Every Sovereign building is made to order in Britain and delivered and installed by a specialist team. This page explains what happens after you order, how to get your base right and what your guarantee covers, so there are no surprises on the day.
Anything not covered here? Call us on 01543 398778 or email craig@lichfieldgardenbuildings.com and we'll be happy to help.
After you order
We'll call you, usually within 24 hours, to confirm your building's layout, talk through access at your property and give you the current lead time. Your building is then made to your chosen specification.
Delivery dates are booked with you as your building nears completion. We'll always do our best to keep to the date we give you, though occasionally things outside anyone's control, such as weather, transport or material delays, can move it. We'll tell you as soon as we know.
Payment is due in full at least 24 hours before your delivery and installation date.
Your base
This is the one thing worth getting right before delivery day. Our installers can only put your building up on a base that is level, solid and the right size. If it isn't ready, they'll have to stack the building on your property and come back another day, and a return visit is chargeable, so it's worth a quick check in advance.
- Make the base the same size as the building's floor, or very slightly smaller. See our guide to choosing and preparing a base.
- Check it's level in every direction, and square by measuring both diagonals.
- Concrete needs to be fully set before installation day.
- Not sure? Send us a photo and a couple of measurements before your delivery date and we'll tell you if it looks right.
If you'd rather not lay it yourself, we work with Midland Base Works for precision-laid concrete bases. Get in touch and we'll check they cover your area.
Access on the day
Sovereign buildings arrive as large panels, so the team needs a clear route from their vehicle to your base.
- Panels can't be carried over garage roofs, fences or hedges.
- Most buildings won't fit through a standard house doorway or a gate with restricted height, so please check your side access.
- The team needs to park at or near your property.
- Tell us about narrow lanes, low bridges, weight limits, parking restrictions or a steep drive when we call, so we can plan for it.
Someone needs to be at home to receive the delivery. If the date needs to change, please give us at least 48 hours' notice, as a late change or a missed delivery means a return visit that we have to charge for.
Installation and your guarantee
Your Sovereign building comes with a 1 year guarantee on the installation work. If anything isn't right with how your building has been put up, tell us as soon as you can, with a few photos, and we'll get it put right free of charge.
- Please check your building over and report any damaged or missing parts within 7 days of delivery so we can sort replacements quickly.
- Ex-display buildings and roofing felt aren't covered by the installation guarantee.
- In exposed, windy spots it's worth fixing the building down to the base. That's not part of the installation, so ask us and we'll advise.
- Your statutory rights as a consumer are not affected by any of this.
Looking after your building
Timber is a natural material and moves a little with the weather. A small amount of movement after installation is normal and nothing to worry about.
To keep your building in good shape, and to keep your guarantee valid, treat it with a spirit-based wood preservative when it's installed and once a year after that. Buildings that aren't treated as recommended can twist, split or let damp in, and that isn't covered by the guarantee.
We stock Protek wood treatments if you'd like to order yours at the same time as your building.
Changing or cancelling your order
Sovereign buildings are made to order, so once yours is in production it can't simply be put back on a shelf. Please tell us as early as you can if something changes and we'll do what we can to help.
- All orders carry a deposit, which isn't refundable.
- You can cancel up to 5 working days before your delivery date and any other monies paid are refunded.
- Cancelling later than that is charged at 50% of the order value.
- For buildings made or painted to your own specification, the cut-off is 14 days before delivery, and cancelling after that is charged at 50% of the order value.
If you change your mind about anything, call us first on 01543 398778. It's nearly always easier to sort out over the phone.
A note on specifications
Specifications are correct when published, but Sovereign improve their designs from time to time and can change them without notice. If a particular detail matters to you, ask us before you order and we'll confirm it with the factory.
Common questions
Is installation included?
Delivery and professional installation are available on Sovereign and Coppice Collection buildings. What's included is shown on each product page, and we'll confirm it when we call you.
What if my base isn't ready in time?
Tell us as soon as you know. Moving the date in advance costs nothing. It's only a wasted visit that has to be charged for.
How long does installation take?
Most buildings go up in a day. Larger buildings can take longer, and we'll let you know when we book your date.
Do I need planning permission?
Usually not, but it depends on size and position. Read our planning permission guide.
Can I spread the cost?
Yes, finance is available through Ideal4Finance, subject to status. See our finance page.
For everything else about getting your building to you, see delivery and installation.