Passmores Timber Buildings

British makers of timber garages, sheds & pavilions since 1901. Built in Kent with care, tradition & quality.

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Passmores Guide To Prefabricated Garages

What is a prefabricated garage?

With more than a century of experience, you can be confident that when you choose Passmores for a timber garage, you’ve selected the right partner. We provide a comprehensive range of timber buildings, including prefab garages.

A prefabricated garage is a garage that is constructed in a factory and delivered to your location as a complete kit rather than being erected on site. If you believe one of our ready-made garages suits your requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can organise manufacturing and delivery at your convenience.

Types of Prefab Garages

At Passmores, we cater for every customer’s needs. Whether you require a double garage to accommodate your classic cars, or a triple garage with generous space for vehicles and a workshop area, we can provide the solution. Perhaps you’re seeking a single garage as your personal retreat away from the house — a well-constructed, solid garage can be transformed into anything from a ‘man cave’ to a home office or even a garden bar.

You can select from numerous different designs and roof coverings. We can finish the roofs of our wooden garages with various styles to choose from, providing a more premium and superior appearance to your garage whilst ensuring longevity. We can also install a felt roof on your wooden garage which delivers excellent value for money. If you’re unsure about the ideal type of prefab garage for your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can discuss all available options.

Benefits of timber prefab garage versus concrete

At Passmores, we are the UK’s leading timber garage manufacturers. Timber is considerably more aesthetically appealing than concrete and represents a far superior environmental choice.

Previously, bulky concrete garages were constructed adjacent to existing homes, creating an eyesore whenever you needed to park your vehicle. A timber garage introduces a much more refined feel to your outdoor home environment, and the exceptional build quality of our sustainable garages is evident. Through our ability to custom design and install your timber garage to complement your home’s style and available space, you are assured of creating an area you will truly appreciate.

Prefab garage features

We offer an extensive range of free-standing prefabricated wooden garages for purchase. Our traditional garages are available in 30 standard dimensions from 4.8m x 3.0m (16' x 10') to 7.2m x 7.2m (24' x 24'). Whether you require a single bay timber garage, two bay double garage, or even a timber triple garage, there will undoubtedly be an outbuilding perfectly suited to you and your property.

Our timber clad garages serve multiple purposes: everyday vehicle storage, classic car housing, garden machinery storage, or workshop space. To explore our design range, numerous size and style options are available in our wooden garage gallery.

Every sectional garage we produce can be specified with a 22° pitch boarded and felted roof or with a steeper angle to accommodate conventional tiles or slates. Standard roof pitch for slates and interlocking concrete tiles ranges from 25°- 30° and 35° for plain tiles (maximum pitch on 7.2m (24') span is 30°).

Materials

At Passmores, we take pride in creating exceptional quality products through sustainable and environmentally conscious methods. We hold certification from the Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Scheme (FSC) and guarantee that our timber is sourced from the finest possible environment. This ensures that all timber purchased from Stenvalls, our primary supplier, can be traced directly back to sustainable forests in Northern Sweden.

When selecting a timber garage, customers should consider not only whether their timber garage offers good value for money but also whether the materials used in construction originate from genuinely sustainable sources.

We value our FSC credentials not only because the trademark receives endorsement from major environmental organisations like Greenpeace and WWF, but because it means our customers can have complete confidence knowing they have purchased both a quality product and reduced their environmental impact in doing so.

Prefab garage costs — Are prefab garages more economical?

Our wooden garages provide an affordably priced alternative to brick or concrete block garages. Pricing for a single wooden garage at Passmores begins at £3,788 with boarded and felted roof. For a large double garage, complete with assembly service and tiled roof, pricing ranges between £7,000 and £11,000. In comparison, a similarly sized unit in brickwork or fully oak framed construction would likely cost three times as much.

Prefab garage planning permission

Generally, single storey timber garages don’t require planning permission provided they are under four metres in height. Frequently, garages can be constructed under ‘permitted development’ when positioned more than two metres from a boundary and not located in front of the house’s principal elevation. They should also not occupy more than 50% of garden space alongside other outbuildings.

If these criteria cannot be met or if your property is listed or situated in a designated area such as a national park, you’ll likely need to apply for planning permission. Building regulations approval is also required if your garage exceeds 15m² in floor area and is within 1m of a boundary, or surpasses 30m² in floor area.

We advise all customers to understand what local authority permissions they require before proceeding with their timber garage purchase. Passmores can provide assistance with planning and building regulation enquiries, and our in-house draughtsmen can produce technical drawings for your application when required. For additional information, please visit planningportal.co.uk where you’ll discover helpful guides.

How prefab garages are delivered

Your prefabricated garage will arrive on site in kit form, flat packed on a 7.5T or 12T rigid axle lorry. If you’ve purchased Passmores assembly service, this will be performed simultaneously with delivery and typically completed within one day — some larger double garages may require an additional day on site to finish. If you’ve requested roof tiling or slating, this service will be completed several days later. Delivery access for our lorry must be within 20m of your foundation. The garage components are extremely heavy, so our team requires an easy and accessible route to the foundation. When necessary, and for a modest additional charge, we can provide extra personnel and a 4WD vehicle to overcome most site challenges, but if you anticipate requiring this service, please contact us beforehand so we can make delivery as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Create your own prefab garage

If you admire the appearance of a Passmores timber garage but wish to try designing your own, you can visit our garage builder tool. The garage builder will also provide you with an immediate quote for the garage you’ve designed, delivered to site as a kit, enabling you to assess your investment and make any modifications that suit your requirements and budget.

Ways to make your prefab garage work for you

A prefabricated garage presents the ideal opportunity to create additional space for your home. Whether you’re planning to build a home gym, home office, studio, pool house, or even a garden pub to entertain friends, a prefabricated garage is the optimal way to achieve this. You can transform our prefabricated garage into your ideal workshop or games room. The possibilities truly are endless when it comes to your prefab garage and its potential uses.

Prefab garage examples

We have utilised our prefabricated garages to create numerous different functional buildings. We’ve constructed a pub and restaurant for the Goodwood Revival, built a sales office for an Aston Martin showroom, and even supplied a dozen of our prefabricated buildings which were used on set during filming of the BBC production “Taboo” starring Tom Hardy. Our prefabricated garages are genuinely versatile, so you can let your creativity flourish when considering ways to customise your prefab garage.

Where to buy a prefab garage?

You can purchase your timber garage online using our calculator design tools, place an order by telephone on 01634 290033, or visit our display village in Kent to examine the available timber buildings and place an order with our on-site staff. If you have any questions or enquiries about purchasing a prefabricated garage, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re delighted to assist.

For more information on our timber buildings, you can follow us on Facebook or YouTube. You can also view our brochure here.

Guide written by Stuart Slaughter, MD of Passmores.

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Smart Downsizing Solution: Multi-Purpose Timber Building Maximises Space in Guildford

When life changes, your property needs should evolve too. When they downsized from their family home to an adorable two-bedroom cottage in Guildford, a Surrey couple found out that they needed more room.

The Challenge: Making Small Spaces Work Harder.

After their kids grew up and moved out, this couple down-scaled into a cottage that better suited their lifestyle. But there was a major snag – I storage space shrank dramatically, and I had no desk, said our customer.

With the lack of space becoming an issue, they found that a timber building from Passmores that would meet their needs instead of accepting a compromise.

The Solution: A Multi-Functional Masterpiece.

We collaborated with our design team to develop a custom timber structure to help solve their lack of space. The custom build features.

Garage designed to accommodate a vehicle.

The building includes storage space attached to it.

A studio space that was converted was turned into a home garage workshop by the owners.

Design Excellence That Stands the Test of Time.

Over ten years ago a Passmores installation was fitted in Guildford that has stood the test of time. The building has period wooden windows (today we usually use customised PVC windows for better performance) and a natural slate roof that fits in with the existing cottage architecture.

The design was not only clever but also sensitive as it adhered to the strict council standards. Timber building by our team was ensured to harmonise the surrounding and be regulatory compliant.

Customisation Beyond Expectations.

Choose Passmores and the possibilities are endless, says this project. While we did the structural installation and roof installation, the clients did the interior transformation for the wooden flooring, insulation, decoration, etc. which made the entire structure reflect their taste and personality.

The result? A beautiful timber building that blends vehicle storage, workshop space, and flexible living space – just because you’re downsizing it doesn’t mean you can’t have all the mod cons!

Your Space, Your Vision.

Whatever your reason for wanting an extension, whether like this Guildford couple you are going through a lifestyle change or simply want to make more of your property, Passmores can help you realise your dream. We will work with you from the first design consultation right through to the final installation of your timber building.

Need more information? Check out our Prefab Garages Guide here.

Are you ready to discover how a bespoke timber structure can accommodate your needs? Contact our experienced team on 01634 290033 to discuss your unique requirements and discover the possibilities.

You can also view more of our work on Facebook and our YouTube channel.

This article was written by Stuart Slaughter, MD at Passmores.

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From Garage to Dream Workshop: How One Customer Transformed His 3-Bay Carriage House.

Our favourite part of working at Passmores is not only building timber structures of the highest quality but also getting to see what our customers do with them. When Mr Berwick from Suffolk got in touch to share how he has converted his Carriage House building into the ultimate home car workshop, we knew his story would inspire others with their own project.

Finding the Perfect Foundation.

In 2019, Mr Berwick wanted a timber frame garage that will endure the many years to come. He chose Passmores after looking online for their reputation and quality workmanship. In conjunction with our sales team, we outlined his options and explored local planning regulations. We then designed a custom 3-Bay Carriage House together.

Building Beyond Expectations.

Once plans received approval, our team got to work. We installed the building on his land. We also offered construction with a stylish clay-tile rooftop which is effective and attractive in looks. Mr. Berwick's transformation was just beginning.

The Ultimate Multi-Purpose Space.

From garage to what it is today. Buffalo Guy’s owner Mr Berwick has stylishly busy space as a vehicle storage for his classic cars, workshop for restoration projects, and also a workspace for all-year-round. Key upgrades include.

Two sectional steel doors: easy access.

Full insulation throughout.

This system is called air-conditioning, which controls the climate for all seasons.

An area especially provided for detailed jobs

He is presently engaged in a total re-trim of an MGB GT - work that requires a generous amount of space and comfort.

Results That Speak for Themselves.

"The service was very good, good communication," says Mr Berwick, who then commented that the final product was “exactly” what he thought. He liked the fact that we could alter the design to meet his exact requirements.

Three years later, his satisfaction speaks volumes. He is so happy with his Carriage House that he has told his brother-in-law about Passmore and he is going to do the same.

Your Vision, Our Expertise.

The timber building showcases what we can make if we try hard. You could build a plain garage, a workshop or something like his garage, or even a indoor golfing studio – the choice is completely up to you.

If you wish to do some further research then you can read our Guide to Prefabricated Garages here.

Ready to explore what's possible for your property? Our professional team will walk you through each step of the process from a to z. If you live within 150 miles of our Kent facility, we will fully assemble your product for you. Alternatively, you can opt for a self-install kit.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your Carriage House Timber Garage or Workshop project!

This article was written by Stuart Slaughter, MD at Passmores.

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Customer Case Study: 3-Bay Timber Garage in Godalming, Surrey

We were approached by a client in Godalming, Surrey, who was contemplating a three-bay timber garage to serve as additional storage for garden equipment and a car workshop area within the grounds of their listed property.

They also sought to safeguard their vehicles as several substantial oak trees were overhanging their driveway. We collaborated closely with the client to create a building that harmonised beautifully with the aesthetic character of their street and the surrounding listed buildings.

The three-bay garage was finished with handcrafted clay tiles that complemented the local architectural style perfectly. Our superior quality pressure-treated weatherboard integrates seamlessly with their countryside setting and remains maintenance-free for many years.

The outcome

The client was thoroughly pleased with their new timber building, Passmores' craftsmanship and the efficiency of the construction process. The client's garden equipment is now securely housed in a dry environment, and their vehicles are protected from potential damage caused by falling debris from overhanging trees.

At Passmores, we strive to create timber buildings and garages that enhance properties and their surroundings, whilst keeping our clients' requirements at the forefront of each project.

This article was written by Stuart Slaughter, MD at Passmores.