What housing crisis? Argos launches flatpack log cabin - for just £13,099
In these days of sky-high house prices, it could be the answer to a couple's prayers.
As long as they're handy with a hammer, that is. And are able to follow instructions. Argos, known for its toasters and toys, has branched out into flat-pack DIY family homes.
For just over £13,000, families can buy a log cabin with five rooms, underfloor heating and laminate flooring.
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Some assembly required: The flatpack Helsinki, which has five rooms and a loft space for store, can be knocked together in a few days
The home, known as a Helsinki, also boasts a "handy loft area for storage" and a decked terrace where the owners can sit and soak up the sun.
Argos says the home is "supplied in kit form containing all the components and instructions required for self assembly".
The catalogue listing also warns: "Some cutting may be required."
And: "Prior to purchase check whether planning permission and building regulations approval may be required."
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Classic: The living area with underfloor heating
Buyers are further advised that the building needs a quality timber treatment after assembly.
Owners must pay a £4.95 home delivery charge, as the cabin is a little too bulky for store pick-up.
The 32ft by 16ft 10in Helsinki, made of Scandinavian whitewood, has double-glazed French doors and windows and a felt shingle roof.
It is constructed using tongue and groove boards which slot together Argos claims that the "44mm tongue and groove wall boarding provides additional strength, insulation and resilience to cope with extended year-round use".
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Out of the bokx: The trendy terrace
Those unable to stretch to the "deluxe" underfloor heating and Canmore Oak laminate flooring at £13,099.99 can pick up a bog-standard Helsinki for £10,999.99.
A spokesman for Finnforest, the makers of the Finnlife Helsinki, said: "It would take a day or two to put up the Helsinki because it's a top-of-the-range and extremely large model.
"You would almost certainly need at least two people for some of the jobs."
The manual lists a number of tools required, such as a ladder, saw, screwdriver and mallet.
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Airy: An office room leads through to an adjoining light space with glass doors
It states: "No specialist skills are required. Anyone can build a Finnlife log cabin although some tasks may require more than one pair of hands."
It also suggests that the Helsinki "should be built on foundations of concrete or compressed gravel".
• A two-man tent for under £10 is being marketed at cash-strapped Britons who need to holiday at home.
Asda, which is selling the £7.93 tents, said: "The high prices that many retailers charge for camping equipment meant that a holiday outdoors was no longer a cheap alternative."
