These answers are based on real projects in Surrey, Hampshire and nearby areas. They're not generic manufacturer copy. Use them as a sense check when you're comparing different companies, brochures or quotes.
Planning, size & where it can go
What you can do under permitted development, and when you might need planning permission.
Do I need planning permission for a SIP garden room?
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In a lot of typical situations you don't - many garden rooms are built under permitted development rights.
Height, position in the garden, whether it's in front of the house, whether you're in a conservation area
and how you plan to use it all matter. I'll always ask a few simple questions and, if needed, suggest
speaking to your local planning office or a planning consultant before you spend anything.
How big can I go without planning permission?
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The rules aren't just about floor area - they also cover height, how close you are to boundaries and how
much of your garden has been built on already. Most sensible home offices, gyms and studios can be designed
within permitted development, but if you're thinking of something large or very specific, I'll help you
understand when it's worth getting formal advice.
Can I put a garden room right on the boundary?
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Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Fire regulations, height limits and your neighbour relationships all matter.
I'll always be honest about what's sensible. We can often adjust the design - roof, height, window positions
- so the building works both technically and in terms of planning.
Structure, insulation & SIPs
What a SIP room actually is, and how it differs from cabins and sheds.
What is a SIP garden room, in simple terms?
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SIP stands for Structural Insulated Panel. Instead of building a frame then insulating it, the structure and
insulation are one panel. It's strong, very thermally efficient and quick to assemble if it's designed and
detailed properly. The key is how those panels are joined, sealed and protected - that's where my work
really matters.
Is a SIP room better than an upgraded shed or cabin?
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For proper year-round use, yes. A shed or cabin can be fine for occasional use, but most weren't designed to
be little houses. A SIP room is designed from the start to behave more like an extension - solid, stable and
much easier to keep comfortable all year.
Will it feel like a real room or still a bit like a posh shed?
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Done properly, a SIP garden room should feel very close to a room in the house: solid underfoot, quiet,
warm when heated and not boiling hot the second the sun comes out. That's what I aim for on every build.