Garden Rooms and Annexes are Designed for Swift Installation
Published: 15 March 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes 52 seconds
Garden rooms and annexes are renowned for being one of the quickest ways to extend your living space. While watching The Chase on TV the other day, a joke made by the Chaser about builders — how they might show up on site one day and then not be seen again for three weeks due to juggling multiple jobs — sparked a thought. This contrasts starkly with the garden room and annexe industry, which has optimised its approach to ensure build times are as short as possible. They effectively manage materials and personnel to complete projects within days, or a few weeks for more complex designs.
It's important to acknowledge that not all tradespeople should be tarnished with the reputation for unreliable timing. However, when engaging with smaller building companies or tradespeople who often handle emergency call-outs, flexibility with time frames becomes necessary. This observation comes from personal experience, particularly as I find myself currently waiting for a roofer, who's yet to arrive, and it's nearly 11 am!
Garden Room and Annexe Companies Work Differently
Garden room and annexe companies have a strong incentive to minimise on-site build phases, as these are among the costliest aspects of a project. Ensuring a swift project turnaround not only benefits the client but also allows the team to move swiftly on to the next commission. While some smaller firms may navigate garden room projects while offering other types of home improvement options and find balancing multiple client projects a challenge, dedicated garden room companies ensure each build stage proceeds smoothly, with the right resources and personnel ready when needed.
Off-Site Construction Makes for a Short On-Site Phase
Many garden room companies utilise off-site construction techniques, where the main structure of the garden room or annexe is prefabricated in their workshops or by their suppliers. These components are then delivered to the site in modules, designed for quick assembly. Specialists in off-site construction meticulously plan every project phase, determining the necessary duration, materials, and personnel to avoid any downtime.
Companies specialising in complete on-site builds, who construct the garden room from the ground up on the client's property, are equally proficient in project management. Unlike their off-site counterparts, they have all raw materials delivered directly to the site, ready to manufacture the core structure or framework of the building.
Dedicated Installation Teams Ensure Continuity
Garden room and annexe companies often have their own dedicated installation teams, which travel from the company's headquarters to projects across the country. Alternatively, they might partner with trusted local teams in various regions to manage installations closer to them. A common thread between these approaches is the commitment to assigning a specific installation team to your project once your order is confirmed and a date is set. This team is tasked with focusing solely on your build until it reaches completion.
This method is designed to ensure that the on-site phase of your project is as efficient and brief as possible, particularly as this phase is among the most costly in terms of logistics. This includes not only the daily wages of the installation team but also the additional expenses of transportation and, in many cases, accommodation for the team if they are staying away from home.
Clients can expect their installation team to be on-site on consecutive days, aside from weekends, until the project is complete. It's worth noting that projects using concrete slab foundations might experience a delay between foundation installation and the start of the main build, to allow the slab to adequately set.
You Will Be Given a Point of Contact Who Will Be Your Liaison Throughout the Build
Reputable garden room companies offer robust customer support and project management. Upon placing an order, clients receive contact details for the office-based team responsible for their project, ensuring a smooth and informed installation process from planning to completion.
This article aims to offer insight into the process and experience of purchasing a garden room or annexe, highlighting how it differs markedly from other home improvement projects, thanks to the specialised and efficient approach of these companies. If you’re considering extending your living space with a garden room or annexe, explore the Garden Room Directory to find specialists who work in your area of the UK.