Whatshed.co.uk Review

Based on checking the website Whatshed.co.uk, it appears to be a legitimate and comprehensive review and price comparison site focused on garden buildings in the UK. The platform aims to provide impartial, expert-driven insights to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions for sheds, garden rooms, and other outdoor structures.

Overall Review Summary:

• Purpose: Review and price comparison for UK garden buildings.
• Impartiality: Claims to use industry experts and algorithms for objective analysis.
• Content: Offers detailed product reviews, buying guides, brand reviews, retailer reviews, and discount codes.
• Product Range: Covers garden sheds, storage, rooms, log cabins, summer houses, playhouses, greenhouses, and bin stores.
• Transparency: Highlights its methodology and introduces its “experts.”
• Ethical Stance: Deals with non-edible, practical home and garden items, which aligns with ethical principles.

Whatshed.co.uk positions itself as a go-to resource for anyone in the UK looking to invest in a garden building. Their approach of using “industry experts” and an “algorithm” to analyse products is an interesting angle, aiming to provide a level of impartiality that typical commercial sites might lack. They seem committed to preventing buyers from making poor investments, emphasising durability and value for money. The site’s detailed buying guides for various types of sheds and storage solutions further enhance its utility, guiding users through key features and considerations. This dedication to providing thorough, unbiased information about physical products for practical home use, rather than speculative or entertainment-focused items, makes it a permissible and potentially beneficial resource.

Best Alternatives for Garden Building Information & Retailers:

• Garden Buildings Direct

  • Key Features: Wide range of garden sheds, log cabins, summerhouses, and playhouses; often has sales and promotions; offers customisation options.
  • Average Price: Varies widely, from £200 for basic sheds to over £5,000 for large cabins.
  • Pros: Extensive product selection, regular discounts, option for professional installation.
  • Cons: Delivery times can vary, some cheaper options may not be as robust.

• Tiger Sheds

  • Key Features: Specialises in high-quality wooden garden buildings; offers a 20-year guarantee on many products; uses slow-grown timber.
  • Average Price: Typically mid to high range, from £300 to £3,000+.
  • Pros: Excellent build quality, long guarantees, strong reputation, good customer service.
  • Cons: Can be pricier than some budget alternatives, predominantly wooden sheds.

• Waltons

  • Key Features: Diverse range of garden buildings, including sheds, log cabins, greenhouses, and outdoor living structures; offers free delivery to most of the UK.
  • Average Price: Broad range, from £250 for basic sheds to £4,000 for larger structures.
  • Pros: Variety of materials (wood, metal, plastic), regular promotions, helpful buying guides.
  • Cons: Customer service reviews are mixed, some assembly can be complex.

• Sheds.co.uk

  • Key Features: Focus on providing a wide selection of sheds from various manufacturers; often has competitive pricing; provides detailed product specifications.
  • Average Price: Ranges from budget-friendly (£200) to premium options (£2,500+).
  • Pros: Large inventory, easy comparison of different brands, frequent sales.
  • Cons: Primarily an aggregator, so direct customer support is limited, delivery relies on individual manufacturers.

• B&Q

  • Key Features: Major UK retailer with a wide selection of garden sheds, storage, and other outdoor buildings; offers click and collect, and home delivery.
  • Average Price: Affordable to mid-range, typically £150 to £1,500.
  • Pros: Accessible in-store and online, competitive pricing, often has bundles or deals.
  • Cons: Quality can vary depending on the specific product, less specialisation than dedicated shed retailers.

• Dunster House

  • Key Features: Specialises in larger garden buildings like log cabins, summerhouses, and garden offices; known for robust construction and thicker timber.
  • Average Price: Mid to high range, usually £1,000 to £8,000+.
  • Pros: High-quality materials, durable construction, good for more substantial garden projects.
  • Cons: More expensive, less variety in smaller, basic sheds, self-assembly can be challenging.

• Forest Garden

  • Key Features: UK manufacturer focused on sustainable timber products; offers a range of sheds, storage, and fencing; many products are pressure-treated.
  • Average Price: Mid-range, from £250 to £2,000.
  • Pros: Environmentally conscious, good quality timber, many products come with long anti-rot guarantees.
  • Cons: Slightly less variety in design compared to some larger retailers, some designs are quite traditional.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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Whatshed.co.uk Review & First Look

When you land on Whatshed.co.uk, you’re immediately greeted with a clean, functional interface designed to help you navigate the often-complex world of garden buildings. The site’s primary function is clear: to offer “Expert Reviews of Sheds & Garden Buildings” alongside “8,081 reviews + deals from 223 brands.” This sets the expectation for a comprehensive, data-driven approach to product evaluation. The layout prioritises accessibility, featuring prominent links to various categories like Garden Sheds, Garden Storage, Garden Rooms, Log Cabins, and Summer Houses, ensuring users can quickly find their area of interest.

The homepage also highlights specific deals and “Top 10” products, complete with “Expert Scores” and pricing, such as the 6′ x 4′ Forest Overlap Dip Treated Apex Wooden Shed with an Expert Score of 73%. This instant gratification of seeing reviewed products and associated scores is a smart move, drawing users deeper into the site. The presence of “EXPERT REVIEWED,” “FREE DELIVERY,” and “INSTALATION AVAILABLE” badges adds a layer of trust and convenience, appealing directly to common consumer concerns. WhatShed’s claim to use “industry experts” and an “algorithm to analyse almost every garden building sold in the UK” is a compelling proposition, suggesting a level of scientific rigour in their recommendations. This analytical approach, paired with practical buying guides, aims to demystify the purchasing process for garden structures, which can often be a significant investment for homeowners. Their focus on durable, practical items for home use ensures it remains within ethical guidelines.

Understanding Whatshed.co.uk’s Core Mission

Whatshed.co.uk clearly states its mission: “to use industry experts to help impartiality tell people what is a good product and what is a bad product.” This commitment to impartiality is a critical selling point in a market often dominated by biased manufacturer descriptions. The site aims to prevent consumers from buying products that “drop to bits a year or two later,” a common frustration for buyers of outdoor structures. Their methodology involves taking “expert knowledge” and feeding it into an “algorithm” to perform objective, transparent analysis. This blend of human expertise and data processing is intended to provide a robust framework for their reviews.

Initial Impressions of User Experience

Navigating Whatshed.co.uk is straightforward. The main menu is logically organised, allowing quick access to product categories, Buyers’ Guides, Brand Reviews, and Discount Codes. The visual elements are clean, with clear product images and concise descriptions. The site’s responsiveness on various devices seems adequate, ensuring a smooth browsing experience whether on a desktop or mobile. The presence of specific buying guides like “Garden Sheds: A Guide,” “Plastic Sheds: A Guide,” and “Metal Sheds: A Guide” suggests a deep dive into product types, which is invaluable for a consumer seeking specific information. This structured approach to content delivery enhances the overall user experience by providing organised, relevant information without overwhelming the visitor.

Whatshed.co.uk Features

Whatshed.co.uk offers a range of features designed to empower consumers in their search for garden buildings. Beyond basic product listings, the site delves into comprehensive analysis, leveraging what they describe as expert insights and algorithmic processing. This multi-faceted approach aims to provide users with all the necessary tools to make informed decisions. Interrent.co.uk Review

Expert Reviews and Scoring System

The cornerstone of Whatshed.co.uk’s offering is its “Expert Score” system. This proprietary scoring mechanism, which assigns a percentage rating to products, is purportedly derived from a combination of “industry expert knowledge” and an advanced “algorithm.” For example, you’ll see products like an 8′ x 8′ Forest Premium Tongue And Groove Pressure Treated Wooden Corner Shed boasting a 98% Expert Score, indicating a high level of recommendation. The site explains that this analysis allows them to “objectively, impartially and transparently tell you what industry experts really think about an individual product.” This blend of qualitative (expert opinion) and quantitative (algorithmic processing) analysis aims to provide a reliable indicator of product quality and value. They claim to have reviewed “almost every garden building sold in the UK,” suggesting a vast database of evaluated products.

Comprehensive Buying Guides

Whatshed.co.uk provides extensive Buyers’ Guides for various categories of garden buildings. These guides are not merely superficial overviews but rather in-depth resources designed to educate consumers on key considerations. For instance, the “Garden Sheds: A Guide” covers essential aspects such as “construction types (tongue and groove or shiplap), roof styles (apex or pent), and whether the timber has been treated with anti-rot protection like pressure treatment.” Similarly, the “Plastic Sheds: A Guide” explores the evolution of modern plastic sheds, highlighting their “durable, thick walls crafted from high-quality polymer materials” and the inclusion of “steel-reinforced framing.” These guides serve as invaluable educational tools, equipping buyers with the knowledge needed to evaluate different options beyond just price.

Brand and Retailer Reviews

Beyond individual product reviews, Whatshed.co.uk also dedicates sections to Brand Reviews and Retailer Reviews. This feature is crucial for understanding the overall reputation and service quality associated with various sellers in the garden building market. While the specific details of these reviews are not immediately visible on the homepage, their presence indicates a holistic approach to consumer guidance. Knowing which brands consistently produce quality products and which retailers offer reliable service (including FREE DELIVERY and INSTALATION AVAILABLE where applicable) can significantly influence a purchasing decision. This adds another layer of trust and transparency to the platform, helping users select not just the right product, but also the right supplier.

Discount Codes and Price Comparison

One of the most practical features for budget-conscious consumers is the Discount Codes section. Whatshed.co.uk states that it “regularly keep watch over the most popular shed retailers and regularly keep track of what sales, discount and voucher codes, plus other money-saving deals they are offering.” This includes specific mentions of Tiger Sheds Discount Codes, Waltons Discount Codes, and Sheds.co.uk Discount Codes. By aggregating these offers, the site aims to help users “find the best garden building at the right price.” This commitment to providing real-time savings demonstrates the site’s value proposition beyond just expert advice, directly impacting the consumer’s wallet.

Educational Articles and Resources

Beyond buying guides and reviews, Whatshed.co.uk also provides a section for “More Articles.” These articles likely delve into various aspects of garden building ownership, maintenance, and potentially even legal requirements. For instance, the reference to “Legal Requirements (https://whatshed.co.uk/guides/legal-requirements-for-elevated-playhouses-in-the-uk/)” suggests that the site provides guidance on regulations or best practices for specific types of structures, which can be a complex area for homeowners. This broader content offering enhances the site’s utility as a comprehensive resource, addressing not just the purchase decision but also the practicalities of owning a garden building. Outdoorcanvas.co.uk Review

Whatshed.co.uk Pros & Cons

Every platform, no matter how well-intentioned, has its strengths and weaknesses. Whatshed.co.uk, in its pursuit of becoming the definitive guide for garden buildings in the UK, presents a compelling set of advantages while also having areas that could benefit from further transparency or development.

The Upsides of Whatshed.co.uk

Whatshed.co.uk brings several significant benefits to consumers in the UK market for garden buildings.

Comprehensive and Expert-Driven Information

The site’s core strength lies in its stated commitment to providing expert-reviewed and impartial information. With “8,081 reviews + deals from 223 brands,” the sheer volume of data suggests a wide-ranging coverage of the market. The claim that “expert knowledge is used in an algorithm to analyse almost every garden building sold in the UK” is a powerful promise. This aims to give consumers confidence that they are getting advice based on deep industry insight, not just marketing fluff. For instance, a user looking for a specific type of shed can likely find multiple options reviewed with comparable scores, helping them contrast and compare objectively.

Focus on Durability and Value

Whatshed.co.uk explicitly states, “We don’t want you buying a shed just for it to drop to bits a year or two later.” This commitment to long-term value and durability is a significant pro, especially for larger investments like garden buildings. By highlighting well-built products and warning against inferior ones, they aim to save consumers from costly mistakes and frustration down the line. The expert scores, such as a 98% Expert Score for a premium wooden shed, directly correlate with this emphasis on quality and longevity. This aligns well with ethical principles of consuming products that are durable and contribute positively to one’s life.

Extensive Buying Guides and Educational Content

The availability of in-depth Buyers’ Guides for various categories (e.g., Garden Sheds, Plastic Sheds, Metal Sheds, Garden Storage) is a major advantage. These guides go beyond simple product descriptions, educating consumers on critical factors like “construction types (tongue and groove or shiplap), roof styles (apex or pent), and whether the timber has been treated with anti-rot protection.” This educational approach empowers buyers to understand the nuances of different materials and designs, enabling them to make truly informed decisions based on their specific needs and circumstances. Webuyanyhomeexperts.co.uk Review

Aggregation of Discount Codes and Deals

For the financially savvy consumer, the dedicated Discount Codes section is invaluable. Whatshed.co.uk actively tracks “sales, discount and voucher codes, plus other money-saving deals” from popular retailers like Tiger Sheds, Waltons, and Sheds.co.uk. This centralisation of deals can lead to significant savings, ensuring users not only find the right product but also at the “right price.” This service adds tangible monetary value for the user, differentiating it from platforms that only offer reviews.

The Downsides of Whatshed.co.uk

While Whatshed.co.uk provides many benefits, there are areas where it could enhance its transparency and user experience.

Lack of Direct User Reviews

Despite claiming to have “8,081 reviews,” it’s not immediately clear if these are solely the site’s “expert reviews” or if they incorporate user-generated content. The homepage primarily showcases “Expert Scores” and mentions their internal review process. Without visible user reviews or testimonials on the product pages themselves, the platform misses an opportunity to offer a more holistic view that includes real-world customer experiences. While expert opinion is valuable, many consumers also rely heavily on feedback from other buyers who have used the product. This omission could lead to a less rounded perspective.

Opacity of “Expert” and “Algorithm” Methodology

Whatshed.co.uk frequently mentions “industry experts” and an “algorithm” as the backbone of its review process. While an “About Us” section and a “Meet the Experts” link are provided, the homepage text doesn’t immediately detail the specific criteria or weighting used by the algorithm, nor the credentials of every expert involved in the scoring beyond a broad statement. Greater transparency on how these scores are generated and who precisely constitutes these “industry experts” would further build trust and allow users to understand the methodology behind the recommendations more deeply. For example, knowing if the experts are engineers, carpenters, or consumer product testers would add credibility.

Limited Interactivity on the Homepage

While functional, the homepage primarily serves as an information hub rather than an interactive platform. There’s little in the way of interactive tools or features that might allow users to filter products by specific needs beyond general categories (e.g., filtering by budget, specific dimensions, or material preferences directly from the main page). This means users have to click through multiple pages to refine their search, which could be cumbersome for some. More advanced filtering options could significantly enhance the user’s journey. Toner-partner.co.uk Review

Whatshed.co.uk Alternatives

When it comes to sourcing garden buildings in the UK, while Whatshed.co.uk provides an excellent review and comparison service, there are numerous direct retailers and broader home improvement stores that offer a vast array of products. These alternatives cater to different needs, from bespoke builds to budget-friendly options, and generally align with ethical consumption principles by focusing on practical, non-edible goods.

Dedicated Garden Building Retailers

These companies specialise specifically in outdoor structures and often provide a high level of expertise and customer service, alongside a wide product range.

• Garden Buildings Direct: This online retailer offers a huge selection of sheds, log cabins, summerhouses, and playhouses. They frequently have sales, competitive pricing, and often include options for assembly. Their direct approach means you’re buying straight from a specialist, often with comprehensive product specifications and guarantees.

  • Website: Garden Buildings Direct
  • Key Benefit: Wide variety, frequent promotions, often provide assembly options.

• Tiger Sheds: Known for their quality wooden garden buildings, Tiger Sheds focuses on durable, well-constructed products, often backed by significant guarantees (e.g., 20-year anti-rot guarantee). They pride themselves on using high-grade timber and robust construction methods.

  • Website: Tiger Sheds
  • Key Benefit: High quality, strong guarantees, excellent for long-term investment.

• Waltons: One of the most established names in the UK garden building market, Waltons offers a diverse range of products including sheds, log cabins, greenhouses, and garden storage solutions. They cater to various budgets and styles, with a focus on comprehensive customer support and delivery. Wilsonsworkwear.co.uk Review

  • Website: Waltons
  • Key Benefit: Long-standing reputation, wide product range, regular promotions.

• Dunster House: Specialising in larger, more robust garden buildings such as log cabins, garden offices, and summerhouses, Dunster House is known for its thicker timber and high-quality construction. They often manufacture their own products, ensuring control over the build quality.

  • Website: Dunster House
  • Key Benefit: Premium quality, robust construction, ideal for larger garden structures.

Broad Home Improvement Retailers

These national chains offer garden buildings as part of a much wider product catalogue. While they might not specialise as much as dedicated retailers, they often provide convenience, competitive pricing, and the ability to view products in-store.

• B&Q: As one of the UK’s largest home improvement retailers, B&Q carries a significant range of garden sheds, storage solutions, and smaller outdoor buildings. They offer both budget-friendly options and more substantial structures, with the convenience of in-store browsing and online purchasing.

  • Website: B&Q Garden Buildings
  • Key Benefit: Widespread accessibility, competitive pricing, often has ready-to-assemble options.

• Wickes: Similar to B&Q, Wickes is a prominent DIY and home improvement store that stocks a variety of garden sheds, summerhouses, and timber structures. They often focus on practical, easy-to-assemble options suitable for various garden sizes and purposes.

  • Website: Wickes Garden Buildings
  • Key Benefit: Reliable quality, good for DIY enthusiasts, strong delivery network.

• Homebase: Another major player in the UK home and garden market, Homebase offers a curated selection of sheds, storage, and garden rooms. They often feature designs that blend well with modern garden aesthetics and provide options for delivery and assembly. Belmontfarmandequinevets.co.uk Review

  • Website: Homebase Garden Buildings
  • Key Benefit: Stylish designs, good for aesthetic-conscious buyers, convenient purchasing.

Online Marketplaces

For those looking for a vast selection and competitive pricing from multiple sellers, online marketplaces can be a good option.

• Amazon UK – Garden Sheds: Amazon hosts numerous third-party sellers offering a wide range of garden sheds, storage units, and related accessories. While not a specialist, its vast catalogue allows for easy price comparison and often includes customer reviews.

  

  • Key Benefit: Huge selection, competitive pricing, customer reviews available.

• eBay UK – Garden Buildings: eBay offers both new and used garden buildings from various sellers, including individuals and businesses. It’s a good place to find unique items or potentially better deals, though buyer discretion is advised.

  • Key Benefit: Wide variety, potential for unique finds or used bargains.

How Whatshed.co.uk Pricing Works

Whatshed.co.uk itself is a review and comparison site, meaning it doesn’t sell products directly. Therefore, it doesn’t have its own “pricing” in the traditional sense for the garden buildings it features. Instead, its “pricing” model revolves around presenting the prices of products offered by various retailers, often highlighting discounts and deals to help consumers find the best value. This is a crucial distinction, as users are not purchasing from Whatshed.co.uk, but rather being directed to retailers. Cartextcheck.co.uk Review

Price Comparison and Discount Aggregation

The primary way Whatshed.co.uk deals with pricing is by acting as a price comparison engine. It showcases products from a multitude of brands and retailers, providing their respective prices. For example, on their homepage, you can see a 6′ x 4′ Forest Overlap Dip Treated Apex Wooden Shed listed at £320, down from an original price of £370. This immediately shows the user a potential saving. The site explicitly mentions its role in tracking “sales, discount and voucher codes” from popular retailers. This proactive approach to price hunting benefits the user directly, helping them navigate the market for deals.

Value Proposition: Free Access to Expert Insights

From the user’s perspective, Whatshed.co.uk operates on a free-to-access model. There are no subscription fees or paywalls mentioned for accessing their reviews, buying guides, or discount codes. Their value proposition is clear: they provide expert analysis and price comparison at no direct cost to the consumer. This model is typically supported through affiliate marketing, where the site earns a commission when users click through to a retailer and make a purchase. This arrangement is common for review and comparison sites and is ethically sound, as it incentivises the platform to direct users to genuinely good deals and products.

Transparency in Pricing Display

Whatshed.co.uk displays both the current price and, where applicable, the original price of a product, making it easy to identify discounts. This transparency allows consumers to quickly gauge the potential savings on offer. The prices listed are what the retailers are currently charging, and Whatshed.co.uk’s role is to present these in an organised and comparable format. This means that while Whatshed.co.uk provides the information, the actual transaction and pricing accuracy ultimately depend on the linked retailer.

Whatshed.co.uk vs. Other Review Platforms

In the realm of online reviews, Whatshed.co.uk carves out a niche by focusing exclusively on garden buildings. This specialisation sets it apart from broader consumer review sites or general e-commerce platforms that might offer garden buildings as part of a larger catalogue. Understanding these distinctions helps illuminate Whatshed.co.uk’s unique value proposition.

Specialisation vs. Generalisation

• Whatshed.co.uk (Specialised): Its dedicated focus on garden sheds, garden storage, log cabins, summer houses, playhouses, and greenhouses allows for a depth of knowledge and expert insight that broader platforms simply cannot match. The site can delve into specific construction types, materials, and nuances relevant only to outdoor structures. This specialisation means that the “Expert Scores” and buying guides are likely more granular and relevant to the specific product category. For example, they might evaluate the quality of pressure-treated timber or the efficacy of various roofing materials in detail, which a general review site might overlook.
• General Consumer Review Sites (e.g., Trustpilot, Reviews.io): These platforms host reviews for virtually any product or service. While useful for gauging overall brand reputation or service quality, they rarely offer product-specific expert analysis for niche items like sheds. Reviews are typically user-generated, which can be valuable for real-world experiences but may lack the technical depth or impartial analytical approach claimed by Whatshed.co.uk’s “industry experts.”
• Retailer Websites (e.g., B&Q, Waltons, Tiger Sheds): These sites feature their own product reviews, often from verified purchasers. While these are direct and relevant, they are inherently limited to products sold by that specific retailer and may not offer a comparison across different brands or a truly impartial expert view. Customer reviews can also sometimes be skewed or influenced by sales incentives.

Methodology: Expert Analysis vs. User Aggregation

• Whatshed.co.uk’s Expert-Driven Model: Whatshed.co.uk distinguishes itself by claiming to use “industry experts” and an “algorithm” to generate its product scores. This implies a systematic, professional evaluation process that goes beyond simple user opinions. Their stated goal is to “impartially tell people what is a good product and what is a bad product,” aiming for objectivity rather than subjective customer satisfaction. This professional, analytical approach is a key differentiator.
• User-Generated Review Platforms: Sites like Trustpilot or the review sections on Amazon rely primarily on aggregated user reviews and ratings. While this provides a valuable collective wisdom, it can be susceptible to bias (e.g., highly satisfied or highly dissatisfied customers being more likely to leave reviews), and the quality of individual reviews can vary significantly. There’s no inherent “expert” filter or systematic evaluation in these models.

Price Comparison Integration

• Whatshed.co.uk’s Integrated Approach: Whatshed.co.uk not only reviews products but also actively tracks and displays “discount and voucher codes” from various retailers. This integrated approach saves users the effort of searching for deals on separate coupon sites, directly linking product recommendations with cost savings. This dual function of review and price comparison is highly beneficial.
• Other Platforms: General review sites typically don’t integrate price comparison or discount code aggregation. E-commerce sites show their own prices, but rarely compare across competitors. Price comparison sites like Idealo or PriceRunner exist, but they don’t usually provide the same depth of expert product reviews that Whatshed.co.uk aims to offer specifically for garden buildings.

In essence, Whatshed.co.uk attempts to blend the best aspects of expert review, comprehensive guides, and price comparison, all within a focused niche. This makes it a powerful tool for consumers specifically looking to purchase garden buildings, offering a more tailored and supposedly objective insight compared to more generalised platforms.

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Legal Requirements for Garden Buildings in the UK

When considering purchasing a garden building, it’s not just about finding the right price or the best expert score; homeowners in the UK must also be aware of relevant legal requirements, primarily concerning planning permission and building regulations. Whatshed.co.uk rightly touches upon this, highlighting the importance of understanding these rules, especially for structures like “elevated playhouses.” Ignoring these regulations can lead to costly enforcement actions from local authorities.

Planning Permission Considerations

Many garden buildings fall under “permitted development” rights, meaning they don’t require formal planning permission, but there are crucial conditions that must be met. These conditions vary slightly across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but generally include:

• Height Restrictions: The maximum height for a garden building without planning permission is typically 2.5 metres if it’s within 2 metres of a boundary. For buildings further from a boundary, higher limits apply (e.g., 4 metres for a dual-pitched roof, 3 metres for any other roof). Elevated structures, like tall playhouses, often have stricter height limits.

• Location: The building must generally be located in the rear garden and not forward of the principal elevation (front) of the house. It cannot cover more than 50% of the original garden area when combined with other outbuildings. Billionairejuice.co.uk Review

• Use: The building must be for domestic purposes only (e.g., shed, summerhouse, home office, gym). If it’s intended for commercial use or as a separate dwelling, planning permission is almost always required.

• Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: Stricter rules apply in designated areas such as Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, and for properties that are Listed Buildings. In these cases, permitted development rights are often restricted, and planning permission may be necessary for even small structures.

• Source for detailed planning guidance: Gov.uk – Planning permission: A guide

Building Regulations

Building Regulations are distinct from planning permission and set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure safety and performance. Most garden buildings are exempt from Building Regulations if:

• They have a floor area of less than 15 square metres and contain no sleeping accommodation.
• They have a floor area between 15 and 30 square metres and are at least 1 metre from any boundary, and contain no sleeping accommodation.

However, if a garden building is to be used as sleeping accommodation, or if it exceeds certain size limits or is constructed in a way that affects the structural integrity or fire safety of an existing dwelling, Building Regulations will apply. For instance, if you’re building a large garden room that will be a permanent home office with power and heating, it’s highly likely to fall under Building Regulations. Creatorslondon.co.uk Review

• Source for detailed building regulations guidance: Gov.uk – Building regulations

Responsibility of the Homeowner

It is ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that any garden building complies with local planning and building control requirements. Whatshed.co.uk’s inclusion of a “Legal Requirements” link is a responsible act, guiding users to understand these obligations. Before purchasing or installing a garden building, especially a larger one, it’s highly advisable to:

1. Check with your Local Planning Authority (LPA): A quick call or check of your local council’s planning portal can clarify specific rules in your area.
2. Review the Gov.uk Guidance: The official government websites (Gov.uk) provide comprehensive guides on permitted development and building regulations.
3. Consider Professional Advice: For complex projects, consulting an architect or planning consultant can prevent future issues.

By being mindful of these legal aspects, homeowners can avoid potential fines, forced demolition, or retrospective planning applications, ensuring their garden building project proceeds smoothly and lawfully.

FAQ

Whatshed.co.uk Review

What is Whatshed.co.uk?

Whatshed.co.uk is a UK-based online platform that specialises in reviewing and comparing prices for various garden buildings, such as sheds, log cabins, summerhouses, and garden storage solutions. It aims to provide expert-led, impartial reviews to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Is Whatshed.co.uk a legitimate website?

Yes, based on its comprehensive content, detailed product categories, and clear mission statement, Whatshed.co.uk appears to be a legitimate and functional review and comparison website for garden buildings in the UK.

What kind of products does Whatshed.co.uk review?

Whatshed.co.uk reviews a wide array of garden buildings, including garden sheds (wooden, plastic, metal), garden storage units, bin stores, garden rooms, log cabins, summer houses, playhouses, and greenhouses. Mcmwtuning.co.uk Review

How does Whatshed.co.uk conduct its reviews?

Whatshed.co.uk states that it uses “industry experts” and an “algorithm” to analyse nearly every garden building sold in the UK. This process aims to provide an objective, impartial, and transparent assessment of product quality and value, assigning an “Expert Score” to each item.

Does Whatshed.co.uk sell garden buildings directly?

No, Whatshed.co.uk does not sell garden buildings directly. It operates as a review and price comparison site, directing users to third-party retailers where the actual purchase can be made.

Is there a cost to use Whatshed.co.uk?

No, Whatshed.co.uk appears to be free for users. It provides access to its reviews, buying guides, and discount codes without any stated subscription fees or hidden charges. Its business model is likely based on affiliate commissions from referred sales.

How many brands and products does Whatshed.co.uk cover?

According to its homepage, Whatshed.co.uk covers “8,081 reviews + deals from 223 brands,” indicating extensive coverage of the UK garden building market.

What are “Expert Scores” on Whatshed.co.uk?

Expert Scores are percentage ratings assigned to products by Whatshed.co.uk. These scores are generated through a combination of industry expert knowledge and an algorithmic analysis, aiming to reflect the quality, durability, and value of a garden building. Lakesedge.co.uk Review

Does Whatshed.co.uk offer discount codes?

Yes, Whatshed.co.uk has a dedicated section for “Discount Codes.” It actively tracks and aggregates sales, voucher codes, and money-saving deals from popular garden building retailers like Tiger Sheds, Waltons, and Sheds.co.uk.

Does Whatshed.co.uk provide buying guides?

Yes, Whatshed.co.uk offers comprehensive “Buyers’ Guides” for various product categories such as Garden Sheds, Plastic Sheds, Metal Sheds, and Garden Storage. These guides educate consumers on key features, construction types, and important considerations.

Can I find brand reviews on Whatshed.co.uk?

Yes, Whatshed.co.uk features sections dedicated to “Brand Reviews” and “Retailer Reviews,” which aim to provide insights into the overall reputation and service quality of different manufacturers and sellers in the garden building market.

Does Whatshed.co.uk cover legal requirements for garden buildings?

Yes, Whatshed.co.uk includes content on “Legal Requirements,” such as for elevated playhouses in the UK. This indicates they provide guidance on planning permission and building regulations relevant to garden structures.

What kind of information is in the buying guides?

The buying guides delve into specific details such as construction types (e.g., tongue and groove, shiplap), roof styles (e.g., apex, pent), timber treatment (e.g., pressure treatment), material durability (e.g., steel-reinforced framing for plastic sheds), and security features. Adapt-it.co.uk Review

Are the prices listed on Whatshed.co.uk current?

Whatshed.co.uk aims to keep its pricing information updated, often displaying current deals and discounts. However, as prices are sourced from third-party retailers, their real-time accuracy can fluctuate. It’s always best to verify the price on the retailer’s website before making a purchase.

Can Whatshed.co.uk help me find a specific type of shed, like a bike shed?

Yes, Whatshed.co.uk organises its content by specific types of garden buildings, including “Bike Sheds,” “Bin Stores,” “Plastic Sheds,” and more, allowing users to navigate directly to their desired category.

How does Whatshed.co.uk compare to general review sites like Trustpilot?

Whatshed.co.uk differentiates itself by its niche specialisation in garden buildings, offering expert-led, in-depth analysis. General review sites like Trustpilot aggregate user-generated reviews for a vast range of products/services but typically lack the specific expert insights found on Whatshed.co.uk.

What are some alternatives to Whatshed.co.uk for buying garden buildings?

Alternatives include dedicated online garden building retailers like Garden Buildings Direct, Tiger Sheds, Waltons, and Dunster House, as well as large home improvement stores like B&Q and Wickes.

Does Whatshed.co.uk provide information on assembly or delivery?

While the homepage displays badges like “FREE DELIVERY” and “INSTALATION AVAILABLE,” these refer to services offered by the retailers they review. Whatshed.co.uk itself is a review platform, not a service provider, but it helps guide users to retailers that offer these options. Icmcapital.co.uk Review

Is Whatshed.co.uk suitable for someone new to buying garden buildings?

Yes, with its comprehensive buying guides, expert scores, and detailed product comparisons, Whatshed.co.uk is designed to assist both experienced buyers and those new to purchasing garden buildings, helping them understand key features and make informed choices.

What is the overall ethical stance of Whatshed.co.uk?

Whatshed.co.uk appears to operate ethically by focusing on providing impartial, expert-driven information about practical, non-edible home improvement products. It promotes informed consumer decisions and value for money, which aligns with responsible consumption.

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