Who this guide is for
- Gardeners planning a glass or polycarbonate greenhouse
- Homeowners who want the base and erection handled professionally
- Anyone comparing quotes for greenhouse supply and fit
- People unsure whether they need a base specialist as well as an erector
What the job usually involves
Greenhouse work tends to split into groundwork and erection. The base may be a paved, concrete or proprietary frame, and the structure is then built and glazed on top. Some installers handle both; others fit a structure onto a base you arrange separately.
- Base or foundation preparation and levelling
- Frame assembly and anchoring
- Glazing or panel fitting
- Doors, vents and any guttering
Finding and shortlisting
Look for people with clear experience erecting garden structures and ask to see examples of completed greenhouses. Confirm whether they supply the kit, fit a kit you buy, or both, since this affects how quotes compare.
- Confirm supply-and-fit versus fit-only
- Ask about experience with your greenhouse type
- Check whether base work is included
Questions worth asking
Good questions surface differences between quotes early. Ask how they prepare and check the base, how the structure is anchored against wind, and what happens if a panel is damaged in transit or fitting.
- How is the base levelled and drained?
- How is the frame anchored?
- What is included and excluded in the quote?
- How are damaged or missing parts handled?
Preparing your site
Clear access and a tidy site help any installer work efficiently. Note where the greenhouse will sit, how materials can reach it, and any services or obstacles nearby. Siting decisions, including light and shelter, are worth settling before the visit.
Greenhouse hiring checklist
- 1Decide on supply-and-fit or fit-only
- 2Confirm whether base work is included
- 3Gather reference images of the greenhouse you want
- 4Note access routes for materials
- 5Ask how the base is levelled and drained
- 6Ask how the frame is anchored
- 7Get written scope showing inclusions and exclusions
- 8Agree how damaged parts are handled
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming base preparation is always included
- Comparing fit-only and supply-and-fit quotes as if equal
- Overlooking access for delivering glass or panels
- Leaving siting decisions until the installer arrives
- Not clarifying who handles vents, gutters and doors
When to involve a professional
- Ground assessment, drainage and anchoring should be handled by qualified people
- Any electrical or water supply to a greenhouse belongs with the relevant trade
- Requirements vary by site, structure and location
- Costs and timelines vary; confirm scope in writing
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Do I need a separate base installer?
Sometimes. Some greenhouse fitters prepare the base themselves, while others expect a finished base ready to build on. Clarify this early so groundwork does not fall through the gap between two contractors.
Should I buy the kit myself?
Either approach can work. Buying it yourself can give more choice, while supply-and-fit puts responsibility for the whole package with one party. Make sure quotes are clearly labelled so you compare like with like.
What should I prepare before the visit?
Have your preferred location, access route and any reference images ready, and note nearby services or obstacles. This helps the installer assess the site and give you a more useful response.
How do I compare two quotes fairly?
Line up exactly what each includes: base, frame, glazing, vents, gutters and removal of packaging. Differences in inclusions, not just headline figures, often explain why quotes vary.
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