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HiLinersFrequently Asked Questions
We have found that a lot of questions we are asked are common to many customers, so we have recorded them here, with the answers.
Hopefully, you wil find the question and appropriate response here, but if there is anything else that you need to know, simply:
- Submit your question to us using the form on our Contact us page, and we will reply to you via email.
- Call our Customer Services team on 01709 881844
- Request a call back at your convenience
- Ask you local agent (find details here)
Your questions are important to us, as they build up a library of answers to help other customers, and also they give us the opportunity to improve our service to everyone, so please send us any queries - we'll answer them and that will help us to help other customers!
Thank you....
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Local Authority Approvals and ordering your building
Concrete Bases
Siting your building
Delivery and Installation
Local Authority Approvals and ordering your building
Do I need Local Authority Approvals?
You will need local authority approvals in certain circumstances. By Local Authority Approvals we normally mean Planning Permission and/or Building Regulation Approval.
The main source of guidance in this area is the Government's website,The Planning Portal.
How do I work out whether I need local authority approvals?
Ask your LidgetCompton agent.
Concrete Bases
Can I put my building on paving slabs/tarmac?
The simple anser is No!
Any building is as good as its foundations, and our buildings are no exception to this rule. A concrete raft base is required to provide the structural stability for our building.
Slabs/tarmac/paving slabs or blocks can move and result in the building moving.
Our base recommendations are for a minimum 100mm concrete cover over the whole area, with a thickening around the edges to a depth to suit local soil conditions, typically 450mm. The addition of a concrete mesh to provide strength and a damp proof membrane (dpm) is also recommended.
How big should my base be?
A concrete garage base should be 6" wider and 6" longer than the external size of your garage.
Make sure that the base is above the surrounding ground level, normally allowing at least 1" (25mm) out of the ground.
How thick should my concrete base be?
This will depend on local soil conditions. A minimum of 4" (100mm) cover on 4" (100mm) hardcore, with a strengthened perimeter beam, say 18" x 18" (450mm x 450mm), will suffice for average soild conditions.
If you live in a clay soil area, these dimensions will have to increase, but the design should be tailored to suit.You would be well advised to include steel meash reinforecement in such areas.
Can I have a base larger than the building you will put on it?
Simple answer, Yes! We need a flat, level and square slab, that must be a minimum 6" (150mm) longer and 6" (150mm) wider than the external dimensions.
If you want to cast a bigger area, no problem, but you will need to mark out where you want the building to go.
What do I need to take into account when designing my base?
Apart from the sizes and ground conditions listed above, your base should be perfectly square, Flat and level.
Once you have built the formwork for your base, you should check for square by measuring the diagonal dimensions - they should be the same if you base is square. Adjust until they are.
Don't cast the base with any fall at all. Concrete panels are rectangular, and unlike traditional methods of construction, you cannot "lose" discrepancies in level.
We recommend the use of a plastic membrane (Visqueen, or similar) about 100 guage to prevent moisture soaking up into your building.
Steel mesh reinforcement is a good idea, fo the relatively small extra cost - any building is as good as its foundations - steel mesh should prevent any future movement in the base.
Siting your building
Do I need to look at anything in particular?
There are several aspects to consider:
Look up! Overhanging trees, neighbour's buildings/gutters etc may well catch you out. when looking at the "footprint" of your building on the ground.
Remember to allow for gutters etc and a main up and over door will "throw" about 3'6" and a personel door about 3', allow for this when positiong close to existing buildings, fences etc.
How do I do that?
Well, if you feel at all unsure, contact your LidgetCompton agent for advice.
Delivery and Installation
Do I have to be in when you deliver and install?
No, you do not need to be in when we deliver, providing access to your concrete base is clear.
If your base is larger than our recommendation (6" longer and 6" wider than the external size of your building) you need to clearly mark the required position of your building with an indelible marker)
Will you drive your lorry onto my drive?
No, our lorry will be parked as close as possible, and the building will be delivered using a motorised fork lift.
