Photo: Imad Clicks

Does a shed base have to be perfectly level?

Some landscapers may recommend putting a slope on the base for drainage, but the base itself needs to be completely level - the base does not necessarily have to be any larger than floor of the shed. Paving slabs must be laid properly and not just put straight onto soil or grass.

albanysheds.co.uk - Base Requirements - Albany Shed Co

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Base Requirements

We cannot stress enough the importance of putting your new Albany building onto a solid, flat, level foundation. Get it right and your building will fit together perfectly and last for years. Get it wrong and you could have problems with assembly, the shed will not last nearly as long and the doors may not close properly. Your local retailer may be able to offer a base-laying service or recommend someone who can.

Key Points You need a solid, flat, level base

You need sufficient room around the building for assembly and maintenance

You need to make sure you have suitable access for the panels to get to the base

Consider rainwater run-off

Floor plans are available for all of our standard models, which can sometimes help in constructing the base. Please specify on order if your base requires the direction of the floor joists to adhere to the floor plan as this can be subject to change

Suitable bases

We recommend paving slabs or concrete, especially for larger buildings. Some landscapers may recommend putting a slope on the base for drainage, but the base itself needs to be completely level - the base does not necessarily have to be any larger than floor of the shed. Paving slabs must be laid properly and not just put straight onto soil or grass. Decking is also usually suitable provided it is strong enough. On small to medium sized buildings, bearers / sleepers on a level gravel / shingle area can be suitable - see information on bearers below. A paving slab in each corner is not enough, even if they are level; the floor must be sufficiently supported throughout. Other examples of unsuitable bases include soil, grass, loose bricks, pallets, and any uneven surface.

Positioning of your building

Sizes listed are approximate and do not allow for roof overhang. It is normally best to allow plenty of room around the building - the minimum space required is usually 300mm (1ft) all the way around although 500mm is preferable. This is important and can make assembly easier as well as future re-treating and maintenance. Bear in mind the roofs do overhang the main body of the building so this must be taken into account, for example when a building is going into a more enclosed area. We understand that not everyone is looking to locate their shed in a large open area. With advice from us or your local retailer, usually a suitable solution can be found.

Bearers

We can supply bearers (timber posts) with your building if you wish to further raise the floor off the ground. If the floor of the shed is likely to come into contact with a lot of rainwater then bearers could significantly increase its life. The bearers would run in the opposite direction to the floor joists of the shed - if you are supplying your own bearers or sleepers then please check which way they will run and then specify on order that they must adhere to the stated direction as it can be subject to change. Normally bearers are not essential if you have a solid, flat, level base (other than for the reason previously mentioned), as the floor is on floor joists, which allow air underneath and keep the floorboards off the base. If your base is gravel / shingle then you should sit the shed on bearers / sleepers to give it a solid foundation and support the floor evenly. The gravel / shingle still needs to be level and shouldn't be too loose.

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Can I build a wall next to my Neighbours fence?

Without a neighbour's agreement, there is no right to build a wall over the boundary line. The Party Wall Act DOES permit foundations to be built over the boundary, but only 'where necessary'. In my opinion, they are never necessary for domestic work and are seldom necessary for larger projects.

collier-stevens.co.uk - Building on the Boundary or Line of Junction - Collier Stevens

If you want to build a wall or garden wall astride the boundary line (called the ‘Line of Junction’ in the Party Wall Act), you must tell your neighbour by serving a notice, called a Party Wall Notice. If you want to build a wall astride the boundary line, it will be as a party wall, and you can only do this with your neighbour’s written approval. You must also inform the adjoining owner if you plan to build a wall wholly on your own land but up against the boundary line, but in this case, your neighbour cannot prevent you from building such a wall. The Act sets out the precise information you must tell your neighbour, and this must be in writing. There is a standard Party Wall Notice to make sure that this is done correctly, and we’ve uploaded templates to help you. The correct template to complete is a “Section One” notice. Alternatively, you may feel happier appointing a party wall surveyor to do this for you. Collier Stevens has a competitive fixed fee service which includes serving the correct notices. There is no right to build astride the boundary, and if your neighbour objects, then you might have to alter your drawings, so it is best to check early on.