An outbuilding is often allowed development, subject to the following limitations and restrictions: no outbuilding on land behind a boundary forming the main height. Outbuildings and sheds to be single-story only with a maximum roof height of 2.5m and maximum overall height of 4m with a single pitched roof, or two stories with a single pitched roof or rooftop. Outbuildings on land adjacent to dwelling places are always subject to planning. Where the outbuilding does take planning permission, it is often specified that the height and overall shape of the shed must not exceed those stipulated by the planning authority. With all these requirements, it is necessary to seek professional advice that will provide you with quality services.
Damp conditions are very damaging to wood products and wooden outbuildings. The potential growth of rot and mildew is particularly troublesome to avoid moisture damage, and problems such as warping and rotting wood professionals will often recommend using the outdoor coating. When appropriately applied, moisture-resistant coatings on your shed or garage will protect its materials from the effects of cold and hot weather, dampness, and mold, which all put increasing pressure on your building materials, especially if it’s your first time building an outbuilding.
There are many types of outdoor building available to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a simple carport or a luxurious double-story shed. If your choice of outbuilding is a single-story, you can incorporate this with an additional garage. The advantage of doing this is that you can have the ability to use the carport during bad weather conditions without having to leave the garage. Similarly, you could create an extension to the existing dwelling house by incorporating an additional shed with an attached garage. This would give you additional living space plus an added secure storage facility.
Suppose you decide to install an outdoor building or shed on your property. In that case, you may also need to address moisture issues to avoid structural and rotting damage to your building materials. To achieve optimal moisture resistance, you should ensure that the shed or other outbuilding has its air conditioning system, heating pipes, and ducts installed inside. Air conditioning systems allow for increased temperature control as well as increased humidity control. They also provide an increase in comfortable temperature levels during the summer months and reduce the humidity experienced in the winter months.
Damp-proofing and dehumidification equipment is available, eliminating the risk of extreme temperatures occurring in outdoor buildings such as garages and sheds. These equipment products work by removing excess moisture from the air, as well as the accompanying humidity. With extreme temperatures occurring throughout the year, it can prove detrimental to a structure. In these instances, a high level of humidity is unavoidable, so it is best to prevent the occurrence of extreme temperatures in the first place. You can do this by installing a dehumidifier to eliminate the moisture in the air and installing an exhaust fan to reduce the humidity levels in the area.
It is also important to note that the same conditions for your home can apply to your outbuilding. For example, if your shed is located in a wet/dry zone (WDS) planning permit will be required. However, if your building permit is not required, it may not be possible to utilize your building permit to utilize a damp proofing or dehumidifying mechanism within the shed.
If your shed does not meet building regulations approval requirements, it will not be possible to utilize it as a storage facility. This includes outdoor workshops, garages, and sheds. The building regulations approval is based upon the dimensions of the outbuilding and is specified in the relevant local building regulations. If your shed falls below this size requirement, it will be deemed suitable for storage, but it will not be used for any other purpose.
A note of caution regarding non-combustible materials when utilizing non-combustible material on your outbuilding: you should ensure that the amount of material you utilize meets the stipulated building regulations. The use of combustible materials is strongly discouraged. As stated previously, there are strict building regulations in place which state how much weight you can safely employ on your shed. Remember, a note of caution concerning non-combustible materials should be displayed prominently on the shed. In addition, please do not store any fire equipment or other dangerous items in your outbuilding.