Many homeowners are discovering the many benefits an outdoor building in a garden provides, particularly in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the increase in the amount of time we spend at home.
Like any aspect of home improvement, planning is key to success. Critical to any structure, including a garden building, is support. This basically means that you need to have a suitable base in place. Like any free-standing structure, a garden building like a summer house or a stand alone conservatory needs a solid concrete foundation and the specifications very much depend on the size and weight of the building.
Concrete – The Best Solution
The ideal base for a garden building is a quality concrete area that is slightly larger then the structure it will support. The base should be at least 4 inches thick, with 6-8 inches being ideal for a large unit. It’s a good idea to add some mesh reinforcement, to give the concrete added tensile strength. With ready-mix concrete that is delivered to your door, once the area has been shored up, it is ready to be filled.
Utility Connections
This is very important and you want the electric and water to be connected properly. If you need help with this, your local handyman can ensure that the utilities are included prior to the concrete arriving. Your supplier might well offer a comprehensive service that includes base preparation and utility connections, and for many people, this is a preferred solution.
Professional Advice
Your garden building supplier should be happy to advise you on base specifications, and should also be able to construct the base just prior to the unit arriving. If you prefer to prepare the base yourself, you will save some money. But beware . It’s vital to get the base constructed correctly, so spending a bit more to have it done professionally is usually well worth it.
Once your base is installed, you’re ready to have your garden building placed or built. If you need a step by step guide to having the building constructed, there are helpful articles on various websites that will ensure that nothing is overlooked.
A Level Foundation
Even the slightest gradient will be noticeable, so it’s essential to have your garden building base completely level. If the building is large and has a porch area, it’s always a good idea to have a very slight slope that takes water away. If you are in any doubt about preparing the base, call in an experienced builder, or failing that, consult a concrete specialist.
Adequate Support
Always remember that it’s vital that the foundation for any garden building is strong enough to support the weight of the unit, plus anything inside it. One important point to bear in mind is the size of the base, which might need steel mesh reinforcement to give the concrete additional tensile strength.
Unless you have experience with this kind of work, take it from me that it’s not worth taking unnecessary risks. If you would like to explore the possibilities of purchasing a garden building for any reason, there are plenty of trusted online suppliers with affordable quality units. Make sure you get a couple of decent quotes and ask about extra expenses, as well as ensuring the supplier can handle the entire installation process, including base preparation.
Once your garden building is finished, it’ll be time to relax and enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest!
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