Shed Base

We require a flat and level base. All buildings need a substantial base. The base should be solid, square, flat and level to ensure the stability of your building. Paving slabs or concrete are ideal. A solid concrete base is more permanent and normally more expensive but it provides an excellent base especially for a larger building. Paving slabs are more practical and cost effective, especially for a smaller base at the far end of the garden. The base should be no smaller than the floor size of the new building and there is no need to be more than a few inches larger.

Location

Ideally your building should have a clear space at least 18" wide on all sides, if possible. This ensures easy access for both installation and future maintenance. In reality this is often not practical and at many sites it is not needed. A reduced clearance is often possible on one or two sides. If the space around your building is restricted remember to allow for any roof overhang. You should also cut back or remove any nearby shrubs and trees. Remember to allow for future growth. If possible a sheltered position is better.

Shed Installation & Site Access

We require at least 7 foot in height access (depending on the size of your shed), but we can cut wood down if needed and access is tight. Please let us know if there are any access restrictions.

If your order includes installation the building will be delivered and installed on the same day by prior appointment with you. A clear access route is required from the lorry to the prepared base, with no access restrictions. The sections are often large flat panels which may be as long as the building. Possible restrictions include archways, narrow passages, sharp corners and flights of steps. It is not normally possible to lift large panels over fences and walls. Access through the house may be possible with advance notice. If required larger panels can be made in smaller sections for a small surcharge. Please advise us if there are any access restrictions at the site.

Planning

The majority of garden buildings do not require planning permission. However, permission is required for any building which covers over half the garden, which is not for domestic use or which is over 3 metres high with a pent roof or 4 metres high with an apex roof. If you live in a terraced or town house you are normally entitled to build up to 50 cubic metres of extensions without planning permission. In a detached or semi detached house the permitted volume is 70 cubic metres. For planning purposes any detached outbuilding within 5 metres of the dwelling counts as an extension. A 6'x8' building is around 10 cubic metres. A 10'x10' building is around 20 cubic metres. A typical single garage is around 35 cubic metres. Planning permission may also be required for any building which is nearer to a public highway than the original dwelling. For planning purposes a public highway includes any road or footpath with a public right of way. If you live in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building permission may be required for any garden building over 10 cubic metres. This brief summary is not intended to be a comprehensive guide. Contact us for further advice or contact your local planning department.

Building Regulations

The majority of garden buildings do not require approval under the building regulations. However, approval is required for any building with an internal floor area of more than 30 square metres.

Maintaining your Shed

For non-tanalised wooden sheds the external timber should be treated with a good quality wood stain every year. This will prolong the life of your building. All major wood stain manufacturers offer suitable products in a choice of colours, available from good hardware shops. We also recommend that you regularly oil the door and window hinges as required to ensure continued smooth operation.