Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we try to answer some of the questions people have when thinking about buying a garage, and also some questions they may have about the building they already own.

If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here, don’t hesitate to call us on 01386 430 121 and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

Clear Your Gutters to Prevent Damages

Leaves & debris can block up your gutters which over time which can cause costly damage. Blocked guttering will cause leaks and overflow, Water overflowing onto your concrete panels, fascias and brickwork can cause mould and damp issues, which can erode brickwork, mortar and especially wooden fascias. Our innovative system of aluminium base plates does help ensure the water ingress is kept to a minimum but sustained rainfall will mean the materials do absorb water especially if you have a blocked gutter as the water will be dripping at the same point consistently. Therefore to prolong the life of your garage, regularly clean your gutters to ensure the best flow of the water from the roof into the drains.

What causes condensation?

Where the exterior finish of the dwelling is rendered, our interlocking panels are the only type that can be rendered to match the existing house without the prospect of the seal between the panels opening up with time. All our panel garages feature the exclusive tongue-and-groove construction system originally developed by Marley.

Where the property is of brick construction, the front pillars either side of the garage door can be finished in mock brick. Most manufacturers provide only one finish. With Leofric/Mayfair there are six wall finishes available, including natural Cotswold and Mendip stone.

Today’s home buyer is well aware of appearance, or shall we say, “kerb appeal”. Estate agents have commented that a cheap looking garage can hold the price of a property down, whereas our Heritage Model with it’s side-to-side roof ridge, will add as much as three times it’s cost in many locations.

Do I need planning permission?

Usually, in the majority of situations, no. Planning permission is not normally required due to the nature of our product, i.e. “portable sectional building” – providing the garage is within certain size limits which in turn are governed by the size and other aspects of your property. The usual criteria to meet to avoid planning permission are…

• The proposed garage is not in front of the building line.
  
• The proposed garage is under 30 sq. metres and under 70 cubic metres.
  
• Your property is not in a Conservation area or a listed building.

We can give guidance, but we suggest that you talk to your local planning officer if in doubt. Also recommended is the booklet: “Planning A Guide for Householders” by the Department of the Environment. It may be available in your local library.

You may need permission if you intend to use your garage for commercial use (e.g. a garage for a commercial vehicle or a workshop for a small business), or if it goes against original planning permission for the house. Note that we can provide plan and elevation drawings for your local authority planning department. Please contact us for details.

Useful link: Planning: A Guide for Householders ( Updated 2011 )

What sort of base do I need?

All our buildings require a concrete base on which to stand. You can get our standard base drawing here. The base on which the garage is to stand must be 6 inches (152mm) wider and longer than the external dimensions of the building itself. It must also be flat, level and square and this can be achieved by using shuttering and, as the concrete is poured in, by using a level board across the width of the base to tamp flush as you go.

Unfortunately, we do not provide a base-laying service.

Can you arrange removal of my old garage?

Phone us, for a quote.

Yes, here are the links to the manuals.

Download one of the following manuals

Fairford 60

Fairford Shed

SecuraShed

Can my garage be increased in size at a later date?

Thanks to our unique concrete panel systems, expansion is usually possible, especially lengthwise. Our pitched-roofed garages lend themselves to extensions to either the front or the rear, but a flat roofed garage using our post-and-panel system can only be expanded to the rear, with a maximum length of 24ft 8in (7518mm).

Please note, however, that specifications are liable to change over time – e.g. roofing materials may change, and therefore future extensions to your garage may not be straightforward. We would therefore recommend that you plan ahead and buy a bigger garage than you currently require, to allow for future needs.

Can you help me find a spare part for a garage I ‘inherited’ from previous owners?

We only supply parts for garages we manufacture. The first step to consider is whether your garage (or workshop/shed) is one that we made. If so, please also consider that often it would be far cheaper for you to get some items from a local builders merchant if possible, as anything we supply would obviously incur a carriage charge.

I have lost the key to my garage, can you supply me with a replacement?

We can only supply keys for the garages we have sold. We have limited stocks of keys, so please call us to ascertain the availability of the key you require. Before phoning, please obtain the key number which is on the face of the lock.

We charge £10.00 per key.

Will my 4 x 4 fit in one of your garages?

Our pitched-roof post and panel garages can be increased in height to accommodate even the tallest vehicles. Our models can be supplied to give a door clearance of 7ft 7ins (2311mm) (7ft 9.25in (2369mm) for timber folding doors), and our other models can even be supplied to give a door height of 9ft 6.25in (2902mm)!

I already have a garage. Is it one you manufactured?

We can probably help you to identify the original manufacturer of your garage. Before calling us, measure the width and height of the panels, and the height to the top of the wall. Also, note whether your garage has an apex or flat roof, and what the internal and external wall finish is.

Why are your garages better than your competitors?

We believe the quality of our garages far exceeds that of our competitors. Our Mayfair range of garages cannot be matched in specification. Features include:

• Thicker panels
  
• Five different finishes
  
• Stronger roof purlins and trusses
  
• 7ft high panels as standard
  

These features are also to be found on our Leofric “Banspar” range of garages – Cornwall, Avon, Worcester, Severn, Surrey and Sussex. For more information on all our concrete panel systems, visit our concrete panel system page.

Where can I see one of your garages?

On our site.

How long will I have to wait for my garage?

Typically, from the time we receive your order, delivery is 4 weeks for our Leofric range, and 5 for our Mayfair range. We are the fastest in the country!

Can I erect my garage myself?

Whilst we offer a complete erection service, for the enthusiastic DIYer, on many models, self-erection is an option.

Who, or what, is “Leofric”?

Leofric was an 11th Century Earl of Mercia, husband of the famous Lady Godiva. The founders of our company selected a name that reflected our ties with the city of Coventry, in the heart of the industrial Midlands.

What is the warranty of the building?

Leofric buildings are the market leader in quality and integrity. With our unique tongue and groove system technology and post and panel construction, our buildings are built and assembled in parts, thus ensuring costs are kept down and quality is kept up. We are constantly looking for new, innovating ideas to improve our product.

All Leofric buildings come with an industry leading 15 year structural guarantee, from the date of installation, showing the faith we have in our product and also helping customers to have the security of knowing that any problems which affect the structural integrity of the building will be rectified, subject to terms and conditions.