What is a 'prepared' base?

A prepared base is the foundation that your building will sit on. The runners attached under the floor will lift your building off the prepared base by 1.5" allowing a clear passage of air. There are 4 main types of prepared base:

• Concrete. Construct a timber frame (shuttering) around the area to be prepared as a base. Lay heavy duty plastic in first to act as a damp course. Fill with concrete to a depth of 3-4". Very large buildings may need 5". Level off with a trowel using a plank to straddle the base. The plank(s) can rest on the shuttering. When fully hardened off (48-60 hours) remove the shuttering. Cover concrete to protect from frost until hardened off fully. This is the strongest method, but is labour intensive, and not inexpensive.
• Slabs. Clear and level the area. Firm down with a bumper. Lay 12 maximum depth of concrete sand down and level off. Lay the slabs (flagstones) dry onto the sand bed. Ensure they are level using a spirit level. This is the most popular method and is very acceptable. You can use reclaimed slabs to keep the cost down, as they will not be seen.
• Builders Pit. Excavate 4" of soil out from the area to be used as the prepared base. Shutter the 4 sides with tanalised (pressure treated) timbers laid on edge. Decking boards are ideal. Fill the bottom 1" with old stones, broken rubble etc. Firm down. Add 3" of builders MOT (crushed limestone). Firm down with a 'whacker plate', a bumper, or your big feet? Top up and firm down again. The builders pit is not a difficult DIY job, get the MOT delivered from your local builders merchant. One hundredweight (50 kilo) will cover one square yard at 1" deep. You will probably need a ton or two, obviously depending on size of prepared base. This method means the base is below ground level creating less of a step up. It is also excellent for drainage. This is very important when wood is in contact with the base.
• Bearers. Clear and level the area. Firm down with a bumper. Lay wooden or concrete bearers down at 2ft intervals. Tell us by e-mail which way your bearers run and we will build the floor with the runners in the opposite direction so your bearers support them. Quick, easy and economical, but make sure the ground under the bearers is firm, as they will be carrying a lot of weigh over a narrow area.

How will my building be delivered?

We will telephone you to decide on which day we are going to deliver your building. We can normally state morning or afternoon, but cannot give a time. All buildings are manufactured in sections, treated and safety glazed in our factory. We use flatbed trucks, which may require better access than a car. We are happy to 'carry' buildings a short distance but we DO need clear access. In most instances the building has to go around the back, please ensure this is possible. We have to charge if we have to call out a second time because we cannot get a building through. If you are unsure please e-mail us before.

How long will it take to erect my building?

Size of building, ease of access and quality of the prepared base are all factors but 30 minutes for an 8' x 6' is average.

I want to erect my building myself. Will this bring the cost down?

No, all buildings are erected on a prepared base FREE OF CHARGE.

I want my old building taken down and removed. Will you do this?

We will dismantle a small building if it is cleared and you have notified us BEFORE. We cannot take the building away however, as we do not have a Waste Transfer License.

How do I pay the additional charges you have quoted me for?

How do I pay the additional charges you have quoted me for? Any agreed additional charges would be added to your bill and payable on delivery. You only pay the set deposit when you order, the balance when it is delivered and erected.

How do I pay the outstanding balance?

Outstanding balances are payable to the erectors in cash. You may pay by debit card (Switch / Electron) or cheque by PRIOR arrangement with us. Please enquire if you want to pay by debit card or cheque.

Can I order a size not quoted?

We will happily quote for any size, please e-mail us your requirements. You can even do a drawing and post it to us, but please remember that the jigs are set to standard sizes, so costing against your own designs with non standard sizes will mean the prices will be proportionately higher. Simplicity is the key to competitive pricing.

Why should I buy from GardenSite?

We offer a wide range of standard and bespoke buildings at excellent value for money, we also have a full after sales support system that will resolve any problems. Furthermore we have been selling timber buildings for 50 years and have 2 showsites, each displaying a selection. We are not an internet only company that simply buys and sells, with little or no knowledge. We sell with confidence so you can buy with confidence.

You haven't answered the question I want to ask?

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