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Garden Building FAQs
Here are a selection of frequently asked questions here at Decorated Shed, relating to most aspects of our garden building product range and development process. If you have a question that isn't mentioned on this page, please get in touch on 0845 250 0028.
FAQ Categories
Additional Sevices Build Time & Prices Getting Started Materials
Additional Sevices
Can I have a Decorated Shed fitted with extra plugs, sockets etc?
We fit all of the electrics at the factory, so we can fit speaker cables, plasma TV points, sockets and any extras that your building requires.
Secure?
All our opening windows have top quality stays and fittings, and the door systems are supplied with insurance-approved locks and hardware.
What are my options for internet access, phone and fax services?
The simplest way to get internet and phone access to your building is to use a wireless router. We provide a full service to manage the provision of telephone and network cabling, subject to a full site survey.
What are the key qualities of the window and door systems?
Back to topOur window and door systems are made by the leading manufacturers in Europe. The triple laminated frames and double glazed units are wind and water tight. The glass is Ultra Low - Energy with trickle vents to allow air to circulate. All doors and windows in our buildings have toughened glass for safety and security.
The DreamVu window styles come in two options, firstly top hung - which open upwards and side hung which open sideways. The all timber window has an attractive slim profile with flush sash design suitable for any dwelling type. The aluminium clad timber option is a traditional casement design, both window styles benefiting from the latest window engineering technology.
Build Time & Prices
Can you deliver into a tight access?
We can build small or large units, almost straight through the house doorways, as long as the front door and rear door are more or less inline. The size of the panels used and the degree of modularity will be dictated by the site access. Another option would involve using a crane to lift the panels and building materials over the house.
Do the prices include VAT?
No they are exclusive of VAT.
How big can my Decorated Shed be?
However big you want it. Standard sizes are 4.27m x 3.07m, 5.47m x 4.27m, 6.07m x 3.67m and 7.27m x 5.67m. The designs are modular and can be interlocked to create bigger buildings as well as scaled to cover all applications. We can design, deliver and build whatever you need. See our partner site Horner House where there are no limitations to the size and style of your building.
How long do I have to wait?
Usually 5 weeks, depending on whether you need planning permission. The average installation time, subject to site parameters, and specification is around 4 -8 days.
How long will it take to install the foundations and erect your garden building?
The foundations will take between 1-3 days. Depending on the size of your building it will take between 5-8 days, this encompasses all fittings and finishes.
How much will my Decorated Shed cost?
Obviously, price all depends on what you want. On average, our units start around £18,995 + VAT for a 3.97m x 3.07m and run through to around £150,000 + VAT
The price?
Our prices exclude VAT and the cost of installing suitable foundations (subject to site survey).The only other exceptions is the power supply to the house and we can provide a separate quotation to make the connection. Your final figure including any options specified is the price you pay.
Who will install the building?
Back to topOur fully trained, professional and experienced construction team will carry out the installation process with the minimum of time and fuss. When they have finished, your building is cleaned, the site is tidied, and we will hand you the keys.
Getting Started
Can you come and see me?
Yes. Once you have signed off your initial building cost estimate a home visit survey will often answer all your questions and concerns and help in the selection of the right design. We charge an initial fee of £895.00 +VAT for a visit which is refundable on order (the site visit is by a RICS surveyor) and will also give you a site specific computer generated image (cgi) of your building.
Do Decorated Shed deliver and install in UK, Ireland and mainland Europe?
Yes we do, however a delivery charge is included in the final quotation.
Does my Decorated Shed need planning permission?
In most cases, the answer is simply 'no' you can order your Decorated Shed and have it erected directly. In about 20% of cases, such as if your Decorated Shed exceeds certain size limits or if its within a conservation area, planning permission may be required. You don't have to worry though - we will liaise with planners on your behalf if required, but it is up to the property owner to check the status of the development rights. We are happy to tackle any planning permission issues that may arise but there are costs involved in this process.
How do I get a quotation?
Simply call or email us on 0845 2500030 or info@decoratedshed.com and we can supply you with our prospective building budget estimate pro-forma will give us idea of what kind of building you require and a sense of what features are relevant to you so we can then form your first budget estimate . The figure will help you to understand the key costs involved required to develop a solid garden building. The prospective building budget estimate pro-forma can be completed online, on the telephone with one of our advisors or we can post one out to you.
I would like a Decorated Shed home, can you design and build this?
The size of your Decorated Shed is up to you, it can be as small as 3.07m x 3.07m to a 3 storey home. See our partner site Horner House for more details on modular homes.
Where do I locate my garden office?
Back to topThere will be many suitable places in your garden to locate your garden office. Our experienced RICS surveyors will advise the best location and include issues such as site access and services.
Materials
Can I have a Sedum roof?
Yes. The roof system has been developed to achieve key requirements with regard to durability, water resistance, insular performance and solidity (u value). The modular and multilayered sectional design is substantial at around 150mm and can be covered in recycled rubber, zinc, lead or even planted green roof system when design allows.
Can you install extra decking?
Yes, this is a feature which can be iincluded. Such features will increase the cost but this can be factored into your original quote.
Does the unit come complete with flooring?
Yes, depending on model you have, we provide high quality laminate or vinyl floor coverings as part of our Full Service Build option, as well as offering expert advice on alternative flooring if you prefer another solution.
How do we know the quality of the Decorated Shed product?
We only produce the best, using quality materials ensuring you get the best product. We have the some of the best professionals involved in all stages of the process. Objectively read our testimonials from our customers.
Is my Decorated Shed as well built as a normal house?
Our Sheds are built to modern housing standards. They're designed, engineered and built to last.
Is my Decorated Shed better than an house extension?
A Decorated Shed provides you with the flexibility of being detached from your main living space. This is excellent for work or relaxation within a solid and beautifully designed and engineered building. A Decorated Shed building costs less than a house extension and is completed in a fraction of the time. They are comparable and durable structures adding immediate and long-term value to your home.
What about lighting?
It is advisable to draw a plan of the layout of the furniture that you'll have in your building, as this will help in deciding the best position for interior lighting. It is also a good idea to think about an outside light with a sensor. Lighting choices and options all depend on the intended usage.
What are U values?
Warm in winter cool in summer. We insulate all our buildings to Building Regulation standard for new houses. Insulation is measured in 'U' values. Our buildings and annexes exceed the current required levels.
What foundations does my Decorated Shed need?
Each building will need its own bespoke ground-works as conditions vary between sites, and we will work with you to formulate a suitable solution for your individual build. Foundation work can depend on your local ground type, the use of the building (size and weight) and the overall ground makeup.
What's 'green' about my Decorated Shed?
Mostly all aspects really. Sustainable (fsc) wood structures and cedar cladding, recyclable or recycled materials are used or even an organic sedum roof. As well as high performance insulation, double glazing systems and highly efficient electrics and appliances. Our approach to the difficult issue of ethical and green trading is to be as performance-led as possible. What we mean by this is that our aim is to develop the best and most durable buildings possible. By ensuring this performance over the life-cycle of the building, we lock up or sequestrate the carbon in the timber used in the development. Also the longer the building lasts the longer the carbon is stored and is not in the atmosphere.
Where are your garden offices manufactured?
Our garden offices are manufactured in the UK by Decorated Shed using the best quality materials. Our production process gives us total control and flexibility in the selection materials used and how they are applied. Prefabricated modular panels are delivered flat packed from the factory to site, and in most situations can be carried through the house to be installed in the garden.
Will I be warm and dry?
The interiors of any Decorated Shed insulated garden buildings are warm, dry and condensation free all year round. Our building design process harnesses 'healthy home' and 'free breathing technology'. The buildings are vented to allow air to recycle freely and insulated for year round habitation in any climate.
Will I have to treat and maintain the external cladding on my Decorated Shed?
Back to topOur Western Redwood Cedar doesn't require chemical treatment and is maintenance free. You can colour, stain or protect it if you wish, although this would require maintenance periodically, which we can advise on.
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