Your G&M delivery is fast approaching. Excitement is in the air. You can’t wait to get stuck into your brand new garden building – whether that’s a Shed, Workshop, Garage or Garden Room – and smell some fresh wood.
You’re probably feeling a little anxious too.
It’s not easy letting a bunch of strangers you’ve never met into your personal space. I know myself that being out of routine is not my forte. In fact, I probably put things off longer than I should because of it.
But we’ve all got a job to do, right? We all want things done, and sometimes we need skilled people to help make that happen.
Our delivery team are our guys. They are not outsourced – we know them to the core, and we know they work hard and do a damn great job. We need your help to make that happen on the big day.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect on your G&M delivery day so you’re ready to rock and roll.
First Things First – How Long Does a Gillies and Mackay Build Take?
Every building is different, so delivery days can vary.
Here’s a rough guide:
Sheds – Usually completed within 2-4 hours.
Workshops – Typically take a full day.
Radiata Garden Rooms – Usually completed over 4-5 days. The build is completed in stages, with electrics, insulation and internal lining taking place after the main structure is erected.
Garages – Normally take 1-2 days depending on size, excluding final garage door installation where applicable.
Blackstone Garden Rooms – Typically take around one to two weeks depending on size.
When Will the Team Arrive?
Our delivery team will usually arrive between 7:30am and 8:30am.
The exact time depends on your location, traffic conditions and the team’s preparations that morning. They’ll always aim to get to you as soon as possible.
The only exception is Sheds. We can typically complete two Shed installations in one day, meaning you may have an afternoon delivery slot.
Our delivery team’s working day typically starts around 6:30am and finishes around 3:00pm. Occasionally they may work later where necessary and agreed with HQ.
The team will make you aware when they arrive.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Before the team arrives, there are a few things you can do to help everything run smoothly.
Clear the Access Route
Our joiners manually carry large and very heavy panels from the vehicle to your building site.
Please make sure there is a clear route to and around the place of your building by moving things such as:
- Plant pots
- Bins
- Bikes
- Garden ornaments
- Tools
- Children’s toys
- Last week’s empty wine bottles 😉
The safer and clearer the route, the easier it is for everyone without the risk of any damage.
If you’ve got gardeners or other trades due to be working on the same day as your delivery, we kindly ask that you rearrange these for another day where possible. Giving the team the space to themselves means they can work safely, avoid unnecessary delays and focus on getting your building completed to the high standards we expect.
Parking and Access
Please make sure there is suitable parking available as close to your property as possible. The team have stacked your building panels in order of erection. Giving them consistent and easy access to their van throughout the day helps minimise disruption and delays on delivery day.
Its also worth having a chat with the neighbours to make them aware. We appreciate that parking can be tight at times – we’re only asking for a day or two to get the job done and be out of everyone’s hair in a jiffy.
If there are any access challenges such as:
- Narrow roads
- Gates
- Height restrictions
- Steep slopes
- Shared driveways
- Parking permits
Please let us know in advance if you haven’t already done so to allow us to plan accordingly.
Pets and Children
We love dogs. We love cats. We love all creatures, to be honest.
However, construction sites and curious pets don’t mix particularly well.
Please ensure pets are secured away from the work area during the build or Arran might want to pop your pet in his pocket and take her home as with a recent visit of some beautiful little chicklings.
Likewise, children should remain supervised and away from the active construction area throughout the installation, though we completely appreciate they’ll want to see everything that is going on if you’ve got young joiners in the making!
Power Supply
The team will need access to a power supply throughout the build. We’ve worked with battery operated tools in the past and we find their use to be limited and not give the finish we want. By giving access to power it will allow the guys full access to everything they need.
Concrete Base Shuttering
If your building is being installed onto a concrete base, please ensure any shuttering has been removed before the team arrives.
Shuttering is the timber framework used to hold concrete in place while it cures. Your landscaper or contractor should return to remove this once the concrete has set.
What Happens When the Team Arrive?
Once on site, the team will make you aware of their arrival. be ready for them from 7:30am.
They may have some questions for you before they get started to ensure everything is set up right for you. For example: Positioning of your building.
Next – you’ll see the team unloading panels, tools and materials before preparing for the build.
Then the fun begins.
Your building starts to come together a bit like a giant jigsaw puzzle.
Floor first.
Then walls.
Then roof.
Then windows and doors.
Sounds simple written down. Less simple when you’re actually building it.
Every stage requires time, attention to detail and precision.
For more complex buildings such as Garden Rooms, the first stage is usually getting the structure erected and weatherproof. Insulation, internal lining and electrical work are then completed over subsequent visits.
The Best Seat in the House
We know you’ll be curious.
In fact, watching a building go up can be better entertainment than the telly some days.
You’re absolutely welcome to view progress from afar, take photos and enjoy seeing your project come to life.
However, we kindly ask that you give the joiners the space they need to do their jobs.
Some of our team have told us that having people standing directly over them throughout the build can make them feel a little anxious. It can also slow things down.
They’re highly skilled at what they do and their goal is exactly the same as yours – to get your building completed to a high standard.
Trust the Process
Another thing we’d like to ask for on delivery day is a little patience and kindness whilst the team does what they do best.
Timber is a natural material and might not always behave they way we want it to. Additionally there can be minor inconsistencies in our manufacturing process that are difficult to foresee until the building starts to come together. Occasionally the team needs to make adjustments, solve problems or adapt as the build progresses.
This is completely normal.
Our joiners are highly trained and experienced in working through these situations, and it’s all part of delivering the high standard we expect from every G&M building.
It’s also important to remember that what you’re looking at during construction is often only one stage of a much bigger process.
We completely understand that you’ll be eager to check over your building as it takes shape. However, we kindly ask that you reserve judgement until the build is fully complete.
A building can look very different halfway through construction compared to the finished result. There may be elements that appear unfinished, temporary or incomplete simply because they are.
Final adjustments, finishing details and quality checks are completed towards the end of the build.
For Garden Rooms in particular, completion isn’t simply when the structure goes up. Internal lining, insulation, electrics and finishing work all take place at different stages throughout the installation.
The team shares the same goal that you do – to leave you with a building you can be proud of. Trust the process, give them the space to work, and if you have any concerns, raise them with the team only once the building has been fully completed and signed off.
Safety First – Please Read Carefully
From the moment the team arrives, the building area effectively becomes a construction site.
To keep everyone safe, we ask that you follow a few important rules.
1. No Entry During Construction
No one is authorised to enter the building until construction is fully complete.
This restriction is strictly enforced as our insurance does not cover anyone entering the building while work is ongoing. And we want you to be safe.
The delivery team may ask you to enter the building when it is safe to do so for further input – for example – positioning of shelves. They are fully trained and understand the conditions to make that happen.
2. Stay Clear of the Work Area
Please remain clear of the active construction area unless invited into the area by the delivery team.
This helps protect both you and our staff while giving the team enough space to work safely.
3. Children and Pets Must Remain Away From the Build Area
Please ensure children and pets stay away from the construction zone at all times.
Yes, It Will Be Noisy
Building work involves:
- Hammering
- Cutting
- Drilling
- Power tools
- General construction noise
If you work from home or have meetings planned, it’s worth keeping this in mind.
It’s all part of the process.
What About Scottish Weather?
We know what you’re thinking.
“What happens if it rains?”
We’re Scottish. Rain is basically our default setting.
The team works in most weather conditions and is equipped to deal with typical Scottish weather.
In the rare cases of severe weather where safety could be compromised, we’ll contact you directly to discuss any changes.
Tea, Coffee and Biscuits – The Currency of Scotland
The team will always appreciate a wee cuppa or snack if you’re offering.
They’re often working through rain, snow, blazing sunshine and the kind of sideways Scottish wind that somehow gets into places wind shouldn’t.
It’s entirely optional of course.
But it might earn you favourite customer status 😉
A Small Favour From Us
We kindly ask that the team has access to a toilet during the build.
Nature occasionally calls, even for joiners.
The team will always follow any instructions you have regarding footwear, access or house rules.
Almost Finished…
We understand you’ll be eager to inspect your new building.
We simply ask that you wait until the team confirms the build is complete.
For Garden Rooms, completion means all stages have been finished, including final electrical work where applicable.
At sign-off, take a walk around the building with the joiners and ask any questions you may have.
This is the perfect opportunity to understand any maintenance requirements and raise anything you’d like clarified.
What Happens If Something Isn’t Quite Right?
Occasionally we may identify something that needs a small adjustment or further work after installation is complete.
If that’s the case, we’ll arrange a follow-up visit and keep you informed throughout.
Likewise, if you notice something after we’ve left, please get in touch.
It might be something that requires a return visit, or it might simply be a normal characteristic of a timber building that we can explain.
Either way, we’re here to help and won’t leave you in the woods. No pun intended.
Will the Site Be Tidied Up?
Absolutely.
The team will remove construction waste and tidy the work area before leaving.
As with any timber construction project, you may find some light sawdust or small timber debris in surrounding areas, but we’ll leave the site as tidy as possible.
That way you’ll be just as delighted as Pauline is in the photo below!
Before We Leave You…
Your Delivery Day Checklist
Before the team arrives, make sure you’ve:
✔ Cleared the access route
✔ Removed pots, bins and obstacles
✔ Secured pets
✔ Supervised children
✔ Removed concrete shuttering
✔ Made a power supply available where applicable
✔ Made parking and access arrangements clear
✔ Read this blog
Your Building Is Ready – Now the Fun Begins
Once construction is complete, your G&M building is officially born and ready to use.
Whether that’s organising tools, creating a workshop, setting up a garden office or finally putting your feet up with a coffee and enjoying your new space.
It’s yours.
One final thing – please take the time to read your aftercare guide.
Timber buildings require a little care and attention over the years. Look after it, and it will look after you.
Shed Aftercare Guide
Radiata Garden room Aftercare Guide
Garage Aftercare Guide
Workshop Aftercare Guide
Blackstone Garden Room Aftercare Guide
If you have any questions about your delivery, please get in touch with us at info@gilliesandmackay.com.
Shed love.
