Question 1

Which shed base type is best for Winchester's chalk ground?

Accepted Answer

Winchester's chalk bedrock is generally excellent for foundations — it drains well and provides solid bearing capacity. Here's what we typically recommend: Standard gardens on chalk — Concrete slabs or paving work beautifully. Chalk's drainage means minimal waterlogging concerns. Sloping gardens (Stanmore, St Cross hills) — Raised timber frame creates a level platform without excessive excavation through solid chalk. Near mature trees — Ground screws protect root systems and are ideal in Winchester's leafy conservation areas. Clay pockets (near the Itchen) — If you're near the river, ground may have clay overlays requiring deeper preparation. We'll assess your specific location and recommend the most suitable option.

Question 2

What's the difference between ground screws and concrete for my shed base?

Accepted Answer

Both create excellent foundations, but they suit different situations: Concrete slabs — Most permanent option. Ideal for heavy workshops, large sheds, or anywhere you want a solid floor. Requires curing time (24-48 hours) before your shed goes on. Ground screws — Faster installation (often half a day). Perfect for protected gardens with mature trees, as they don't disturb root systems. Fully reversible if you ever want to relocate your shed. In Winchester, ground screws are particularly popular in conservation areas near St Cross and around the historic city centre where gardens often have protected trees.

Question 3

Is a timber frame base cheaper for sloping Winchester gardens?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many Winchester gardens — particularly on the chalk hillsides around Stanmore, St Cross, and Olivers Battery — have significant slopes. A raised timber frame can be more cost-effective because: Minimises excavation through solid chalk (which is labour-intensive) Creates a level platform using posts at different heights Avoids costly concrete pumping for difficult access We'll always quote the most economical solution for your specific slope. Sometimes a hybrid approach — concrete pad posts with timber frame — offers the best value.

Question 4

How much does a shed base cost in Winchester?

Accepted Answer

Shed base prices in Winchester depend on the base type and size. Here are our starting prices for standard installations: Paving slab base: From £510 (9x5) Concrete slab base: 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 final quote includes all materials, labour, and waste removal — no hidden costs. View our full price list for more sizes, or request a personalised quote.

Question 5

Is VAT included in your prices?

Accepted Answer

If VAT is applicable to your project, we will clearly notify you as part of your quotation. There are no hidden extras — your quote shows exactly what you'll pay. Some domestic groundworks may be VAT-exempt under certain conditions. We'll explain which applies to your specific project when we provide your quote.

Question 6

What factors affect shed base pricing in Winchester?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence your final price: Base size: Larger bases require more materials and labour. Ground conditions: Solid chalk is straightforward; clay pockets near the Itchen may need extra preparation. Slope: Hillside gardens in Stanmore or Olivers Battery may need raised frame solutions. Access: Winchester's historic streets can have narrow side passages — we work around this. Existing obstacles: Removing old bases, tree stumps, or heavy vegetation adds to the work. We provide honest, transparent quotes with no surprises. What we quote is what you pay.

Question 7

Can you access my narrow Winchester side alley?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly. We're experienced with the tight access common in Winchester's period properties. We use: Narrow wheelbarrows designed for restricted passages Portable mixing equipment that doesn't need lorry access Careful material staging to protect walls and paths For particularly challenging access (properties in the historic core or near the Cathedral), we offer free site surveys to assess the best approach. A photo of your side access usually tells us what we need to know.

Question 8

What are ground conditions like across Winchester?

Accepted Answer

Winchester primarily sits on Upper Chalk — part of the Hampshire Basin geology. This creates generally excellent conditions for foundations: Chalk uplands (most of SO22/SO23): Well-drained, stable, excellent bearing capacity. Ideal for all base types. River Itchen corridor: Some alluvial deposits and clay overlays. May need deeper preparation or ground screws. South Downs fringes: Can have flint bands within the chalk — we excavate through these as needed. We assess every site individually. If you've noticed waterlogging or past foundation issues, let us know and we'll factor this into our recommendation.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Most garden sheds qualify as "permitted development" and don't need planning permission, but there are specific rules: Outbuilding must be single-storey with eaves no higher than 2.5m Maximum height 4m (dual-pitched roof) or 3m (other roof types) If within 2m of a boundary, maximum height is 2.5m Total area of outbuildings must not exceed 50% of your garden Must be at the rear, not forward of the principal elevation Note: Parts of Winchester are in the South Downs National Park, which has stricter rules. Contact Winchester City Council Planning for guidance on your specific location.

Question 10

Are there Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) I need to consider?

Accepted Answer

Winchester has numerous TPOs, particularly in conservation areas around St Cross, the Cathedral Close, and established residential areas like Weeke and Stanmore. You should: Check if your property has protected trees before positioning your shed Consider root protection zones (typically the tree canopy diameter) Use ground screws if installing near protected trees — they don't disturb root systems If you're unsure, Winchester City Council can advise on TPOs affecting your property. We're experienced with working near protected trees and can recommend the best base type to avoid any issues.

Question 11

How long does shed base installation take in Winchester?

Accepted Answer

Most shed bases in Winchester are installed in a single day. Here's what to expect: Paving slab base: Typically 1 day Concrete base: 1 day for installation, plus 24-48 hours curing before you can place the shed Timber frame base: 1 day Ground screw base: Often half a day — the fastest option Excavating through solid chalk can add a few hours on hillside sites, but we'll confirm the timeline in your quote.

Question 12

Do you take away waste and old materials?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We carefully remove all excavated chalk, old paving, and rubble from your site. We use licensed waste carriers and recycle materials wherever possible. Your garden is left clean and tidy, ready for your new shed. Waste removal is included in your fixed-price quote — no hidden charges.

Question 13

Do you supply sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we specialise in bases and foundations only — it's what we do best. However, Winchester has excellent local shed suppliers: Winchester Sheds — Local manufacturer offering bespoke sheds, summer houses, and workshops with free local delivery and installation. MB Garden Buildings — Winchester-based provider of contemporary summer houses and garden buildings with customizable options. Order your shed, then contact us for the base — we'll coordinate timing so the base is ready when your shed arrives.

Question 14

Do you assemble or erect sheds?

Accepted Answer

No, we focus exclusively on base installation. However, several Winchester-area tradespeople offer professional shed assembly: Winchester Sheds — Supply and install garden buildings throughout Hampshire. South Coast Fencing — Winchester-based, offering garden building installation including custom shed builds. Local Winchester handymen — Search "shed assembly Winchester" on Checkatrade or MyBuilder to find rated local tradespeople. The most efficient approach: order your shed with an installation date, book us to install the base a few days before, then your chosen installer fits the building onto the ready-and-waiting 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 Winchester garden pristine — no piles of chalk, soil, or rubble left behind. How we handle waste: Our own trucks where access allows Skip hire for larger excavations — especially when excavating through solid chalk Grab lorries for restricted access in historic city centre properties We're fully licensed waste carriers and work with local recyclers. All excavated material — chalk, clay, or old paving — goes to licensed recycling centres. We recycle over 90%. For reference, Hampshire's Otterbourne HWRC is at Poles Lane, Otterbourne (SO21 2EA) — though this is for household waste only.

Question 16

What guarantee do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide a rock-solid 10-year guarantee on all materials and labour. This covers: Structural integrity of the base Levelling remaining true Materials (concrete, timber, ground screws) Workmanship We're a Hampshire family business with over 50 years of experience. You know exactly where to find us if you ever need us — our guarantee is backed by our reputation.

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