Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for my Quality Garden Office?
Garden buildings are considered to be permitted developments. Whilst they typically won’t require planning permission before construction can get underway, there are certain limits and conditions that need to be considered when looking for a garden shed permission:
Remember that these development allowances are to houses and not maisonettes, flats, or other buildings, and if you are considering constructing a garden shed or another outbuilding on one of those premises, you should consider guidance for those specific properties.
- Garden building and shed must be one story high.
- Overall height cannot exceed 4 meters if a dual pitched roof is present or 3 meters with any other type of roof.
- A garden building must be a the maximum height of 2.5 meters if it is situated within 2 meters of a dwelling house boundary.
- Eave heights cannot exceed 2.5 meters.
- No verandas, raised platforms or balconies.
- Garden buildings should cover no more than half of the area that surrounds the original home.
- Garden buildings are NOT allowed on land in front of a wall that forms the principal elevation.
- Buildings, containers, and enclosures found on designated land (including natural parks and other conservation areas), planning permissions will be required.
- Any garden building within the curtilage of a listed building will require planning permission.
- Garden buildings should be at least 5 meters from the main dwelling.
Remember that these development allowances are to houses and not maisonettes, flats, or other buildings, and if you are considering constructing a garden shed or another outbuilding on one of those premises, you should consider guidance for those specific properties.
What areas of the country do you cover?
We are based in Thirsk in North Yorkshire and are conveniently based to serve Ripon, York, Northallerton, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Malton and surrounding areas.
Do I need to treat the cedar cladding?
Cedar will last for decades without any artificial treatment however, over time, UV light will bleach the colour leaving the timber a silver/grey colour. Many people prefer the ‘silver’ appearance. The amount of time this process takes is dependent on location and exposure to the sun. UV filter treatments are available that will stop or slow down this process.
Can I decorate my new garden office myself?
Of course! We always remember that we are building your room and not one for ourselves so we are very happy for our clients to be as involved as much they like. Most of clients are very happy to let us look at after everything but you can choose how involved you get.
Will I be warm enough in the winter?
Absolutely! Our garden rooms are super-insulated and will keep you very warm and cosy in even the coldest weather. Our buildings are for all year round use and are probably the highest specification garden rooms available.
How long will I have to wait if I order today?
It depends on what you order and when you order it but typically we need 4-5 weeks for manufacturing all of the doors, windows and insulated panels etc. A typical installation takes between 7 – 10 working days. If planning permission is required this process needs to allowed for and can take 8 – 10 weeks.
How do you mow a living roof?
You don't! (it’s very dangerous and completely unnecessary). Our green roof requires little or no maintenance. It comprises mainly of sedum which is a slow growing plant. There are lots of benefits to a green roof, not least that it more than doubles the life expectancy of the roof.
What do I have to do before your team arrive on site?
We ask that the site is clear of existing structures, trees and shrubs etc but if this is difficult for you we are always happy to quote for this.
What are your payment terms?
The design process is free and without obligation. Once you are ready to place the order we ask for a deposit of 20%. This allows us to order your insulated panels, windows, doors, cladding etc. When our installation team arrive on day one, the second stage payment of 25% is due. When your garden room is substantially built and we are about to start the plastering and internal finish we ask for the 3rd payment which is 45%. Finally when your room is complete and you are happy with everything we ask you for the final payment of 10%.
What type of base do you use?
Our bases are developed with galvanised box section pile which are concreted in. This then has an insulated timber frame built on top.
What sizes do your buildings come in?
We offer a completely bespoke service with no standard sizes. We will create a specific design bespoke to your requirements of location limitations.