We are unusual in that we use rough sawn pressure treated timber as our standard cladding. We find it blends into gardens really well and also lasts a long time. It also looks good sanded and painted and you can see lots of this in our gallery.
Then there is the ‘engineered timber’ which essentially means tongue and groove in cladding. It has a planed smooth finish and a V-groove tongue meaning it has clean vertical lines on the building. However, there are all sorts of timbers available that can be used. We tend to use either Canadian Cedar, or Thermowood Ayous or Thermowood Redwood. What is the difference?
Cedar has natural oil present that help to make it very durable, though the wood istelf is quite soft which can be off-putting. The Thermowood timbers have been heat modified, or cooked, to make the cell walls breakdown and the timber impervious to rot. It is a fantastic material and becomeing very popular – not just becuase of the price but also for the look and properties.
No — not at all. At Dore Garden Offices, we keep the process simple and stress-free. We use our own small, trusted team to install your garden room, so you won’t have lots of different trades coming and going.
The same friendly faces will handle the build from start to finish, and our team is known for being professional, respectful, and easy to have around your home. We understand that past experiences may have been difficult, so we work hard to make sure your installation feels smooth, comfortable, and well-managed.
You’ll always know exactly who is on-site and what they’re doing — no surprises, no large rotating crews, just a reliable team you can trust.
We offer several effective heating solutions to suit different needs:
Electric underfloor heating with a smart digital WiFi controller for consistent, comfortable warmth.
Heat pump air conditioning, which provides efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer.
However, because our rooms are extremely well insulated, many customers find that a simple fan heater is more than enough. We will always discuss how you plan to use your garden room so we can recommend the best option for you and your budget.
It is also worth noting that the air conditioning option can be installed at a later date, but the underfloor heating would be more difficult.
Planning permission is only required for the following reasons:
We have designed our rooms to last 15-20 years. This is dependent upon factors such as exposure, maintenance and usage but DGO are confident you’ll be enjoying your room for a long time without problems.
We build our rooms to last although, like any building, it will need some maintenance now and then.
The standard cladding would benefit from a clear preservative application after 5 or 6 years.
The Cedar cladding does not need any treatment unless you want to maintain the lovely warm brown colour but that does mean you have to commit to regular treatment of UV protection oil.
Doors and windows are good quality UPVC but doors might need occasional adjustment which DGO are happy to come and do free of charge.
Yes. We use 75mm rigid dense insulation under the floor, in the walls and in the ceiling, with double glazed windows and doors and then we use insulated plasterboard on the ceiling to help stop the loss of heat upward.
Whether you choose the underfloor heating or a heat pump / aircon system to be put in as an optional extra, oil filled plug in heaters or an electric fan heater, the insulation and quality of build will ensure warmth remains in the building when using it in the winter.
Absolutely not.
We pride ourselves on offering fixed costs so you’ll know at the point of order exactly how much you’ll be paying on installation.
And because we do everything in house (except the painting!) there are no hidden contractor costs or add-ons.
We install toilet rooms with a sink for around £2,500. This includes all sewerage works but of course is dependant upon a full drains survey (free) to make sure it is possible.
With macerating toilets, (essentially a toilet with a pump in it) it now means you can have a toilet in the garden regardless of whether its down hill of existing manholes etc.
We have installed everything from tiny toilets to fully furnished ensuite shower rooms. Just ask for options when we come and visit.
There is not a clear answer to this and you should take advice from your accountant.
We have had widely differing views from professionals about it – some say its an acceptable business expense while others say you can only put internal fit out costs through.
We are happy to supply detailed invoices to support businesses re-coup what they can from VAT payments as required.
Still Got Questions?
Drop us a line? We’ll get back to you promptly.
