Does the garden office require planning permission?

Generally you do NOT need planning permission for a garden office.  Despite a long designed life, garden offices are not considered to be permanent fixtures (ie they do not have their own foundations).  Being sectional and below 3m in height, the garden office falls within the acceptable planning guidelines.

We will contact your local authority to establish if: 

You are in a conservation area or your home is a listed building

You plan to locate your garden Office within 5 metres of your home

Your garden Office will take up more than 50% of your garden.

Your garden office will be located between the home and the highway.

If your garden office requires planning permission or building regulations approval then for a fee will submit detailed plans on your behalf and after a usual 8 weeks you should have all the necessary legalities in place to build your garden office.  We offer a complete planning service. We will discuss this with you at our meeting.

Where in my garden can I have a garden office?

This will be determined during our visit.  Generally we aim to keep the garden office as close to services and amenities as possible so that if in the future you require an additional service - like a shower or a w/c, then minimal work is required.  There are restrictions on the exact placement of garden offices as laid out in the building regulations, the most important of which are listed above.

How well is the garden office insulated?

We use the best and most up to date insulation systems around. The garden office design is generally better insulated than most homes.

What type of foundations are required?

You need to give us a flat level surface to work from. The garden office stands rigidly on concrete plates, all of which are included in the price. Larger garden offices (above 15m2) may require 15-20cm of a foundation slab depending on locality or soil conditions. We will assess and implement the most adequate sub-structure within the design and price of your garden office.  We will try to avoid at all costs any undue ground disturbance.

How soon can I have one?

We note that each customer’s requirement is quite exclusive. Preferences with finishes, utilities, landscaping mean that every garden office is unique in character and design. Your garden office should be ready to use within 5-10 working days after the initial consultation and design period.

What does the process involve?

We will come to see you and your garden.  We will give you all the details you require to make an informed judgement and will answer all your questions throughout the process in plain English.  Once agreed on a general layout and placement - we will, within a few days, come back with drawings and plans of the proposed garden office.  Any alterations or amendments will be implemented and the final drawings and plans will be produced.  Then - on the agreed date (one you have provided us with a flat level ground to work from) we will start assembly.  Your garden office should then be ready to use within 5-10 working days.

How much does it cost?

This will vary on specification and size.  Our range starts from £12,500, which includes all design, consultation, materials and labour costs.  Planning applications where required will attract an additional fee both from us and from your local authority.

call 0845 094 3633 or e-mail us if you require further clarification.