Question 1

Which shed base type is best for Totton's variable ground?

Accepted Answer

Totton's ground varies significantly by area, and the best base depends on your exact location: Heavy buildings on clay (Hounsdown, parts of Marchwood) — Reinforced concrete with proper sub-base. Clay shrinks and swells, so reinforcement is essential. Waterside properties (Eling, near Southampton Water) — Raised timber frame. Accounts for higher water tables and soft alluvium. Near mature trees (Ashurst forest edge) — Ground screws. Minimal ground disturbance protects root systems. Gravelly plateaus (Netley Marsh, Colbury) — Paving slabs with proper sub-base. Drains well with good stability. We'll assess your specific plot and recommend the most suitable, cost-effective solution.

Question 2

What special considerations apply near Southampton Water?

Accepted Answer

Properties near Southampton Water and Eling often have: Higher water tables — Ground can be saturated, especially in winter Softer alluvial soil — Less stable than clay or gravel Potential tidal influence — Near Eling Tide Mill, drainage patterns are affected We typically recommend raised timber frame bases with proper ventilation, or ground screws driven to stable depth. Both keep your shed above moisture and handle ground movement.

Question 3

Why choose ground screws near the New Forest edge?

Accepted Answer

Properties near Ashurst and the forest boundary often have mature trees protected by TPOs or conservation rules. Ground screws are ideal because: No excavation — root systems remain undisturbed Driven deep past the surface layer to stable ground Fully reversible — can be removed without permanent damage Fast installation — often half a day This makes them popular for properties where environmental sensitivity matters.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Totton?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Totton 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 waterside location add to the cost?

Accepted Answer

It can, depending on ground conditions. Near Eling or Southampton Water, we may need to: Use a raised timber frame design rather than simple slabs Include additional drainage provision Use longer ground screws to reach stable depth We'll assess this at the quote stage and explain exactly what's needed — with a clear fixed price before any work begins.

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 Totton?

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 Important: Parts of Totton border the New Forest National Park, which has stricter rules. For guidance, contact New Forest District Council or New Forest National Park Authority .

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Properties in Ashurst and towards the forest edge may fall within the National Park boundary. If so: Outbuildings more than 20m from the house must not exceed 10 sqm Side outbuildings may need planning permission Applications go to the New Forest National Park Authority, not the District Council We're familiar with these rules and can advise on compliant base locations and sizes.

Question 9

How long does shed base installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Totton 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 Soft ground near Eling 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. Depending on the location — whether clay from Hounsdown, gravel from Netley Marsh, or alluvium from Eling — we use 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 Totton has excellent local shed suppliers: Cadnam Garden Buildings — Located within Dobbies Garden Centre, Cadnam (SO40). Wide range of sheds, log cabins, and summerhouses. Winchester Sheds — 30+ years manufacturing sheds, summerhouses and workshops. Offers delivery and installation 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 Totton area: Custom Timber Buildings — Design, manufacture and install timber buildings throughout Hampshire. Elford Sheds Southampton — Supply, delivery and installation including old shed removal. 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 access?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're experienced with the varied access situations across Totton — from narrow side alleys in Hounsdown to larger plots in Ashurst. We use: Narrow wheelbarrows for tight passages Portable mixing equipment Careful material staging to protect walls and fences Send us a photo of your access and we'll confirm what's possible.

Question 14

Which areas around Totton do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover the entire SO40 postcode area and surrounds: Totton town centre Hounsdown, Eling, Marchwood, Calshot Ashurst, Netley Marsh, Colbury Plus neighbouring areas in Southampton and the wider New Forest We're perfectly positioned to serve the New Forest gateway area.

Question 15

What guarantee do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide a full 10-year guarantee on all materials and labour — including bases on Totton's variable 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 waterside to forest edge. Our guarantee reflects our confidence.

Question 16

Where does excavated waste go after installation?

Accepted Answer

All excavated material is removed responsibly. Depending on your location in Totton, soil types vary — clay from Hounsdown, gravel from higher ground, or alluvium near Eling. We use licensed waste carriers and recycle where possible. Clean soil and aggregate is separated for reuse; anything else goes to licensed facilities. Your nearest household recycling centre is Totton Recycling Centre on Mead Road (SO40 2HJ), operated by Hampshire County Council. We handle all site waste as part of your fixed-price quote — you don't need to arrange anything.

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