All Glossary Terms
Building Regulations
Building regulations apply to most building work, therefore it is important to know when approval is needed. The responsibility for checking the Building Regulations have been met, falls to Building Control Bodies; either from the Local Authority or the private sector as an Approved Inspector.
The person carrying out the work has the choice of where to get approval for the building work. How to get approval depends on whether a Local Authority Building Control service or an Approved Inspector Building Control service is being used.
Glossary of Terms
Groundworks
The term 'Groundworks' refers to the ground preparation and foundations being built before the building work can commence. In the case of Oak Designs we recommend you employ the help of a local building contractor to carry out these works, unless of course you wish to do it yourself!
We provide you with all the information required before you begin (subject to site conditions and Building Regulations Approval, if necessary).
ODC Facing Bricks
These bricks have been specially created for us at an increased width of 150mm and fit perfectly with the sole plate that sits on top. Staddle Stone This is the stone that sits underneath any independent oak posts to raise them up from damp and rain. The stones are designed to fit perfectly with the oak post.
Barn Hip
What is a Barn Hip Roof? This roof design might be considered a little more traditional in appearance. Each gable end has a half hip, which reduces the length of the ridge and decreases the overall volume of the roof. Benefits include a more aesthetically pleasing blend with existing buildings that have a similar roof line. This roof can be a little more cost effective than a full hip, as fewer bonnets are required.
Cat Slide
The term Cat Slide refers to any roof where there is an additional area of roof extending beyond the main eaves, and the rear eaves height is lower than the front. This is achieved by having a secondary frame and lean-to rafters fixing to the main rear eaves, forming a continuous area for tiling. The use of a Cat Slide will assist in increasing the floor area of a building without increasing the ridge height – particularly helpful where ridge height is a condition of planning regulations.
Eaves Beam
This is the beam that the rafters sit on, also called a ‘roof plate’.
Full Hip
What is a Full Hip Roof? This roof line is the most dramatic in its angles. The roof planes from the ridge to the eaves are larger than that of the Barn Hip. This design would allow the least amount of roof space.
Gable End
What is a Gable End Roof? This is the Roof Design that can sit completely flush against another building. The ridge extends to the full width of the building, creating a triangular area of weatherboarding above each end wall. Benefits include additional roof space/height if you are looking to use your roof space as storage or as part of a first floor.
Ridge
What is the Ridge? This is the apex of the roof, the highest point.
Joinery
The term 'Joinery' refers to Doors and Windows. At Oak Designs we offer one garage door design and one window design. These designs can be tailored to suit your requirements in terms of size and material. There is a choice of timber species; Softwood, Idigbo, Iroko, and Oak which come with a clear base coat. Secondary protective treatments by others. Our doors come with an Ironmongery pack which refers to the hinges, bolts and handles and is included in the price of your doors and windows
Oak Designs Material Specification
It is important that you read about our materials and understand a little about how they are processed and made ready for production. You will also be reassured by our saftey standards on all materials used. There is a big difference in how different wood ages and weathers and its a good idea to learn about this so you can make the right decisions for the building you require.
Once your building is assembled, you will no doubt be keen to know how to care for the wood and keep it protected. Again by reading our material spec, this will help to answer your questions.
ODC Material Specification (2016).pdf
Oak Designs T&C's
Before ordering a building with Oak Designs we recommend that you read through our terms and conditions so that we you can align your expectations with ours. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service, support and communication, however it isn't always possible to inform our customers of every detail in the ordering, delivery and build process. By reading our T&C's this may help with any unanswered questions.
ODC TERMS & CONDITIONS
Planning Permission
Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
• No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.
• Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.
• Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
• No more than half the area of land around the "original house" would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres.
• On designated land buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.
• Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.
For further information please click on the link below for the Planning Portal website
Planning Permission Guidelines
Q&A's
What is included in the price?
The price includes oak posts, eave and tie beams, braces, softwood soleplate, studwork, rafters, softwood weatherboarding, staddle stones. A bag containing a full set of clear and easy to follow assembly instructions, nails, oak pegs, stainless steel pins, drawing pack, DPC for laying under the soleplate.
What treatment has been applied to the weatherboard?
Osmose Protim E406 fungicidal and insecticidal Wood preservative which is a water based vacuum pressure treatment.
Will I need to treat the weatherboard and joinery after assembly?
We recommend that you treat the weatherboard with a clear, natural or colour stain of your choice. We recommend either Sadolin or Sikkens as a manufacturer. The joinery will come with a base coat which will need further coats in accordance with our timber treatment recommendations sheet that comes with the assembly instructions.
Can I have other types of weatherboard?
Yes, we can supply Oak or red cedar weatherboard, please contact us for prices.
Is Delivery included?
No but please contact our sales office and we can give you a price or you can collect your building from us.
What size vehicle would I need if I am collecting from your yard?
A20’ Flatbed lorry (6.5m) capable of carrying up to 4.5 tonnes.
What size lorry will come to the site?
Approximately 2.55m wide x 11m in length and 6.1m in height . The vehicle gap clearance required, (provided the lorry can approach it square on) would be 3m wide.
What sort of weight is the Lorry?
It can weigh up to 23 tons. If your drive has not been built to take this there is the possibility it could cause damage and we have not allowed for this within the quotation.
What happens if my access will not take this size Lorry?
Please contact our office and alternative arrangements will be made where possible.
How will the building be off loaded from the lorry?
The Lorry has a HIAB attached to it so it can lift a certain amount of weight on the back of its bed without a forklift or telehandler.
Will I be able to assemble the frame myself?
We would recommend at least 2 people using lifting equipment such as a HIAB would be essential due to the weight of the oak beams and preferably with a carpentry/joinery background. Our expert technical team are on hand to help and advise by phone. How long will it take to erect the Frame depends on the size of the building; an experienced assembly team would be able to erect a 2 bay garage for example within 2 days. An inexperienced team will take longer.
Can I buy bricks for the base of the building?
Yes we can supply our specially fired 150mm width bricks which fit flush to our 150mm oak posts, thus eliminating the need to use three courses of bricks thereby avoiding an unsightly overlap.
Groundworks
Who is responsible for checking my completed groundworks before the frame is delivered to site?
You should ensure that your Groundwork Contractor includes a provision to ensure the foundations laid are accurate and suitable for the oak frame assembly.
Will I need Structural Calculations?
Yes, if Building control are involved, we will supply these for your building upon your request with your order at no extra charge.
Waht are your payment terms?
50% on placement of your order and 50% 7 days prior to delivery or collection of your building.
Can I pay by Credit Card?
You can make payment by VISA, Delta or Mastercard credit card but a surcharge of 2.5% will be added to any payments by credit card to cover their charges. The 50% payment due 7 days before delivery/collection can be paid by credit card (+2.5% surcharge) or cash/ bankers draft on collection/delivery of the frame to site. Please note after 13/01/18 new changing legislation will mean we shall not not be able to accept credit cards, however all other forms of payment mentioned above will still be accepted.
Once I have placed my order will there be any additional charges?
There may be additional charges if you have changed your mind on the design and the new design is more expensive than the original or materials have already been purchased for your original design.
How long does it take for the building from placement of my order to delivery?
On average it takes 4-6 weeks
Responsibly sourced Oak
We only use green oak sourced from recognised sustainable F.S.C. and P.E.F.C. certified forests. Green oak has the lowest embodied energy of any primary building material. Materials used in green building are eco-friendly and help lessen the impact of the building on the surrounding environment.
Compared with traditional brick buildings, oak framed structures are ‘dry build’ thereby saving on gallons of water normally used on a building site. They are considerably quicker to construct on site which means they are also more cost effective. When using ‘green’ unseasoned oak the timber contracts, tightening the joints to give a superbly strong structure which will endure and be admired for many years to come.
Terms & Conditions
Before ordering a building with Oak Designs we recommend that you read through our terms and conditions so that we you can align your expectations with ours. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service, support and communication, however it isn't always possible to inform our customers of every detail in the ordering, delivery and build process. By reading our T&C's this may help with any unanswered questions.
Terms & Conditions. PDF