With any purchase there’s a lot of research that needs to be done and sometimes it’s easier than others. Based on many years’ experience at Shields Buildings we go the extra mile to give our customers help and support during their journey, so a conversation with us could really save you lots of time.
Here are a few questions that we regularly get asked that may be of interest to you too.
Do I need Planning permission?
You’re interested in having a timber garden building, but don’t know if Planning is something you need to consider. In fact, many garden buildings will not need planning permission, especially if you are more than 2m from your boundary. You can find more detailed information by clicking Learn More or give us a call, we will be happy to help guide you.
If you do need to obtain Planning permission, you don’t have to worry as help is at hand. We will gladly chat it through with you, or if required do the application on your behalf. Many of our customers find this service really helpful in taking away the stress of having to do it themselves.
What sort of base do I need?
All buildings need a suitable base. For timber floor buildings a reasonably level site of earth, stone, concrete or tarmac is best. We supply concrete blocks and heavy timber floor bearers to form a level platform for a building with a timber floor to be sited on. You won’t get any nasty surprises or additional charges as this is included in the price we quote you.
For garages and buildings that require a concrete base, we will advise you on what’s needed and provide you with detailed plans for your builder.
How do I know what timber to have for my building?
A good quality timber building should last at least 30 years. For this reason, we use Pinus Sylvestris, a top quality slow growing redwood. This makes it denser than faster growing species, ensuring a closer grain. Other points for you to check are the thickness, the depth of the rebate on shiplap cladding and if the timber is pressure-treated. If your building has poor quality wood that doesn’t have a good rebate, then you are in danger of water getting in.
What roofing material can I have?
There are a wide variety of roof materials on the market for timber buildings. Traditional felt roofing has a very short useful life and constantly needs replacing, so we wouldn’t recommend this. Plastisol steel sheeting, felt shingles, cedar shingles and natural slate are the most commonly used materials on high quality timber buildings. The best product for you will depend on your type of building and if you want it to blend in to the surroundings in your garden or match existing buildings. We will gladly help and advise on the best solution for you.
How big should I have my building?
It is not always easy to imagine the space you need for a new garden building. A good idea is to measure a suitable room in your house and then mark out this size in your garden. This will give you a clearer indication of the area you need for the building and the usable space you will have inside. There are a wide selection of buildings on show at our site near North Tawton to help you gauge sizes and features.
With any quotation we will provide you with a CAD scale drawing, so you can see exactly what your chosen building will look like.
The finer details to consider
What size and sort of windows can I have? What will the wall finish be like? Can I have electricity in my timber garden building? What size garage do I need for my family car? You will find more information here on our website, but many of our customers find a visit to see the display buildings helps answer many of their questions. People come here and say ‘goodness I didn’t know there was so much to see’ and ‘I came with one idea and you have blown my mind with lots of great suggestions on how to improve it’!
I hope this has helped answer some of your questions, but do get-in-touch or give us a call on 01837 82442 and we will gladly discuss your specific requirements with you.
