One of the best decisions I’ve made in recent times is to have a garden building installed. I thought it would be useful to share my experiences because if I hadn’t already got one I would definitely be planning to now and I know that many of you are also now thinking this way.
These are the benefits I’ve found:-
Firstly and most importantly It’s enabled me to build my Personal Training business and whilst I could have continued to use the local sports centre it’s a much nicer, cleaner (6m x 4m) space and you don’t have to share equipment.
Secondly it’s enabled both Jules and I to really build our strength. Whilst you can do a certain amount with bodyweight exercises it is better to have some free weights and other equipment. It’s particularly important to build muscle and maintain strength as you get older because naturally age robs us of these. We have a Concept 2 rower and an assault bike in there as well so it’s useful for offering year round options to keep your cardiovascular fitness high which is important for good heart health. The gym is also becoming attractive to our boys as they get older and to support their sports.
Thirdly as a very keen cyclist it allowed me to train hard over the winter. I have a Wattbike Atom and it’s been brilliant for relatively short focused sessions listening to music and various podcasts.
Aside from the fitness benefits I also use it as my office and frankly just as a place to chill out. In the lockdown it’s been especially helpful in allowing everyone more space.
Looking further ahead we see this is a room the kids can use and we can always retreat to should my business expand and move off site. The space will evolve with us.
Of course there are garden buildings and garden buildings. Some are little more than flimsy sheds costing a few thousand pounds whilst others are works of art. I had dreamt and visualised my building over many years and as I continued to explore the possibilities the market started to expand dramatically and there are now lots of options to cater for all budgets. That’s great news but with a bewildering amount of choices that can look quite similar it has become ever more important to understand the potential limiters of some providers.
Personally, I was really fearful of spending a lot of money and getting it horribly wrong. That would have been a disaster given I spend so much time in the space. However I’m very happy to have, in my opinion at least, got it very right and 18 months on I’m still delighted with my decision.
This was my thought process:-
I ruled out some of the more fancy London options as they seemed too grand and frankly over priced even if I’d had the budget.
I ruled out other cheaper options due to lack of quality and, in my opinion, appalling aesthetics.
I ruled out further options including some local ones and the largest and most prominent on social media because whilst a very solid choice for many they were a bit too beige and not able to quite provide the options that matched my needs.
Then I ruled out any that didn’t provide what is known as a turn key proposition. Basically I wanted the company to take care of everything including planning (if needed), site clearance, assembly and installation including all electrics and any other services. Many providers do not or will not do it all because they lack the knowledge or the skills.
Finally I decided to go with a company called My Eco Space - I liked what I saw on their website so the first hurdle was cleared. I then spoke with Kevin Moore the owner and his obvious passion and customer centric approach persuaded me to put my trust in him!
My Eco Space take care of everything. They will spend as long as you need to help your understand everything and to help you shape your plans free of any obligation which I consider great business. In terms of the shape, size and finish or the building you can basically have what you want and are not forced to cut corners and dream smaller.
When it came to the actual build I also found the process to be smooth and problem free. Whilst the cost was at the higher end of my budget - they are a higher end provider - I consider that my building has been excellent value for money and I don’t have any doubts that I made the right decision. We love our home and this building has only made us love it more.
If you are thinking about a garden building these are some of the things to consider:-
What will you use it for? (If you want to use it as a gym you will need specialist flooring)
Do I need planning permission if the height goes over 2.5m?
Can I build under permitted development rights?
Will I need a certificate of lawful development?
Where to site in garden to get the most from gym and garden?
Are foundations and electric connection included?
Dimensions?
Do I have clear access for the builders?
How close to the boundary can I go?
Will I need a building certificate?
Type of design to suit requirements?
Do I need connection to sewer and running water?
Type of heating / air conditioning?
Doors-French or bi-folding?
Budget?
Timelines?
So there is quite a lot to think about but the right company will be able to provide the answers. They will give you their time and expertise free of obligation and won’t try and push you into making a decision sooner than you want to.
So I hope this is helpful. I’d highly recommend getting a garden building. Some of you I know from personal experience have fantastic gardens and I genuinely think it will be transformational in terms of how you enjoy your home. I liked mine so much in fact that a few weeks ago, and actually after I first drafted this article, I phoned Kevin and offered to help promote My Eco Space - an offer which he accepted.
So if you think it is something you want to know more about then please come and have a look at our building either in person or remotely. I’d be delighted to listen to, and discuss your plans, without any obligation and if appropriate I can then introduce you to Kevin should you wish to consider a proposal from My Eco Space.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions please feel free to ask them by replying to this article or message me directly.
Play well.
Phil
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