What is the process?
Once appointed, we review and carry out a desktop assessment for your property, and meet with you to discuss the project. We then draft a set of general arrangement plans for your approval.
We compile and submit the planning application to your local authority, and liaise with the planning officer during the determination process.
We prepare a full set of detailed working drawings for the construction of the project, including foundations and ground preparation, structural framing, rodent and insect protection, insulation, windows and door(s), cladding and roofing, including trims and flashings, rainwater goods, electrical fitout including heating and ventilation, and internal finishes. We provide a full, detailed schedule of materials, products and fixings required for the build, to be used by you or the builder when liaising with suppliers.
Prior to the start of the build, we will meet with a builder/joiner of your choice to run through the design and documentation in detail and answer any questions. During the build we can respond to any queries from the builder, suppliers or yourselves regarding the build, via phone, video or email (up to a total of 2 hours within the fee).
Is planning permission required?
Yes. Our studios are deliberately taller than the 2.5m height restriction for garden rooms under permitted development. We assess the planning risk and handle the planning process on your behalf, so that you can enjoy the sense of light and space that a more generous structure brings. It typically takes 8 weeks for local authorities to issue a decision on a planning application. During this time we will proceed with the detailed construction information and you can contact builders for quotes. If planning permission is refused for any reason, we will refund your Grow Studios fee in full.
What’s the lifespan of the studio?
Grow Studios are designed to last a lifetime, and then some. Depending on your location, the timber cladding may need to be replaced after 15-25 years (we specify larch which is naturally rot-resistant and can be composted at the end of its life). The sealed double-glazed units may also need to be replaced after 20 or so years. Our studios are designed so that both of these tasks are very straightforward to do by removing screws. There is no reason why the rest of the building shouldn't last a century, and the galvanised ground screws we specify are warrantied for 120 years.
How long does the studio take to build?
This can vary depending on the time of year you build (the weather!) and whether you are paying a professional or DIYing. We estimate it will take 15-20 days of a professional’s time.
How much is Grow Studios' fee and what does it cover?
We charge a £3,000 fee to cover all architectural work: consultation, design, planning permission, material details and quantities, and a full set of construction information tailored to your build. When you have appointed a builder, we will meet with them to help ensure the project gets off to a good start, and we're here to answer questions during construction. We are proud to offer a no-risk planning guarantee: in the event that permission is refused for your studio, you are entitled to a full refund of the £3,000 fee.
How much does the studio cost to build?
