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Great work. Kris explained what he would do clearly and provided a competitive quote for the eork. He was able to start quickly and work days that accommodated my schedule and needs. I love the finished result and he explained how to care for it. Great workmanship - would hire him again.

Elliott

Adam did a great job with our flooring. He was friendly, worked quickly and well priced. Would definitely use again.

Hayley

Job booked in quickly and carried out professionally for a fair price. Would recommend.

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This page has everything you’ll need to know about finding and hiring a local garden shed/playhouse specialist.

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Garden shed and playhouse construction from local builders

Garden sheds come in a range of shapes and sizes and are increasingly used for a variety of different purposes, from storing tools and garden furniture, to providing spaces to work in or relax. Garden sheds are usually made from wood, plastic, or metal and, unless you’re after something bespoke, most sheds will come pre-built, requiring you or a tradesperson to assemble it. In most cases, a gardener, a handyman, or a builder will be able to do the job for you. 

Costs for installing or building your garden shed

The costs of the shed itself will vary greatly on what your shed is made from and its size. Most pre-built sheds will take 1-2 days to build, with costs likely to start from £200, though this will vary based on where you live. Costs can increase if you need an area cleared to make room for the shed, are opting for a concrete base or need the ground levelled before the shed can be built.

If you’re looking to add electricity, heating, lighting and furniture, this will add to the complexity of the project and you may want to research specialist shed builders who can build you something bespoke. 

Choosing the right shed

This will depend upon a number of things including:

  • Your budget.
  • The value of the items you’ll keep in the shed.
  • Your intended use of the shed.
  • Any design considerations you have relating to your house or garden.

Before you decide on the type of shed, it’s important to think about how you’ll use it. Will your shed be used to sit and relax in, to work in, or as a home for your lawnmower and other garden tools.  

Wooden sheds are usually made from softwoods like pine and cedar. Pine has a greater susceptibility to rot than cedar but is also cheaper and more widely available. It’s a good idea to treat your shed before construction and then repeat the treatment each year. This will help to keep it weather-proof. Alternatively you could look at pre-treated or pressure-treated sheds. The latter has preservative forced into the timber, resulting in almost no maintenance being required at all.

Plastic sheds tend to be cheaper than wooden sheds. They’re lighter, won’t rot or burn, and are often simpler to construct. On the downside, because of its plastic construction, the hinges for the doors and locks will likely be plastic meaning security can be a concern, and you may have limits on the amount you can hang on the walls. You’ll also want to think about how your new shed will look in situ – plastic sheds often struggle for style points.

Metal sheds are made to last (but beware the cheap, thin metal sheds which corrode quickly). They’re low maintenance as the metal is galvanised, making them weather proof. They’re also heavy, meaning they’re robust and can be made very secure, but this means they can be trickier to put up, with the panels of the shed weighing significantly more than other alternatives.

Whichever option you choose, a solid base is vital to ensure your shed is able to withstand the rigours of daily use (removing tools and equipment from a shed will test how well built your shed is) and bad weather. Ask your tradesperson before they quote about whether any clearance is needed, how they plan to create a solid base for the shed and whether there’s any work required to level off the ground.

There are no specific qualifications that a tradesperson will need to build a shed. It’s always advisable to see proof of similar projects they’ve been done for other homeowners.   

Planning permission for building a garden shed

You shouldn’t need planning permission to build a shed if:

  • Your shed is only being used for domestic purposes.
  • Your shed has a maximum height of 4 metres.
  • The ground area covered by your shed is less than 50% of the total ground space of your home.

For all the latest planning permission advice and for all the qualifying criteria, visit the Planning Portal.

Insurance for electrical work

Whichever tradesperson you choose to build your shed, they should have public liability insurance. This isn’t a requirement but gives you peace of mind should there be any property damage or personal injury claims as a result of the work.

Questions you should ask your tradesperson

  • Do they have public liability insurance and what does this cover?
  • What kind of jobs do they tend to do the most? Can they give you references for previous work?
  • Will it be themselves that build the shed? If a concrete base is needed, or if you’d like electricity in your shed, will they be doing this work themselves or working with other tradespeople?

Neil Prescott @Nsp Carpentry Qualified level 3 carpenter & Multitrader with 20+yrs experience in all aspects of internal and external carpentry, including Plastering, basic plumbing and Electrics. Ranging from small to big projects. Please check out some of my work pictures attached and a list of all the works I can carry out confidently. I always strive to deliver customers expectations with a open,honest approach and finishing with a high level of standards. Thanks Neil

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Reviewed by Bea on 14/4/2025

Neil came to look at what needed doing and advised on the best way to build a base for the shed. He worked out the price which was reasonable. Neil got the job done with no issues. He is a hard worker and I will not hesitate to use him again. Already looking at getting a quote for other work. Highly recommended

Job Done has over 15 years experience providing a full range of services. We’re a one stop shop for garden renovations from design to completion. We employ a close team of specialists in their chosen fields,to cater to your specific needs.

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Reviewed by Andrew on 3/3/2017

Hardly worth commenting as no one contacted me.

Eko Pro Ltd has an unparalleled customer and quality service. We’re dedicated to your happiness. That means we arrive on time and investigate your needs before diving blindly into the situation. We get it right the first time. Regardless of the size of the job or its complexity, your satisfaction is most important to us. Our mission is to provide our customers a once in a lifetime service. Our team is dedicated to delivering first-class work, and we understand the importance of communication. As a thoroughly family-owned company, you can trust us to give your family the same attention we give to ours. We treat your home as we would our own home, which is why we are committed to providing the highest quality services available. Our knowledgeable staff have over 30 years of combined experience. Book us in for a free consultation.

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Reviewed by ruth on 16/9/2024

EKO PRO painted our doors today . there were two polite men who did a fantastic job, they even sourced the paint for us ! Would recommend their work to anyone. They tidied up too, 5 gold stars. They were clean and tidy and we could not have asked for a better service and all done with a smile. We will definitely be using them again they are also builders and plumbers . Highly recommended

Hi my name is Oliver Kent. I am a fully qualified carpenter with 10 years of experience and I am also a property developer. I cover all aspects of building work Kitchens Bathrooms Refurbishments Extensions Maintenance I have a small team of experienced professionals who are extremely confident in their job and I'm aiming to expand my business, so no job is too big or too small. I aim to please all customers, please check my ratings and also ask for pictures of work if you require them, as the website will not show all of them. or vist My Facebook page Good With Wood . Thanks

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Reviewed by Victoria on 27/10/2024

I did not use Oliver as my situation changed, but he was quick to respond initially and also to reply to my situation in a friendly, polite and helpful way. Thank You!

Level Line Fencing and Landscapes A small family business. All Fencing work undertaken from the smallest to the biggest of jobs. Patios, Driveways, raised flower beds, turfing and high pressure jet washing all undertaken. Call us for a free no obligation quote or advice.

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Reviewed by Stephen on 30/10/2024

Excellent service, would recommend this service

Woodchips treesurgery&landscaping dad and lad run business covering all ASPECTS of services All aspects of landscaping turfing fencing/fence repairs hedge trimming tree pruning/felling/reduction/ removal gravel driveways power washing driveway&patios new patios/extend existing RUBBISH REMOVAL

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Reviewed by Leigh on 9/3/2025

Hi, I'm Michael In the year of 1996 I graduated from building college in Poland. Ever since then, I have been working as a builder, and I am able to provide a variety of building-related services. I have been living in Scotland since 2007. In my profession, I am fair and reliable, and I guarantee the highest quality of service. Best regards Michal

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Reviewed by Linda on 29/6/2023

Very happy with the work Michal carried out in our home of removing and disposing of old kitchen and installing new kitchen. Highly recommend

Friendly family run business with integrity and attention to detail.

GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALISTS with a vast portfolio and customer base, our company has been established 10 years. Fully insured, all employees and sub contractors cscs trained/qualified. All works completed to a high standard at competitive prices

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Reviewed by Valerie on 28/6/2025

I am very pleased with the work done by JMR. The tradesmen were pleasant and happy to make any changes or additions to the original plans, with the approval of James (the boss). Nic did an amazing job of the plastering, and Tristan applied his many skills to the build. The estimate was reasonable, and was also the final price charged for the original plan. James charged a fair price for the extra work I requested, and was open to discussion on any aspect of the build. A job well done.

Family running business based in Gravesend. Our priority is excelent service and satisfide customer. Top quality work is our trademark. Specialised in all type of build work with very expirienced team. Plenty of references form our previous satisfied clients. In need of top quality builders? call for more informations.

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Reviewed by John on 2/8/2023

An excellent service, completed on time. Would recommend

DMH Group is a family-run business with over 15 years of expertise in providing comprehensive landscaping and building solutions. Covering a large area in the south east our team takes pride in offering a diverse range of services, catering to all aspects of landscaping and building work. From transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful landscapes to undertaking building projects of varying scales, DMH Group is committed to delivering excellence. No project is too big or too small for us as we strive to bring creativity, quality craftsmanship, and personalized attention to every detail.

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Reviewed by Stephen on 16/6/2025

All types of wall and floor tiling undertaken

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Reviewed by Shlomi on 13/12/2024

Neil did a brilliant job in our bathroom, he's got a very good eye for details and experience doing unusual tile patterns. Thanks Neil we love our bathroom thanks to you!

I’m a carpenter based in Tulse Hill, I undertake wood working projects mainly based locally in Balham, Brixton, Clapham, Dulwich, Herne Hill, Streatham Hill, West Norwood and occasionally in other areas. With a solid background in carpentry and joinery I provide friendly, reliable and very professional services for all aspects of storage solutions. I`m specialized in the making of bespoke MDF Fitted Furniture, although at times I also lay wooden Floors, fit Kitchens, erect Fences or build Decks. Upon our initial viewing I can expand your idea being happy to provide you with a detailed, free and non-binding quote for all my work, from start to finish. I strive for quality and attention to detail in order to offer a high standard finishing product.

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Reviewed by Thomas on 19/3/2025

The work was done to a high standard, on time and on budget. We'd be happy to hire him again for more work and can highly recommend.

London Development uk ltd is our company, we have been trading for over 12 years in the construction business. - We are a fully insured company with a big portfolio of jobs completed and we are friendly and reliable on any work and business that is coming across. - We can do big jobs as new buildings or full refurbishments, basements, extensions, lofts conversions etc and also we can do small jobs as bathroom refurbishments or even smaller is always space and time for a new job. - We guarantee you that you will get the best workmanship on your job with best skills and acknowledge in the construction industry, time effective and costly effective for customers. Try our company and you will gain the benefits!!!

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Reviewed by Rita on 25/12/2023

Peter contacted me and was amazing, professional with his quote and recommendation. Very clean, tidy service and very open and honest. Peter and his team are excellent builders.

Pro Joinery & Renovation specialises in Kitchen and Bathroom fittings however we have taken on many other projects such as bespoke shelves & wardrobes, rebuilding walls, flooring, complete house renovations, conservatories and much more. The acquired knowledge gained over the years and expertise allows to run every project with ease and to your full satisfaction. Though the time is of the essence, attention to detail and quality of craftmanship is invaluable and there is nothing like wow factor and recommendation by the client. Please see the gallery for examples of previous work. Although first time on rated people my builder, facebook and google will provide you with reviews should you wish to check. Thank you for taking the time to familiarise yourself with Pro Joinery & Renovation.

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Reviewed by Gordon on 31/5/2025

Very prompt response and did exactly what I needed

M&M Landscape Gardens

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Reviewed by jacqueline on 2/4/2025

I have been in the construction industry since I was 16 and now been working on my own for 4 years. We a a small family run business. Specialising in a variety of industries to cover most of any property maintenance and conversions. We also have other reviews on other sites too so please do ask and I’d be happy to provide them for you.

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Reviewed by Maggie on 20/6/2024

Az responded really quickly, came round when he said he would, assessed the job and did it straight away. He was happy to undertake what was a small job for him but a big headache for me. He also cleared up after himself! He was friendly and cheerful and instilled confidence. Thank you

My name is Shaun Ross .My business name is Agnoscar services Ive been trading since 1997

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Reviewed by Fiona on 28/1/2025

Job has been accepted by Shaun. Courteous,friendly,professional. Work still to be done.

As a professional and hard-working company, Apexcpm offers a high-level service with a dedicated focus on communication and results.We put our clients first,ensuring our work is carried out with precision and consistent professionalism.Our services include renowned property renovations,garage conversions,kitchen refurbishments,fitted wardrobes,custom designed furniture and much more! Fully qualified with NVQ level 3,qualified & experienced tradesmen who are Gas Safe & NICEIC-approved. Established in 2018, we’re an Uckfield-based family-run business & together,we share over 30 years of experience in the trade.We have an extremely high number of 5-star reviews online, and our testimonials speak for themselves.We are also lucky enough to have a considerable amount of recommendations and referrals thanks to our reputation as a reliable, knowledgeable and highly skilled company.

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Reviewed by Edd on 19/2/2025

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