Add value to your garden by incorporating a summerhouse into your landscape design. Here, we’ll look at everything to do with summerhouse builders near you – from how to find one to how much they tend to charge.
Get started on finding a summerhouse builder near you
Choosing your summerhouse builder isn’t something you want to get wrong. Thankfully, there are two quick and easy ways to find the best summerhouse builders near you on Checkatrade:
- Request a quote. All you have to do is tell us about the upcoming project that you need a summerhouse builder for, so we can reach out to our local and highly-rated experts on your behalf. They’ll then contact you directly.
- Search your postcode. Look through our online directory for summerhouse builders near you. Just pop in your postcode below and we’ll give you a list of our top members.
Your questions answered about summerhouse builders near you
Who can build a summerhouse?
Looking for someone to build your summerhouse but not sure who you should be approaching? There are specific garden room/summerhouse builders who can do the job for you and will have lots of specific experience.
However, you can also consult a local carpenter or builder to see if this would be a project that they would be willing to undertake.
Can you build a summerhouse without planning permission?
Yes, you can normally build a summerhouse without planning permission, as outbuildings like this come under your permitted development rights. However, your summerhouse will need to be under a certain size. You’ll also need to consider what you plan to use it for – in order to build a summerhouse without planning permission, it will need to be for domestic use.
Read our guide to how big a summerhouse can be without planning permission for more details.
How far does a summerhouse need to be from a fence?
If your summerhouse is taller than 2.5 metres, it will need to be at least 2 metres from your neighbour’s boundary (although it still shouldn’t exceed 4 metres in height). On the other hand, you can build closer to the boundary if your summerhouse is 2.5 metres tall or under.
Regardless, it’s generally advised to leave at least a 1-metre gap between your summerhouse and the boundary.
Does a summerhouse add value to a property?
Yes, a good-quality summerhouse can add value to a property. In fact, some estimates say that it could add between 5-15%. However, this will depend on a number of factors, such as its size and condition, as well as the particulars of the property and its location.
Does a summerhouse need a base?
Yes, your summerhouse will need a base. Even if it’s situated on level ground, a base is essential to ensure your summerhouse is steady and that it doesn’t get damaged from the wet ground beneath it. Building a summerhouse without a base can drastically shorten its life.
How long does a summerhouse last?
The lifespan of a summerhouse can vary greatly based on lots of different factors, including its location, how well it’s maintained and its spec. For instance, a summerhouse with a coated steel roof will last for much longer than one with felt roofing.
However, as a rough guide, you can expect a summerhouse to last somewhere between ten to 15 years if you’re properly maintaining it.
Can I sleep in a summerhouse?
As a general rule, you should apply for planning permission if you want to sleep in your summerhouse regularly.
It should be okay to sleep in your summerhouse occasionally if that’s not its primary purpose (for instance, it might be primarily used as a home office or home gym). However, if you want to sleep in it regularly or you’re planning on using it for self-contained accommodation, you’ll need planning permission and to meet building regulations. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your local council.
Why should I hire a local summerhouse builder near me?
Rather than doing a DIY job on your summerhouse, trust a local tradesperson to carry out the job properly. They will have expertise that you don’t and will also be able to answer any of the technical questions you may have, including any planning permission queries.
- Peace of mind. Hiring a summerhouse builder local to you will ensure that the structure is built properly and will stand the test of time.
- Reliable. Employing a summerhouse builder with a good reputation will mean that they are reliable. They will turn up on time, give you a fair quote and will see the project through to completion.
- Avoid costly repairs. If you try and tackle building a summerhouse yourself or enlist the help of an unqualified friend, this may end up with you spending more money than you would have done in the first place.
How much does it cost to build a summerhouse?
The cost of hiring a summerhouse builder near you will depend on a number of factors such as:
- How complex your summerhouse ideas are
- The area where you live
- The cost of desired materials
- Whether you have an existing structure that needs to be removed or replaced
- The type of summerhouse you want to build
- How much experience the summerhouse builder has
Having said that, you can expect to pay a summerhouse builder a day rate of anything between £150-£250 to cover their labour. Depending on how complex your design is, a summerhouse can take anything from 2 days to a couple of weeks to build.
And remember, you will have to pay for all of the materials on top of the labour cost.
How do I find a reputable summerhouse builder near me?
If you’re ready to find a summerhouse builder near you, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for the job. Here are some tips.
- Verify their credentials. Check to see if they have any appropriate credentials for the job that they will be completing for you. Also, word of mouth is a wonderful thing. If someone you know has recommended that specific tradesperson then that’s a great sign.
- Read reviews. Check what other homeowners have said about any summerhouse builders near you before you hire them for the job.
- Compare quotes. It’s always best to get at least three quotes from qualified builders before choosing so you can ensure you’re getting the best professional for the job at the best price.
- Check public liability insurance. All reputable tradespeople should have public liability insurance to cover them if things don’t go to plan.
- Ask when they take payment. Your summerhouse builder should never take full payment upfront. Instead, you should be able to pay at least part of the fee after the work is complete.
- Use Checkatrade! Our Approved members have to pass up to 14 checks. They also regularly receive reviews on all aspects of their work. So, you know you’re hiring someone you can trust.