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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

A Garden Room is typically a separate building from your main property, situated in the garden. It can have different functions, such as entertaining, use as an office or as a gym. It will usually have features to withstand weather conditions and for all-year-round use, such as double-glazing and insulation. However, it is not self-contained accommodation.

A Garden Annexe (sometimes referred to as a Granny annexe) provides additional living space and is self-contained. This means it has a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and one or more bedrooms. They are often designed for older family members, hence the term ‘Granny annexe’, and offer independence whilst also being close to the rest of the family. However, garden annexes are not only suitable for elderly relatives but can also be an ideal solution for providing adult children with cost effective accommodation or comfortable surroundings with all the mod-cons for guests.

An overview of the process includes:

Enquiry & Requirements

We’ll start by arranging a no obligation call to talk through your requirements and answer any questions you have. We and hope to provide you with the information you need to thoroughly understand our process.
If you are happy with the information provided and wish to proceed, we will send through an initial quote.

Site Visit & Planning

The next step is to arrange a site visit. This is an important stage in the process, as it allows us to fully understand the build conditions and site access to ensure there aren’t any surprises that could delay the build. We’ll go through the detailed planning, confirming dimensions and design elements to perfectly match your requirements.

Our specialist annexe planning consultancy will take care of the planning permission, dealing with the relative authorities on your behalf to ensure that your garden building is lawful. Asking a planning consultant to check that your structure does indeed comply with the necessary Acts is a good way to avoid issues further down the road. This can be invaluable should you wish to sell your property in the future.

Final Quote & Ordering

Following the site visit, we will send you a finalised quote. If you are happy with everything which has been discussed and you wish to proceed, we will require a deposit to secure your booking. We can then provide you with a date for the build to commence.
Once your deposit has been paid, production of your steel frame will commence.

Delivery & Build

Our team will start your project by preparing the foundations. In the majority of cases ground screws will be installed as these are faster and more cost effective than using traditional concrete bases. Once this is complete, the steel frames will be delivered and assembled.

We aim to provide a smooth and hassle-free build, respecting your property and keeping you informed every step of the way.
Aftercare

Our commitment to you extends beyond the build. We provide comprehensive support to ensure your complete satisfaction with your new garden building. Should you have any questions or require assistance, our dedicated team is readily available.

We stand by the quality of our work. Offering peace of mind and ensuring your garden room remains a valuable and enjoyable asset for years to come.

All of our light gauge steel frames come with a 30-year structural guarantee.

Yes, we will carry out all supply and waste connections required for your garden annexe. This includes installing waste pump stations if required.

Yes, you can either choose from one of our designs or create your own.

Ground screws are used for the foundation unless there is already concrete in place. The ground screws are fully compliant with building control standards and are far quicker to install than traditional footings.

One of the first steps will be to conduct a site survey. This will allow us to check if there will be issues with accessing the site. We can then find a solution which will work for everyone.

We will need to visit the site to ensure we have a clear understanding of the location for the build, and identify any issues which may arise, such as accessibility or the need for additional equipment.

Our garden annexes typically qualify under the Caravan Act. So, in most cases, you won’t need planning permission. The Caravan Act outlines the specifications of a building which is considered to be mobile. If you chose to design a bespoke building, it may not fall under the Caravan Act. However, we will handle this process on your behalf, keeping you updated at each step of the process.

The Caravan Act 1968 clearly defines what constitutes a caravan or mobile home. The main section which applies to our Garden Annexes and Rooms is section 13.

The Specifications for The Caravan Act are as follows:

Maximum Dimensions for a Granny Annexe Allowed Under the Act are:

Less than 20m in Length, 6.8m in Width and 3.05m in Height (when measured from internal floor to internal ceiling)

Mobility Test

The granny annexe must be capable of being moved from one place to another, whether towed or transported on a motor vehicle/trailer. To meet the criteria of a mobile home -according to the Caravan Act – the mobile home should consist of two parts. 

Construction

A mobile home must be in two parts for it to qualify as a mobile home under the Caravan Act, and can be assembled on-site using bolts, clamps, and other tools.

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No – to be classed as an annexe, your build must be built within the same garden/property as the main house.

There are many benefits to using Light Gauge Steel compared to the more traditional construction methods of wood or concrete. These include:

Durability

Light Gauge Steel construction offers superior strength and durability compared to traditional wood or concrete construction methods. It is moisture and pest resistant and can withstand challenging weather conditions. Importantly, this means there will be no cracking or long-term movement from loss of moisture that you might typically find with traditional methods of construction.

Efficiency

Light Gauge Steel is extremely strong and lightweight (weighing up to 40% less than wood). Also, due to its superior strength relative to wood, less is needed for construction, resulting in up to 50% faster build times and increased efficiency. It can also be erected in wet conditions, resulting in fewer delays whilst providing consistent quality and accuracy.

Versatility

Light Gauge Steel offers exceptional flexibility, allowing for easy modifications and customisation to meet a variety of design needs. It reduces foundation requirements by approximately 2.5 times, therefore meaning costs will be reduced too.

Cost

Steel frame buildings offer a more cost-efficient method of construction to traditional brick or timber construction methods. Steel frame buildings are fast to produce, are fabricated off-site and are much faster to erect with less wastage and provide a more environmentally friendly frame than both timber and concrete as it can be recycled.

The lightweight properties of light gauge steel frames allow for easy transportation and handling, which provides extra cost savings. It is precise to +/- 1mm per 10m, meaning there is very minimal waste during construction.

Sustainability

Buildings constructed using LGS are healthier, more energy efficient and enable more sustainable living for the life of the building. It is a sustainable material that can be infinitely recycled and reused. Steel from old buildings, cars and industrial machinery is collected and processed, reducing the need for mining and the associated carbon emissions.