Philippe's 17th-May-2010-229-March-2104
 
Please find a brief list of FAQs which may be of interest. Please call or use our enquiry form and we’ll do our very best to help with your oak frame project.

What areas do you cover?

We are based in the beautiful New Forest, near Beaulieu in Hampshire. The majority of our oak framed works are concentrated in Hampshire and the surrounding counties of Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and West Sussex, but we design, supply & build oak frames throughout the UK.

It really depends on the size and nature of your oak framed project, as to whether it lends itself to a full build package or a supply only option.

It’s always best to discuss with us at an early stage, as we can advise which build route to take.

Can you do everything including groundwork & electrics?

Our services cover managing the whole process from planning applications through to completion, or simply supplying oak frame kits.

So yes, we can undertake all the build elements such as, foundations, brickwork, carpentry & roofing or supply you a comprehensive oak frame kit with detailed plans and instructions.

The choice is yours and we are here to help you decide.

Do I need planning permission for my oak framed building?

Most modest oak framed garages may not require planning permission and can be built within the guidelines of the permitted development document, but there are a number of factors involved. Please see the following excerpt from the Government planning portal which states;

“You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called “permitted development rights.” They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament.
In some areas of the country, known generally as ‘designated areas’, permitted development rights are more restricted. If you live in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads, you will need to apply for planning permission for certain types of work which do not need an application in other areas.”

Therefore specific questions related to building on your own property are dependent on these various factors such as, local planning restrictions, listed status and previous planning applications.

It really is best to discuss your exact requirements with us, so we can provide the correct advice at an early stage of the project.

Will I need Building Regulations approval?

This is dependent on the type and size of your oak framed project. Most modest garages will not require Building Regulations approval, however there are various factors involved. The extract below is taken from the Government Planning Portal and states;

“Class 6 (Small detached buildings)

1. A detached single storey building, having a floor area which does not exceed 30m2, which contains no sleeping accommodation and is a building—

(a) no point of which is less than one metre from the boundary of its curtilage; or

(b) which is constructed substantially of non-combustible material.

2. A detached building designed and intended to shelter people from the effects of nuclear, chemical or conventional weapons, and not used for any other purpose, if—

(a) its floor area does not exceed 30m²; and

(b) the excavation for the building is no closer to any exposed part of another building or structure than a distance equal to the depth of the excavation plus one metre.

3. A detached building, having a floor area which does not exceed 15m², which contains no sleeping accommodation.

on whether you have a detached single storey building, having a floor area which does not exceed 30m², which contains no sleeping accommodation and is a building:

(a) No point of which is less than one metre from the boundary of its curtilage; and (b) which is constructed substantially of non-combustible material; or

(b) A detached building, having a floor area which does not exceed 15m² and does not contain sleeping accommodation.”

Please find other related information at; https://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/responsibilities/buildingregulations/approvalneeded/exemptions

It really is best to discuss your exact requirements with us, so we can provide the correct advice at an early stage of the project.

Are there set oak frame designs?

All our oak frames are tailored to your exact requirements.

So if you choose New Forest Oak Buildings to supply your oak framed garage or build a green oak frame for your ‘Grand Design,’ it will be a unique & bespoke.

Will I need structural calculations?

If we are involved in a full planning & build package for any oak frame project; our services will include full structural calculations if required for Building Control purposes.

We also supply any required structural calculations to accompany our oak framed kits.

What finish do you recommend for my oak frame?

Our green oak is sawn & milled with sharp machinery which minimises saw marks and provides a relativity smooth surface. During transportation and construction the oak frames can get a little grubby. This can be cleaned off relatively easily by localised sanding, cleaning with oxalic acid or by blasting the oak frame with suitable grit.

In our experience blast cleaning is mainly used on oak frames where it is a requirement for the totally cosmetically ‘clean’ look, such as full frame house projects, conservatories and extensions. Please note that oak blasting is a specialist job, which requires the correct machinery and materials, together with an experienced practitioner.

Each project is different, so please discuss your requirements with us at an early stage.

Do I leave my oak frame to weather naturally?

Yes, we would advise that our oak frames, such as used in garages, outbuildings and other external structures should be left to age naturally. Oak will change from the newly sawn rich honey colour over time and weather to a pleasant natural silvery grey. If you want to keep the oak looking ‘new’ then a maintenance programme and products can be used; however we would advise that accepting the fact that the oak will age gracefully is the best course of action!

We would also suggest that internal oak frames should be left to age naturally.

If you have a glazed oak frame, such as a conservatory, the primary oak frame is usually well protected from the elements by the glazing and the external joinery based system applied. It depends on the external glazing system used, as to being left untreated externally and if a product and subsequent maintenance programme is suggested. Please note that some exposed sites may require an external finishing product.

Please discuss with us at an early stage of your project, to ensure all the details are covered.

Why choose New Forest Oak Buildings?

Why Choose New Forest Oak Buildings? A good question and here are a few good reasons why;

We are focused on supplying the highest quality craftsmen built oak frames.

Our service is backed by over 20 years of relevant oak framing and traditional building experience.

We offer competitive costs for a long lasting natural product; which looks superb and will add considerable value to your home.

We can design, manage and build from initial concept to full completion or simply supply your oak frame in kit form.

We have a no compromise approach which means we care about the details. So you can trust us to give you the right advice from the start.

Built with integrity, passion, creativity, enthusiasm and outstanding value are just a few of the ways our customers describe our work.

Please contact us and discuss how we can help with your oak framed building project.

More questions?

Please talk to us and we’ll do our very best to answer them!