Who this guide is for
- Homeowners planning a garden shed
- People who want the base and erection handled
- Anyone comparing shed supply-and-fit quotes
- Owners unsure who prepares the base
What the job covers
Shed work tends to split into base preparation and erection. The base may be paved, concrete or a proprietary frame, and the shed is then built and anchored on top. Some installers handle both; others fit a shed onto a base you arrange.
- Base preparation and levelling
- Shed assembly and squaring
- Anchoring against wind
- Doors, felt and any guttering
Who prepares the base
The base is the part most often left ambiguous. Clarifying early whether the installer prepares it, or expects a finished base, prevents groundwork falling through the gap between parties.
- Confirm who prepares the base
- Avoid groundwork falling between parties
- Match base to ground conditions
Questions worth asking
Useful questions surface scope. Ask how the base is levelled and drained, how the shed is anchored, whether the shed is supplied or fit-only, and how damaged or missing parts are handled.
- How is the base levelled and drained?
- How is the shed anchored?
- Is it supply-and-fit or fit-only?
- How are damaged parts handled?
Preparing your site
Clear access and a tidy spot help any installer. Note where the shed will sit, how it will be reached, and any obstacles or services nearby. Siting decisions are worth settling before the visit.
Shed installer hiring checklist
- 1Decide supply-and-fit or fit-only
- 2Confirm who prepares the base
- 3Note access and ground conditions
- 4Ask how the base is levelled and drained
- 5Ask how the shed is anchored
- 6Clarify what is included and excluded
- 7Agree how damaged parts are handled
- 8Settle siting before the visit
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming base preparation is always included
- Comparing fit-only and supply-and-fit quotes as equal
- Overlooking access for delivering a shed
- Ignoring anchoring against wind
- Leaving siting until the installer arrives
When to involve a professional
- Base preparation, anchoring and any services should be handled by qualified people where relevant
- Ground assessment and drainage are professional matters
- Requirements vary by site, shed and location
- Costs and timelines vary; confirm scope in writing
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Who prepares the shed base?
It varies. Some installers 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 parties or get missed entirely.
How is a shed different from a garden room?
A shed is a simpler structure, so hiring for shed supply, base and erection is a narrower job than a garden-room builder. The base and anchoring still matter, but the scope and considerations are more contained.
Should I buy the shed myself?
Either can work. Buying it yourself gives more choice, while supply-and-fit puts the whole package with one party. Make sure quotes are clearly labelled, base included or not, so you compare like with like.
What should I prepare before the visit?
Have your preferred location, access route and ground notes ready, and flag any obstacles or services nearby. Settling siting in advance helps the installer assess the spot and give a more useful response.
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