Dorset Garden Rooms

+ Do we need Planning Permission?

Outbuildings are generally considered to be permitted development under Class E, and do not need Planning Permission, though this is subject to a number of limits and conditions.

The most important factors are:

1) That the building is no higher than 2.5m from the bottom of the building to the top of the roof

2) That you do not take up more than 50% of your garden area with this or any other buildings

3) It is not to be used for living or sleeping accomodation

4)It is built to the side or rear of your property

The permitted development rules for outbuildings can be found here https://www.planningportal.co.uk

+ Do we need Building Regulations?

If the internal floor area of the building is between 15 square metres and 30 square metres, you will not normally be required to apply for building regulations approval, providing that the building contains NO sleeping accommodation, and is either at least one metre from any boundary, or it is constructed of substantially non-combustible materials.

+ Can we fit Tall/Gym Equipment Inside?

If the Garden Room is constructed at least 2m away from the boundary, the height can be increased. The front of the building can be 3m sloping to 2.5m at the rear.

+ Do the Garden Rooms come with a Guarantee?

At Dorset Garden Rooms we are committed to crafting the highest quality Garden Rooms on the market. All of our products now come with a 10 year guarantee and a level of customer service you would expect from Dorsets premium Garden Room provider. We are accredited members of the IWA, the most trusted Deposit & Guarantee protection in the UK

+ Do I need to treat the Cedar Cladding?

Cedar will last for decades without requiring any artificial treatment. Over time, UV light will bleach the colour leaving the timber a silvery, grey colour. It is easy to protect the cedar with UV filter treatments during construction. This can be a clear stain or we can tint the treatment with oak or cedar stain. We recommend this is done every 1-2 years. Cedar and Thermowood cladding are maintenance-free if left.

+ Will I be warm enough in the Winter?

Yes, definitely. Our Garden Room walls are insulated as standard with 90mm Actis Hybris insulation, floor and ceiling with 50mm Celotex insulation,(no soft mineral/wool). This will keep you very warm and cosy throughout the coldest winters. Our buildings are for year round use and we pride ourselves in providing the highest standard of insulation.

+ What are your payment terms?

We apply staged payments terms. The first payment of 25% of the Garden Building price will be required upon confirmation of the order. The second payment of 65% will be required once we have installed the concrete slab and the building installation commences. The final 10% payment is not required until the room is fully complete to your satisfaction.

+ How long from giving the go ahead till work commencing?

On average it takes 4-6 weeks to order in all your doors, windows, etc. A typical installation then only takes around 3-4 weeks depending on the size of the building.

+ Where does our Cedar come from?

Our cladding is made exclusively from premium coastal grown Western Red Cedar. Trees grown in the coastal region of British Columbia produce timber that is generally richer in colour and tighter grained than that produced from Western Red Cedar trees grown further inland. This product is available exclusively in the UK through our supplier Silva Timber. It is sustainably sourced from well-managed forests and supplied with full PEFC chain of custody certification.

+ What if there is a problem with my room after completion?

The Dorset Garden Rooms guarantee means we will seek to remedy any defect or fault arising from materials or workmanship. The process and steps we will take are clearly set out in our Standard Terms and Conditions and our Dorset Garden Rooms Guarantee.

+ Do you have a brochure?

We are currently producing a brochure which should be ready soon.