Woody’s Tips – no:3
Following on from my tip about exploring the work of more than one garden office supplier, once you have your short list of firms, ask each one to conduct a site visit. These visits are free and a really valuable part of the buying process. They are a key way for you to express what you are trying to achieve and for the supplier to assess your garden and make suggestions on your design options.
They are a key opportunity for the supplier to advise you on your Planning Permission situation and for them, to asses, you site in respect of access and choosing the correct foundation for your building and ground conditions.
A site visit can iron out potential problems early on in the buying process and help avoid any potential hiccups. The visit will also give you a good idea of what it will be like dealing with the company on what is a significant project.
Some firms offer virtual site visits
Most garden office suppliers will offer a free site visit, but there are firms who don’t offer a physical visit and rely on your assessment of the site and access. They will probably ask you to send photos, videos and diagrams of your garden and the access from the main road.
These suppliers have developed a construction system which they are confident can overcome any unexpected challenges.
If you find that you are working with a firm who offers a virtual site visit, do check the small print of the contract you sign, so that you are clear on who is liable for any unexpected challenges once they arrive on site which can delay work and have a cost implication.