Frequently Asked Questions

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
Planning permission is not generally required for our studios. The interpretation of planning requirements can vary with different authorities however. If in doubt, then contact your relevant local planning office.

In general, the only times that planning will be required is if:

• The Studio is to be erected within the grounds of a listed building, a conservation area or on green belt land.
• Your Studio exceeds 30 square metres (which none of our Studios does).
• Your Studio stands taller than 4 metres once erected (which none of our Studios does).
• Your Studio will cover more than 50% or more of your grounds.

This list is a guide only. We cannot be responsible for planning issues, so if in doubt, ask your local planning office.

IS THERE A GUARANTEE ON THE STUDIO?
YES. We offer a 5 year guarantee against faulty workmanship on all of our Studios.

DO I HAVE TO SORT OUT HAVING THE BASE FOR THE STUDIO LAID?
NO. We do the base for you.

CAN I SEE A FINISHED STUDIO BEFORE I BUY?
YES. We have many satisfied customers over many parts of the country, who are happy to show off their Studios.

WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT TERMS?
We ask for a deposit of 20% with the order. There is then a lead in time of approximately seven to eight weeks for work to commence. A further 30%  becomes due upon erection of the shell. The Studio is then insulated, plastered, electrics fitted etc. Just before laying the flooring, we ask for a further 30%, and then upon satisfactory completion of the Studio, the final 20% is due.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY STUDIO?
After placing your order, we would normally commence the work approximately seven weeks later. The studio then takes about three to four weeks to complete. The total time from placement of the order to finished Studio is usually eleven to twelve weeks.

CAN I CHOOSE THE COLOURS OF MY STUDIO?
YES. On our Traditional range, you can choose the outside stain colour from the Cuprinol range. On both the Bespoke and the Traditional ranges, you can choose the internal colours of the walls and ceiling, from any of the standard Dulux range.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BESPOKE & TRADITIONAL STUDIOS?
The Traditional Studios are constructed from 44mm (or 28mm) square cut logs. The inside is then insulated with Thermaline type board. The Bespoke Studios are made from 100mm SIP (Structurally Insulated Panels), and then clad on the outside with solid 18mm thick Cedar, and on the inside with 12.5mm plasterboard. These Studios are as good as a new house for thermal efficiency. The Traditional Studios have softwood french doors, whereas the Bespoke Studios have solid hardwood french doors. The Traditional Studios have a bitumen shingle roof covering, while on the Bespoke it is a manufactured slate roof. The Traditional Studios need to be stained on the outside once a year, on the Bespoke, the Cedar does not need any maintenance. The Bespoke Studios can be almost any size or shape that you wish, while we are restricted to certain sizes on the Traditional.

DO THE DOORS AND WINDOWS HAVE TO GO IN A CERTAIN PLACE?
NO. The doors and windows can be placed almost wherever you would like.

HOW MANY DOORS AND WINDOWS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
On the Small and Medium Studios, there are one pair of 1200mm wide french doors and one 1200mm wide x 1050mm high window included. On the Large Narrow and Large, there are two windows plus the french doors included. You can of course have extra windows at a cost of £400+VAT each.

DO I NEED TO ARRANGE ANYTHING READY FOR MY NEW STUDIO?
NO. We will prepare the area for the base. You do not need to do anything until we hand you the keys.

WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT CAN I USE?
We accept cheque or bank transfer.