Answering Your Questions
Do I need planning permission for my garden structure?
In most cases, Willow & Stone structures fall under 'Permitted Development' and do not require planning permission, provided they are under 2.5m in height and occupy less than 50% of your garden. However, if you live in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building, planning application may be necessary.
How are the foundations managed?
We typically utilise ground screw technology or concrete posts secured with concrete, which is efficient, minimally invasive, and provides a perfectly level base without the need for intensive concrete pouring. This protects your garden's root systems and allows for immediate construction once the base is set.
Can the garden rooms be used comfortably year-round?
Absolutely. Our garden rooms are built to residential standards with premium grade mineral wool or PIR insulation in the floors, walls, and ceilings. Combined with high-performance double glazing, they remain cool in the summer and retain heat remarkably well throughout the winter months.
Do you handle plumbing and electrical installations?
Yes. Every garden room includes a standard electrical package featuring internal lighting, power sockets, and a consumer unit. For outdoor kitchens or luxury retreat layouts, we can incorporate full plumbing services, including water supply and waste management, managed by our certified contractors.
What is the typical build time and installation process?
Once on site, a standard garden room is typically completed within 12 to 25 working days depending on complexity. Our process is designed for minimal disruption; we pre-calculate and handcraft some components in our workshop (including Shou Sugi Ban cladding), ensuring the on-site phase is clean, quiet, and efficient.
What warranties and maintenance are provided?
We offer a comprehensive 10-year structural guarantee on all our garden buildings. Our materials, such as Western Red Cedar and slow-grown Spruce, are chosen for their natural durability. While timber is a natural product, our treatment processes ensure your structure requires very little maintenance besides an occasional coat of UV protection to maintain its original hue.
How does pricing and the payment schedule work?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive of the design, build, and installation. We work on a stage-payment basis: a 25% deposit to secure your build slot, 25% upon delivery of materials to site, and the final 50% following a successful handover and snagging check.
Can I fully customise the design?
Customisation is at the heart of Willow & Stone. From resizing to fit a specific nook in your garden to selecting bespoke cladding, flooring finishes, and window placements, we work with you to create a completely unique space tailored to your exact requirements.
What level of site access is required?
We only require a standard side entrance or path for access. Because our structures are handcrafted and constructed on site, we can transport them through narrow gateways without the need for cranes or heavy machinery, keeping garden disruption and site traffic to an absolute minimum.