Guides & Advice | Chart Garages

Read our guides & advice about Garages, outbuildings & Workshops

How To Make a Detached Garage Look Like Part of Your Property

Find out how to design and position a detached garage so it feels like a natural part of your property.

Carport Design: Designing a Carport That Suits Your Home

A practical guide to choosing a carport design that suits your home, vehicles and available space.

6 Costly Timber Workshop Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Discover six common timber workshop mistakes and learn how careful planning can help you avoid costly changes after installation.

Garage, Carriage House, Carport, or Workshop?

Explore the differences between garages, carriage houses, carports and workshops, including their uses, layouts and levels of enclosure.

How to Choose the Best Garage Placement on Your Property

A practical guide to choosing a garage position that provides suitable access, fits the property and avoids common site problems.

Building A Garage In Hampshire

Explore timber garage designs and materials for rural, historic and urban properties across Hampshire.

Building A Garage In Surrey

Explore timber garage designs and materials for rural, historic and urban properties across Surrey.

What Makes a Timber Garage Truly Low-Maintenance?

Discover the design features and materials that can make a timber garage easier to maintain over time.

Building a Timber Garage Near a Boundary: Tips To Avoid Issues

Learn what to consider when building a timber garage near a boundary, including height limits, drainage, Building Regulations and neighbour concerns.

Timber Garage Costs In The UK: What You Pay In 2026

A practical guide to timber garage prices, what different garage sizes can cost and the main factors that influence the final quote.

Installing Solar Panels On A Garage Roof: Is It A Good Idea?

Find out whether your garage roof could support solar panels and what to consider before arranging an installation.

Why A Wooden Garage Is A Great Investment

Explore the practical benefits of a wooden garage, from vehicle protection and storage to flexible space and potential buyer appeal.

Building A Garage In The Cotswolds

Explore timber garage designs and materials for rural, historic and period properties across the Cotswolds.

Garage Roof Options: Pros And Cons

Compare the appearance, weight, maintenance needs and main advantages and disadvantages of six popular garage roofing materials.

Parts Of A Garage Explained

A simple guide to the main parts of a timber garage and the purpose each one serves.

Standard Garage Sizes: How To Choose The Right One

A practical guide to UK garage dimensions, with recommended sizes for different vehicles, storage needs and single or double garages.

Wooden Garage Foundations: A Step-By-Step Guide

A simple guide to the main stages of preparing a concrete base for a wooden garage and the details to confirm with your groundwork contractor.

Roller Shutter Garage Doors: Pros And Cons

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of roller shutter garage doors before choosing a door for your timber garage.

Which is the Best Garage For A Country Cottage?

Explore three types of timber building that can complement a country cottage and provide sheltered parking, storage or workspace.

What timber should you use to build a wooden garage

A simple guide to choosing timber for a wooden garage, including framing, cladding, treatment and durability.

Does it cost more to build a bespoke garage?

Learn what makes a wooden garage bespoke, which design choices affect its price and how to control costs without sacrificing the features you need.

Garage Gym: How To Turn Your Garage Into A Gym

Learn how to turn your garage into a home gym, from planning the layout and adding insulation to choosing flooring, storage and equipment.

Electric Charging In Your Garage: Planning Ahead

Learn how to prepare a new garage for electric vehicle home charging, from checking the electrical supply to planning cables and charger placement.

Oak framed garages for conservation areas

Learn how the natural appearance, weathering and traditional materials of an oak-framed garage can complement a conservation area.

The difference between barn and full hips

Learn the difference between barn hip and full hip roofs and discover which design could work best with your timber building and property.

Treated timber for long life wooden garages

Discover how pressure treatment works, why it helps timber last longer and what happens before and after the treatment process.

How Green Are Timber Garages

Explore the environmental benefits of timber garages and the other materials and design choices that affect their overall impact.

Do garages need planning consent?

Find out when garages, carports and carriage houses need planning permission, plus the permitted development limits and exceptions.