FAQ
Q: What are the rules regarding planning permission for cabins, summerhouses and sheds?
A: First of all, it is important to note that UK planning permission laws changed on 1st October 2008. This means that the following rules and regulations apply to any cabins ordered after this date.
It is always a good idea to contact and submit plans to your local County Council Planning Officer before building your cabin to check whether planning permission will be required.
Below is a rough guideline as to the new planning permission rules:
1. The total area of garden covered must not be more than 50%.
2. The building must not be situated further than the front of your house.
3. Overall height from ground level to ridge must not exceed more than 4 metres.
4. Overall height from ground level to ridge must not exceed more than 2.5 m within a 2 m range of any boundary. A building with overall height exceeding 2.5 m in height and placed within 2 m of any boundary will require planning permission.
5. Height of the eaves must not exceed 2.5 m.
6. No verandas higher than 30cm from ground level.
7. On designated land buildings to the side of a property will require planning permission. (Designated land includes National Parks, The Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.)
8. Buildings within the grounds of a listed property will require planning permission.
If you would like further information and advice, please use the links below:
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/media/pdf/6/p/uksi_20082362_en.pdf (Page 6 / Class E)
www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en/1115315233153.html
Please note that Pick It Pack It Send It Ltd Trading as Home and Garden Gifts cannot accept liability for any dispute between customers and local County Council Planning Officials, as the responsibility for obtaining planning permission lies solely with the purchaser. However, it is possible for us to provide technical plans on request for submission to your local planning officer.
Q: What is Infrared heat and how does it work differently in a sauna compared to the traditional steam sauna?
A: Infrared heat is a completely safe form of energy that happens naturally and heats objects directly. Infrared heat is not like ultraviolet rays but a narrow band of energy within the 5 to 15 micron level. This type of energy penetrates up to 45mm deep into the body to increase blood circulation and nourish damaged tissue.
The sun is the primary source of radiant energy, but not all of this energy is beneficial. Although life needs energy from the sun, too much sunlight damages the skin. Infrared heat provides many of the health benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects.
The earliest experience we may have of radiant heat is the day we are born. Some of us as newborn babies are kept warm by radiant heat in hospitals using an incubator.
An Infrared Health Sauna is an area or space that heats its occupant directly with heaters that emit Far Infrared heat. Unlike the conventional sauna, which uses heated steam, an infrared health sauna does not heat the air. The sauna box creates the atmosphere of the sauna while the heaters create the actual sauna effect.
The fact that the temperature is lower and can be controlled with a digital panel allows the toxins in the body to be pushed whilst the person saunas in comfort. You also have the option to listen to your favourite music on the radio or CD, or even read whilst relaxing against the backrest under the colour therapy lighting. Your session should last no more than 30 minutes and be accompanied by a bottle of mineral water for regular drinking.
In short, the benefits of usign an infrared sauna over a conventional steam sauna are:
• The Infrared Health Sauna can be assembled between 15 – 30 minutes
• The Infrared Health Sauna requires no plumbing, wiring or ventilation
• The Infrared Health Sauna will plug straight into a standard socket.
• Use indoors in any room of your choice (but keep away from water).
• Portable and collapsible so it can be taken from one room to another or taken with you if you move.
Q: What are the health benefits of using an Infrared sauna?
A: Our Infrared Health Saunas can have many health benefits, such as:
• Weight Loss
• Pain Management
• Skin Purification
• Detoxification
• Stress and Fatigue Reduction
• Cellulite Control
• Increased Blood Circulation
Our Infrared Health Sauna allows you to detoxify at a cellular level. This means that you can detoxify your body daily from the accumulation of heavy metals including mercury, lead, cadmium, aluminium as well as harmful toxins like cholesterol. You can even detoxify from industrial chemicals as well as arsenic and formaldehyde. The Infrared Health Sauna will help to purify your cells.
Q: Is an Infrared health sauna economical to run?
A: Our infrared health saunas are very energy efficient and use about the same amount of electricity as a hair dryer. The Infrared Health Sauna only takes about 5 – 10 minutes to pre heat as opposed to a conventional sauna, which requires 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Q: Why will my timber product look green?
A: The slightly green colouring of some of our timber products is as a result the chemicals used in the pressure treating process. Please note that this slightly greenish tinge fades over time as the wood is bleached by the Sun, and is nowhere near as strong as a green coloured stain or paint. All of our products are pressure treated in order to make them last longer in the garden and save you the hassle of having to treat the wood annually to help prevent rot.
Q: My log cabin has cracks in the timber. Is this normal?
A: Please note that wood is a living product. Being a natural product, it reacts to changes in atmospheric conditions. Some splitting of the timber (known as shakes) may occur as it expands and contracts with changes of humidity and temperature. This is perfectly natural and does not affect the integrity of the timber or of the structure it is used in. Despite technical drying methods it is impossible to completely prevent some degree of warping, the formation of resin, and cracks - especially on the outside surfaces. This is simply nature at work and therefore should not be considered a fault.
Q: How do I fit roof shingles to my log cabin?
A: For a full explanation of how to install your cabin's roof shingles, please see our Eurovudas guide for the Hexham and Bourne log cabins. Although this contains some information specific to Eurovudas cabins, much of the information applies to cabins from our other suppliers.
Q: What base should I use for a log cabin or shed?
A: All garden buildings will require a firm and level base on which to build. A good quality base is essential to give your building the support required in the event of natural ground movement. An impervious water proof layer will also protect your building from damp and therefore help prevent rot which will ensure the longevity of your building and give you many years of trouble-free enjoyment. The best materials to construct your base from are concrete or paving slabs.
If possible, the base area needs to be exactly the same size as the footprint of the building that is going on to it. This is so that any rain water can drain into the area surrounding the cabin base. If the base is larger than the building footprint, rain water will land on it and splash back against the side of the building, which over time may cause damage to it.
Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you require any further information about this.
