Terms & Conditions – Benchmark Kennels

1. General Information

1.1 Benchmark Kennels is a trading name of Walker7095 Holdings Limited and operates under the laws of England and Wales.

1.2 We reserve the right to amend these Terms & Conditions at any time. Updates will be posted on our website; continued use or purchase constitutes acceptance of these changes.

1.3 Any questions regarding these terms can be sent to our customer service team.

2. Product Information

2.1 All kennels are made to order and subject to availability.

2.2 We strive for accuracy in our product descriptions, images, and dimensions, but minor variations may occur due to the nature of hand-built, timber products.

2.3 All timber kennels are made from tanalised wood, which is a natural product and will require ongoing care. We recommend treating your kennel with a waterproofing sealant immediately after installation and periodically thereafter.

2.4 Wood is subject to natural changes such as splitting, warping, shrinkage, or colour changes. These are not considered defects.

2.5 Customers are responsible for maintaining the kennel and monitoring for condensation, which can cause damp or mould if left unchecked.

3. Placing an Order & Payment

 3.1 Orders can be placed online, by phone, or in person. All orders are subject to acceptance and availability.

3.2 A minimum 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, as all kennels are made to order. Bespoke kennels may be subject to additional terms.

3.3 After receipt of the deposit, your order will be scheduled for production.

3.4 The remaining balance must be paid in full either by BACS (cleared at least 1 working day before delivery) or by cash on arrival. No installation or delivery will commence until payment is received in full.

3.5 If paying cash on arrival, work will not begin until payment is received. If the customer is not present within 1 hour of the delivery team’s arrival, delivery and installation will be cancelled and re-delivery fees may apply.

3.6 Limited Time Holding Deposit Option: A non-refundable deposit of £99 can be paid to secure your price and booking. To confirm a delivery date, 50% of the total order amount must be paid. Please ensure all order details, including product specifications and delivery information, are accurate at the time of confirmation.

4. Delivery

4.1 Delivery is free within a 100-mile radius of S73. Beyond this, a charge of £1.30 per mile (one way) applies.

4.2 Deliveries over 200 miles will incur an additional £100 delivery fee.

4.3 If your postcode is within the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone), a £12.50 fee will apply.

4.4 Delivery usually takes place between 8am–5pm. Exact times cannot be guaranteed, but an updated estimated time of arrival can be provided after 9am on the day of delivery. Please call our office for updates.

4.5 During busy periods, delivery timescales may vary, but we aim for a 2 to 4 week turnaround. For postcodes over 250 miles from S73, delivery may take longer—please enquire before purchase.

4.6 Delivery may be rescheduled due to factors outside our control (e.g. weather, supplier delays). In such cases, we will contact you as soon as possible.

4.7 If delivery cannot be completed due to access issues, additional charges may apply for re-delivery. Please inform us in advance if the base for the kennel is more than 10 metres from where the van can park, as a small surcharge may apply.

4.8 Access for a long wheelbase van is required.

5. Installation

5.1 Installation is included unless otherwise stated.

5.2 The base must be hard-standing, level, and slightly larger than the kennel footprint. If the base is not level, locks and bolts may require adjustment.

5.3 When ordering a phenolic raft base, ensure the ground is level and can support a heavy structure.

5.4 A minimum of 1 ft of clear space is needed around the perimeter and a minimum height of 8 ft. Please inform us before purchase if there is no direct access, steep banking, muddy areas, obstacles, or narrow alleyways.

5.5 The area must be clean and clear. Our staff reserve the right to refuse installation in unsanitary conditions; re-delivery fees will apply.

5.6 Installation delays caused by the customer (e.g. unprepared base, obstructions, or poor access) will incur a charge of £20 per person per hour until work can commence.

5.7 Once installation is complete, customers must inspect the kennel and confirm satisfaction with the installation team. Any issues must be raised before the team leaves. Amendments requested after the team has left will incur an additional charge.

5.8 We do not offer a dismantling or reassembly service.

6. Cancellations and Returns

6.1 Custom and made-to-order kennels are non-refundable unless faulty.

6.2 All deposits are non-refundable.

6.3 Returns are not accepted unless the product is faulty or not as described.

6.4 We are not responsible for damage caused by weather, wear and tear, destructive behaviours, or natural changes in wood.

6.5 We do not manufacture the galvanised bar panels and cannot be held responsible for breakages or damage (e.g. dents, welds, discolouration, white rust).

7. Customer Responsibilities

7.1 Customers are responsible for ensuring the product is suitable for its intended purpose and for complying with any local planning regulations.

7.2 Customers must ensure the base is prepared, level, and accessible.

 7.3 Please ensure you are at the property for the duration of installation to inspect and sign off the build.

7.4 If further amendments are required after the installation team has left, a charge will apply.

8. Liability

8.1 Benchmark Kennels is not liable for any indirect, special, or consequential losses arising from the use of our products.

 8.2 Our liability is limited to the value of the item purchased.

8.3 We are not responsible for damage caused by weather, wear and tear, destructive behaviours, or natural changes in wood.

8.4 Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays or failures to perform due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, weather conditions, or supplier delays.

9. Warranty

9.1 All Benchmark Kennels products are covered against manufacturing defects.

9.2 The warranty does not cover natural wear and tear, improper use, neglect, unauthorised modifications, or environmental factors such as extreme weather.

9.3 Customers are advised to apply a suitable water sealant upon assembly and periodically thereafter. Failure to do so may void warranty claims related to water damage or moisture.

9.4 To make a warranty claim, contact us with proof of purchase and photographic evidence. We reserve the right to inspect the product or request its return before processing a claim.

9.5 WPC Kennel 10-Year Structural Guarantee

9.5.1 Benchmark Kennels provides a 10-year structural guarantee on all WPC kennels. This guarantee covers structural defects to the WPC components only, including rot, splitting, warping, or structural failure caused by manufacturing faults.

9.5.2 The guarantee is valid only where the kennel has been installed on a solid, level, and well-drained base, and positioned in a suitable environment. The guarantee does not apply where deterioration results from placement beneath trees, excessive exposure to falling debris, sap, bird waste, or areas subject to standing water or heavy organic build-up.

9.5.3 Customers must carry out reasonable maintenance, including occasional cleaning and removal of general outdoor build-up. Damage caused by neglect, misuse, modification, or failure to maintain the product is excluded.

9.5.4 The guarantee does not cover cosmetic changes, fading, surface marks, or wear and tear of non-WPC components such as roofing materials, galvanised panels, insulation, or accessories.

9.5.5 To make a claim under this guarantee, customers must provide proof of purchase, photographic evidence of the issue, and allow Benchmark Kennels to inspect the product if required. Benchmark Kennels’ decision on whether a claim is valid is final.

10. Privacy Policy

10.1 Benchmark Kennels is committed to protecting your personal information. All data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available on our website.

11. Governing Law

11.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be resolved exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.