Foundation Questions:
What type of foundation do I need?
Our studios can sit on a range of foundations, including concrete pads, paver stones, screw piles and Perma columns. Because soil and frost conditions vary across Ontario, we recommend talking to a local contractor or engineer to choose the right foundation for your backyard office.
Do you offer foundation solutions?
Yes. We offer Perma columns directly and can coordinate helical pile installation through our trusted subcontractors. For concrete pads and paver stones, we recommend arranging those through a local contractor as they are widely available trades and keeping it local saves you money.
How is the structure anchored to my foundation?
We anchor every studio securely to the foundation using heavy‑duty Tapcon screws or equivalent fasteners, ensuring your garden or backyard office remains stable.
How far away do I need to keep the structure from my fence?
.Local bylaws differ, but we typically need at least 1.5 feet (ideally 2 feet or more) of clearance from fences or neighbouring structures. Check your municipality’s setback rules to ensure compliance across Ontario.
Permit Questions:
What is the permit requirement?
Most Ontario municipalities require permits for accessory buildings over 160 sq ft. That’s why many of our studios use a 16 × 10 ft footprint. If you need a larger backyard office or garden studio, we can provide engineered drawings and guidance to help you through the permit process.
How long does the permit process take?
Processing times vary by municipality. We’ve seen approvals come through in as little as three days and in some cases several weeks. Your local building department can provide more precise timelines.
Do you supply the engineered drawings I need for my permit?
Yes. We supply the engineered drawings required for permit applications, whether you’re building in Toronto, Ottawa or anywhere else in Ontario.
Studio Questions:
What comes with the cost of a studio?
Your purchase covers the insulated studio shell, complete with doors, windows, walls, roof and insulation. Foundation and electrical are not included, and we encourage you to hire a local contractor for those. For interior finishing, we offer our own packages including tongue-and-groove pine, Nexcore PVC siding and birch plywood. For drywall specifically, we recommend hiring a local handyman as it is a widely available trade and keeping it local saves you money.
Can I customize my studio?
Yes. You can choose finishes, colours and layouts to suit your backyard or garden office needs. We maintain a streamlined building process but will work with you to create a space that fits your yard and purpose.
What is your turnaround time for studios?
Depending on materials, time of year and your location, turnaround time ranges from 3‑10 weeks. Warmer months tend to be busier and may take longer; colder months often allow for quicker installation.
How are the studio structures insulated?
We combine exterior and interior insulation from floor to ceiling to keep your backyard office comfortable year‑round. Contact us if you’d like specifics on our insulation materials and R‑values.
Do you have a showroom where we can look at your structures in-person?
We don’t have a public showroom. You’re welcome to visit our shop near Port Stanley, Ontario by appointment or, with permission, view one of our installed studios through a past customer. Please contact us to arrange a viewing.
Do you operate all-year-round?
Yes, we operate year‑round, but scheduling can be affected by snow, heavy rain and other weather conditions. We’ll work with you to plan a suitable installation date.
How often should I restain my wood siding?
We recommend restaining your wood siding every 3–5 years, depending on exposure to sun and weather. Regular maintenance protects the wood and keeps your garden studio looking its best.
Can I select a custom colour for my structure?
Yes. You can choose custom colours for your studio, subject to a small customization fee.
Can you make my studio sound-proof?
We can make your studio sound‑resistant with added insulation and drywall, suitable for playing music or recording. Achieving complete soundproofing would require specialized materials and no windows, so we recommend focusing on sound reduction rather than full isolation.
Can you customize the height of my studio?
Yes, within limits. Check your local building department’s height restrictions; we can build higher with a permit, but the prefabrication process imposes an upper limit for safety.
Do you provide interior finishing services?
Yes, we offer interior finishing packages including high-grade birch plywood, tongue-and-groove pine in shiplap or V-joint profiles, and Nexcore PVC siding for easy cleaning. For drywall we recommend going local, it is a commodity trade and any good handyman can handle it for less than we would charge coming from London / Port Stanley.
General Questions
Do you build fences, decks, pergolas, or any structures beyond accessory buildings?
No, we focus exclusively on accessory buildings - studios, sheds, cabanas, and pergolas. We don't build fences, decks, or other structures outside our core product range.
Does BES sell kits?
Yes, we can supply a kit if that is what you want. But our full warranty only applies to structures we install ourselves. That is not a sales tactic, it is the only way we can stand behind the thermal performance, the finish quality, and the structural integrity of the build. If you want the peace of mind that comes with 12 years and zero temperature complaints, the installed build is how we deliver that. If you want to see how we compare to kits side by side, take a look at our full breakdown.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept most payment methods and encourage e‑transfers to keep your costs down by avoiding merchant fees.
How does the payment schedule work?
After you approve your quote and design, we require a 50% deposit to begin ordering materials and prefabricating your studio. We collect an additional 30% when we schedule your installation date. The final 20% is due on installation day, once you’re satisfied with your new backyard office.
Do you offer any warranty in the event something happens to my shed/studio?
Yes. We provide a one‑year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. To remain eligible, please follow our maintenance guidelines and review our terms and conditions for full details.
For any questions you may have that weren't covered in this FAQ…If you have questions not covered here, contact us at (226) 219‑6062 or info@backyardescapestudios.ca. We serve customers across Ontario and are happy to help.
