FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions below are asked often. Please see if yours is answered. If not, please let us know. Some of the answers have been turned into articles you can find on our blog.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BUILD MY GARDEN BUILDING?
The average installation time is 3 to 4 weeks, but it varies depending on the size and complexity of the design, with medium to large buildings taking 6 to 7 weeks. A smaller garden building, like the Primo.26.26 from our pre-designed range, can take between 2 to 3 weeks. A larger bespoke garden room, like our cabin on the lake, can take up to 12 weeks. Once we have finalised your design, we will be able to give you a more accurate installation time.
HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU START AFTER I PLACE MY ORDER?
Our aim is to start as soon as possible. However, due to existing projects currently under construction and the lead time for ordering and preparing the components of your garden building, there is a likely waiting period of at least 6 to 8 weeks after your deposit payment.
CAN I CANCEL MY ORDER AFTER I HAVE PAID MY DEPOSIT?
When we take your deposit, we use it to buy the elements of your building, such as doors, windows, wall panels, and timber. If you want to cancel your order, we will do our best to contact our suppliers and attempt to immediately halt production. However, for anything that we cannot return or cancel, we will take this money from your deposit. We understand that sometimes unpredictable things happen in our lives and plans need to change, so we would do our best to minimise any cost to you.
CAN I CHANGE MY DESIGN AFTER I’VE PAID MY DEPOSIT?
Most of the designs we build do not require a planning application, as they all comply with the size and specifications required by the Permitted Development Act or the Caravan Act. If any paperwork is needed, we can help you through the whole process.
ARE THE PRICE QUOTED INCLUSIVE OF VAT?
Yes, they are. We had to register for VAT in June 2018. It makes our prices around 10% higher than before, however, we think that the quality of craftsmanship we provide keeps us very competitive.
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO BUILD A ROOM IN THE GARDEN?
Although certain criteria need to be observed, in general, garden buildings are a permitted development and there is usually no need to apply for planning permission. If you would like to learn more about this, please read our article 7 garden or summer house planning permission rules to keep in mind. There is also a link to the official government document on this issue.
DO YOU PROVIDE THE FOUNDATIONS/FRAME FOR THE GARDEN BUILDING?
Yes, we do. All of our garden buildings are priced with foundations and full installation.
DO YOU PROVIDE THE ELECTRIC INSTALLATION TO THE HOUSE MAINS?
Yes, we do. You will also receive a qualified electrician’s certificate confirming the safety of the connection when completed. It is not required if your building is smaller than 15 sqm, but we do it anyway for your peace of mind and safety. Electrical connections are rarely straightforward so if you would like an electrical site survey, to confirm there will be no unexpected surprises later in the build, we can arrange this early in the process. Read more about electrical connections here.
WHAT GUARANTEES ARE PROVIDED ONCE THE CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE?
We give a 10 years structural guarantee. We are a local, family-run business, we will complete any repairs that are needed if they are caused by any structural or installation problem. Our name and our reputation are on the line, so we definitely want to keep our clients happy by addressing any unforeseen problems once the build has been completed.
Just before the end of the first year we will call you, ask how everything is going, and arrange a visit to inspect your garden room. If something is not right in our opinion, we will rectify it as soon as possible. To make sure you have the peace of mind you need, we go over all of this in our design proposal before any work begins.
IS THE LABOUR COST FIXED?
All of our quoted costs are fixed, including labour costs. What is not included are any costs associated with problems we are unaware of. If we discover something which is not our fault, but prevents progress on the build (like an old Victorian pipe system under your garden or that your house wiring is unsuitable or dangerous) and rectifying this is necessary to complete the work, then we will need to charge you for that extra work. If however, we run over due to staff illness and complete the building in 3.5 instead of 3 weeks, it will be us who covers the cost of our extra work hours and not you. We will always discuss any problems or necessary changes with the client before continuing our work.
WHAT TREATMENT/AFTERCARE IS REQUIRED?
The entire construction of the building will be wrapped in a waterproof, breathable membrane, so the only parts of the building that are open to the elements are the external walls. The aftercare you need will depend on the chosen cladding material. The majority of our garden buildings are finished with wood cladding. Although the wood we use has been pressure treated (the wood preserver is injected inside the wood under high pressure, allowing for deep penetration of the timber), it is recommended to re-apply the wood preserver every few years.
If you want the wood to weather grey, the preserver will need to be applied every 4 years. It is a very easy process as the product itself is almost like water, so re-applying it on the surface of a large building should not take any longer than a day. Alternatively, we can do it for you as part of an after-care service connected with our yearly check.
CAN A GARDEN ROOM ADD VALUE TO MY PROPERTY?
A well-constructed garden room with the same quality manufacturing as a home will very likely increase the value of a property. It can provide additional usable space and enhance the overall appeal, making it attractive to potential buyers or increasing the property’s rental value. We discuss this subject with a property expert in our article How Much Value Does a Garden Room Add to Your Property?
Are you ready to take the next step?
Spend time with our architectural designer.
Discuss your ideas and get a 3D plan of your space.
Find out what could be the most cost efficient way of building your project.
Obtain a detailed estimate of your project.
Select materials and go trough all additional features.
Your journey begins by filling out the form. We’ll get in touch to organise a meeting.
If forms are not your thing, simply call us on 01273 044 507. We’re in the office from 8.30 to 5pm, Monday to Friday.