wooden garages

[rich 36]

Thinking of putting up one of these posh garages alongside house, as fed up with cold start/damage by passing Tw@ts etc, they are quite expensive and look well made in brochure, any body had one put up ??

[sparks]

Not had one put up, but got very close (until the missus decided she wanted to move, and so lost 1/3 of an acre garden!).
They are about the same price as a well built brick, but look much better & fit better with period properties (ours was a cottage). They also have a very good lifespan.
There are several companies, some are a bit cheaper than others. The one I talked to was based near Coventry, but can't remember exactly where.

I will try and find out at the weekend, and let you know, if you are interested.

Sparks

[SpoonMan]

Been looking at some to form a little courtyard with my girlfriend's stables – nice quality, built to withstand kicking hosses, and readily available in three-car widths.

Much cheaper than a brick-built job if you go to a stable manufacturer (about two grand for a double). But I'd go for brick if I could – you'll need planning permission whichever you choose.

[nicholasblair]

Looked at them as well but seemed very expensive for what you get.

Think I'll stick to good old bricks and mortar.

[mrsd]

Several wood framed outbuildings, who were you thinking of using ? I wouldn't dream of naming and shaming any Royally hopeless firms BTW.

[sparks]

The guy I spoke to said for me (large double) planning wouldn't be needed. Maybe due to the position being over 4m from both cottage and the road.

Construction was hardwood frame and was guaranteed for 25 years.

Sparks

[davidy]

I put up a double garage (wooden) a few years ago, and have since sold the house (no planning issues were raised)

Planning:-

My understanding is that along as the following criteria are met you will not need planning permission:-

1) The building is of 'temporary' construction
2) The Apex is less than 4m high
3) The building does not change the frontal aspect of the house as viewed from the road
4) The building/structure is under a certain cubic volume (this is a council variable)

Building:-

I had quotes from most of the woodedn garage suppliers but went with Warwick Buildings for a 20'x20' garage with side door (no windows for security). Garage cost about £3500 and the groundworks+base cost about £3000 (much less that the £14000 wuote I had for a brick built garage, I did need a fair amount of groundworks)

Warwick Buildings were excellent, arrived on site at 8am left at 1pm with a fully erected garage.

The only thing I did wrong was to put it up too soon on the concrete base (given doing it again, I would leave the base to cure (dry out) for a few months. As I put the garage up two weeks after the base was down, it sweated a lot inside for about 6 months.

I hope that helps

davidy

[rpguk]

would I be right in saying that the insurance companys don't give as much consideration to these as they do bricks and mortar garages though?

[Davel]

If you do go ahead, then ask the council's planning department if you need planning permission - just to be safe.

I think it depends upon:

a) Height of the building

b) Proximity to a boundary wall

c)Whether you are in a conservation area etc.

There are some great looking garages available, depending on your budget.

I'm thinking of buying one for our next house and moving into it too!

The wife an kids can stay in the house...

[rich 36]

cheers guys, planning dpt, very helpful on this, even offered to go through their form with me, if i bring in a sketch of where, it will be sited; (alongside house in view of road, and in a conservation area)
I think the Co are called warwick something, they say the timber is much better for the car occupying it, once stored car in an airless brick garage, and interior ruined by mouldy stuff.
Rich