Buyer's Advice

Introduction and FAQ's

We aim to make the process of purchasing one of our buildings as smooth as possible.  Most people know what they would like but need help with the detail. Planning, base requirements and building layout all need careful consideration, details of which are given below.  We will send out a brochure with up to date price list, if you request one.  We will also provide a written quotation where necessary.  Once an order is placed you will receive our terms and conditions of business and be asked to sign a confirmation of your order.

We ask for a deposit of 30% with your order.

Delivery time: Normally 4-6 weeks

Construction on site: In most cases one or two days.

We aim to respond to any problems within one week.

Planning permission
When does a timber building need planning?

Many buildings will not need permission, but please look at our planning permission section in the Buyer's Advice menu.

If in doubt, you are advised to consult your Council as it is advisable to discuss your proposal with the planning officer at an early stage.

Building Regulations
If a building is to be used for accommodation, business or access by the general public, Building Regulations approval may well be required.  This will have a substantial effect on cost and we must be advised at the outset.

If the building is over 30 square metres in floor area it will always often Building Regulations approval. However, farm buildings and stables are exempt.

If required we will submit an Building Regulations application on your behalf. We will then construct the building to the approved standard.

Drawings for planning
The scale drawings of the building provided by us with your quotation will normally be suitable to use for planning applications.

These will show all the elevations of the building and a floor plan, scale 1:100

Base requirements for your building
All buildings will require a base of some kind. If the site is not level this may require some excavating, if this is the case, always make the site larger than the building to provide airflow around the sides of the building.

Buildings with timber floor
These buildings will require a level site.  This may be of earth, stone, concrete or tarmac.  Generally, only purpose built concrete pads will be perfectly level.  If the site has a small slope of less than 40mm per metre, we will supply heavy timber bearers to form a level platform.  These will be set level with the use of packing where necessary.

Sites that slope more steeply should be levelled first.

Larger buildings should have a stone or block base.  The stone should be of 40mm scalpings.  Blocks should be 100mm thick laid on the flat side.

A purpose made concrete pad could also be considered.

Buildings without timber floor
Garages and stores, which do not have a timber floor, will be bolted down to a concrete base.  These buildings will require a level concrete pad which is 10mm less, in size, than the footprint of the building.  In this way the shiplap cladding will pass down over the side of the base, while the sole plate (bottom rail) of the wall is bolted to the concrete.  The pad should be at least 100mm deep and a damp proof membrane should be installed under the concrete.

The base must be at least 75mm above the surrounding ground to ensure that water is kept out and the timber remains dry.  Any ramp for vehicles should be kept 40mm below the floor level of the base.  This will allow the doors to pass down below the floor level by 20mm to keep out the rain.

Stables
Lay a concrete pad and then build a dwarf wall, consisting of one course of engineering bricks.  Please ask for a plan before you start.

Your building will be made to order for you. In this way we can produce the exact size and layout you require.