Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I have to treat and maintain the external cladding, windows and doors?
A: Our Western Red Cedar cladding doesnt need chemical treatment, it is maintenance free and has an expected lifespan of at least 40 years, ageing to a natural silvery-grey patina over the years. You can add a colour finish if you wish, which would then require maintaining every few years, though we dont recommend it. All our windows and doors are made from powder coated aluminium, designed to offer a maintenance free life in a domestic installation. It is an inherently strong material that does not attract dirt, warp or rot and is essentially maintenance free apart from an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth.
Q: How are the internal walls finished?
A: All our buildings include a fully plastered interior with white melamine maintenance free skirting.
Q: Will I need planning permission?
A: Generally No as our standard Garden Rooms are less than 2500mm high and any garden structure less than 2.5 metres in height and more than 1 metre from any boundary will not normally require planning permission.
We offer a full planning application service if required.
Q: Will I need building regulations?
A: Building regulations are totally separate from planning permission... planning permission is about WHAT can be constructed whereas building regulations are concerned with HOW the structure is designed and built.
There is only one Building Regulation which applies to our to our Garden Rooms.
Part P covers the safety of electrical installations and as such, we obtain the appropriate installation certification on your behalf.
Q: What if I have limited access to the garden?
A: Prefabricated modular panels are delivered flat packed from our factory to site, and in most situations can be carried through the house to be installed in the garden if you do not have separate access into your garden, this would however be determined by a site visit from one of our sales advisors.
Q: Who will install the building?
A: Our fully trained, professional and customer focused team will carry out the installation in a surprisingly quick time and with minimum disruption to you and your family. An average building usually takes about 4-6 working days to complete, including foundations, fully finished including the electrics. When they have finished, your building is cleaned, the area is tidied, and we hand you the keys.
The only thing left to do is emulsion the walls and the ceiling.
Q: What are my options for internet access, phone and fax services?
A: The simplest, and usually cheapest way to get internet and phone access to your building is to use a wireless router and a dual cordless dect phone. Instead of using a traditional fax machine there are many software applications available such as eFax that allow you to send and receive faxes using your internet connection.
Alternatively you can contract your current telephone/internet provider.
We are happy to provide a full service, subject to a full site survey, to manage the provision of telephone and network cabling if required, though this is an additional cost as our experience has been that it is not necessary in most cases.
Q: Do you give a Guarantee?
A: We most certainly do for a full 5 years this guarantee covers the structural fabric of the room, foundations, roof leaks, joinery etc.
Q: Are there any hidden extras?
A: Absolutely not, our prices include everything ie survey, foundations, installation and Vat at the current rate. The only thing we cannot cost is the main electrical power supply from your home down to your Garden Room.
