Which Oak Frame Garage is Right Form?

When you are considering adding an oak frame garage to your property, there are a few questions to answer and considerations to help you decide which form to go with. Some of the questions come from the size of the property and surrounding land while others are about the uses for the garage now and in the future.

Style considerations

One reason that the oak frame garage is a popular choice for adding an outbuilding is that it can easily be made to fit in with surrounding buildings. This is one of the first considerations when planning a garage – for example, an ultra-modern affair with lots of glass and metal won’t always look right beside a period property.

You may face restrictions if your property is listed or located in conservation or protected areas.

There may even be stipulations that mean you can only add certain types of garage, such as if you live in a conservation area or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The process will be even more complicated if your property is a listed building.

Planning permission

In terms of planning permission, a garage is considered an outbuilding and therefore often falls under the Permitted Development Rights – this means you don’t need planning permission as long as you keep within certain rules.

• No part of the garage can be forward of the front wall of the house
• The garage must be a single storey that is no higher than four metres and a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres
• If the garage is within 2 metres of the boundary, it can be no higher than 2.5 metres
• You can use more than 50% of the land around the ‘original house’ for outbuildings

Building regulations

While planning permission may not apply to your project, building regulations always will. These are more towards the standard of construction as well as fire and safety issues and will need to be complied with or you can run into trouble with the local planning authority.

As long as the garage is less than 15 square metres with no sleeping accommodation, you don’t normally need to apply for building regulations approval. If the garage is up to 30 square meters and more than one metre from the boundary, you may also be exempt if constructed from non-combustible materials.

The benefits of oak

Oak frame garages and other oak buildings have seen a resurgence as timber-frame construction becomes more sustainable. PEFC certified timber ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests.

Oak is naturally strong and continues tightening as it dries, creating an even stronger structure over time.

Styles of garage

There are three main designs for an oak framed garage – one, two or three bays. Variations such as full hip, rear catslide, and gable end styles allow you to shape the look and practicality of your garage to suit your home.

Conclusion

Oak framed garages are a durable, sustainable and visually appealing way to add value and functionality to your home. Many builds can be completed without planning permission using high-quality oak kits.