(PRWEB) March 3, 2006 -- Your garden building if planned properly will be one of the most rewarding projects you will probably ever undertake.
A usable garden building is not a shed (sorry I need to emphasis this as it catches most people out), so think big - with a pitch roof it will be 4M (13Ft) high, that's twice the height of a shed. This will wow you and shock your neighbours - also think about keeping them informed - this will save loads of problems later on - an informed neighbour is a happy neighbour.
You will most likely have a specific use in mind for your garden building, i.e. an office, fun room, workshop etc, try to think further down the line when the kids are teenagers will it be big enough for them as a chillout room, if it is to be an office can it double up as a games room, so when you go home the kids can use he space to have a bit of time to themselves - families get on better when they all have a place to get away for awhile.
Is a quality garden building a good investment. Putting aside the additional quality of life your garden building can bring, a garden building will make your home more sellable as most people today are looking for extra space for work or play. A survey carried out in London concluded that homes that do not have space for an office just don't sell as well. When selling your home with a garden building think about selling the garden building separately, which means you won't only sell your house quicker, you will also get your money back to build your next garden building in your new garden.
How much should I be looking to pay?
Let's assume you will be spending a reasonable amount of time in your garden building, so it needs to be warm and comfortable, a bit like any of the rooms in your house. Good insulation is the most important element, get this wrong and you have a building that is too cold in winter (or too expensive to heat) and too hot in summer, in other words, you have wasted your money. You will hopefully be talking to a few local companies, I say local, because you will be paying for their travel time if they aren't. If you have 4 craftsmen in a van for 4 hours a day, that is 2 days of man hours wasted on every day of travel, someone has to pay for that. Don't ask for a price on the phone as it is impossible give an accurate figure, this will also set a incorrect expectation.
What am I paying for?
The shell building is the quickest part of the project, so those cheaper quotes probably won't include the all important finishing touches - the finishes, insulation, plasterboard, electricity, lighting, painting, good quality doors and windows take most of the time an will determine whether the end product will be desirable (usable) or not. Most companies that are in this business for the right reason will want to meet you as much as you them, as any good company will choose their customers carefully and you should do the same. Lastly ask for references and call them, it could save you a lot of money and sleepless nights.
Is the company able to do everything?
It is advisable to employ a company that will be able to complete all the various types of work involved as there are many skills required, which include, groundwork/landscaping, carpentry, plastering, electrics, plumbing, soundproofing, lighting, decking roofing etc.. Working with multiple companies/people will cost more and extend the length of the project. Also if there are any problems you will avoid the pointing of fingers. There are exceptions where you might know the best local craftsmen and want to do the project management yourself.
What about Cabins and Flat Pack Wooden Buildings?
The main advantage is that they will cost a bit less and you can erect them yourself. On the downside they are not normally insulated especially the sides as the manufacturers suggest that a thicker 2 inch wall doesn't need insulation - we know they do. Doors and windows again are not double glazed and tight fitting, so by the time you add insulation and upgrade the doors and windows plus your hourly rate and stress factor into the equation, having one built for you will be cheaper, quicker and a lot less stressful. If you are a keen DIYer with a need for a summerhouse, then a flat pack garden building might be for you otherwise leave it to the professionals
For Outdoors are based in Guildford, Surrey and specialize in building bespoke garden buildings that are comfortable, warm, with a feeling of space that provide the very best life / work balance. If you would like to learn more about building that special space then please call Roy Jackson on 01483-889666 or visit our website
www.gardenofficeco.co.uk.
