he said.so a good time was not had by all.
Many thanks 🙏🏽. Came across your video whilst researching Elbec in view of purchasing from them. Not now though.......!
was going to use this company and was looking at their web page a couple of days ago unsure now seeing how they treat customers shameful
Whoah... I am in the market for a new garden shed and was going to buy from Elbec, but this has put me off. This is truly shocking. Think I'll go elsewhere. This is not great publicity for them at all and I don't doubt what happened to you for one moment.
I was going to buy one but after what I have seen on your video, never in a million years I would buy from them. Thanks for posting this video...
Having seen this shower of a companies work first hand, I am shocked that they are still in business. 2 yrs ago I assisted in building the bird of prey pens that are in the background, these were designed by Phil and his nephew and the cutting list drawn up by both of them. I find it frustrating, bizarre and unusual that the company that supplied the building in the video are claiming that anyone with DIY skills could put it together. It is a LIE !! . most DIY is done with more tools than the "professional fitters" turned up with ( hand saws, screw drivers and nails ). I know where I wont be spending my money!
hi there mate i can simpathize with you as we had the bright idea of ordering a summerhouse from these cowboys.it arrived the day before yesterday (wednesday) there are splits in most of the timbers ,the thing arrived damp with loads of staples in it the floor panels don't line up without mods,& where you have to butt two side panels together the fixing bars are so badly bowed that when drilled & screwed together they have daylight gaps through the joints of at least 10 mm or possibly more & the planks on the outside walls are staggered by at least half an inch & there are not any filler/cover strips included in the kit of junk.cheers mate from another dissatisfied punter.
Wish I had seen this before buying a £400 shed from them. Clearly nothing has changed since 2014. I've had a bad experience too. The quality is very poor and had trouble with their delivery as well. I asked for replacement parts and they managed to mess that up too. I bought the shed via Elbec. I noticed other companies stock their products too like Homebase and B&Q. Why do they continue to with this company, I realised these problems have been going on for at least 5 years. Should go to trading standards I think.
As with so many cowboy companies there are these days when virtually all quaility and craftsmanship is a thing of the past - it is amazing to find they are zstill in business. But thank you any way, 'dodgy' reviews from Trustpilot as with Amazon I no longer trust at all, but when time, effort, well thought out, strong visual evidence and humour thrown in which took to put together is certainly appreciated and I for one was thinking of using this company but not now.
OOPS. I have just bought a Shire garden shed from Elbec being delivered in 2 weeks time. I wish I had seen this first.
I have just ordered a garden bar! It’s only small so I am hoping it won’t have any major issues worried now. How has your summer house held up 6 years later? Did you try and claim money back from a small claims court? So sorry this happened to you.
Thanks. Was just about to order from them and came across your video. Obviously not going to now so thanks for saving me my hard earned cash
I wish i had seen your video before buying mine last year, i have also hsd problems with mine from the start 😔 im a single mum trying to work from home and build a business working from my cabin so £2000 was alot of money for me. Its caused me so much stress and anxiety and still is to this day
Oh Crapola. Im just in the process of booking an instalation date for a summerhouse from Shire using their workmen. No wonder they've spent past two weeks umming and ahhing over photos I've had to send them so the can decide whether my base is perfect enough for them to come and construct their building on. Doesn't fill one with confidence when they claim that a building will warp and collapse due to a rubbish base as if the quality of the building nor the skill of the builder would have anything to do with it!
Oh I’m the same waited 3 month for delivery and have to leave it out in rain for a month before they can install it been emailing calling not getting back to me it cost 1300 for summerhouse so worried now
Thanks for sharing, I am looking for a Garden building.... I now know where not to go!
What a shambles!!!!! I will give this company a very wide berth for sure!!!
That's shocking. Shameful, I hope it goes viral and they go bump..
Who is the annoying woman who keeps butting in whilst filming? thing is Elbec are a distributor of the shed manufacturers complaint should be with Shire via Elbec ???
I am afraid to say I have to disagree, I had a wonderful experience with Shire after purchasing my first building a few years ago and have purchased 2 more since. Product, delivery, customer service - all spot on. Don't believe all you read folks. Some people just like to complain!
About to spend £4000 with them on a log cabin, after seeing this maybe I'll pay extra for Dunster house version. I'll check what their reviews are like first!!!
But if the same shed is sold by Ebay and by Elbec would there not be the same problems? From what I can see the problem is with Shire sheds, not Elbec so surely other brands of sheds should be OK.
ShireGB sell through many distributors from Wickes to B+Q and many other national wooden building retailers. Unfortunately Elbec failed to support their customer and get the matter resolved. So while ShireGB caused the installation issues through poor product control, Elbec failed to get the matter resolved for the customer. On that basis, Elbec appear not to be a customer supportive company no matter what make building you buy from them. So I guess its "Buyer Beware" when dealing with either company.
1 bad person dont make all bad ok they aint perfect but look at price and then look at the 10000s of people with 0 problems works both sides
Incorrect roof beams, agree. Poor door lock recess, agree. Fairly easily sorted. Everything else is due to the environmental conditions during your build. It was foolhardy to proceed in those conditions.
2020, was going to buy a garden shed today from them. Did my usual research and found this plus the trust pilot reviews! Won't be buying from them now!
I bought a Shire Dutch Barn. Complete rubbish! Roof won't fit and had less roof beams than in the sales picture. Do not buy from this company.
I think they should change their name to Shite Garden buildngs. That would be more appropriate.
What was the outcome of this fiasco?
Managed about 7 minutes of the video, its just no one can read and listen at the same time , it's physically impossible. However, your video will stand up in court for the complete incompetence of the so-called representatives that they sent (anyone can wear a high viz) and the shite quality of the actual product, best thing is the drawings, they are hilarious. I hope you got on ok.
After seeing what looks to be a good looking service an great product looks to be more of a cowboy outfit who have no respect for the people they sell to. To have bare face cheek and send out some who does not have a clue why they are there just to try an cover for terrible product. Elbec/ shire you should be ashamed and need to look into customer care an product quality. You should be shut down.
Elbec/Shire might like to take a look at all the comments on facebook as well, but grab a cup of tea first it might take you a while :)
Absolute amateurs, avoid this company. You will be wasting time & money if you opt to go with these 'professionals'.
The way you have been treated is shocking and to be frank, Disgusting, I would get in touch with trading standards, and rogue traders and the fitters they sent out to you where the hell did they get them from?, they could not even communicate to you in English, they need shaming, and to close dialog with you shows they are both un-professional and definately have something to hide they need investigating, disgraceful.
Complain to these people, you can get their addresses off here. It's simply public information for people to use if they have any doubts about making any sort of investment. Took me two minutes. You can also check a director against another business if you think another website looks identical in format, it's probably the same address trading as several companies.
beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05148676/officers
2019 and Shire Buildings are still rubbish. Check out trust a pilot. I’ve had a nightmare with a simple shed order
Well I know I wont be buying anything from them that's for sure!!!! well under par for any standard of building in the UK. Cowboy building firms !!!!! I was looking forward to see a good product and order my self, wow boy oh boy did they miss out!
I prefer to build with woodprix plans.