Quick project checker
Should you configure online or send it in first?
Answer a few practical questions about location, height, use, boundaries and accommodation. We will suggest whether this is a straightforward configurator route or a project to review before pricing.
How to read the result
The checker is looking for consent and specification triggers.
A SIP shell can be priced quickly when the use, height, footprint and boundary position are clear. The result becomes more cautious when the answers suggest planning permission, Building Control, structural design or local restrictions may affect the project.
Lower-risk route
Usually means a detached, non-sleeping garden room or workshop where the location, height, floor area and boundary position look straightforward for the selected UK nation. You can normally start with the configurator and then ask us to check the final layout.
Needs checking
Means one answer is close to a common threshold, such as boundary distance, floor area, roof height, uncertain sleeping use or customer-facing use. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different planning and building-control wording from England and Wales, so location matters.
Higher-risk route
Means the project is more likely to need drawings, Building Control input, planning advice or structural review before ordering. Typical examples are annexes, extensions, sleeping accommodation, larger buildings and restricted sites.
Height and boundaries
The boundary position can control the usable height. England and Wales commonly use a 2m boundary test. Scotland uses a 1m boundary test for the 2.5m height limit. Northern Ireland Class D uses a 2m boundary check where eaves should not exceed 2.5m.
Floor area and Building Control
Small detached outbuildings are often simpler, but thresholds differ by nation. England and Wales commonly use 15m2 and 30m2 checks; Scotland uses building warrant guidance; Northern Ireland uses its own exemption wording for single-storey detached buildings up to 30m2.
Use matters
A hobby room, home office, annexe, extension and customer-facing salon are not the same risk profile. The checker uses intended use to decide whether online checkout is sensible.
Important note
This checker is guidance only. It does not grant planning permission, Building Control approval or structural approval. If you are unsure, check with your local planning authority, Building Control or a suitably qualified professional before ordering.