Base preparation guidelines for hints (planning permission) and tips.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR LOG CABISNS LOG CABINS

Our range of log cabins are constructed using specially selected Spruce and Pine. The unique interlocking method used to install the buildings gives a clear interior finish completely free from framing. The range includes stylish summerhouses, garages and workshops. Whatever your requirement our range will provide a building for you.

Log Thickness
28mm, 34, 44mm or 70mm depending on which building you choose.

Foundation
Pressure Treated foundations joists.

Roofing and flooring
The size of the purlins varies according to which building you select. Roofing felt is supplied as standard with shingle roofing available as an optional extra.

Doors & Windows
Joinery doors and windows are supplied fully glazed (doors glazed where applicable). External doors are fitted with cylinder locks as standard.

Treatment
Apart from the floor joists and foundation beams, our buildings are supplied completely untreated. It is strongly recommended that the buildings are treated within 14 days of installation, weather permitting. Due to the wide range of timber treatments available like Cuprinol or Ronsil, you will be able to customize the colour scheme of your new building to your required taste.

Assembly
Our range of Log Cabins are supplied flat packed with easy to follow installation manuals. They can be easily assembled and make for an ideal project for any DIY enthusiast. Alternatively, we can arrange to have your building installed for you.

Erection Fee
POA

Base Preparation
It is essential that your building is erected on to an adequate base. It must be square, level and firm. If the base is not level and you have opted to have us erect the building, we regret that we cannot do so until a suitable base is laid, and a revisit fee will be incurred.

The following information is to aid you in constructing a suitable base, and therefore eliminating the risk of problems with your building due to poor foundation.

METHOD 1 PAVING SLAB BASE
You should remove any vegetation from the area. Lay the slabs on to sand or ballast, the same size as your building. Use a spirit level to ensure that the slabs are completely level.

METHOD 2 CONCRETE BASE I
You should remove any vegetation from the area. Lay approximately 2" of hardcore on to which you should then lay approximately 2" of concrete, the same size as your building. Ensure using a spirit level that the base is completely level.

METHOD 3 CONCRETE BASE II
This method is strongly recommended for the larger buildings and is essential for Garages. You should remove any vegetation from the area, lay approximately 4"-5" of firmly compacted hardcore on to which you should then lay approximately 4"-5" of concrete, the same size as your building. Ensure using a spirit level that the base is completely level. Allow five days for the concrete to harden before the building is to be erected.

It is essential with all garden buildings that they are erected onto a firm, completely level base. This will ensure that you do not encounter later problems with doors and windows not fitting correctly. Please contact us on 01603 - 551989 should you need any advice on base preparation.

Planning Permission
Under new regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.
Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.
Maximum height 2.5 metres within two metres of a boundary.
No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres.
On designated land* buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.
Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

*The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.

Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

Building Regulations
If you want to put up small detached buildings such as a garden shed or summerhouse in your garden, building regulations will not normally apply if the floor area of the building is less than 15 square metres.

If the floor area of the building is between 15 square metres and 30 square metres, you will not normally be required to apply for building regulations approval providing that the building is either at least one metre from any boundary or it is constructed of substantially non-combustible materials.

In both cases, building regulations do not apply ONLY if the building does not contain any sleeping accommodation.

NOTE: This guidance relates to the planning regime for England. Policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your Local Planning Authority.


Planning permission is not generally required as our range of log cabins are classed as "Portable Buildings", however the interpretations of planning requirements does vary with different authorities.
If you are in any doubt as to whether planning permission should be obtained for your required building, contact your local planning office or visit http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en/1115315233153.html

The information given here is just a guide, and not a definite list of all situations where planning permission may need to be obtained.

Building regulations also vary from area to area. Although our range complies with the rules in most areas it may be wise to check with your local authorities.

Delivery
A week before delivery you will receive a letter of confirmation.
We make every attempt to reach you on the day stated, however sometimes due to weather or road conditions this is not always possible. It is not necessary for you to be in at the time of delivery. Unfortunately we cannot give an accurate time of delivery due to varying weather and road conditions.

Payment terms
When placing the order only a 10% deposit is required. Please note that this deposit is non-refundable.

The outstanding balance for the building has to be paid prior to delivery; and when we erect the building for you the erection charges at time of erection.

The following forms of payment are acceptable:
1.BUILDING SOCIETY CHEQUE
2.CREDIT/DEBIT CARD
We regret that we cannot accept a personal CHEQUE.

We hope that you find this information helpful and should you have any queries
please contact us on 01603 - 551989.