Static caravan decking regulations
Designing and modifying your dream holiday home is one of the most exciting parts of owning a static caravan. These days, more and more caravan owners are looking beyond interior design to the outside of their holiday homes when adding that personal touch. Personalising the much-loved decking is a brilliant way to put the icing on the cake of your coastal pad.
Much like static caravans themselves, holiday home decking has evolved over the years and you’ll see some pitches with downright impressive outdoor set ups. However, before you go and order yourself the materials to get started on your own DIY decking adventure, you need to be aware of a few rules when it comes to modifying your caravan. These have been put in place to help keep your static caravan safe and in good condition for both yourself and visitors to the site. In this post, we’ll take a look at the static caravan decking regulations in more detail.
Which regulations apply to static caravan decking?
When you get your static caravan, it may come complete with decking and skirting already. At Haven decking is an optional extra, but many owners do love to go all-out and treat themselves to a wraparound deck. Whether you’re installing or improving decking, you’ll need to know what static caravan decking regulations apply to your pitch.
The first port of call should always be to examine the park agreement or site licence and chat with our team on park. They’ll be aware of the specifics around static caravan decking and be able to guide you on your next steps. Different park operators will have different protocols for owners who want to build decking, but usually they will at least require written consent, like us at Haven. The best way to know for sure what they need from you is to check your contract.
Before giving you their approval, park operators will usually be looking for your application to fulfil three main conditions:
Adequate ventilation
Ventilation is a key static caravan decking regulation. This is because skirting needs to be adequately ventilated to prevent the build-up of gas which could become a fire hazard. Some associations require park operators to install ventilation for decking and skirting as a matter of health and safety and all operators will have guidelines around this.
Use of an approved contractor
While you may be keen to get your exciting decking project underway as quickly as possible, the owner of the caravan park you belong to may have a specific set of approved contractors that they recommend you use. It’s worth weighing up the cost of these with the benefit of years of knowledge and experience when it comes to customising your caravan decking. We think it’s best to go with the expert advice, particularly if you’re new to the game.
Space limitations
Decking extends to the size of your holiday home and provides the opportunity for an outside space, while skirting allows for your storage to be hidden from view. These static caravan regulations ensure everyone gets a fair piece of the park’s pie within their site fee allowance.
Can I change or replace the decking around a static caravan?
Absolutely, you can, with agreement from the park team. If the decking is left from a previous tenant, then they may be able to direct you to the company that installed the decking, and perhaps even get you a cheeky discount. You may want to take care if you’re replacing the decking due to the material degrading over time.
Ultimately, decking can really improve the look and comfort of a static caravan so getting some installed can be a great move. While there are some rules and regulations to pay attention to, there’s nothing stopping you from having a lot of fun with the outside of your caravan as well as the inside. Just make sure you get in touch, plan carefully, budget well in advance and you’ll be golden!
If you have questions about buying a holiday home, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can call us on 0333 202 1460 or request a call back.
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Important information
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.