Question 1

Which shed base type is best for Fordingbridge's varied ground?

Accepted Answer

Fordingbridge's ground varies dramatically, and the best base depends on your exact location: Heavy buildings near the river (Bickton, Fordingbridge town) — Reinforced concrete with drainage. The floodplain alluvium is soft and variable. Sloping gardens (Godshill, Woodgreen) — Raised timber frame. Creates a level platform without massive excavation. Chalk areas (Breamore, Rockbourne) — Paving slabs work well on stable chalk with proper sub-base. Near mature trees or New Forest edge — Ground screws. Minimal root disturbance. We'll assess your specific plot and recommend the most suitable, cost-effective solution.

Question 2

My property is near the River Avon — is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Not for us. Properties near the River Avon or in the floodplain often have: High water tables — Ground can be saturated, especially in winter Soft alluvial clays — Less stable than gravel or chalk Potential flood risk — Drainage and elevation matter We typically recommend raised timber frame bases with proper ventilation, or reinforced concrete with drainage channels. Both handle the moisture and ground movement common in the Avon Valley.

Question 3

What about the chalky ground near Breamore and Rockbourne?

Accepted Answer

Chalk bedrock provides excellent foundation conditions — it's stable and drains well. However: Surface deposits (head deposits, weathered chalk) can behave differently We always assess the actual ground, not just the geological map Paving slab bases often work well here with proper sub-base preparation The key is proper sub-base preparation — we don't take shortcuts regardless of how good the underlying chalk is.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Fordingbridge?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Fordingbridge 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, and waste removal — no hidden costs. View our full price list for more sizes.

Question 5

Does rural access add to the cost?

Accepted Answer

It can, depending on the situation. Many properties in Damerham, Rockbourne, and South Gorley have: Narrow lanes that larger vehicles can't access Long carries from parking to the site Gates or obstacles requiring manual material transport We'll assess access at the quote stage and explain exactly what's needed — with a clear fixed price before any work begins. We're experienced with compact equipment and wheelbarrow runs.

Question 6

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 7

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

Accepted Answer

This depends on whether your property is inside the New Forest National Park boundary. Standard permitted development rules apply outside the park: 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 Important: Parts of Fordingbridge (especially Godshill and towards the forest) fall within the New Forest National Park, which has stricter rules. Contact the New Forest National Park Authority for guidance.

Question 8

What if my property is in the New Forest National Park?

Accepted Answer

Properties in Godshill and parts of Fordingbridge near the forest may fall within the National Park boundary. If so: Permitted development rights are more restricted Side outbuildings often need planning permission Applications go to the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA), not the District Council Article 4 directions may apply in some conservation areas We're familiar with NFNPA requirements and can advise on compliant base locations and sizes.

Question 9

How long does shed base installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Fordingbridge 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 Difficult access or soft floodplain ground may take slightly longer to prepare properly, but we'll confirm the timeline in your quote.

Question 10

Do you remove all waste and spoil?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We carefully remove all excavated material from your site — whether it's river gravels, flint-rich deposits, or alluvial clay. We work with licensed waste carriers and recycle where possible. Your garden is left clean and ready for your shed. Waste removal is included in your fixed-price quote.

Question 11

Where can I buy a shed locally?

Accepted Answer

We specialise in bases only, but Fordingbridge has good local shed suppliers: Hyde Country Store — Located in Fordingbridge, stocks garden sheds and outdoor furniture. Winchester Sheds — 30+ years manufacturing sheds, summerhouses and workshops. Delivers across Hampshire. Order your shed, then contact us for the base — we'll coordinate timing so everything aligns perfectly.

Question 12

Do you assemble or erect sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we focus exclusively on base installation. However, several companies offer professional shed assembly in the Fordingbridge area: Meon Valley Outbuildings — Full installation services for sheds, log cabins and timber projects across Hampshire. The Odd Job Man (Fordingbridge) — Local service offering bespoke shed installation and assembly. 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 13

Can you access gardens with restricted rural access?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many properties across the Avon Valley have challenging access — narrow lanes in Damerham, long driveways in Rockbourne, or restricted gates in Woodgreen. We're equipped for this: Compact equipment that fits through narrow gaps Wheelbarrow runs for materials where vehicles can't reach Careful staging to minimise disruption Send us a photo of your access and we'll confirm what's possible.

Question 14

Which villages do you cover around Fordingbridge?

Accepted Answer

We cover the entire SP6 postcode area and surrounding villages: Fordingbridge town centre, Burgate, Bickton Sandleheath, Alderholt Breamore, Rockbourne, Damerham Godshill, Woodgreen, South Gorley We're perfectly positioned to serve the entire Avon Valley.

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 Fordingbridge garden pristine — no piles of clay, gravel, flint, or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks where access allows Skip hire for larger excavations in rural areas Grab lorries for floodplain properties with restricted parking We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers. All excavated material — river gravels, alluvial clay, or old paving — goes to licensed recycling centres. We recycle over 90%. For reference, Hampshire's Ringwood HWRC is at Crow Lane (BH24 3DF) — close to Fordingbridge, though for household waste only.

Question 16

What guarantee do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide a full 10-year guarantee on all materials and labour — including bases on Fordingbridge's challenging floodplain ground. This covers: Structural integrity of the base Levelling remaining true despite ground conditions All materials (concrete, reinforcement, timber, ground screws) Workmanship We engineer every base for the specific location — from riverside to chalk downs. Our guarantee reflects our confidence.

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