The process
Your Annexe Installation
“Installation – the act of putting something in place so that it is ready for use”
Cambridge Dictionary
Installation is typically the most exciting part for many of our clients! We aim is to ensure that your experience of the installation be enjoyable and interesting, not a trial or test of your endurance
The process of manufacturing and installation swings efficiently into action as soon your design and specification is completed. Once your contract is signed and planning/deposit invoice is paid we will be able to book your installation into our build calendar.
1. Engineering and Structural Calculations
All buildings go through a vital stage with our qualified and specialist engineers and draughtsmen to make absolutely sure that the structure will perform as well as it will look. We carry out a full process of structural design and modelling that includes calculations to work out the optimum specifications for every element of your new home. Your annexe will be subject to Full Building Regulations which gives you added peace of mind that stringent , independent standards are being reached or exceeded.
This structural design is important as it will determine the position and materials used in the structural framework that adds strength and rigidity to the main SIP panel structure. Timber or steel beams are included as required.
This work produces the specification and design of each single piece that combines to make your beautiful new annexe. It is a surprising number of parts that make up each bespoke pre-fabricated kit, each one specially manufactured to exacting tolerances, then marked and indexed ready for packing and shipping to site.
“The attention to detail is evident from day one and no request we made was too much trouble. The onsite build team were considerate and clean even through some bad winter weather, and the level of finish is exceptional.”
PD, Cheshire
2. Procurement
Once we have a full list of the structural elements of your annexe, we order and book any outside-sourced parts, such as the specialist footings. Our procurement manager will next focus on compiling a full list of all the other parts required, from windows and doors to light switches. At this stage we may contact you with a little homework! This is your bespoke new home after all, so we like you to get involved and choose a few of the more detailed elements, to make everything just the way you would like it!
We procure the litres of paint for your walls and the floor finish of your choice. Cables, roof covering, gutters, screws, nails, and glues… all the items are carefully and efficiently quantified, logged and allocated to your own project.
“They could not have been more conscientious if they had been working on their own property.”
DW, Cheshire
3. Delivery
Although we operate throughout the country, we are dedicated to organising the most efficient delivery methods to minimise the carbon footprint of your project and to ensure reliability and efficiency. All of the procured items are carefully loaded onto vehicles and timed to arrive at site in the correct order and in perfect condition. We may need to arrange staggered deliveries when considering the storage space that is available on site and the scale of your project.
Some elements may arrive a couple of days into the installation process to ensure that they are safe from damage. We also consider the access to the site and may need to advise you about the size of delivery vehicles. We will try, whenever possible, to minimise the number of deliveries and any potential disruption to your normal life and that of your neighbours.
“The team worked extremely hard in all weather and were responsive to any questions or concerns we had. They communicated clearly when they needed to and always left things as tidy as possible at the end of the day.”
RK, Farnsfield
4. Installation
It is time to install your new annexe!
On day one of your build your installation team will arrive before the deliveries begin and the team leader will introduce themselves to you.
What do you have to do?
Very little! Before installation begins, we will go through the process with you to ensure that any health and safety issues are covered and that you are aware of any requests that we have. We will have pre-planned the location of the Skip and Portaloo, as well as confirmed the availability of a reliable source of water and power for our team.
We ask that wherever possible you keep children and pets away from the work area and materials under particularly close supervision, for health and safety reasons. We certainly don’t expect you to be the constant supplier of cups of tea and refreshments… it is whatever suits you best . Our installers work hard and are very self-sufficient.
Our goal is to install your new annexe with efficiency and accuracy. We will always work “Swiftly” to ensure there is less invasion to your normal home life, but we will certainly not rush. The quality of your finished building is more important than trimming a day or two off the time on site.
There are always some unpredictable elements of the installation process. Elements such as the weather conditions, and underground conditions and daytime light hours can occasionally affect day-today progress and in turn may mean that we are running a little behind or ahead of schedule. We will keep you posted about progress and enable you to plan your life around us.
“From start to finish everything has gone well with early delivery from a very committed, hard working and professional team. It was a pleasure to have them working here.”
SW, Langley
Here are the key stages that you see as we get to work:
- Main delivery of your building
- Site preparation and installations of footings
- Construction of ring beam and floor structure
- Erection of walls and roof
- Installation of windows and doors
- Roof covering
- First electrical and (where included) plumbing fixes
- Plaster-boarding
- External cladding
- Flooring, decorating and final electrical fixing
- Cleaning and completing
- Handover inspection and instructions
Throughout the build your new annexe will be inspected (typically three times) by the independent Building Control Inspectors.
5. Completion
We clear the site and leave it clean and tidy.
Building your new home will involve a number of weeks of intensive hard work and many tons of equipment and materials moved around your garden. Unfortunately, there may be some marking to lawns and surfaces, but we assure you we will take all sensible steps to ensure that given a little while and maybe some attention, your garden will be back to normal in no time.
