Responding to the increased interest in working from home, we are seeing quite a few new companies selling garden offices spring up. While we are glad that these companies have ideas for creating garden workspaces, we do fear that some buyers are going to get bitten by working with an inexperienced company.
We are not trying to quash innovation, and we are well aware that every company needs to start somewhere. Over the years, we have been pleased to introduce the work of new companies to our readership and will continue to do so.
We just feel that in these new uncertain times we find ourselves in, there is something to be said for working with an experienced garden room company.
There are several reasons why we feel experience counts, particularly at the moment:
Tried and tested building systems
While some of these new companies turning their attentions to garden room design have appear to have a background in construction, your project could be the first one they have actually built! Because of this inexperience, the build will undoubtedly take longer than it would take an experienced team who are used to the construction system and materials they are working with.
Experienced installation teams
While some of these new companies turning their attentions to garden room design have appear to have a background in construction, your project could be the first one they have actually built! Because of this inexperience, the build will undoubtedly take longer than it would take an experienced team who are used to the construction system and materials they are working with.
Established supply chain
Experienced garden room companies have established supply chains in place. These relationships are essential to ensure a well-run project which sticks to schedule. Even in these uncertain times, when supply chains may be affected by the lockdown rules, we know that established firms have networks of contacts in place, and back up options, to ensure they can source the key components in a timely manner.
Experienced at project management
As important as the installation team are to a garden room project, the admin team project managing your build from initial enquiry to final connections, is equally important. They are the ones who work out the timeframe for your build and ensure that materials and the right people are in the right place, at the right time.
With new companies, you may find that people are wearing several hats at once, and things can slip through the net. With established names, they have people and systems in place to ensure a smooth project.
Socially distant on-site installations practices
With systems already in place, some garden room companies have been able to continue with installations during the lockdown period. We have had conversations with lots of established industry names, and we know that they have been using the lockdown period to hone their on-site installation processes to protect their teams and customers.
Systems experienced companies have in place include:
- Virtual site survey systems have been implemented so that initial design meetings can be held before meeting in person.
- Additional protective equipment including masks, gloves and goggles for installation teams.
- Systems in place for installation teams to work at least 2m appart from each other.
- Installation teams have smartphones so they can communicate with clients by video from the garden and discuss and show them elements of the project as it progresses.
- Cleaning regimes so that surfaces of the garden room are thoroughly cleaned as the job is completed.
- Portaloos delivered to site so that the installation team don't have to ask to use their client's loo.
Insurance deposit protection
During the lockdown period, most experienced garden room companies have reduced the amount they asked to be paid as a deposit for the project.
In addition, many companies also offer insurance backed deposit guarantees. This protects your deposit, should the company be unable to complete your project. None of the new companies we have seen spring up appear to have this protection in place.
Insurance backed warranties
We all like the peace of mind buying something that comes with a warranty. The warranty is only really any good if the company is still trading when you come to need it. Many established names in the garden room industry offer insurance backed warranties. This means, should they cease trading and you have a problem with your garden room, the insurance company will step in and get another company to rectify the problem.
