Are you considering a home in your garden for a relative? A Swift Granny Annexe could be just the solution you are looking for. As we see an increase in enquiries for people looking for a garden home, we thought you might find it useful if we put together a collection of FAQs which specifically address a living annexe.
1. Do I need planning permission?
Yes due to the nature of the usage for a living annexe. We can do this for you for a small fee, or if you prefer to do this yourselves, then that’s fine with us.
2. Will my annexe be compliant with building regulations?
Yes. Our garden rooms and garden studios typically already meet or exceed all areas of building regulations, but do not require formal applications and inspections by Building Control inspectors. Wherever building regulations are involved, we ensure that all standards are met and certification is obtained. All electrical installations are carried out by qualified personnel and our clients receive a Part P certificate. All buildings with 15 square metres floor area that are within 1 metre of the boundary of your garden require fire spread protection measures. This is included in your specification.
3. How big/small will my annexe be?
It’s your choice! We offer bespoke designs, so your annexe can be studio style or have one or two bedrooms, and a layout that works for you. It must not be more than 50% of the total garden. Our experts will be theren to advise and guide you every step of the way.
4. How much will my annexe cost?
Cost depends on a combination of factors, the size of your annexe and what you choose to include. Our living annexes start at £66,000 and are priced individually. We are dedicated to working within your budget and providing you with the best quality home for your investment. Take a look at our Annexe Price page for more information.
5. How long will it take to build?
Your new annexe will typically be built in a minimum of 3-4 weeks from the start date. Once your order is confirmed and your deposit is paid your start date will be secured in our installation calendar.
6. What will my garden house be made from?
All of Swift’s garden buildings are constructed from high-quality Sips – Floor, walls and roof. Your granny annexe will be a fully insulated space that you can use year-round.
7. What services do you connect to?
Your new annexe’s power supply is usually brought from the consumer unit in your existing house. It will also have a consumer unit which splits the power supply to the main demand circuits. Water and drainage can also be linked to the main services at your home
8. What will my payment schedule be?
We ask for a deposit payment of 25% to secure your installation date. You will then be invoiced for 50% of your contract price to be paid on the first day of the build, when the materials and installers arrive on site. The remaining 25% is due when our work is complete and we hand over the keys to your new home.
9. Will my finished living annexe be ready to move in?
Yes! Your contract price will include full installation, all electrics and flooring. Decoration is included in your project, and this includes the application of a mist coat (to seal new plaster) and two coats of white emulsion. These will be non-vinyl, matt emulsion which does allow the plaster to continue to breath and dry out over time. We recommend that final redecoration is left for a further 6 months to allow for any minor shrinkage lines and thorough airing of the building. Included as standard is a choice from a range of Quickstep laminate floorings. Your choices can be made once the order is confirmed. If you prefer an alternative flooring then we can offer ranges of engineered wood floors, click together vinyl flooring, carpet tiles and rubberised flooring. The prices will be clearly given with the assorted options.
10. Will my building have a warranty?
Yes, your building has a 15-year insurance backed structural warranty. Your peace of mind is very important to us. We want you to be happy with your building and the Swift service you’ve been given. If you have any concerns, then please just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help and address them.
The beauty of buying a Swift bespoke annexe is that you are in charge of creating your own project. We empower you to make the right design decisions for you, then in turn, all we ask is for you to trust us to deliver it. Our full turnkey promise takes care of everything from start to finish, handing you the keys at the end so your Swift Living Annex can be enjoyed and savoured for many years to come.
