Any questions?

Our Swift FAQ

These are the questions we get asked most often by our existing and prospective clients. If your query isn’t here, please get in touch, we’d be delighted to help!

FAQ Swift Garden Rooms
What kind of projects do Swift undertake?

Many and varied. As an experienced company that is established and well known for its solution-focused approach, we attract a wide variety of enquiries for all kinds of projects. As well as the following examples of uses we also have experience and expertise in home extensions and commercial projects. Here are some typical uses of domestic garden rooms that we have built over the years:

  • Multipurpose Rooms
  • Home Office
  • Treatment/Consulting Room
  • Art Studio
  • Family Room
  • Gym/Fitness suite
  • Granny Annexe
  • Cinema/Recreational room
  • Poolside Changing Room/Sauna/Spa Room
  • Man Cave
  • Music Room
What prices can I expect to pay?

You will find lots of useful information and guidelines on our pricing page

Do you have a showroom?

Our showrooms are provided by our previous clients’ real-life buildings.  We do not have a showroom at our administration offices – it could not serve the wide geographical area that that we serve and the diversity of designs.  However, once we have met you and understand your aspirations and expectations, then we can try to match the kind of project that you are seeking to an existing clients’ building and request a viewing.

Are Swift buildings as permanent as traditional brick/block structures?
Very much so. Although excitingly different to many people in the UK, the principals and technology of SIP buildings are very well established. The SIP technology is a leap forward from timber frame construction. The panels are stronger, better insulated and are completely pre-prepared off-site. BBA approval ensures that stringent regulations for safety, durability and strength are maintained.
Do I need planning permission for a Garden Room?

In many cases, your garden room is built within ‘Permitted Development Rights’. This is a collection of allowable developments that you can build onto, or in the gardens of your property. We will happily discuss these issues with you. You can find out more here: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/  Where planning permission is required, or you wish to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development, we are able to undertake this on your behalf. We are proud to say that since Swift has been trading we have been successful in all of our planning applications to date, including some very complicated and intense cases.

Do You Build Nationwide?

Yes – we have multiple installation teams ready to create your life-changing space. We build throughout the mainland UK.

Will my new Swift Room have to pass any building regulations?

We give you specific advice when we meet you and carry out a site survey. Most of our garden rooms and garden studios 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.

What if you are building on a site with limited access?

Swift’s buildings are of prefabricated construction and are flat packed in modular panels. In most situations, these are carried through limited access routes. Our site survey clarifies how we overcome any individual challenges regarding access. We even carry out full installations when the only form of access is through your home and this includes protection measures for your home to avoid any damage to flooring, door frames etc.

Who will construct my building?
Our fully trained, professional and customer-focused team carry out the complete build with the minimum of disruption and with due care and attention. When the building is completed, your new room is cleaned, the area tidied and you take possession of the keys and your new Swift space.
Can I arrange a site survey?
Yes – we carry out free site surveys. This is when we can take the measurements, photos and details that we need that relate to the design and installation of your new room. We also listen! We want to find out everything that is important to you about your new space.  Then we can create a building that will function beautifully and provide true satisfaction and the optimal return on your investment – emotional and financial.
How do I access internet services from a detached garden room?
There is a wide choice of services and connections available for you between your home and your garden room. We will always recommend having a reliable and expandable connection. We are happy to discuss all the options that are currently available and reach the best conclusion to suit your needs.
What is included in the price?

Everything that you ask for! There are no hidden costs. We listen to what you want, discuss the options and provide you with a fully detailed and inclusive quotation. We clearly state your investment, including VAT, and if there are any likely additional costs then you are made fully aware of them… or you don’t pay for them!

What warranty do I have with my Swift Organisation building?

All our domestic buildings have an industry-leading, 10-year structural warranty. This also provides protection for your deposit payment.

How long does the process take?

Lead times for our buildings are usually 8-12 weeks, though this is constantly changing because of new orders and changing supply conditions. The average build time is often less than 2 weeks. Where bathroom and toilet facilities are included, this may increase the time because of the connections to the services.

What can I use a detached garden room for?
The possibilities are endless! Please take a look at our Uses page and Case Studies for inspiration.

Planning permission may be required if the room is to become a self-contained living unit such as a living Annexe. Whatever your immediate need we’re confident that your Swift Garden Room can meet your desires whilst always offering full flexibility for any desired change in the future.

How long have Swift been trading?

Swift were formed over 16 years ago by husband and wife team, Martin and Cath Lawson. It has grown steadily and significantly over the years, always keeping its focus on providing a friendly, effective service that is frequently reflected in the testimonials and feedback that we receive. Over these years Swift has resolutely stuck to its principle of using the high-quality materials and skilled professionals that produce beautiful, permanent, Life-changing Spaces.

Are your buildings insulated for year-round use?
Yes – our buildings benefit from our SIP method of construction.

SIP panels, when cut to size, properly jointed and expertly installed, create one of the most highly efficient and robust structures presently available.  They exceed all current building regulations for heat insulation and air-tightness and your building can be enjoyed and used whatever the weather

Can I have electricity/ water supply in my new room?
Your new garden room’s power supply is usually brought in from the main consumer unit in your existing house. Sometimes this supply may need modification to ensure conformity to strict building regulations and our qualified electrician will ensure that you are left with a safe, effective and certified system.

The garden room itself has its own small 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.  We will make this process as simple and effective as possible and can cope with all manner of obstacles. Pumped waste systems are commonly used and enable your room to have fully functioning toilets, showers and kitchens.

What type of foundations/footings do I need and are they included in the price?
Swift will recommend the optimum kind of foundation system to match your requirements. We also consider the ground conditions on site and the surroundings (such as trees and other buildings).  The most commonly used systems include Jackpad footings (Lantac approved), concrete pads, helical screw piles & concrete slabs. Read more about our footings here.
What kind of return can I expect on my home-improvement investment?

The current housing market has made home improvements the preferred route for many owners. Because we only build to high standards and guarantee our products, you can rest assured that all of our projects are viewed very favourably by future purchasers.

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