What exactly is a Pre-Cut Kit?
The pre-cut lumber package has all the framing members cut and ready for assembly. It includes siding, roofing, pre-dimensioned trim, fastening hardware, windows and pre-made doors. The floor system walls and rafters have all been cut, color-coded and part numbered. The detailed cut list coincides with the color-coded exploded view. The head scratching has been removed, the headaches of finding the correct angles and the aggravation of starting from scratch has all been simplified. The kit is geared to a do-it-yourself homeowner with beginner to beginner knowledge of carpentry.
Will I need a permit?
Each town is different. Most do not require a permit for a building less than 150 square feet. A set back of 25 feet from the property line is common. Cottage Shop will help and advise, but leaves all local and state requirements the responsibility of the client.
How much notification will you give me prior to delivery?
You will be notified of a date and approximate time for delivery when the kit is shipped. A tracking number is supplied when applicable, the dispatcher will coordinate with both driver and receiver.
Do I need to be present at the time of delivery?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to be present with a helper to unload the kit. Hopefully the driver will help you but he/she is under no obligation to do so.
What happens if my kit arrives damaged or is missing parts?
If your kit is missing parts or damaged, please contact us right away. Upon delivery of your kit, please inspect it immediately. Should it arrive damaged write the damage on the bill of lading and inform the driver before he leaves.
How far away will you ship?
We can ship internationally, please contact us for a quote.
Can I use cement piers for the foundation of my building?
Yes. concrete piers can be used, the pier dimensions and specifications are included with the plans.
What are your buildings made of and how long will they last?
Cottage Shop creations are crafted with native Vermont lumber. The trees are grown and harvested locally and sawn at local saw mills. All the lumber has a rough look and feel. Hemlock, a sturdy bug resistant wood, which has traditionally been used for fence posts, is used in all of the framing. Eastern White Pine is used for siding and trim. Roofing material is corrugated metal. Life expectancy is 30 years with proper care and maintenance.
What does your kit package contain? What exactly comes with your package?
Kits come complete with detailed instructions with vivid color pictures. All the material and hardware needed is included. A guide to site choice, site preparation specifications, and foundation choices for your design is included with the kit.
Does the building need to be treated or painted right away?
No. The wood does not need to be treated right away and will gray with age. The desired look and feel can be achieved in many ways, including painting and staining. We do recommend that you treat your building with a clear coat of water repellent oil within 5 years and every five years thereafter, much as you would treat a wood deck.
We recommend linseed oil Cabot Australian oil or Cabot stain. You will need to use a primer before you paint. Be sure to put enough coats of primer so that you can no longer see the knots otherwise they will bleed through.
I have minimal carpentry skills. Will I be able to assemble one of your kits?
Yes. We feel confident that the organization, plans and thought that have gone into the preparation of our kits will result in a quality finished product. Basic carpentry tools will be needed.
Do you offer fully assembled buildings?
If you live in the Northeast (New England, New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania) fully assembled buildings are available to you. Please contact our design team for more information.
Can your pre-cut kits be customized?
Simple things such as roof color or material may be customized. However, we will not alter floor plans, window & door placements, roof pitches or wall heights. Please contact our design team for more information.
A-Frame: A very steep gabled roof traditionally on chalet type buildings. It typically extends close to or all the way to the ground.
Gable: The most common two-pitched roof.
Cross Gable: Four gable ends connected to create four valleys.
Salt Box: A two-pitched roof traditionally seen in snow country. It sheds the majority of the snow off the back of the building.
Gambrel: A four-pitched roof traditional on Dutch style barns.
Hip: Rain falls off the building on all four sides.
Dormer: An out cropping of the roof. Typically a window is placed in the dormer. Many types exist and can be incorporated with any type of roof. The example at left shows a gable roof with hipped ends, a dormer over the entrance. The valley is where the dormer roof meets the main roof.
Mansard: A French style roof. A gently sloped flat pitch is hidden by fancy curved hips.
Shed: A one-pitched roof. Rain falls off on one side only.
Do you offer your designs at wholesale prices?
Yes, Jamaica Cottage Shop post and beam kits can be purchased wholesale and re sold through retailers. Many of our designs can be legally transported across the road fully assembled. Commissions are available to trade professionals such as general contractors, landscape designers and architects. See the products tab menu and click on wholesale to learn more.
Can I combine special offers?
No. Since our inception in 1995, we have offered many monthly specials and promotions. Each offer has an expiration date. Since there are often several promotions running simultaneously, clients need to ask to receive an offer when placing their order. Only one offer may be used per order.
Are you a native Vermonter and how long have you been in business?
No. Domenic Mangano was born and raised in Massachusetts. Graduated with a BS in Business Management from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont in 1991. Carpentry experience began at age 15 in 1984 and the shop opened for business in 1995.
I am looking for basic storage for yard tools and to winter lawn furniture. How big of a building do I need?
Many solve this question by checking their pocketbooks. We suggest you gather the items needing shelter, put them in the desired location and scratch four lines around them. Measuring the lines will give you the needed size. Take a look at our most versatile cottage, the 8x10 Vermonter.
What if I need to cancel my order?
Your order is fully refundable if cancelled within 5 days. Otherwise all of your deposit will be refunded except 25% of the total building cost. All cancelled or returned orders paid by credit card will be subject to an additional credit card processing charge of 3%. Please allow 5 to 10 business days.
Can I make a change to the agreed upon plan?
No. If construction has begun a $100 fee will be charged to discuss a change. There after an hourly rate of $55/hour per man plus material will be charged. Sorry, no exceptions.
Do you have plans of your buildings for sale?
Yes. Plans are available on each of the product pages. Please also refer to the Books & Plans page for more information.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We accept Master Card and Visa, or payment can be made out to Cottage Shop and mailed: Post Office Box 106, Jamaica, Vermont 05343
Do you have buildings on display at the shop?
Yes. More than 35 small buildings are always on display. Stop in today and choose from the different styles or design your own cottage. Enjoy the many small building, garden and potting shed books on display, many with awe inspiring, quintessential little storage and work spaces in vibrant colors.
Can you give me directions to your shop?
Jamaica Cottage Shop has moved! We are now located 2 miles north of our old location at the former Smith Mill. The shop can be found 3 miles from the Stratton Mountain access road in South Londonderry, Vermont. Turn north on route 100, travel two miles and turn right onto Winhall Station, a paved road. The office is located 1/8 of a mile from RT 100 on the right.
When is a good time to see the buildings?
The shop is open Monday through Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday by appointment only.
Do you do all the building by your self?
No. Jamaica Cottage Shop employs a staff of full time carpenters, office personnel and delivery crews.
What is up with the chickens? Do you eat them? Do they lay eggs?
Jamaica Cottage Shop has a flock of exotic birds. They are pets, and many free range. No, we do not eat them. The hens are allowed to hatch the eggs and raise the young.
Do you offer financing?
No. We currently do not offer financing for our products. We are working on establishing a relationship with a lending institution, to be put on the list please let your sales associate know.
Do you offer a cash discount?
Yes. Jamaica Cottage shop offers a 5% cash discount. Cash is considered a check or green backs, no credit cards. In order to receive this offer the project must be paid in full at time of order. There is a return check fee of $30.
How long is my quote good for?
Jamaica Cottage Shop quotes are good for 30 days unless otherwise specified on the quote, with exception, if the quote entails a special offer, promotion or discount, the quote is only good for as long as the special offer is valid.
Will you hook up my plumbing and electric when you deliver the building?
No. Clients are responsible for having all heating units; plumbing and/or electric inspected, certified and hooked up by a licensed technician.
If I have missed your question, please contact us.
Do you accept credit cards?
What is up with the chickens? Do you eat them? Do they lay eggs?
