Whether you are a home builder or homeowner, getting a project completed on time can be one of the frustrations for both sides of the project. Material shortages, complications on-site and long processes can cause projects to progress at a much slower pace than you would want. 

We know that delays can cause a lot of stress and here at Stop Digging we have learnt ways to speed up the building progress. Here are our top five tips to speed up your house project: 

• Have a realistic schedule 

A lot comes down to having a sound plan in the beginning. Rather than over-promise and under-deliver, ensure that all parties are aware of the realities of the build from the start of the project. Plan in some buffer time for material delays and construction issues, think about the stages of the build and the potential time-wasters. If you can plan for the worst then as the build progresses you can rearrange stages if needed and keep things moving. 

• Good communication is key

While a good plan and schedule are great, making sure everything is aware and sticks to it is all down to the communication between the different parties. All involved in the project need to have good communication and be honest about where they are and what roadblocks they are facing. So not only the client and the project manager but also between the manager and the contractors on site. If you have a good level of communication then projects generally run smoother and even if delays and issues come up they can be resolved in a calm efficient way. 

• Use great quality materials

Using good quality materials can ensure that there are fewer breakages on-site, that materials work well together and the site will never be held back from moving onto the next stage of the build by less than great materials. It can be tempting to cut some corners when it comes to materials, especially if you are on a tight budget. But it really won’t save any money when you have to replace them or pay a contractor more hours to work with them. So include it in your budget from the very beginning. 

• Use pre-built materials

Pre-built materials have become more and more popular over recent years, mainly due to their versatility, low cost and speed. SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) are very easy to use and can construct even large structures. This doesn’t make them less strong than traditional techniques, with them being able to withstand even strong British winds and rain. You can also use time-saving foundation processes, such as ground screws instead of concrete. This means that you will save on the construction and also the set-up phase of the build. Compared to concrete you don’t need to wait for the ground to be prepared or for materials to set, ensuring that your foundation is ready to go when you need it. 

• Slimline processes

It can be helpful to look into the processes that are used on-site and see how they can be more efficient. For example, are the contractors using concrete in the project? Could they use ground screws instead to lay the foundation? By making these kinds of process adjustments that may seem small, it all adds up to taking a significant amount of time off the stages of the build. 

If you would like to know how Stop Digging ground screws could help your building project go quicker then feel free to contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

The pandemic has changed how we think about our homes and the space we have. A lot of us are trying to make the best use of every square inch and sheds, garden rooms and offices have been popping up all over the country. Being creative in how we use these outbuildings has brought a lot of joy (and most importantly space away from the kids!) into our lives. 

As we are using these buildings more and more though, have you thought about protecting them from damage or theft? They don’t just contain some rusty nails and spades anymore, they are home to our offices, gyms, playrooms or even guest rooms. They can contain everything from electronic items to furniture and art. It is important to know that these items are safe, and your insurance policy is your first line of defence in protecting them. 

But what insurance will work for these buildings? And what do you need to be aware of? 

Will Homeowners insurance cover it?

The short answer is: probably. Most homeowners insurance includes coverage of outside buildings like sheds and garden rooms. It is worth checking exactly what your home insurance covers, as the term “outbuildings” on an insurance cover can mean a few different things. However, most policies will cover the fabric of the building against fire, flooding, storm damage and vandalism. 

How about content insurance? 

This can depend on what the contents you are storing in your outbuildings are worth. Contents policies usually include a single-item limit, which will often be between £1,500 and £2,500. It is also worth checking what the security requirements are that you need in order to be covered. In some cases of theft, you would only be covered if the outbuilding is locked and there is evidence of forced entry. Bicycles are extra with some policies also, if you store yours in the shed or outbuilding. 

How can I keep my possessions safe?

It’s important to have a good quality cover, but also you can make sure you are doing your part to keep your buildings and their contents safe. 

Here are a few good ideas to keep in mind when it comes to security for your outbuildings:

Lock it with a good quality lock. 

Invest in a good quality padlock, the cheaper ones are often made of weaker material. It can also be useful to check the brackets of the door and ensure that the screws used to attach it are long enough to resist someone taking the door off that way. 

Have an alarm.

Shed and outbuilding alarms are wireless, battery-powered and can even be attached to your phone to send a message or ring if it is triggered. 

Keep the area well lit.

Having a light that you can clearly see from the house not only gives you peace of mind but also can act as a deterrent to thieves, who prefer to try when there is less chance of being seen. 

Hide valuable items.

If you use the building as an office and keep electronic items there, make sure they are out of view when you shut up for the night. 

Check the windows. 

If you have windows, it’s a good idea to keep them covered when you are not in the building. If you do not need the natural light you could even board them over to reduce the theft risk. 

Have a gravel path or loose stones.

This makes it harder for thieves to get to the front door without being heard, and will often put them off approaching. 

Taking the time to check your insurance cover, and putting into place some security measures will mean you don’t have to ever worry about your outbuildings. Here at Stop Digging, we have the perfect foundation for your shed or garden room.

If you would like more information on how you can use Stop Digging ground screws to start enjoying more space, contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

The end of the year is always a good time to take a pause and make time for reflection. With January just around the corner and 2022 banging against the door, most businesses are using the quieter weeks to look forward and make a plan for the new year. 

With the last few years being unusual, to say the least, it is now even wiser than ever to keep in control of what is happening with your business. Expectations may have had to change, and keep changing as material and skill shortages persist. But by being flexible many businesses have managed to thrive and have one of their most profitable years in 2021. So how can your construction business excel in 2022? How can you ensure that your business continues to be successful? 

Choose technology

The pandemic has introduced many of us to new ways of using technology. Who of us pre-2020 would have thought of using an app like Zoom to socialise, but now it is the norm even for the least tech-savvy. Not being able to rely on face to face interactions or in-person services has moved many construction companies to look to technology to fill those gaps. 

Drone use, for example, is a fast-growing trend in the construction industry. They can be used for mapping large sites and can give aerial thermal images, helping with planning and assessing jobs. Being able to reach high areas and relaying accurate information back to the team means that these smart pieces of technology can do the more dangerous work. Augmented reality (AR) is also being used more and more in the construction industry to accurately measure buildings, visualize projects and provide simulations for training. Keeping up to date with developments and applications of tech can help keep you competitive and your business efficient in 2022.  

Look at scaling up 

While many sectors suffered during the pandemic, construction businesses have never been busier. Look at this time as an opportunity to scale up your business. Here at Stop Digging, we know that you want to take on more work, but you also want to save time to be able to fulfil as many jobs as possible. By being smart in your choice of materials and process this is possible and you can make the most of the mini-boom. With no time spent digging, or waiting for concrete to set, Stop Digging ground screws are the perfect time-saving foundation. The time you then save you can use to complete other projects or to quote for more work. 

Build sustainably 

With the climate change conference in Glasgow this past year, experts around the world are asking us to look at our businesses and see what we can do to make them more environmentally friendly. Many councils and businesses in 2022 will want to build more sustainably, so if you haven’t already now is the time to look and see what adjustments you can make to win these contracts. 

One of the first things you can access is the materials you use. Recycled materials are a great way to create sustainable projects. If you also choose ground screws as your foundation solution you will more likely win these contracts as ground screws production and usage reduces carbon emissions by an average of 60% compared with concrete foundations.

Invest in your staff 

With a labour shortage being one of the key challenges this year, many businesses are looking at how they tackle this problem. One way is to make sure you are investing in the team you currently have. Can you develop training? Offer competitive wages? Have you thought of having a bonus initiative? 

These will not only develop staff loyalty but also make your business attractive to possible recruits and will be noticeable to clients. A motivated, happy team is clear to onlookers and really will make you stand out from competitors. It also is a great way to develop talent you already have. Are there people on your team who you could train to take on more responsibility? Putting time and effort into internal training can help you fill necessary positions in your business. 

So in summary, if you want to push your construction business to the next level in 2022 think about: 

• Choose technology 
• Look at how you can take on more work and scale-up 
• Focus on sustainability 
• Invest in your current team

If you would like more information on how you can use Stop Digging ground screws to help your business excel in 2022 then contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

With the UK holding the global climate summit this November, known as COP26,  the environmental issues facing the planet are being brought to the front of everyone’s minds. It is not surprising the conversations being held revolve a lot around the production of greenhouse gases. The past decade has been the warmest on record, partly because of fossil fuel emissions, and governments around the world agree that action is needed urgently.

The construction industry accounts for a large part of the UK’s carbon emissions, as the built environment contributes around 40% of the total carbon footprint. This has led to the statement that the UK construction sector should decarbonise more urgently in line with the national emission reduction targets of 68% by 2030 and 78% by 2035 *. In the construction sector, this will be an opportunity to encourage more climate-smart production of materials. But it also creates opportunities to replace non-sustainable alternatives with more sustainable building materials.

So what can construction business owners do to help? Thinking creatively when it comes to materials can go a long way to reducing construction businesses’ carbon footprint. One of the easiest shifts that can be made is to move away from using concrete in your projects, to using ground screws instead. But what makes ground screws better for the environment? And does it make sense for your business to use them?

SUSTAINABLE

A large part of the construction industry’s impact on the environment comes from concrete, both with production and also the use in construction projects. Not only is digging for concrete foundations time consuming and also tiring, but it has a large impact on the environment. In comparison, ground screws produce 60% less CO2 than an equivalent concrete foundation.

There are several reasons for this. The screw itself is climate-smart (please drop us an email if you would like a copy of our life-cycle assessment), but the installation of the ground screw is also gentle on the environment, which makes the construction of the building itself better for the surrounding area. The screw leaves minimal damage when it is time to remove it. This means that the ground screw is also suitable for temporary buildings and projects that would otherwise leave a big impression on the area.

REUSE AND RECYCLE

Being able to recycle building materials is becoming increasingly important, and as mentioned will go a long way to reaching the targets set by the UK government. Stop Digging ground screws are as easy to recycle as metal, compared to concrete which cannot be recycled or reused when its life is finished. Our ground screws are designed to be 100% reusable and recyclable, so they are easy to reuse for other projects.

The removal itself is an uncomplicated process that most importantly does not damage the ground and soil around it in the way that digging and installing concrete would. This is a massive plus for site-set up, caravan parks, festivals, farmers, temporary classrooms or buildings to name just a few, as the foundation can be relocated to a new location if the homeowners decide to move. Ground screws come in different sizes and can be adjusted to suit different areas, so even if the homeowners are moving their building to a different terrain they won’t need to worry about changing the foundation. If you want to move the structure, the ground screws can be moved with it causing minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

GREAT QUALITY

Sustainability is a big part of environmental work and by having great quality ground screws we help create a more sustainable future. The screws are made of steel and covered with a thinner layer of zinc and are also hot-dip galvanized. They go through a rigorous testing process. We have developed specifications regarding compression, tensile and horizontal load that has a 100 year++ life expectancy (dependant on soil conditions) and we provide a 25 year guarantee, which makes ground screws not only a sustainable building material but a long-term investment. As they are easy to install and remove/reuse without damaging the ground.

Stop Digging ground screws are a sustainable building material for various construction projects, large and small, that causes minimal damage to the environment. Does it also make business sense to use ground screws? The answer is yes and here are three reasons why:

• Installing an individual screw usually takes no more than five minutes.
• No digging and carrying of heavy tools.
• It is not weather dependent.

These three reasons will give you as a construction owner more time to work on other projects, and also save you money in the long term.

The time for change is now. By moving away from more traditional construction techniques, and using Stop Digging ground screws, you can do your part for the environment while still doing what is best for the health of your business. If you would like any more information about how you could use Stop Diggings ground screws in your projects please contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

With nights drawing in and the temperature getting cooler by the day, we are starting to think of the winter months and what that means for our business. While none of us wants to be thinking of the cold mornings and dark evenings, it’s important to start and prepare for the next few months now.

Winter has the potential to get nasty here in the UK, with strong winds, temperatures below 0°, ice, snow and lots and lots of rain. It is a nightmare for all of us and can lead to slower project progress than we would like, and even create more risk of injury. So how can you keep your site going and stay productive during the colder months?

At Stop Digging we appreciate the struggles in winter, as that was one of the driving forces behind our ground screw design. So here are five tips we have found useful to ensure you can carry on working no matter the time of year:

1.   Monitor the forecast

We are not unfamiliar with this here in the UK, and it may sound like common sense, but it is so important to keep up to date with weather changes throughout the week. As you keep track of the changes, then you may be able to move jobs to when would be most appropriate to carry them out. When it’s wet outside, scheduling inside jobs can save time and also keep your staff dry.

2.   Planning early on

The time to start thinking about the effect the winter will have on your site is during the warmer weather when you can do something to help keep things moving later on. Think about warm break areas so that your staff have a place to dry off and warm up. Also, extra lighting is a good idea to invest in so that the site can continue to work safely and constructively when the sun goes down. Portable heaters are another investment to consider, as bare unfurnished buildings can sometimes feel colder than outside.

3.   Good scheduling

When planning your jobs over the next few months try to think about the stages of your different projects, so you can keep them weather appropriate. This also applies to your scheduling when and what your staff will be working on during the day. Making sure outside work is done in shorter durations is helpful for your staff so that they are not exposed to the elements for too long. This can reduce sickness, and ensure you have a full team when you need them.

4.   Have the right equipment

Having the right equipment and materials for your winter jobs can make a big difference to the flow of work. For example, one of the best ways to keep your site on track is to use Stop Diggings ground screws instead of concrete where possible. If your team is digging foundations and laying concrete, the weather can play a big part in jobs being delayed, as the concrete needs the right conditions to dry before the job can continue. On the other hand, ground screws can be supplied and installed in any weather conditions (even snow and ice). And they also only take a few hours to install so it can save you both time and money, keeping you on-site and on time.

5.   Health and safety

According to the HSE, falls are the most common cause of injury and death in the construction industry. While this is true year-round, with the added elements of cold, ice and slippery surfaces with the rain, it’s important to keep an eye on the health safety measures that are in place on-site.

A couple of areas to keep an eye on:

• Make sure walkways are gritted.
• Provide cold weather PPE so when tradespeople are working outside they are fully insulated to retain body heat and prevent the cold weather from affecting them.
• Regularly checking the site to see if the weather has caused any new hazards, especially after any strong storms.

By putting these five tips in place, and good planning, you can ensure your site stays on time and productive this winter, no matter the weather! If you would like more information on how you can use Stop Digging ground screws to keep your business running during winter then contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

A holiday park in the South West of England 

The task .. 

To provide foundations for holiday homes on an expanding holiday park.   

The clients wanted the Fishermen’s pods to nestle into the bank and hang over the water in order for the guests to be able to fish straight from their decking.  An access walkway would run behind the pods, along the steep bank. 

 

The challenges  

The ground consisted of a deep, thick clay, perfect for the creation of a lake.  However, this meant there were some construction challenges that needed to be overcome. 

After preliminary site testing and structural engineer design the SGC range of screws were selected, some of them up to 2.5 meters long.  They could reach deeper ground, where the conditions were more suitable for achieving the load values required.  

Furthermore, the site was extremely muddy and presented many practical issues. In many areas the soft clay surface was several feet deep, which meant that vehicles and plant were often unable to access these areas. Accordingly, moving materials to the site areas was a long and arduous process but well worth it when you see the end result.

The obstacles the screws overcame 

Concrete was not appropriate as foundations for these pods. The screws are far more suitable and safer to install in these conditions, as well as achieving results above and beyond the requirements.  The screws were installed in a fraction of the time with the pods being constructed immediately.    

Using handheld equipment, the screws could comfortably be installed wherever they needed to be, which would have been problematic with larger plant due to the ground and access.  Even on the steep slope the walkway screws were comfortably installed without any disruption or damage.   

The result 

An amazing new holiday park is being created on a multi acre site, landscaped with many lakes generously stocked with fish.  The Fishermen’s Pods, are detached buildings built at the edge of the lakes, installed on Stop Digging ground screws. Anglers can fish directly off their own deck whilst enjoying all the creature comforts provided within the pod itself. 

If you would like to talk to us about how to make your build more sustainable with our concrete free ground screws, then please get in touch at:  sales@stopdigging.co.uk or 020 3970 3979

Timber frame construction has started to become more popular recently as people look into the options for constructing their own projects. Timber frame construction is a method of construction that uses prefabricated timber studs and rails to create a structural frame which then can be used as the foundation for many buildings.

Timber frame projects work really well with ground screws, and here at Stop Digging we have worked on many projects over the last few years and we have seen first-hand the advantages of using this method. Here are a few of the benefits we have found with timber frame construction.

Sustainable

Sustainable is becoming much more than an “it” word recently with most designs being looked at with a more sustainable outlook. Timber is recognised as the only renewable construction material and because of that is being considered more and more for projects. Not only is the material itself sustainable but it is also energy efficient as a natural insulator.

Timber frame construction can also use ground screws as the foundation support. Stop Digging ground screws emit up to 60% less CO2 than traditional concrete plinths and are also recyclable. Thinking sustainably from the bottom up in the project can have a real impact long term.

Speed

It is on average 30% quicker to build with timber than typical bricks and mortar. It can be made watertight in a much quicker time than a traditional build, which has a big impact on the flow and speed of the build. A quicker turnaround means you can take on more jobs, and essentially earn more money, which is always an advantage.

Not as weather dependant

As mentioned, timber frame buildings can be made watertight quickly and can easily be erected in bad weather. Assembling bricks is massively reliant on having good weather and can have an impact on the further stages of the build. This is an important benefit especially in temperamental weather conditions like here in the Uk.

Flexible specifications & Innovative design

The more flexible the material the more interesting designs can be created using the material. Take a look at some of the projects we have worked on at Stop Digging to see the variety of designs and specifications here.

Less reliant on specific wet trades

With the skills shortage we are seeing here in the UK being at the forefront of many construction owners’ minds, having projects where you don’t have to rely so much on certain trades is a massive benefit.

Timber frame construction popularity doesn’t look like it is waning, for good reason. If you want a quick, inventive and sustainable build then go for a timber frame project. If you would like to see how Stop Digging ground screws could work with your construction project then please feel free to get in touch at:  SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

Garden rooms are an innovative and creative way to create more space for you and your family. Need an office to work from home in? A garden room could be the answer. What about an at-home gym? A kids playroom? A workshop? A bar? Home cinema? You’ve got it, a garden room could be the solution to creating more usable space for a variety of purposes.

It can seem a bit of a minefield of legislation when you think about developing areas of your home and property. So what about the rules and regulations for this kind of build? Do you need planning permission for a garden room?

Here at Stop Digging, we are very familiar with the guidelines for garden rooms, as it is one of the most popular uses for our ground screws. So here are a few quick FAQs when it comes to building your garden room.

Commonly asked questions about garden rooms:

• Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

In short, it really depends on what kind of room you would like to build, but generally garden rooms do not require planning permission if they come within development guidelines. They need to classify as an outbuilding, and so must not have sleeping arrangements and have to be within a certain size within your property.

• How high can a garden room be?

The maximum height for it to classify as an outbuilding is if it is single storey and less than 3 metres high (4 metres with a dual-pitched roof). The eaves must be within 2.5 metres high.

• Can a garden room be attached to the house?

No, as it then would not classify as an outbuilding, but an extension and would require planning permission. The garden room can’t be in front of your house and the total area of any buildings around your house must not take up more than 50% of the “original house” without planning permission. “Original house” means the house as it was on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). It’s worth checking that no previous owner built an extension you might not be aware of.

• How big can a garden room be without planning permission?

If you don’t want to have the hassle of getting planning permission your garden room needs to be less than 15 square metres internal flooring area. Between 15 square metres and 30 square metres you will not normally need to apply for approval, as long as it does not contain sleeping accommodation and is either at least one metre from any boundary or is constructed substantially of non-combustible materials. If you live in an area termed as an area of natural beauty, the maximum size would be 10 meters squared. Anything more than this you would need to speak to an expert about planning permission.

• Can a garden room be used as a bedroom?

It would need to have planning permission as it would not fall under the category of an outbuilding now. If you just want to pop a sofa in and have guests sleeping there occasionally then that’s fine, but if you want to sleep there regularly or turn it into self-contained accommodation then you would need to meet the building regulations and apply for permission.

• Are there any exceptions to these guides?

If you live in a listed building then any change to your home or the surrounding area would need planning permission no matter how small. It might not be as complicated as you think though, and with Stop digging ground screws you are more likely to get permission as they are less invasive foundations than your normal concrete. If you would like some more information on this, see a previous blog post: Can you build in a conservation area?

Garden rooms are a relatively stress-free way to enhance your life and help you make the most of the space you have. If you would like some more information on how ground screws could be the best way to set up your new room then feel free to contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

The UK is full of beautiful areas jam-packed with history and heritage, and it is a top priority to preserve and protect these spaces. If there is an area of particular historic and architectural interest then it will be termed a conservation area. This distinction was started in the 1960s and there are now roughly 10,000 conservation areas in England. 

Different conservation sites might include: 

• Old housing estates or suburbs 
• Country estates 
• Centre of old towns and villages 
• Landmarks 

While this has meant the preservation of a lot of history, if you are building in a conservation area it can throw a spanner in the works as there is different legislation and approvals you will need to think of. Can you still build in a conservation area? The answer essentially is yes, depending on your project and also the methods you choose to complete the project. Let’s have a look at some things you need to think about. 

What work do you need permission for? 

Some of the work you will need to get planning permission for in a conservation area is: 

• Demolition of buildings and structures 
• Extensions or alterations 
• Cladding of parts of the building 
• Added solar panels or chimney 

Small works that are usually fine under the Permitted Development Work may be slightly different if your building is covered by Article 4 direction. Normally this size project would not need planning permission, but with Article 4 you will need to get permission to have development work done.

An important thing to remember is that you cannot demolish or move any building or structure in the area without permission from the council. This can also apply at times to part of a building, not just the whole building, so better to be safe than sorry and speak to your local council before doing any such work.

One other thing to keep in mind is often these conservation areas also have protection in place for the trees, groups of trees or woodlands in that area. A Tree Preservation Order may be passed which would prohibit the cutting down, lopping, uprooting, topping and willful damage of these trees. If you want to develop in an area that has a TPO you will need to have written consent from the local planning authority. 

Think of your materials 

When you are applying for permission to undertake a new project, showing understanding of the area and its history can go a long way to being granted an OK. Have a look at the local area and see if you can see themes when it comes to design and also materials. It could possibly have a contemporary look but will need to be a build that helps conserve the character of the building and area. Your local conservation officer is passionate about the area and can be helpful, so get in touch with them as soon as possible for some help and advice. 

Ground screws can be a great solution when building in conservation areas as they do not damage the ground. Often they can also overcome the issue of Tree preservation orders (TPO’s) as the screws can be installed around the roots so they do not cause damage.

Quick, easy and environmentally friendly, ground screws are a great way to create structures while honouring the heritage of the area. 

Ground screws are perfect for walkways, fencing, decking, buildings, park equipment and much more. Take a look at some examples below of our screws in conservation areas.

 

If you would like some more information or advice about building small structures in a conservation area contact us at: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

 

Garden rooms have become more and more popular as we have gotten used to spending much more time at home, and even working from home, over the last year. Often it’s more difficult to create more space or rooms in a house or apartment than it is to utilise the outdoor space you have. With so many options and looks for your garden room, you can create anything, from a beautiful office to a gym or a playroom for the kids. Sounds like a great idea, but how do you go about getting the right foundation for your room? 

For your garden room to last as long as possible, and be a stable environment to spend time in, you need to have a strong base. But what are the pros and cons of the different choices? Let’s look at the positives and negatives for three options, concrete, patio and ground screws.  

Concrete base 

Concrete is a traditional foundation that has been used for a long time by builders when constructing foundations. Before the concrete is applied, the area is excavated and a timber frame is built to act as a container for the concrete when it is poured. Once it has set, which can take around a week depending on the size of the area, the frame is removed. 

Pros 

• Most tradesmen will have the skill to create this base and so it will be easy to find a qualified tradesman to do the work. 
• It is a very durable material. Concrete isn’t really going anywhere and if it is managed in the right way when wet it can give a clean finish. 

Cons 

• It is labour-intensive as it takes a lot of manpower to move materials and prepare the ground. The site will have to be excavated and the ground moved elsewhere which can be messy. 
• It uses a lot of materials and so is not very cost-effective. Added to this is the equipment required to excavate the ground and move it around. 
• It takes lots of time to set. It can take up to a week or two depending on the size of the area and the weather. 
• Not very environmentally friendly as concrete is the source of around 8% of the world’s C02 emissions.
• The base has to be bigger than the structure which is not great when you have limited space. It can result in having a smaller structure placed on top than you would have wanted.

Patio

This base works best for small and medium-sized buildings. A patio slab base is created in the same way as you would with a paved area without a structure on top. The only difference is that you need to pack sand between the slabs so you can have a stable base. 

Pros 

• It is easy to build once you have the measurements of the base you need. 
• It is relatively cheap to source materials and slabs in different sizes. 
• It can be extended easily if you want to build a bigger structure on the same site. 

Cons 

• This method takes time. Laying all of the individual slabs can be time-intensive especially if you have a tricky area and size to cover. 
• Similar to concrete, laying a patio requires excavation of the ground to create a flat environment to place the slabs. 
• It is difficult to move if you want to take your structure with you to another location.  

Ground screws 

Ground screws are helical screws that are screwed into the ground and the structure is placed on top. They can be used on a variety of ground types and are also great for both smaller and larger projects. 

Pros 

• The process is much less disruptive than any of the other foundations, as no excavation is required. 
• It is time-saving. In less than half a day the screws can be installed, and then a structure can be immediately put on top. 
• It is more environmentally friendly as it emits 50% less C02 than a concrete foundation. 
• Great for small areas and tricky ground as the screws can be installed at different heights and lengths and on hard or soft ground. 
• They can be recycled and reused. When you want to move and take your small structure with you the ground screws can come too and are guaranteed for 25 years. 

Cons 

• You need trained installers to fit the screws in place.

Below are some images of our garden rooms built on Stop Digging ground screws, for more inspiration check here

Conclusion 

While concrete and paving slabs have been used for centuries as base foundations, it’s ground screws that are outperforming the more traditional methods. It is kinder to the environment, your wallet and is much less disruptive to your life. If you would like more information on how ground screws could work for your project contact us at: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979