+353 (0)43 6686077
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to All Your Common Inquiries
WHERE CAN I SEE A SMART SPACE UNIT?
You can see a Smart Space Unit ("SSU") at one of our distributors in Granard, Co. Longford. All visits are by private booking in advance. Please call or email us if you wish to book a viewing at sales@ssu.ie
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
We have designed, engineered and built our SSU's to last a lifetime. Each SSU is built to meet and exceeds current building regulation resulting in a secure, sustainable and cost effective area that the family can use.
WHERE ARE THE UNITS MADE?
Each SSU is designed and built to a passive standard by our manufacturers Glennon Brothers with over a hundred years experience in delivering quality timber products.
When this arrives on site its erected on the foundation and the internal and external finishes as agreed with the customer are completed by our professional team.
All within a 7 week period (SMART TIMING) weather and access permitting.
ARE THEY EASY TO HEAT?
Because of the way that the SSU's are designed and engineered - wrapped in airtightness membrane and Passive design specification as standard means they are easy to heat and the retain any heat generated. This combined with our renewable and energy efficient techologies leave the SSU working as a sustainable, environmental friendly and cost effective unit.
HOW EASY IS IT TO HAVE ELECTRICITY AND RUNNING WATER?
We connect your electricity and water as part of the delivery and installation phase.
HOW IS SMART SPACE DIFFERENT FROM ITS COMPETITORS?
Smart Space units are BER A rated and Carbon negative. Resulting in a cost effective sustainable living solution.
We deliver modern quality units at an affordable cost to our customers designed engineered and built in Ireland with quality materials. We focus on the quality finish that we would like to get from a product like this and deliver it to our customers.
DO WE SUPPLY AND INSTALL SMART SPACE UNITS NATIONWIDE?
Yes. We supply and install SSU's in every county in Ireland. In order to gain a good understanding of your requirements it is extremely helpful to receive a photograph by e-mail of the proposed area you have planned for your SSU before our visit. We are happy to carry out a site survey and provide you with a detailed written quotation, without obligation and free of charge.
CAN I TAKE MY SSU WITH ME IF I MOVE?
Smart Space Units are a permanent structure that last 2-3 generations in your garden therefore they are finished as a complete structure, preventing them from being disassembled at a later point.
​
Remember if moving house, your property is greatly enhanced with an Office, Extra family space or Teenage Den already in place in the garden and will put you ahead of any competition.
HOW LONG FROM GIVING THE GO AHEAD TO WORK COMMENCING?
On average it takes 7-8 weeks from signing the contract and receipt of the first stage payment into our bank account.
This can take longer if you request any additional services and finishes included but this will be planned and agreed prior to signing starting our works, Of course this will be dependent also on the weather coditions.
HOW DO I PREPARE THE AREA BEFORE THE TEAM ARRIVE ONSITE?
We ask that the site is clear of existing structures, trees and shrubs. Tree stubs need to be cut down to ground level and the roots removed underneath the ground. Grass is fine but if there is patio slabs or decking these would have to be removed
CAN I BUILD A SSU CLOSE TO THE BOUNDARY LINE WITH MY NEIGHBOUR?
Yes. We can build a SSU close to the boundary line with your neighbour. We would advise leaving adequate space for the maintainence of the external finish as agreed. We would also advise that if you are unsure in relation to this you should consult your planning consultant or we can arrange for a planning consultant to advise you on same.
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?
We break the payments down into 3 stages.
A 30% deposit on signing contracts.
50% on the first day of the build.
The final 20% prior to the connection of the electrics and the related handover of the unit.
WHAT UTILITIES CAN I USE IN MY POD?
Your SSU can link up to your mains water, electricity and telephone, internet etc....
Get in touch with us today, and we will talk you through all your options and requirements.
WHAT WINDOWS AND DOORS DO YOU USE IN THE SSU?
The windows and doors are highly efficient and help towards the overall efficiency of the SSU.
Windows and doors are available in Dark Grey (Slate Grey, RAL 7015) or Light Grey (Silver Grey, RAL 7001).
PLANNING PERMISSION FOR AN SSU
The complete information on planning permission for SSU's is available during a site survey when we can discuss the issues in details.
Based on irish planning regulations in most cases the SSU's will not require planning permission because it is usually falls into the category of class 3 exempted development (s.i. no.600/2001).
Construction of a SSU to the rear of the house does not require planning permission if:
• the area of your SSU does not exceed 25 square metres;
• the SSU is not reducing the amount of private open space to the rear or to the side of the house to less than 25 square meters;
• there are also some height restrictions for SSU's.
It is important to note that in some situations a Smart Space Unit may be exempted as a building, but the use may require planning permission. You will most likely require planning permission if you want to use SSU in the way that it will have an impact on neighbours or the local community. For example, planning permission is required, if you are intend to use an SSU as a commercial office with staff.
The above information on planning permissions for SSU's is provided for guidance purposes only. Following the links provided below you could learn more about planning permission requirements.
S.I. No. 600/2001 - Planning and development regulations, 2001 — full details on the irish planning regulations.
Doing work around the house - the planning issues — a summary of when planning permission is required.
A guide to planning permission — how to apply for planning permission.
Making a planning application — how to make a planning application.
If you have any doubts or queries on any planning aspect you should contact your local planning authority or planning consultant.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE CLADDING NEED TO BE TREATED?
Treatment is easy, the preparation is cleaning down the cladding prior to applying the treatment. Depending on positioning etc.. the maintenance is every 3-5 years but can be as long as 10 years.
​
If you wish you can let the timber weather to a grey colour but most prefer to maintain the timbers natural colour.
DOES SMART SPACE DO ALL THE WORK ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUILD & INSTALLATION?
We price your Smart Space Unit assuming a cleared and level site. We supply a turn key solution for our customers.
If demolition, levelling or clearance is required, we can cost and complete this work. On completion, all you have to do inside is the external landscaping which are the responsibility of our customers but we can assist with this element.
Feel free to contact us and learn more about our affordable solution to extend your space with SMART SPACE.