THE TEN MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR GARDEN COTTAGES
WHAT SIZES ARE AVAILABLE? We build the cottages using a unique, very efficient modular panel system. The wall panels are built in our shop and then “assembled” as a complete cottage unit at your location. Each panel is somewhat interchangeable and so we can offer 3 different standard sizes: 10’ x 12’, 10’ x 16’ and 10’ x 20’. We can also provide a custom or different dimension, but that often does entail an additional cost.
WHAT KIND OF FOUNDATION DOES IT HAVE? 95% Our cottages are set up on crushed gravel and concrete piers giving you a firm and solid foundation. Some customers already have a concrete slab or stem wall foundation in place, which can be utilized as well, but is not necessary for an installation. The foundation system parts are included with the cottage.
CAN MY COTTAGE HAVE A BATHROOM OR KITCHEN? Our market niche is in designing and delivering a very affordable, gorgeous cottage solution at about 50%+ off a typical retail price. The installation crew that will deliver and install your cottage does not install bathroom or kitchen fixtures, but a complete fixture package can be purchased through Lowe’s Building Materials (or Home Depot) for approximately $1250. This would include a shower, sink, toilet, kitchen counter and hot water heater.
DOES IT HAVE ELECTRICAL WIRING OR CAN IT BE WIRED? The cottage install crew does not do any wiring or plumbing, since this requires separate permits. However, it is very easy to wire and plumb the cottages once they are set up and finished. There is easy access to the inner wall stud system by leaving off or removing the beaded fir wainscot in the interior. It can take as little as one to two days for your handyman or contractor to wire and plumb the cottage.
DO I NEED PERMITS? Almost every city and county has a standard exemption that allows you to have an additional or ancillary building in your yard or on your property. The size allowed varies from city to city and county to county. It is always your responsibility to inquire and confirm the need for permits and to obtain them if required. A standard schematic plan and lay out of the cottage can be provided to you which normally is sufficient to obtain a permit if one is required. You also need to conform to required set backs from property lines. If you choose to have electrical or plumbing work done, permits will be required. The Contractor installing your cottage will be able to pull these for you.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO HAVE THE SITE READY? All that is required is that the site is cleared from any brush or debris and is relatively level (no greater than 6” – 8” variation in elevation).
IS IT INSULATED? WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE? A full insulation package in the walls and ceiling, with a solid, moisture and air vapor barrier in the floor is available as an option at a very affordable price. We also offer additional windows on the side walls, if so desired. Finally, a vaulted ceiling can be an option which involves a cost paid to install crew.
IS THEIR ENOUGH ROOM FOR A LOFT OR VAULTED CEILING? Our cottage roof system utilize pre-fab roof trusses that are very strong and manufactured in our shops. Because a roof truss has cross ties and vertical bracing, it typically would not allow enough room to have a loft area. However, we do have a steeper pitched roof system with a vaulted ceiling available for an additional cost paid to the installation crew which may allow some “loft” space.
DO YOU HAVE FINANCING? No we do not. We are actually a wholesale manufacture that can offer you a factory direct cottage solution at about 50% or less of the typical cost you would normally expect to pay. As such, we are not set up like a retailer would be in offering financing.