Question 1

Which shed base type is best for Fareham's clay soil?

Accepted Answer

London Clay presents specific challenges, and the best base depends on your exact situation: Heavy buildings (workshops, large sheds) — Reinforced concrete is essential. We design with mesh reinforcement to resist clay movement. Near mature trees — Ground screws are ideal. They don't disturb root systems and can be driven deeper past the shrink zone. Smaller sheds on open ground — Paving slabs with proper sub-base work well — the jointed design allows subtle movement without cracking. Sloping gardens — Raised timber frame avoids excessive clay excavation and creates a level platform efficiently. We'll assess your specific plot and recommend the most suitable, cost-effective solution.

Question 2

What's the difference between ground screws and concrete on clay?

Accepted Answer

Both create solid foundations, but they handle clay movement differently: Concrete slabs — Most robust option when reinforced correctly. The slab essentially "floats" as the clay moves. Best for heavy structures and workshops. Ground screws — Driven deep past the active shrink-swell zone (typically 2m+ on clay). The building is anchored to stable ground below. Faster installation and fully reversible. Ideal near trees. In Fareham, we often recommend ground screws for properties with mature trees, as the root systems can cause localised subsidence on clay.

Question 3

Why is reinforcement important for concrete on clay?

Accepted Answer

Unreinforced concrete will crack as London Clay shrinks and swells seasonally. We include steel mesh reinforcement as standard on clay soils because: It distributes stresses evenly across the slab It holds the concrete together even if hairline cracks develop It ensures your 10-year guarantee holds solid A general builder may skip reinforcement to save costs — but on Fareham's clay, that's a recipe for cracked bases within a few years.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Fareham?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Fareham depend on the base type and size. Our starting prices for standard installations: Paving slab base: From £510 (9x5) Concrete slab base (reinforced): From £595 (8x6) Timber frame base: From £700 (8x6) Ground screw base: From £1,180 (8x6, screws only) or £1,650 (with timber frame) Your quote includes all materials, labour, reinforcement, and waste removal — no hidden costs. View our full price list for more sizes.

Question 5

Is VAT included in your quotes?

Accepted Answer

If VAT is applicable, we clearly state this in your quotation. Some domestic groundworks may be VAT-exempt depending on circumstances. The key point: your written quote shows exactly what you'll pay — no surprises, no hidden charges.

Question 6

Do trees near my base add to the cost?

Accepted Answer

They can, yes. Trees on clay soil draw moisture from the ground, causing localised shrinkage that affects nearby foundations. If your base is within the root zone of a significant tree, we may need to: Use deeper ground screws (driven past the influence zone) Install a root barrier membrane Design a deeper concrete base with additional reinforcement We'll assess this at the quote stage and explain exactly what's needed — and why.

Question 7

Can you access my narrow Fareham side alley?

Accepted Answer

Very likely. We're experienced with the restricted access common in Fareham's housing estates, from Victorian terraces in Fareham town centre to modern developments in Whiteley. We use: Narrow wheelbarrows designed for tight passages Portable mixing equipment that doesn't need vehicle access Careful material staging to protect walls and fences Send us a photo of your access and we'll confirm what's possible.

Question 8

What are ground conditions like across Fareham?

Accepted Answer

Fareham's geology varies, but London Clay dominates much of the borough: Locks Heath, Titchfield, Sarisbury: Heavy London Clay — significant shrink-swell potential. Portchester, Portsdown Hill: Clay with chalk underlayer — better drainage but still prone to movement. Hill Head, Stubbington (coastal): Some gravel deposits overlying clay — can be variable. Whiteley: Modern development on clays — often has engineered fill that we assess carefully. We assess every site individually. If you've noticed cracks in patios or walls, mention this — it tells us about ground movement history.

Question 9

Do I need planning permission for a shed base in Fareham?

Accepted Answer

Most garden sheds qualify as "permitted development" and don't need planning permission, provided: Single-storey with eaves no higher than 2.5m Maximum height 4m (dual-pitched) or 3m (other roofs) Within 2m of boundary: maximum height 2.5m Total outbuilding coverage doesn't exceed 50% of your garden Positioned to the rear, not forward of the main house front For specific guidance, contact Fareham Borough Council Planning or email planningadvice@fareham.gov.uk.

Question 10

Are there protected trees I need to consider?

Accepted Answer

Fareham has Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) across many residential areas. If you have protected trees near your proposed shed location: You cannot excavate within the root protection zone without consent Ground screws are often the best solution — minimal ground disturbance We can design around root zones to avoid any issues Fareham Borough Council can confirm if any trees on your property are protected. We're experienced in working sensitively around mature trees.

Question 11

How long does shed base installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Fareham are completed in a single day: Paving slab base: 1 day Concrete base: 1 day for installation, plus 24-48 hours curing before shed placement Timber frame base: 1 day Ground screw base: Often half a day — the fastest option Heavy clay excavation can add time on deep bases, but we'll confirm the timeline in your quote.

Question 12

Do you remove all waste and clay spoil?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We carefully remove all excavated London Clay — which is heavy and sticky stuff — from your site. We use licensed waste carriers and recycle materials where possible. Your garden is left clean and ready for your shed. Waste removal is included in your fixed-price quote.

Question 13

Do you supply sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we specialise in bases and foundations only — it's what we do best. However, Fareham has excellent local shed suppliers: Abbey Garden Buildings — Extensive display at Silversprings Garden Centre in Titchfield, sheds, summerhouses and garden offices with 20+ years experience. Merlin Summerhouses & Sheds — Custom-built sheds made on-site in the Fareham area, 22+ years carpentry experience. Order your shed, then contact us for the base — we'll coordinate timing so everything aligns perfectly.

Question 14

Do you assemble or erect sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we focus exclusively on base installation. However, several Fareham-area companies offer professional shed assembly: Foster Fencing — Fareham-based, supplying and erecting sheds, workshops, and garden buildings with bespoke options. Elite Garden Buildings — Family-run business supplying and installing sheds throughout Hampshire. The ideal workflow: book your shed with an installation date, book us to lay the base a few days before, then your installer fits the building onto our ready-made level base.

Question 15

Do you remove all waste from the site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, complete waste removal is included in every fixed-price quote. We leave your Fareham garden pristine — no piles of heavy London Clay, gravel, or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks where access allows Skip hire for larger excavations — essential for clay which is heavy and bulky Grab lorries for tight-access estate properties We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers. All excavated material — clay, gravel, or old paving — goes to licensed recycling centres. We recycle over 90%. For reference, Hampshire's Portchester HWRC is at 29 West Street, Portchester (PO16 9TX) — close to Fareham, though for household waste only.

Question 16

What guarantee do you provide on clay soil bases?

Accepted Answer

We provide a full 10-year guarantee on all materials and labour — including bases on challenging London Clay. This covers: Structural integrity of the base Levelling remaining true despite clay movement All materials (concrete, reinforcement, timber, ground screws) Workmanship We engineer every base specifically for Fareham's conditions. Our guarantee reflects our confidence that it's built to last.

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