Installations that go badly almost always have one thing in common: the site was not ready. We have turned up to jobs where the delivery vehicle could not get onto the site, where there were live services running directly through the proposed footprint, and where the ground was nothing like what had been described on the phone. None of those situations are unfixable but they all cost time and sometimes money.
Here is what you need to sort out before we arrive.
Ground Conditions
This is the most important one. The way we anchor a structure depends entirely on what is underfoot.
Concrete, tarmac or well-compacted hardcore is the easiest to work with. We core into the surface, drop in ground anchors and build off those. Clean and straightforward.
Soft, wet or significantly uneven ground is a different matter. If the site has a noticeable slope, we will need to install a sub-frame levelling system before the structure goes up. That is exactly what we did at Mid Kent Golf Club where the ground dropped considerably across the installation area. It is not a problem but it needs to be identified in advance, not on the morning of the build.
If the ground is genuinely soft or waterlogged, you may need a concrete base or compacted hardcore layer before we come. We will tell you if that is the case after a site visit. Do not assume it will be fine if you have not checked.
Underground Services
Gas mains, water pipes, electrical cables, drainage runs and telecoms all have a habit of sitting under ground that looks perfectly clear at the surface. Before we install a single ground anchor, you need to know what is down there.
Use LSBUD (Line Search Before U Dig) to check the area. If there are services running through the footprint we can usually work around them with repositioning or alternative fixing methods. Finding out on the day means delays. Finding out beforehand means solutions.
Delivery and Vehicle Access
Our structures come on flatbed lorries, typically between 7.5 and 18 tonnes depending on the size of the build. Installation uses a telehandler or a small crane. All of that equipment needs to get to the installation area and turn around safely.
Check that there is a clear route from the site entrance to where the structure is going, at least 3 metres wide with no low bridges or weight-restricted roads on the approach. A standard flatbed needs roughly 15 metres of turning circle. Overhead cables, tree branches or neighbouring structures can all create problems for the telehandler if they are not accounted for. And if the access route is soft ground, a loaded lorry may well sink into it.
For sites in city centres, particularly across London, access logistics need serious thought in advance. Restricted hours, permit zones and tight footprints are all manageable if we know about them early. Flag anything unusual when you first get in touch.
Utility Connections
Most structures need mains electricity as a minimum. Welfare units, offices and classrooms also need a water supply and drainage connection. Event and exhibition structures with heavy lighting and AV requirements can need a significant power supply specifying in advance.
Arranging those connections is on you. We will tell you the specifications you need, including voltage, amperage and water pressure, when you place your order. If the site has no mains connection, generators can cover short-term power requirements and we can advise on sizing.
Planning Permission
If the structure is going to be in place for more than 28 days, you may need planning permission or permitted development approval before it goes up. Processing times are typically 8 to 13 weeks, so if this applies to your project, start the process early. Our planning permission guide covers the rules in detail.
Clear the Area
The installation footprint and a 1.5 metre perimeter around it need to be completely clear before our team arrives. Vehicles, equipment, materials, vegetation, any existing fencing or structures that fall within the build area all need to go. Our team needs to work freely on all four sides of the building during installation. Anything in the way adds time.
What Happens on the Day
We arrive, confirm everything is as expected and work through the sequence: delivery and unloading, ground anchors, frame erection, cladding, doors and windows, final checks. Smaller structures take a day or two. Larger builds take up to five days. Once the structure is up we walk you through it before we sign off. If anything needs adjusting, we deal with it then and there.
Book a free site visit or call 0203 758 3315. We will come out, look at the site properly and tell you exactly what needs to happen before installation day.