Field shelter assembly in Exeter
Professional field shelter assembly services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
POA
Typical Duration
1+ days
Location
Exeter, Devon
Field shelter assembled and ready for stock - built square on a level base, weather-tight construction, properly anchored. Your horses, cattle, or sheep get proper protection from Devon weather.
Give Your Stock Proper Shelter
A field shelter done right gives stock somewhere to escape weather extremes - shade in summer, dry in winter storms. The difference between a shelter that lasts decades and one that blows apart or sinks is professional assembly on proper groundworks.
💡 Pro tip: Position shelters with backs to prevailing wind (usually southwest in Devon) and entrance facing southeast - gives best protection from weather.
Why Professional Assembly Matters
Field shelters take serious wind loading and stock pressure. Bodged assembly fails quickly.
| ✅ Built Properly | ❌ DIY Disaster |
|---|---|
| Level base, won't sink | Tilting, boggy floor |
| Square frame, no racking | Twisted, gaps everywhere |
| Securely anchored | Blows over in gales |
| Weather-tight assembly | Rain gets in, defeats purpose |
What You Get
🔧 Complete Assembly Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Site prep | Ground levelled, base built |
| Foundation | Hardcore compacted, drainage sorted |
| Assembly | Frame erected, roof fitted, secured |
| Finishing | All gaps sealed, checked for square |
📦 Shelter Ready
- Solid level base
- Square, solid structure
- Weather-tight construction
- Anchored for Devon weather
Typical Projects
Every field shelter job is unique - terrain, size, type all vary. Factors affecting cost:
- Shelter size: 12x12ft vs 24x12ft makes big difference
- Ground conditions: Level field vs slope, dry vs boggy
- Shelter type: Flat-pack kit vs custom timber build
- Access: Tractor/delivery access affects costs
- Groundworks needed: Simple or extensive base prep
Call for site visit and proper quote.
Perfect For Your Land If...
✅ Stock welfare - animals need weather protection
✅ Kit purchased - needs professional assembly
✅ Custom shelter - built from timber to your spec
✅ Replacement needed - old shelter failed or rotting
Why Choose Us for Field shelter assembly in Exeter?
Built square and level
Solid base construction
Weather-tight assembly
Anchored securely
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Visit & Quote
I'll assess your proposed location, check ground conditions, measure up, discuss shelter type and size. Quote for groundworks, assembly, and any extras needed.
Step 2: Groundworks
Base prepared - usually hardcore levelled and compacted, maybe drainage if ground is wet. This stage is crucial and mustn't be rushed.
Step 3: Assembly
Shelter erected according to plans or kit instructions. Frame squared, roof fitted, everything secured properly. Final check that it's solid and weather-tight.
🔧 DIY Tips
Assembling a field shelter yourself? Big job, but possible if you're handy:
🔧 Tools and helpers needed
- Good groundworks (can't skip this)
- At least 2-3 helpers
- Scaffold tower or ladders
- Cordless drills and impact driver
- Socket set, spanners
- Spirit level and string line
- Roof sheet cutter
📐 Ground preparation
- Mark out area larger than shelter footprint
- Excavate soft ground, fill with type 1 hardcore
- Compact thoroughly with whacker plate
- Add gravel surface layer
- Check level in all directions
- Slope very slightly to front for drainage
✂️ Assembly sequence
- Build frame flat if possible (easier than upright)
- Get corners square before securing
- Don't fully tighten until whole frame is square
- Roof sheets overlap correctly (follow prevailing wind)
- Use all fixings provided (wind loading is serious)
- Anchor to ground with earth screws or similar
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Skimping on base prep (shelter sinks)
- Not checking square (frame racks and fails)
- Missing fixings (weak points fail in wind)
- Poor roof overlap (leaks)
- No ground anchors (whole thing blows over)
- Building alone (dangerous and inefficient)
💡 Pro trick: Assemble frame components on the ground first, check they're right, THEN erect the frame. Much easier to fix mistakes when components are horizontal.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐴 Stock behavior matters: Horses tend to stand in shelters more than cattle. Cattle often use them for shade but not rain. Sheep cluster in them. Size requirements vary accordingly.
Planning regulations: Agricultural buildings usually have permitted development rights up to certain sizes (restrictions near boundaries). Conservation areas are more restrictive. Check first.
Flooring: Most shelters just have compacted hardcore - cheapest and drains well. Rubber matting costs more but is more comfortable for stock. Concrete is rare (too expensive, cold).
Maintenance: Check annually for loose fixings, damaged roof sheets, rotting timber. Shelters take serious weather battering in exposed Devon locations.
Insurance: Some farm insurance policies want shelters properly constructed and maintained. Keep any assembly certificates.
Multiple fields? Mobile field shelters on skids can be moved with tractor - one shelter serves multiple grazing rotations. Ask about this if it suits your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's involved in field shelter assembly?
Depends if it's a kit or built from scratch. Kits need level bases, assembly per instructions (which are often terrible), securing to ground. Timber-built shelters need posts, framework, roofing - basically building a simple barn. Either way takes at least a day, often more.
Do you prepare the ground as well?
Yes - shelters need level hardcore bases or similar. I can prepare ground, build up with type 1, level and compact it. Boggy fields might need drainage work first. I'll assess when I visit and quote for the full job including groundworks.
How much does field shelter assembly cost?
Impossible to say without seeing what you've got. Flat-pack 12x12 shelter on level ground? One price. Custom timber build on a slope with drainage issues? Very different. I need to visit and quote properly based on your specific situation.
Can you position shelters where I want them?
Within reason - they need reasonable access for delivery, level ground (or ground that can be levelled), and drainage that works. Some positions aren't viable due to bog, slope, or access. I'll advise what's possible when I see your field.
Do shelters need planning permission?
Agricultural buildings under a certain size usually don't, but there are rules about distance from boundaries and roads. In conservation areas or near listed buildings, you might need permission. I'll advise but you're responsible for checking with planning.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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