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Frequently asked questions
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Planning restrictions may vary depending on where you are located and where the proposed building is situated in the garden. The normal restriction is the 2.5m overall ridge height when positioned within 2m of the boundary. We would always recommend checking with your local office. Refer to www.planningportal.co.uk for detailed information.
We aren’t able to install directly onto grass / soil and would always strongly advise customers not to do so. Please bear in mind that if you chose to install your building directly onto grass / soil, the lifespan of the building significantly reduces, together with the chances of the sections not fitting together or misaligning over time.
Olympian work closely with selected contractors whom we can put you in touch with. Please note, unless stated otherwise, Olympian have no legal responsibility for any work quoted or carried out by any contractors whose details we have passed on.
Tanalised timber is pressure treated so it is protected against rot. Timber is porous so It will always benefit the building to have an additional preservative on it to repel the water.
Our standard garden buildings come with a 1 year structural guarantee. Our range of outdoor rooms (with aluminium windows, cedar cladding, rubber roof) come with different guarantees. All this information is provided to you.
Yes we can come out and carry out a site visit in your garden. We can measure up an offer our advice on the size and style of the building that would be best suited for the garden and your needs. The site visits aren’t charged for and can be at a time to suit you.
We are based in Cheshire so all our delivery prices are based on local delivery. On certain buildings we can offer a nationwide delivery / installation however we would have to work out a specific delivery cost to you. Please contact us with your postcode and the type/size of building. We can always manufacture a building for collection from our factory.
We currently have over 80 buildings on display at our Factory Showroom. We are open 6 days a week (closed on a Sunday) and strongly recommend a visit to come and view the quality and variety of options available. We will be more than helpful to sit and work with you to plan out your perfect building!
To check availability, please visit our Garden Room Showroom page.
Yes, we install nearly all of our buildings, saving you the time and hassle and ensuring it all fits together correctly. We also offer the option of collection only from the factory or delivery only to your property.
There are a number of factors that influence this – the type of roof (apex / pent), proximity to trees / bushes and the ever changing environment. Standard polyester based felt would, in normal circumstances last around 2-5 years but depends on a number of factors. Other roofing upgrades available range from 10 years to 30. We can happily talk through the options with you.
Yes, each building we manufacture is made bespoke to the customers requirements. We can make “odd” sizes and shapes. You are not restricted to set sizes or designs. Because of our bespoke capacity, you don’t pay any more for a customised building.
With prior notice, we can manufacture the majority building panels in smaller sections to facilitate installation. This would normally incur an extra cost. We are not able to offer installations through the house or over walls / garage roofs. We are only a telephone call away and will always be happy to help with any questions you have.
We are the only company that fully air dries our tanalised timber prior to internal storage and final use. We have a designated additional factory premises where all pre cut timber is put out to dry within in a purpose made building. All timber is checked to ensure it has the same moisture content as non tanalised timber. By using damp or wet timber (as many companies do) the timber has far more chance of shrinking beyond its T&G joint, together with increased twisting and shakes appearing in the timber over time too.
Yes it is. The saving will vary depending on the size/style of building. We recommend that they are installed by a competent person.
Regularly displaying over 80 display buildings, we’d like to think that we have most designs, sizes and options available to view. You can view the quality, construction and also get a good feel for our company. We’re not pushy sales people, and will give you our honest and best advice. We often have visitors on site and they never leave disappointed.
Unless stated, all prices are fully inclusive of VAT.
A helpful advice sheet is sent out as part of your order pack.
We require clear access from where we can park the wagon through to where the base area is. As the buildings come in large sections we need to make sure there are no height restrictions (gate tops, doorways) no tight corners or steps. We need to be able to get within 30 metres to the base area.
For the garden sheds & summerhouses, we require a 25% deposit at the time of order and the final balance is due two weeks prior to delivery/ collection.
For the bespoke garden buildings, cedar outdoor rooms, oak garages and gazebos the deposit percentage / payment schedule will differ from the above.
We accept payment by BACS, debit card or cash.
Nominal sizes refer to timber size prior to machining. The finished size after machining is normally around 4mm less than the nominal size. We can arrange for timber samples to be sent out if this helps in any way.
We offer a wide range of extras and upgrades, depending on your budget and intended use there is something for everyone. A number of available extras for each product can be found within the ‘optional extras’ tab.
Tanalised (pressure treated) timber has been impregnated with a preservative under high vacuum pressure, resulting in a deep penetration into the timber. This treatment process gives a much longer lasting protection against rot, fungal decay and insect attack than dipped or sprayed timber.
The lead time for all buildings can vary depending on the specifications and will be discussed with you during the sales consolation with our experienced and friendly team.
Full specifications can be found within each building category, however, in summary – A Workshop has 2x bigger framework than the Shed, plus, is taller, stronger hinges, available in larger sizes and in a variety of cladding boards.
A family business, established over 35 years ago, we constantly strive to offer a service and product that we would like to receive ourselves. We like to think our knowledge, passion, experience and genuine aim to ensure every customer comes away with a positive experience helps ensure we are the ideal company to work with. Our quality, flexibility and range of buildings sets us apart from most.
We don’t hide behind websites, we’re here to speak to and would welcome anybody to visit our showroom, regularly displaying over 80 buildings – we’d like to think that you wouldn’t feel the trip would be wasted. Check out our google reviews and testimonials if you would like more of an insight.
A helpful aftercare sheet is sent out with each order.
Timber is a natural product and is ‘alive’. Timber naturally shrinks and expands so your building may require paint or treatment reapplication to affected areas, planing and adjusting doors and/or opening windows and realignment of padbolt or lever lock.
We strongly recommend an exterior preservative is applied and advise regular maintenance of your building such as oiling hinges and locks and refelting roof as necessary.
Keep any overhanging trees or branches cut back as this will deteriorate the roof. Cut back any bushes as they may hold water and soak onto timber and also reduce airflow around the building walls. Add guttering and a soak away.
You will notice some colour changes over time as UV rays from the sun will bleach the timber and cause a silvering/grey colour change over its life.
Our showroom
Regularly displaying over 80 display buildings, we’d like to think that we have most designs, sizes and options available to view. You can view the quality, construction and also get a good feel for our company. We’re not pushy sales people, and will give you our honest and best advice. We often have visitors on site and they never leave disappointed.
We currently have over 80 buildings on display at our Factory Showroom. We are open 6 days a week (closed on a Sunday) and strongly recommend a visit to come and view the quality and variety of options available. We will be more than helpful to sit and work with you to plan out your perfect building!
To check availability, please visit our Garden Room Showroom page.
Delivery
We are based in Cheshire so all our delivery prices are based on local delivery. On certain buildings we can offer a nationwide delivery / installation however we would have to work out a specific delivery cost to you. Please contact us with your postcode and the type/size of building. We can always manufacture a building for collection from our factory.
The lead time for all buildings can vary depending on the specifications and will be discussed with you during the sales consolation with our experienced and friendly team.
Installation
Yes, we install nearly all of our buildings, saving you the time and hassle and ensuring it all fits together correctly. We also offer the option of collection only from the factory or delivery only to your property.
Yes it is. The saving will vary depending on the size/style of building. We recommend that they are installed by a competent person.
A helpful advice sheet is sent out as part of your order pack.
We require clear access from where we can park the wagon through to where the base area is. As the buildings come in large sections we need to make sure there are no height restrictions (gate tops, doorways) no tight corners or steps. We need to be able to get within 30 metres to the base area.
With prior notice, we can manufacture the majority building panels in smaller sections to facilitate installation. This would normally incur an extra cost. We are not able to offer installations through the house or over walls / garage roofs. We are only a telephone call away and will always be happy to help with any questions you have.
Maintenance
Tanalised timber is pressure treated so it is protected against rot. Timber is porous so It will always benefit the building to have an additional preservative on it to repel the water.
We are the only company that fully air dries our tanalised timber prior to internal storage and final use. We have a designated additional factory premises where all pre cut timber is put out to dry within in a purpose made building. All timber is checked to ensure it has the same moisture content as non tanalised timber. By using damp or wet timber (as many companies do) the timber has far more chance of shrinking beyond its T&G joint, together with increased twisting and shakes appearing in the timber over time too.
A helpful aftercare sheet is sent out with each order.
Timber is a natural product and is ‘alive’. Timber naturally shrinks and expands so your building may require paint or treatment reapplication to affected areas, planing and adjusting doors and/or opening windows and realignment of padbolt or lever lock.
We strongly recommend an exterior preservative is applied and advise regular maintenance of your building such as oiling hinges and locks and refelting roof as necessary.
Keep any overhanging trees or branches cut back as this will deteriorate the roof. Cut back any bushes as they may hold water and soak onto timber and also reduce airflow around the building walls. Add guttering and a soak away.
You will notice some colour changes over time as UV rays from the sun will bleach the timber and cause a silvering/grey colour change over its life.
There are a number of factors that influence this – the type of roof (apex / pent), proximity to trees / bushes and the ever changing environment. Standard polyester based felt would, in normal circumstances last around 2-5 years but depends on a number of factors. Other roofing upgrades available range from 10 years to 30. We can happily talk through the options with you.
Guarantee
A family business, established over 35 years ago, we constantly strive to offer a service and product that we would like to receive ourselves. We like to think our knowledge, passion, experience and genuine aim to ensure every customer comes away with a positive experience helps ensure we are the ideal company to work with. Our quality, flexibility and range of buildings sets us apart from most.
We don’t hide behind websites, we’re here to speak to and would welcome anybody to visit our showroom, regularly displaying over 80 buildings – we’d like to think that you wouldn’t feel the trip would be wasted. Check out our google reviews and testimonials if you would like more of an insight.
Our standard garden buildings come with a 1 year structural guarantee. Our range of outdoor rooms (with aluminium windows, cedar cladding, rubber roof) come with different guarantees. All this information is provided to you.
Payment
For the garden sheds & summerhouses, we require a 25% deposit at the time of order and the final balance is due two weeks prior to delivery/ collection.
For the bespoke garden buildings, cedar outdoor rooms, oak garages and gazebos the deposit percentage / payment schedule will differ from the above.
We accept payment by BACS, debit card or cash.
Unless stated, all prices are fully inclusive of VAT.
Base
First and foremost, the base needs to be ‘flat and level’ and a minimum of the size of the building. A helpful advice sheet is sent out on receipt of every order. You need to always remember to allow room for us to install the building and also the roof to overhang. The base can be constructed from paving flags, concrete, timber frames or decking.
We aren’t able to install directly onto grass / soil and would always strongly advise customers not to do so. Please bear in mind that if you chose to install your building directly onto grass / soil, the lifespan of the building significantly reduces, together with the chances of the sections not fitting together or misaligning over time.
Olympian work closely with selected contractors whom we can put you in touch with. Please note, unless stated otherwise, Olympian have no legal responsibility for any work quoted or carried out by any contractors whose details we have passed on.
Planning permission
Planning restrictions may vary depending on where you are located and where the proposed building is situated in the garden. The normal restriction is the 2.5m overall ridge height when positioned within 2m of the boundary. We would always recommend checking with your local office. Refer to www.planningportal.co.uk for detailed information.
Our buildings
We offer a wide range of extras and upgrades, depending on your budget and intended use there is something for everyone. A number of available extras for each product can be found within the ‘optional extras’ tab.
Full specifications can be found within each building category, however, in summary – A Workshop has 2x bigger framework than the Shed, plus, is taller, stronger hinges, available in larger sizes and in a variety of cladding boards.
Nominal sizes refer to timber size prior to machining. The finished size after machining is normally around 4mm less than the nominal size. We can arrange for timber samples to be sent out if this helps in any way.
Yes, each building we manufacture is made bespoke to the customers requirements. We can make “odd” sizes and shapes. You are not restricted to set sizes or designs. Because of our bespoke capacity, you don’t pay any more for a customised building.
Insulated Garden Buildings
Yes! If you opt for the Silver package, the building will come with an additional lining membrane throughout the walls and roof to allow to add insulation at a later stage. Many customers go on to insulate their buildings at a later date.
A standard building with a Bronze – Platinum package will take approximately 1-2 days to install. The majority of buildings are completed within 1 day.
Our lead times can fluctuate based on demand. At present (Summer 2023) we are working on an approximate 1-2 month lead time on Non Insulated buildings and a 2 month lead time for our insulated buildings.
We use an extensive 5-part paint process to prepare the exterior for painting, ensuring your building has the highest finish:
- We fill and sand back any exposed nail holes with a 2-part filler to cover over unsightly indents in wood from fixing tools.
- A knot blocker is applied to any knots in the wood to prevent bleeding.
- We apply a blocking primer to prevent natural tannin stains from seeping through, to provide additional protection to the building and to increase paint durability.
- We carefully apply 2 coats of exterior opaque paint in the colour of your choice.
- We touch-up any blemishes onsite during installation. Additional paint is supplied with the building on handover for any future touch-ups.
Our UPVC windows and doors are virtually maintenance free. Made with 28mm double glazed, toughened safety glass they have increased insulation and noise reduction properties, and the Yale Lockmaster locking system offers a high level of security.
To secure your building we require a 25% deposit, taken at the time of order.
You can pay the deposit by credit card. The final balance must be paid by bank transfer or debit card. Please note we do not accept American Express.
Not currently. In our experience we have found that customers are able to secure more favourable rates by going direct to lenders.
The balance is due 2 weeks prior to installation. Our customer support team will contact you when your balance is due.
The majority of our buildings fall permitted development, however, some larger buildings or those within restricted areas may be subject to planning permission. In all instances, please refer to the Planning Portal and seek advise to clarify if you will require planning. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/
The base can be constructed from concrete or flags and must be perfectly flat and level. We can work with you to arrange your groundwork. Please speak with the team for further details.
Please allow for a space of 12” around the perimeter of the building to allow for both the installation and ease of access when maintaining your building.
Cedar shingles have an expected life-span of 30 years and require no specific treatment. You should, however, ensure that your roof is kept clear of overhanging branches or debris.
Yes! One of the many benefits of working with Olympian Garden Buildings is that all our buildings are handmade at our factory by our in-house manufacturing team. This allows us complete flexibility over the design and construction of our buildings and enables us to work on bespoke projects.
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