Garden Building FAQs | Expert Advice & Bespoke Design Guidance

Always Happy To Help With Expert, No-Obligation Guidance

Choosing the right garden building often comes with a lot of questions - and rightly so. Whether you are considering a garden room, home office, outdoor sauna, shed, or bespoke outdoor structure, it`s important to understand what is involved before making any decisions. From planning permission and building regulations to insulation, foundations, electrics, and long-term maintenance, there are many factors that can influence both the design and performance of your garden building.

This section is designed to address the most frequently asked questions we hear from homeowners at the early stages of their project. Rather than jumping straight into technical details, our aim is to provide clear, straightforward guidance that helps you feel confident and informed. We believe that well-informed clients make better decisions and enjoy the build process far more.

Every garden and every requirement is different, so while these answers cover common concerns, they should be seen as a helpful starting point rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. As you read through the questions and answers that follow, you will gain a better understanding of what`s possible, what to consider, and how to plan effectively.

If you don not see your question covered, or if you would like like advice tailored specifically to your space and ideas, our team is always happy to help with expert, no-obligation guidance.

Can You Supply a Bespoke Building to My Exact Specifications?

Yes, absolutely. Every garden building we create can be fully bespoke, tailored precisely to your requirements. From overall size, layout, and roof style to doors, windows, cladding, insulation levels, and internal finishes, we design each building around how you intend to use the space. Bespoke requests are extremely common, and our design process ensures your building not only fits your garden perfectly but also functions exactly as you need it to.

What Guarantee Do You Give?

As a reputable and experienced manufacturer, we stand firmly behind the quality of our workmanship and materials. All of our garden buildings are supplied with a 10 Year Guarantee as standard, covering structural defects for complete peace of mind. This reflects the confidence we have in our construction methods and long-term durability.

How Close Can a Garden Building Be to My Boundary?

To comply with permitted development guidelines, there are minimum distance requirements. Buildings up to 15m² internal floor area must be positioned at least 0.5m from any boundary. Buildings over 15m² and up to 30m² require a minimum distance of 1.0m. Our surveyor will always check this during the site visit and advise if planning permission may be required.

How Should I Prepare My Site Area?

The installation area should be clear of any obstacles such as trees, shrubs, sheds, rocks, or debris. A level soil or grass surface is ideal, although we can also build on gently sloping ground. During the site survey, our specialist will assess the area and advise whether any levelling or preparation is required before installation.

What Parking and Access Do You Require?

We require parking space for at least one large van and clear access to the garden building location. Access can be via a side path, gate, garage, or even through the house, provided there are no tight 90-degree turns. Many building components are between 2m and 4m in length and cannot be bent, so adequate access is essential. h2>What Space Do You Require Around the Garden Building?

A minimum clearance of 0.5m is required around all sides of the building to allow for safe and efficient on-site construction. This includes space between the building and any fence, wall, tree, or existing structure. This working area ensures the installation can be completed to the highest standard.

What Foundations Do You Use?

We use a concrete and steel pile foundation system that is suitable for both flat and gently sloping ground. The building is raised above ground level to allow airflow beneath, helping to prevent damp and prolong the lifespan of the structure. We can also install onto an existing concrete base, provided it is sound, level, crack-free, and at least 100mm thick.

Will Weeds Grow Under the Garden Building?

No, weeds are very unlikely to grow beneath the building as the area receives no daylight. For installations on soil or lawn, we recommend a gravel or mulch border around the perimeter to prevent weeds forming along the external edges and to keep the finish neat and low maintenance.

What Are Your Lead Times?

Our typical lead time is around 3-4 weeks from order confirmation to installation. This can vary depending on the time of year, with shorter lead times during winter and longer lead times during spring, summer, and autumn due to higher demand.

Does the External Composite Cladding Need Treatment?

No. Our external composite cladding is completely maintenance-free and does not require painting, staining, or sealing. It is designed to retain its appearance and performance for decades, making it an ideal choice for customers seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.

Does the External Timber Cladding Need Treatment?

Timber cladding can be left untreated, in which case it will naturally weather to a silvery-grey patina over time. If you wish to retain or enhance the original colour, Western Red Cedar can be treated with cedar or teak oil. Thermowood can be stained or painted, offering flexibility in both appearance and long-term maintenance.

Are the Doors and Windows Secure?

Yes. All doors and windows are fitted with high-security features, including steel-reinforced multi-point locking systems. Opening windows include lockable handles, and all locks are insurance-approved, ensuring your garden building is as secure as a modern home.

Can I Choose Different Doors and Windows?

Yes, we offer a wide range of customisation options. We can supply custom-sized PVC-u doors and windows, as well as aluminium profiles, allowing you to tailor the look, performance, and security to your preferences.

Can I Have Internal Walls Inside?

Yes, internal partition walls can be installed to create separate rooms or functional areas within your building. The layout can be agreed during the design stage or finalised on site, and we can also install internal or external doors as required.

What Heating Options Do You Recommend?

Our garden buildings are highly insulated and retain heat very effectively. For most uses, an electric wall-mounted or free-standing heater provides a cost-effective and efficient heating solution, ensuring comfortable year-round use without excessive energy consumption.

How Long Does It Take?

Most garden buildings are constructed on site within 3-5 working days. Larger or more complex designs may take slightly longer. Our installation teams work Monday to Friday and remain locally based until your project is fully completed.

What Are the Payment Terms?

A 50% deposit is required to secure your order and installation date. Upon payment, you will receive a receipt, order confirmation, and confirmed build schedule. The remaining 50% balance is due on completion. We accept bank transfer and most major debit and credit cards (excluding American Express).

How Do I Place an Order?

You can place an order by contacting our team directly or by visiting our Indoor Showroom in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Viewing our buildings in person allows you to explore materials, finishes, and layouts while discussing your requirements with our experts.

If you would like to talk to a member of our friendly staff about our composite garden rooms, we would be very happy to hear from you. You can even call us free on FREEPHONE: 0800 170 1273 (It's free to call us from either a mobile phone or a landline).