DIY Builds
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Are plastic sheds damp proof?

Metal Sheds and plastic Sheds will only suffer from condensation when dampness is present in the foundations. The air inside the shed is always slightly warmer than outside and therefore, any moisture in the foundation base will rise until it touches the cold roof panels.

Do you need planning permission to convert a shed?
Do you need planning permission to convert a shed?

If you're looking to convert an outbuilding into an independent residence, i.e. a building with a functioning bathroom and kitchen, you will need...

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How do you install a shed on uneven ground?
How do you install a shed on uneven ground?

From experience, the simplest way to build shed bases on uneven ground it to use a foundation of blocks, ideally concrete. This way, to compensate...

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CREATING A CONCRETE BASE

Step 1:

Decide where to position the building in an optimal space, allow enough distance from hedges or fences for easy access to all sides. Using pegs and string to mark out the base to the dimensions of the shed/foundation kit and measure diagonally to ensure the area is square. To get this to the right size you could build the foundation kit/shed base rails first and marks out using the outside edge of the framework.

Step 2:

A Concrete base requires 3 inch (7.5 cm) of compacted hardcore (not supplied) underneath the 3 inch (7.5cm) concrete layer. The base can be level with the ground or raised above it. If it is to be level excavate the top earth to 6 inch (15cm) to allow for the hardcore layer and the 3 inch (7.5cm) thickness of concrete. Level the area with a rake and remove the pegs.

Step 3:

Set up leveled framework if you have not got a foundation kit. Spread a layer of well compacted hardcore and cover with a liberal amount of sand. (Hardcore and sand not supplied)

Step 4:

Place a DPC (Damp Proof Membrane) on top of the sand. This is to prevent rising damp once the concrete has set. (Please note that the illustration is just to show the DPC, only use timber framework if you do not have the foundation kit option, as the foundation kit has its own shuttering). (DPC not Supplied).

Step 5: (If you have ordered a foundation kit)

Construct the foundation kit (if not already built) and lay it into your working area. Step 6: (If you have a foundation kit, construct the building before commencing with this stage) Lay DPM (Damp Proof Membrane) and mix the concrete (not supplied) using one part cement to five ballast or use bags of dry-mixed concrete to which you just add water. Small amounts of water should be added at a time and mixed into the concrete mix to ensure excessive amounts are added making the cement sloppy, as the concrete should be kept on the dry side.Spread the concrete evenly and slightly proud of the framework. This can be levelled off to the top of the foundation kit frame with a long straight edge of timber resting on the edges of the foundation kit or top of the formwork using a sawing motion slowly (as shown below) over the entire surface of the freshly laid concrete. You should be able to see the top surface of the foundation kit flush with the concrete. If wet weather is forecast, cover the concrete with polythene for 24-hours. In warm weather cover the base with damp sacks and sprinkle them with water over the 24-hour period, this will ensure the drying concrete will not shrink or crack. The result is a smooth, sound, level base. The perfect foundation for the construction of an outdoor storage building.

Should I drywall my shed?
Should I drywall my shed?

Drywall is made to withstand fire better than a wood product and it's thick enough to provide stability for hanging pictures and shelves. With...

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What can you put on agricultural land without planning permission?
What can you put on agricultural land without planning permission?

If your farm is 5 hectares or more, you have the right to erect, extend or alter a building. The types of permitted development include temporary...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Can I block my own driveway UK?

Parking across your own dropped kerb Generally you should never park on the pavement unless you are parking in a marked bay. However if you have parking bays in your street you can park across your own drive but not beyond the marked bays as shown below. You cannot block the pavement as shown below.

You are here: Parking across a dropped kerb

Parking across a dropped kerb is a parking contravention for which a Penalty Charge Notice can be issued. In Havering we only give fines for “unfriendly” parking across a dropped kerb. This means if you park in across a dropped kerb you are committing an offence unless you have permission. If you share a dropped kerb with you neighbour you will still need their permission before parking across the dropped kerb.

Specific details

The below is the correct way to park near a dropped kerb. The car is parked at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) clear of the dropped kerb and there are no parking restrictions applying in this part of the road. The below is not correct unless you have the permission of the home owner. Even if there is a yellow line with time restrictions you can not park across someone's driveway as below.

Can I build a log cabin in my garden without planning permission?
Can I build a log cabin in my garden without planning permission?

A log cabin is classed as an outbuilding on your property. Outbuildings are regarded as permitted developments and therefore do not require an...

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What can an 8x10 shed hold?
What can an 8x10 shed hold?

According to LP's Shed Size Calculator, an 8×10 shed would be able to fit only about 2 fuel cans, 2 garden tools, a generator, a propane grill, a...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can I build a house in my garden and sell it?
Can I build a house in my garden and sell it?

If you build a house on the plot, you can then sell your existing house and move into the new property and that becomes your new principal...

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Which part of the house should be renovated first?
Which part of the house should be renovated first?

the kitchen Homeowners often want to know in what order they should renovate a house. It's best to start with the kitchen because these remodels...

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