Summerhouses come in an assortment of shapes and sizes so finding one to suit your tastes can be challenging especially as it is likely to be a large purchase while becoming a big feature in your garden.
We have added some handy tips to help you with everything you will need to consider before buying your summerhouse:
Where to put your summerhouse
When choosing the positioning for your summerhouse you must look at a number of factors.
Location of the sun is a big one, as many of us will want to put a summerhouse in a part of the garden that gets the sun, so look at which way your garden faces and track the suns path to find the perfect spot. An ideal option is to place your summerhouse in a south facing position, as this way you will maximise the amount of sun to light up your summerhouse.
Alternatively, if you prefer the idea of your summerhouse being in the shade to give you shelter from the sun, be wary of placing it under trees as this will add the risk of falling branches and rotting leafs causing problems over time.
You will probably want electricity wired into your summerhouse, so consider this when placing it. You will need to bring in a qualified electrician to carry out any work of this nature, so think about getting this sorted when you lay down the base.
Avoid placing your summerhouse in an area that could flood due to heavy rainfall. Standing water can accelerate the rotting process affecting your summerhouses stability over time.
You will need to treat your summerhouse over the years, so it's a good idea to leave a 600mm gap around the building to give you enough space to work.
Avoid placing your summerhouse too close to your house or your neighbours house, as this could go against planning regulations.
Planning Permission
It is not normally necessary to get planning permission for domestic outbuildings used for a domestic purpose. However, if any of the following points apply to you then you may need to get some advise.
If you wish to put your summerhouse within 5 metres of any part of your house.
If your garden has garden buildings or other structures (excluding any original structures that were built with the main house) equates to over 50% of the total garden area.
Where the summerhouse is higher than 2.5m at its highest point.
Some properties are bound by conditions that require owners to seek consent before erecting any summerhouses, sheds or other outbuildings.
If your home is a listed building or falls within a conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty. If you're unsure about this, contact your local planning authority.
Where the purpose of your summerhouse is business related or will be used to store goods for a business.
If you are have any doubts about whether you require planning permission in order to erect your summerhouse give your local planning authority a call you should be able to get an instant answer.
We have added some handy tips to help you with everything you will need to consider before buying your summerhouse:
Where to put your summerhouse
When choosing the positioning for your summerhouse you must look at a number of factors.
Location of the sun is a big one, as many of us will want to put a summerhouse in a part of the garden that gets the sun, so look at which way your garden faces and track the suns path to find the perfect spot. An ideal option is to place your summerhouse in a south facing position, as this way you will maximise the amount of sun to light up your summerhouse.
Alternatively, if you prefer the idea of your summerhouse being in the shade to give you shelter from the sun, be wary of placing it under trees as this will add the risk of falling branches and rotting leafs causing problems over time.
You will probably want electricity wired into your summerhouse, so consider this when placing it. You will need to bring in a qualified electrician to carry out any work of this nature, so think about getting this sorted when you lay down the base.
Avoid placing your summerhouse in an area that could flood due to heavy rainfall. Standing water can accelerate the rotting process affecting your summerhouses stability over time.
You will need to treat your summerhouse over the years, so it's a good idea to leave a 600mm gap around the building to give you enough space to work.
Avoid placing your summerhouse too close to your house or your neighbours house, as this could go against planning regulations.
Planning Permission
It is not normally necessary to get planning permission for domestic outbuildings used for a domestic purpose. However, if any of the following points apply to you then you may need to get some advise.
If you wish to put your summerhouse within 5 metres of any part of your house.
If your garden has garden buildings or other structures (excluding any original structures that were built with the main house) equates to over 50% of the total garden area.
Where the summerhouse is higher than 2.5m at its highest point.
Some properties are bound by conditions that require owners to seek consent before erecting any summerhouses, sheds or other outbuildings.
If your home is a listed building or falls within a conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty. If you're unsure about this, contact your local planning authority.
Where the purpose of your summerhouse is business related or will be used to store goods for a business.
If you are have any doubts about whether you require planning permission in order to erect your summerhouse give your local planning authority a call you should be able to get an instant answer.