I purchased this product as a fun home for my pet ratsWallace and Gromit. Paint and varnish was necessary to protect the soft wood from the elements. The hutch has plenty of opening doors and lids. The rats love being able to climb from one storey to the other. My only suggestion to improve the product would be to have an elbow bend hinge on the lower storey lid.As it is I have to put a prop to prevent undue pressure being place on the hinges.All in all I am very happy with the product as are Wallace and Gromit.