Garden shed

fairydust

Hi there, I'm looking for advice as I don't really know where to start...

I recently moved into a house and the garden is a bit of a mess. Having never had a garden before I don't really know where to start in the planning and makeover but I need to put up a shed so i've somewhere to house my tools and the kids bikes. (which are currently out in the garden covered in snow!)

It looks like there was already a shed once as there is a patch near the back (guessing 8 by 6) that's pebbled but I would like, if possible to get a 12 by 8/10 double door'd shed.

Also, the land around the pebbled area (well, pretty much the whole garden) is uneven and covered in debris.

Now, I've been advised by a friend that I can hire a tool that'd turnover the land and another tool that'd flatten it out so I'm aware of that but it's the actual shed I'm unsure about right now (as I've never had one)

Do sheds come with bases? If not, what would I use as a base? Can I/should I make the pebbled area bigger? Do I need some kind of foundation laying?

I should also point out (as it's quite important) that I don't drive, nor do I have access to a car (friends don't drive either) and I'm on benefits so not too flushed. It's a council house I've recently moved to.

Finally, once I've chosen my shed and prepared the land, how easy are they to put up? (I'm a 5ft nothing lady) Would I need to hire someone to do this? If so, what kind of tradesman would I need.

I would like to thank you in advance for any tips, advice or suggestions you can throw my way - I want a beautiful garden we can really enjoy one day and the shed is the first step.

Ebe_Scrooge

Sheds usually come without a base ( that is, they have a wooden floor, but you need something to stand it on ). If you stand it straight on the soil it will rot in no time.

The ideal solution is a solid concrete base. Just put up some shuttering ( i.e. a wooden framework ) to contain the concrete, then fill it with concrete - either mix it yourself or work out what you need and have a load delivered.

That's the best way, but if your budget doesn't run to that then you need to put down something for it to stand on. You can either use paving slabs, or lengths of timber ( treated with preservative ). The main thing is to ensure that the base of the shed is not standing on the soil, and is well supported at enough points that it won't sag. And whichever method you choose, take the time to get the preparatory work done and make sure the base is perfectly level, then the rest will be ( comparatively ) easy.

To actually erect the shed, they're usually not difficult, but you will need another pair of hands to help. Allow yourself time and don't rush it - it's just time-consuming rather than technically hard. Hope this helps.

27col

The last shed that I put up for someone was erected on about 8 concrete blocks which were laid on the ground and levelled. Lengths of heavy timber, suitably preserved and levelled would do just as well. The shed itself, is a doddle to erect, but would normally require two persons.
Most shed suppliers will provide an erection service, to cater specifically for people such as your self. We had a large shed erected at my bowls club and it cost about £80 to delver and erect. However you would probably need to prepare the foundation yourself. You need to ask them what base they require.