Call it a granny annexe or a garden annexe, when it comes to annexe installation, the iHus team is here to make your life easy.
We pride ourselves on the support we offer throughout the entire project for every single build we deliver. From the initial idea and discovery as you look for inspiration, right through to handing over the keys and the follow on support – we offer a full turn-key solution that gives you everything you need for your new home.
In this blog, we look at a number of the stages that take place as we deliver an annexe project. Your annexe is individual to you, but having built over 400 annexes to date we have the experience needed to help bring your idea to life
The Initial Annexe Idea
When you first come up with the idea of an annexe it may be that it is a necessary requirement – perhaps you are tired of a large empty house and want to be closer to family, it may be that a family member of yours is struggling to live independently and needs extra support. In some occasions you may be looking for an annexe on your property because you have children that are old enough to “fly the nest” but aren’t able to because of financial reasons or need additional support themselve.
Whatever the reason – when you have that initial spark of an annexe idea, you’re at an incredibly exciting time. You have a blank canvas in front of you and its time to start putting some colour to it.
Our blog is a great place to start for inspiration. Here we have a host of resources from tips for living in the garden and ideas for style tips through to more practical advice on energy efficiency. You can use this resource to gain new ideas and start to put pen to paper before getting in touch with the ihus team.
Contacting iHus
Your first contact with us may be a call, an email or a simple brochure download to find out more. We’ll be on hand to answer your every question and we’re sure you’ll have plenty.
On the initial call we’ll find out more about your property and the space you have to understand the options that are available. You’ll be amazed at the spaces we have worked with, some huge, and others smaller than you may think. It all comes down to the right assessment and planning.
Following our call we’ll come and visit you on site to “measure up”. Here we’ll understand further detail about the lay of the land and how your proposed dreams can come to life.
After our meet we’ll send you your official quote. Our guarantee means that once you’ve agreed it – if you don’t get planning permission you’ll get a full refund.
Gaining Successful Planning Permission
This can often be thought of as the big one. Getting planning permission for granny annexes is not a simple task but luckily we have a team of experts that deal with this day in and day out. Understanding your local authority, the rules and what you need to do to meet them, we’ll advise what we feel is the best path to succes whether you are looking at developing a one bedroom annexe or two bedroom annexe.
We’re often asked if it is necessary to get planning permission in the first place and our answer is always, absolutely yes. However, this shouldn’t put anyone off as working to the right rules, we have a very positive outcome in gaining it.
You can find out more about the granny annexe planning process in our blog.
While we’re seeking planning permission for you, you get the real treat of choosing how it all looks.
From the interior details to the furnished finishes you will have a great idea of your annexe style. With the range of options we have available to you, we’re bound to make it happen.
Having gained that important planning permission it’s on to the build.
Off-Site Construction
Before we even start at your property we’ll be busy at our factory in Doncaster.
Here we construct your annexe on our factory floor before delivering it to you. There are many tasks involved here, but when it comes to the things that make a big visual difference, it’s the walls that everyone’s talking about.
Our Annexe walls are built using a super-insulated structural timber frame and clad in a Marley Cedral Lap weatherboard as standard. This gives an ihus Annexe its distinct look and its the look you’ll see on builds across our website from happy Annexe owners.
Once the walls and structural items are prepared, it’s time to piece everything together. Think of it a little bit like flat pack furniture but much more sturdy, more luxurious and definitely easier as we’ll be doing the hard work!
Next we load up the lorry that delivers it to your home and deliver it in style ready for the on-site build.
On-Site Annexe Installation and Interior Design
When we start on site its all about the groundworks first of all. Putting everything in place to ensure you have the commodities you need like water and electricity.
Once the foundations are in place and your annexe has been delivered, we put it together and you’ll start to see the construction that is to become your annexe home.
It’s important to us that all the details are right for you and you’ll already have spent time with our team deciding on the finishing touches to make your annexe your own space.
With big patio style glass doors that allow natural light to fill your new home, you can delight in how your annexe looks. Having covered all the details with you from the kitchen design, bathroom requirements and the paint colours that make your place your own from the living space to the bedrooms – no two annexes are the same.
One of the most important parts is selecting any additional aids you might need for independent living. From handles for extra support to a wet room instead of a shower – whatever you need, we have it covered.
Handover and Ongoing Support
Once the build is complete and the keys have been handed over – our work doesn’t simply stop there. Our perfect solution of an ihus annexe continues with an excellent service from our experienced team who are here to help with any questions you might have.
Can’t remember how to set the timer on your heating? Don’t worry about it! A quick call to the team will have you going in no time. Whatever your question, practical or otherwise – we’re here to help.
Get in Touch with iHUS
And there you have it: A whistlestop tour on the process involved in Annexe installation. We call it our signature move and we’re proud it makes a difference to so many people’s lives.
Over the past 15 years and 400 installs we’ve refined it – learning each time what makes our annexe owners happy and what makes the perfect build for their life.
We’d love to get involved in your own project. Get in touch with our friendly team today and we’ll be delighted to start the ball rolling.
