FAQs

We know you will have lots of questions about your project and we are always happy to answer them over the phone or via email, but we thought we’d compile the following list of FAQs that hopefully will help to solve most of your queries.

What is the process?

It starts with an initial enquiry.  We like to get as much information from you as possible at this stage regarding your ideas and expectations of what you would like us to achieve, as well as give you a sense of what we do.  We will then arrange for a site visit.  This will be carried out by Nick Allen.  Nick will talk through the project in more detail, as well as take pictures and measurements.  We should then have enough information to send you a quote.  If you chose to go ahead we try to give around a one to two-month lead time, but it depends on our current commitments. .

Do you provide fixed prices?

We only ever take on a project after agreeing a fixed price with the client.  We feel this is very important so that everyone knows where they stand before the project starts.  This price will not change even if we hit some sort of technical problem ourselves.  In that instance it will be up to us to absorb that cost if we hadn’t worked through the issue before the price was set. 

If, however you want to change or add anything as the project is running that may incur some addition cost, but we will be transparent and talk you through that if it happens.

Usually we ask for a 25% payment before the project starts, with the rest on completion.

Do you do all the work?

Yes, we usually carry out all the work ourselves.. We prefer it this way so that we can ensure the work is of the quality standard we expect.  Sometimes we may get help from a sub contractor, particularly for electrical work, but if we do we will oversee them and take full responsibility for their work.

How long will it take?

Each project is different so it’s hard to say exactly how long it will take, but we always try and give accurate time scales before we start.

In general, garden rooms take about 2 weeks, decks and fences usually less than that depending on their complexity and things like bin and recycling storage and beach hut repairs less than a week.  Landscaping projects can vary greatly depending on their complexity.

Where do you work?

We are based in Brighton and usually our work is around this area.  However, we don’t mind traveling and have taken on projects in the past in London and throughout the South.  If anyone has a nice project in Italy or the South of France of course we’d always be up for that!

Will you work to other people’s designs?

Yes, we are happy to work with garden designers or architects.  We’re very flexible and like to collaborate.

Will I need planning permission?

The simple answer to this is no you won’t.  Of course, planning is a complicated subject so each project will need to be taken on a case by case basis.  However, nearly all our work falls under what is termed as permitted development. 

How long does wood last outdoors?

This is a difficult question to answer.  There are a number of factors which determine the longevity of wood outside such as it's location, the type of wood used and the way it is maintained. 

Our role as outdoor carpenters is to ensure we use the correct wood for use outdoors, so we either use treated softwood or hardwood in all our structures.  We then ensure the structure is installed properly so that there is a gap between any timber and any damp surfaces.   

After we have finished the construction process the structure will need to be maintained.  We can advise on the specific details of this depending on the project, but essentially maintenance of wood outdoors involves regular (preferably more often, but at least every third year) treatment of the wood with a preservative in the form of oil, wax, varnish or paint.