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Scope of Works
• inspect timber and surrounding vegetation to identify rot, insect damage and overhanging branches
• clean exterior surfaces (remove dirt, moss and algae) and apply fungicidal wash where needed
• carry out minor repairs to cladding orroof edges and replace small rotten boards where required
• sand or wire‑brush surfaces and apply preservative/stain (typically 1–2 coats) to external timber
• prune back shrubs and branches touching the shed, remove arisings and chip larger cut material if agreed
• collect and dispose of waste, tidy site and use appropriate PPE for dust and chemical handling
Typical Cost
Charge Type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Call-out / Minimum | £80 | £120 | first 30 min on site |
Labour per hour | £40 | £65 | gardener/handyperson hourly rate |
Materials | £25 | £130 | preservative, stain, fillers and small replacement timber |
Disposal | £0 | £80 | green waste tip fees or chipper hire for large branches |
Extras (e.g. scaffolding) | £0 | £250 | scaffold/tower hire or arborist/chipper for large trees |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | £180 | £520 | typical range for staining a small‑medium shed and light pruning |
Time on Site
Most small shed staining plus light pruning takes 2–6 hours on site depending on size and coats required. factors that extend time include rotten timber replacement, multiple stain coats with drying time, restricted access or need for scaffold/chipper, and wet weather
Questions to Ask Your Tradie
• are you insured (public liability) and a licensed waste carrier
• which stain product and how many coats do you recommend for exterior shed timber
• will you repair or replace rotten boards and how are replacement materials charged
• do you need scaffold, tower or a certified arborist for higher pruning
• how will you protect nearby plants, fences and decking from stain
How to Avoid Surprises
• clear a 2–3 m working zone around the shed and remove garden furniture
• provide off‑street parking or agree a nearby drop‑off point for materials and equipment
• ensure access to a water supply for cleaning prep and let the tradie know of any locked gates
• check for protected trees (TPO) or boundary issues and tell the tradie before work starts
• agree disposal method and any extra charges for chipper hire or large timber removal
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