Ecco Sheds & Lofts
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about our bespoke timber buildings. Need more? We're happy to help.

Do you deliver and install the buildings yourselves?

Yes. We never use third-party couriers and we absolutely do not sell flat-packs. Every bespoke shed, summer house, and garden room is pre-assembled in our Ripley workshop to ensure a perfect fit. It is then loaded onto our own vans, delivered to your property, and professionally erected by our dedicated installation crew.

How long does a bespoke build take?

Because we don't pull boxes off a factory shelf, lead times vary depending on the season and the complexity of your custom build. Once we have your exact requirements, we will give you a clear, honest timeline from the manufacturing stage right through to your installation date. We keep you updated every step of the way.

Do I need to prepare a base for my shed or summer house?

Yes. To ensure your heavy-duty timber building lasts a lifetime, it must be built on a solid, perfectly level base—ideally concrete or heavy paving slabs. If your garden is uneven, on a slope, or you only have a grass lawn, please let us know. We can supply and install a heavy-duty timber sub-frame to create the perfect level foundation.

Will I need planning permission?

In most cases, no. We specifically design the vast majority of our pent and apex garden buildings to sit comfortably under the 2.5m maximum height limit. This means they usually fall under your Permitted Development rights. However, if you want a particularly large build, or if you live in a conservation area or a listed property, we always recommend double-checking with your local authority.

Can I customise the size, doors, or window placement?

Absolutely. Because we manufacture everything from scratch, we build to your exact measurements. If you need an awkward 9x7ft footprint to fit a specific patio, extra-wide double doors for a ride-on mower, or windows placed on a specific side to catch the evening sun, we will build it exactly how you want it.

What kind of timber do you use? Is it treated?

We only use premium, slow-grown Scandinavian timber featuring thick, heavy-duty shiplap cladding. We refuse to use cheap OSB boards—our roofs and floors are solid timber. All our structural framing and external cladding are fully treated to protect against rot and the British weather. We do recommend applying a high-quality wood preservative annually to keep your building looking its best for decades.

What areas do you cover?

Our manufacturing workshop is based in Ripley, Derbyshire, making the East Midlands our heartland for quick deliveries and site visits. However, our installation teams regularly travel nationwide across England, Scotland, and Wales. Simply provide your postcode when requesting a quote, and we will calculate a fully transparent delivery and installation price. (See our Areas we cover page for more details).

Do your buildings come with a guarantee?

Yes. Because we use thick framing and premium materials, our bespoke builds are designed to stand the test of time. All our buildings come with a solid guarantee (full details are provided in your quote and our terms and conditions). We keep detailed records of every single build we do, meaning we are always accountable and ready to honour our warranties.

What if I have narrow or restricted access to my garden?

Because we pre-assemble our buildings in large, heavy-duty sections at our Ripley workshop, we need a clear route to carry the panels into your garden. If you have restricted height access (like a brick archway), sharp corners, or if the building needs to be carried through your house, you must let us know during the quoting stage. Because we build to order, we can often manufacture the panels in smaller modular sections to navigate tight spaces, but we need to plan for this in advance.

Do you dismantle and take away my old shed?

Yes, we offer a full removal and disposal service for your existing timber building. Because removing an old structure requires extra time on-site and commercial disposal fees, this is an additional service that must be quoted and agreed upon in advance. Just let us know you need your old shed taken away when you request your custom quote, and our team will handle the entire process—from tearing down the old flat-pack to professionally installing your new heavy-duty building.

Are your sheds secure enough for expensive tools and bikes?

Absolutely. Mass-produced flat-pack sheds are notoriously easy to break into because they use thin framing and cheap overlap wood. Our heavy-duty sheds are built differently. We use thick, interlocking Scandinavian shiplap, heavy-duty structural framing, and solid timber doors. We fit heavy-duty, galvanised hinges and robust locking systems as standard. If security is your top priority, we can even build your shed entirely windowless so your valuable tools and bikes remain completely out of sight.

Can I use my summer house all year round?

A standard timber summer house is a fantastic space for spring, summer, and autumn. However, if you are looking for a true year-round space—like a home office, a garden gym, or a winter retreat—we highly recommend upgrading to one of our fully insulated garden rooms. These feature thick thermal insulation in the walls, floor, and roof, paired with premium double-glazed UPVC windows and doors to keep you warm in the depths of winter.

How do payments and deposits work?

Because every single Ecco Sheds building is made strictly to order based on your custom dimensions and choices, we take an initial deposit to secure your manufacturing slot in our workshop and order your materials. The final balance is only due once our dedicated fitting team has delivered and professionally installed your building to your complete satisfaction.

Can't find what you need? If you have a specific custom build in mind or an awkward garden space to fill, just contact us. We are always happy to talk timber.

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