FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS /
We've answered some of the most common questions our customers have below.
However, if you have any specific queries or concerns just give a member of our team a call on 01480 277441, or email hello@AMCgardenrooms.co.uk
MY GARDEN ROOM /
Can you create custom-shaped garden rooms?
Yes - your garden room doesn’t need to be square or rectangle! L-shaped rooms are ideal if you want to create two distinct spaces (for example, an office and a gym). If you have an unusual-shaped garden we can even make your room triangular. When your design consultant visits you will be able to chat through the various options.
Can you install partition walls?
Yes – this is a very popular option for customers looking for a more bespoke garden room. Dividing walls can be used in any configuration that works best for you.
Will my garden office have heating?
Our garden rooms are designed for year-round use - most of our customers choose to include heating in order to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cooler months. We offer various options, including portable and fixed electric radiators, underfloor heating systems or air conditioning units. AMC garden rooms are well-insulated, and so heating bills are generally very minimal. We don't install wood burners into our garden rooms.
Can I have a kitchen or bathroom in my garden room?
Our garden annexes are fully-functional homes, and come complete with a bathroom and kitchen. Even if you're not after an annexe, we can install plumbed services into any garden room. We would be happy to manage this aspect on your behalf - please discuss your requirements with the design consultant during the site survey.
Can I use my garden room to live in?
Yes, you can. If you wish to use your garden room as sleeping accommodation please let us know at the design stage so we can ensure it is built to comply with building regulations. Garden rooms not built to meet building regulations cannot be used for residential purposes and living in the garden room would invalidate your guarantee. Again, please discuss your requirements with your design consultant who will take you through the process.
Can I incorporate a shed area into my garden room?
Yes, it’s possible to have a shed area integrated into the design of your room. The entrance could be via an internal door, or externally via a separate door. If external, we can clad the door in timber so that it is discrete.
Do you build pergolas or decking?
Yes we do. A decked area or pergola outside your garden room can be a lovely addition and make a real feature in your garden. Please discuss this with your consultant who will be happy to incorporate it into a design.
Can I have a living roof on my garden room?
Yes. We can install either a green roof (using low-maintenance sedum) or a brown roof on to your garden room. A brown roof recreates a brown field site where the surface is left to self-seed via birds or the wind.
Do you supply fitted furniture?
Yes we do. We can design and install all types of bespoke fitted furniture to help you make best use of the available space. This includes desks, storage units, cabinets and wardrobes. We can also supply and install ancillary fittings for a gym or exercise studio such as floor-to-ceiling mirrors and barres. We can plan this in advance, or after the room has been built and you have decided where you would like things.
What other options are there to customise my garden room?
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As well as a choice of cladding material, you can choose the cladding profile (shiplap, board-on-board or open board) and orientation (horizontal or vertical)
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The glazing can be configured to suit, and you have a choice of uPVC or aluminium frames
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There is a choice of flooring colour and style, including specialist flooring such as gym matting and acoustic flooring systems.
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Lighting and network/power sockets (both internal and external) can be planned to best meet your needs. This includes dimmable and PIR lighting, and brushed chrome fittings.
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Insulation upgrades are available, including soundproofing options
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Audio-visual equipment can be installed, with cabling hidden away.
How much maintenance will my garden room need?
The good news is that an AMC garden office requires very little maintenance. If you choose pine cladding, then it will need to be treated at regular intervals, according to the treatment manufacturer’s instructions. Larch and cedar cladding do not need treating, although some clients choose a treatment either to retain the original hue of the timber, or to personalise the colour. It is also sensible to keep the gutters clear of debris and maintain any air gaps.
THE BUYING PROCESS /
What happens during a site survey?
Once you've done your research and you're ready to take the next step, then book a site survey. At the site survey, our design consultant will discuss all aspects of your garden room with you, get a good understanding of the site in which it is to be located and answer any questions you may have. Following the survey, you will receive a comprehensive quotation and a 3D drawing of your garden room.
How much does a site survey cost?
Our site surveys are free of charge within a 100 mile radius of our offices in Huntingdon. We may need to charge if you live further than that, but the cost will be deducted off any order you subsequently place with us.
What are your payment terms?
We require a deposit when you place your order, followed by staggered payments in advance of the installation date. The balance is payable on the last day of installation once you have inspected and are completely happy with your new garden office. Full details of payment terms will be included on your quotation.
Are AMC garden offices guaranteed?
Yes they are! All our garden rooms come with a comprehensive guarantee covering most aspects of the building: The guarantee is six years for design and manufacturing faults to the structure of the building, three years to cover internal misting in double glazing, door/window hinges and locks and the external decking, and one year for the external fascias, internal linings and trim, floor covering, electrical installations, electrical and network connections (if applicable).
Full details of the guarantee will be provided with your sales contract when you place an order, but rest assured, we’ll be there to rectify any issues in the unlikely event that they occur.
Do you have a showroom I can visit?
Yes, we have a lovely showroom you can visit at our offices in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Viewing is by appointment only, so please give us a call on 01480 277441 or e-mail hello@AMCgardenrooms.co.uk to arrange a time.
PLANNING PERMISSION /
Do I need planning permission?
In the vast majority of cases there won't be any need to seek planning permission for your garden room. Our standard garden rooms are constructed to be under 2.5m in height and so fall under the classification of permitted development which doesn't require planning permission as long as the below criteria are met. The rules are slightly different for garden annexes, which we can discuss with you at the design consultation.
How large can my garden room be?
If the external height of your garden room is under 2.5m in height you can build it right up to your boundary, however, we recommend that at least 0.4m is allowed for around the edges for access and also to aid construction. We can make the garden room taller (up to 3.0m) but it would need to be positioned at least 2.0m from your boundary edge.
The total internal area of your garden room needs to stay under 30sqm and all outbuildings needs to stay under 50% of the total size of your garden.
Does the area I live in have an affect on whether I need permission or not?
If you live in a listed building, flat, maisonettes or site of special scientific interest then you will require planning permission for your building. If none of these apply then you shouldn't need it.
What about building regulations?
A standard AMC garden room does not meet building regulations and should not be used where building regulations are required. If you wish to use your room as living or sleeping accommodation then please mention this to your design consultant who can discuss the specific requirements with you. All our garden annexes comply with building regulations.
I think I need planning permission, what now?
If you do find that you need planning permission then we can help in a number of ways. We can take on the planning process for you as part of the delivered project, we can supply CAD drawings to help with the planning process or we can simply offer advice as to how to go about the process.
Give our team a call on 01480 277441 or e-mail hello@AMCgardenrooms.co.uk to see how we can help.
INSTALLATION /
Where do you install garden rooms?
We install garden rooms throughout East Anglia, the Midlands, London and the
South East of England. We install garden annexes anywhere in England and Wales.
Is there anything I need to do in advance of installation day?
The amount of pre-installation work will depend on the level of service you have chosen.
Some customers prefer us to handle everything from start to finish - in which case there is nothing you need to do in advance of the installation date other than ensure there is access and parking for our vehicles. If you have selected to carry out some aspects of pre-installation yourself (such as groundwork, laying the foundations or organising the electrical supply) then the precise requirements will be detailed out in full on your Sales Order Contract. It is important that all pre-installation work is completed on time and exactly as agreed to avoid any delays to the installation of your garden office.
If you have any other questions, then please feel free to contact our team
on 01480 277441 or hello@AMCgardenrooms.co.uk and we'd be happy to help.
