At A Glance
- Handyman Support Makes Moving Day And Week One Much Easier: If you want a smoother start at a new address, a dedicated Handyman can clear the small jobs that slow you down most, doors that stick, windows that catch, wardrobes and shelves that need building, and tidy fixes that turn a house into a settled home.
- Brighton And Sussex Homes Need The Right Fixings And A Clean Access Plan: Tell us your wall type before mounting shelves or TVs in older Brighton and Hove properties, and plan the closest legal tool drop point on permit streets so the visit stays efficient instead of turning into long carries and stop start work.
- At ESV You Deal Directly With Peter And Stay Fully Insured: At ESV we combine tools and transport for snag lists, flat pack builds and specialist jobs like shed disassembly and reassembly, with £20,000 Goods In Transit and £5m Public Liability backed by Admiral Platinum, call 07552 555 820 or book via www.eastsussexvan.com and follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes work and practical tips.
We now offer a dedicated Handyman service alongside removals and furniture builds. It is perfect for those little jobs that make a big difference on moving day and in the first weeks at a new address. From rehanging doors and fixing sticking windows to assembling wardrobes and putting up shelves, we bring the right tools, calm planning and tidy finishes.
How Photo Quotes Work
- Send Photos And A Short Job List
Message us clear photos of the items or areas you want fixed, plus a quick list of the jobs in priority order. - Confirm Access And Parking
Tell us your address area, floor level, stairs or lift details, and the closest legal stopping point so we can plan tools and carrying distance properly. - We Give You A Clear Fixed Price
Based on the photos and access details, we confirm what is included and provide a fixed price where possible so you know the cost before we arrive. - Arrival Window Confirmed
We agree a date and provide an arrival window, with a quick message on the day so you know when we are on the way. - Completion Photos And Tidy Finish
Once the job is done, we can share completion photos on request and leave the area clean, safe, and ready to use.
New Home Snag List Support
Moving into a new build or freshly refurbished property often reveals small snags that slow you down. Our Handyman can identify and eliminate the most common issues on the spot so you get a smoother start.
The number of respondents reporting 16 plus issues to their builder increased from 25 percent to 27 percent, though most were minor.
Local Pro Tip: New Build Snags, Photograph Everything Before You Touch It
If you’ve just moved into a new build or refurb in Brighton & Sussex, take quick photos of each snag before we start, especially anything that might be a warranty item (doors not latching, window alignment, sealant gaps, leaks). It keeps your developer or landlord conversation clean, and it means we can fix what’s sensible on the spot while clearly flagging what should be handled under warranty.
Typical Snags We Handle
• Adjusting doors that rub or fail to latch
• Reseating kitchen unit doors and aligning hinges
• Refitting loose handles and tightening stair spindles
• Sealing small gaps around worktops and sinks
• Reseating wobbly toilets and tightening cistern fixings
• Refixing skirting that has lifted at the corners
• Filling minor settlement cracks and making good paintwork
• Refitting curtain poles and blinds with secure fixings
• Mounting TVs safely with clean cable routing
• Swapping out tired silicone around baths and showers
Local Pro Tip: Brighton And Hove Walls, Tell Us If It’s Lath And Plaster Or Dot And Dab
A lot of Hove and central Brighton homes have older wall types where the “right fixing” matters more than brute force, especially for shelves, curtain poles and TV brackets. If you can, send a photo of the wall you want things mounted on and tell us whether it’s solid brick, lath and plaster, or plasterboard, so we turn up with the correct fixings and your install stays tidy and secure.
How We Work On Snags
We begin with a short walkthrough and a photo checklist. Urgent items that affect safety or water ingress come first. We then batch similar tasks to save time, use quality fixings, and leave every area clean and ready to use. Where a warranty issue is likely we document it and provide simple notes you can forward to your developer or landlord.
Local Pro Tip: Permit Streets, Plan A Legal Tool Drop Point So The Job Stays Fast
Handyman jobs can drag when we’re forced into long carries from the van to your door because parking is guessed rather than planned, especially in Brighton & Hove permit zones. A quick note on your street setup (permit bay, pay and display, double yellows, loading restrictions) helps us plan a legal stopping point and keep the visit efficient from the first tool bag to the final sweep up.
Eco Friendly By Default
We prioritise Esso Ethos fuel where possible, reuse and recycle moving boxes, and run paperless quotes, bookings and invoices by default. On Handyman jobs we source durable fixings, salvage what is sound, and separate waste for responsible disposal. Little choices add up across our Brighton & Sussex moves and Handyman work. See our eco pledge for more information.
Local Pro Tip: Seafront Salt Air, Use Stainless Fixings And Exterior Grade Sealant
In Hove, Worthing and other coastal spots, salt air can chew through cheap screws and cause rust staining around exterior fixes, hinges and shed hardware faster than you’d expect. If the job is outside or near an exposed elevation, stainless fixings and proper exterior sealant help prevent callbacks and keep the finish looking clean for longer.
Shed Disassembly and Reassembly in Sussex
A Handyman Case Study From Start To Finish
Home projects often look simple until a tape measure comes out. Our client in Brighton had a sturdy timber shed at the end of a narrow garden and needed it moved to a new property in Worthing. Access was tight, the base at the new address was uneven, and there was no margin for error with the roofing felt as rain was due later in the day. This is exactly the kind of practical, problem solving job we enjoy.
The Brief
The client asked us to safely dismantle a timber shed, transport it, and rebuild it on a new base. They also wanted help planning the layout so the door would clear a fence line and the windows would still capture afternoon light.
Our Preparation
We always begin with a short planning call and a photo or two. From those images we could see that the roof had a single run of felt and the original fixings were mixed. We packed our Handyman kit for timber structures and organised the van load so that panels would be strapped and protected in sequence. We bring clean moving blankets and ratchet straps for each panel and a labelled fixings box so original screws and hinges are easy to track.
On Site Disassembly
Label and Map
We label every panel before removing a single screw. A quick sketch goes into the job sheet showing door swing, window orientation and any quirks like bowed studs. This saves time when we rebuild.
Roof First
The felt was carefully peeled back and rolled for reuse where possible. We lifted the roof panels in pairs, wrapped them, and stored them upright along the garden path to protect the edges.
Walls and Base
Side panels came next. We removed the door and windows as complete units to preserve alignment. The floor was the final piece, lifted onto furniture dollies for a controlled exit through the narrow side passage.
Transport and Protection
Everything travelled in our clean lined van with blankets between panels. We strap vertically to keep panels flat and prevent flex. Our goods in transit insurance of £20,000 and public liability cover of £5 million provide peace of mind while we work and travel across Brighton & Sussex.
Reassembly At The New Address
Site Check and Base Preparation
At the Worthing property we checked levels with a spirit level and shims. An uneven base is the main reason sheds twist or leak. We added pressure treated bearers to improve airflow and correct a three millimetre fall across the back edge.
Panels and Squaring
We set the floor, then offered up the rear and side panels. Before fixing, we measured diagonals to ensure the frame was square. This step prevents doors from binding later.
Roof and Weatherproofing
The roof panels were refitted and we laid fresh felt on the leading edge where the original had worn. We sealed nail heads and joints, then added a drip edge to carry water away from the side walls.
Doors, Windows and Finishing Touches
The door was rehung with stainless fixings and adjusted so it closes cleanly without dragging. We checked the window seals and added a neat bead of exterior sealant where the old putty had cracked. Finally we applied a clear protective wood treatment to exposed end grain.
Challenges We Solved
Tight Access
The garden exit was narrow and curved. We used dollies and shoulder straps to navigate the line without scuffing paintwork or fence posts.
Weather Window
Rain was due mid afternoon. We staged the rebuild so the shed was watertight before lunch, leaving detailing for later in the day.
Mixed Fixings
The original build used a mix of screw sizes. Our labelled fixings box and a small stock of stainless replacements meant there was no delay.
Timeframe and Result
From first screw to final sweep up the job took just under five hours including transport. The shed now sits square on a stable base, the door closes smoothly and the roof is fully sealed. The client gained usable storage the same day and avoided the cost and waste of buying new.
When to Repair, Move or Replace A Shed
If the framing is sound and the base can be levelled, moving your existing shed is often the smartest option. Replace if rot has spread through studs or floor joists or if the roof structure has sagged. We are happy to assess with photos and give a clear recommendation.
What To Do Before We Arrive
Clear the shed and wipe down shelves so the interior is ready. Take a few photos of the access route and the current base. If you plan to store heavy items like bikes or tools, tell us so we can suggest extra bearers under the floor.
One Visit, Multiple Jobs
Need a shed taken down and rebuilt, a couple of wardrobes assembled and a few snags cleared the same day? We plan the order of work so weather-sensitive jobs are completed early, with neat finishing to follow. For London projects we schedule four hours or more to account for travel and parking while keeping the same careful approach.
Local Pro Tip: One Visit, Multiple Jobs, Batch The Messy Work First
If you want snags, flat pack builds and a shed job in one booking, the smoothest order is weather sensitive and structural first, then mounting and finishing last. Have flat pack boxes opened and parts grouped, clear a “work zone” in each room, and keep fixings or spare paint/caulk you want matched in one place so we can move through the list quickly without stopping to hunt.
Why Choose Us For Shed Moves and Local Handyman Moves
We are a local Brighton & Sussex removals and Handyman team with the right mix of transport, tools and patience. Our customers deal directly with Peter and a small, careful crew. We carry £20,000 of goods in transit insurance and £5 million public liability cover. We are experienced with garden buildings, flat pack furniture builds, studio moves and the careful transport of tools and equipment. We schedule longer London jobs too, typically four hours or more to account for travel.
Key Terms
New Home Snag List
Snag list support helps you clear the small issues that show up after you move into a new build or a fresh refurb. It focuses on practical fixes that make the home feel finished, safe, and easy to live in.
Snags Photo Checklist
Photograph each snag before any work begins, especially anything that could be warranty related like doors not latching, window alignment, sealant gaps, or leaks. Clear photos keep your developer or landlord conversation clean and help you track what was fixed and what should stay under warranty.
Lath And Plaster Fixings
Older walls in central Brighton and Hove can be lath and plaster, solid brick, or plasterboard, and the correct fixing matters more than brute force. A quick wall photo helps choose the right fixings for shelves, curtain poles, and TV brackets so the finish stays tidy and secure.
Drop Point Planning
Handyman visits run faster when the legal stopping point is planned rather than guessed, especially on permit streets. Confirming the closest legal drop point avoids long carries and keeps the job efficient from the first tool bag to the final sweep up.
Door Latching
Doors that rub, bind, or fail to latch and windows that stick are common after a move, a refurb, or seasonal shifts. Small adjustments to hinges, strikes, alignment, and clearances can restore smooth use without major replacements.
Kitchen Units
Kitchen doors that sit unevenly or catch often just need hinge alignment and reseating rather than new units. Quick, accurate adjustments make the whole kitchen feel sharper and prevent wear on hinges and fixings.
TV Mounting
Safe TV mounting relies on knowing the wall type, using the correct anchors, and fixing into sound structure. Clean cable routing and level placement keeps the install looking intentional rather than improvised.
Stainless Fixings
Coastal salt air in places like Hove and Worthing can rust cheap screws and cause staining around exterior fixings sooner than expected. Stainless fixings and exterior grade sealant help keep outdoor work clean and reduce callbacks.
Shed Disassembly And Reassembly
A shed move is often the best option when the framing is sound and you want to avoid buying new, especially when access is tight. Careful panel labelling, protected transport, and a square rebuild on a stable base keeps doors closing cleanly and the roof weatherproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer a dedicated handyman service alongside removals and furniture builds in Brighton and Sussex?
Yes. We now offer a dedicated Handyman service alongside removals and furniture builds, ideal for the small jobs that make a big difference on moving day and in the first weeks at a new address. You deal directly with Peter and a small, careful crew, with calm planning, the right tools, and tidy finishes.
What types of handyman jobs do you handle most often for new homes and move ins?
We focus on practical fixes that help you settle in fast, like rehanging doors, easing sticking windows, assembling wardrobes, putting up shelves, refitting curtain poles or blinds, and tackling small snags that slow you down. It is all about getting the property functional and comfortable without a long list of trades.
What is “new home snag list support” and why is it useful after moving?
Snag support is a quick, structured way to identify and eliminate the common minor issues that appear in new builds or freshly refurbished homes once you start living in them. Small problems can stack up fast, so we prioritise anything that affects safety or water ingress first, then batch the rest to keep the visit efficient and cost effective.
What are the most common snags you can fix on the spot?
Typical snags we handle include doors that rub or do not latch, kitchen unit doors that need reseating or hinge alignment, loose handles, tightened stair spindles, small sealing gaps around worktops and sinks, wobbly toilets and cistern fixings, lifted skirting corners, minor settlement cracks and making good paintwork, curtain poles and blinds with secure fixings, safe TV mounting with clean cable routing, and replacing tired silicone around baths and showers.
How do you run a snag visit so it stays quick and organised?
We start with a short walkthrough and a photo checklist, then deal with urgent items first, especially anything linked to safety or water ingress. After that we batch similar tasks to reduce tool changes and downtime, use quality fixings, and leave each area clean and ready to use.
Can you document issues that look like warranty problems for a developer or landlord?
Yes. Where a snag looks like it should sit under a warranty or landlord responsibility, we document it clearly with photos and simple notes you can forward. That helps you keep the paper trail clean and avoids you paying for something that should be corrected through the proper route.
Are you insured for handyman work as well as transport and removals?
Yes. We are fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by Admiral Platinum. That matters on moving days and on practical handyman jobs where you want proper peace of mind while work is being carried out in your home.
Does £20,000 Goods in Transit apply to handyman jobs too?
Goods in Transit mainly protects items while they are being loaded, transported, and unloaded, which is most relevant to removals and any handyman work that involves moving items between addresses. For general handyman tasks inside the property, the most relevant cover is Public Liability, which protects your property and third parties while we work.
Can you combine handyman jobs with a removals booking so the house is ready when boxes arrive?
Yes, and it is often the smartest way to do it. We can coordinate snag fixes, furniture builds, TV mounting, and shelf installs around your moving date so the essentials are sorted early and you are not living out of boxes while you wait for other trades.
Do you build flat pack furniture and assemble wardrobes as part of the service?
Yes. We regularly assemble wardrobes, beds, shelving, and common flat pack items, and we can also dismantle and rebuild where needed during a move. If you send photos, dimensions, and any instructions you have, we can plan the time properly and bring the right fixings.
Can you help with doors, windows, and “it almost closes” problems that appear after moving?
Yes. Doors that rub, bind, or do not latch properly are a common snag after a move or a refurb, and sticking windows are often just a practical adjustment issue rather than a full replacement. We focus on safe, sensible fixes that make day to day living smoother.
Do you mount TVs, put up shelves, and fit curtain poles or blinds with secure fixings?
Yes. We can mount TVs safely, fit shelves, and refit curtain poles or blinds with secure fixings and a neat finish, including clean cable routing where possible. If you tell us your wall type and share a couple of photos, we can advise what is realistic and plan appropriately.
Do you offer shed disassembly and reassembly across Sussex?
Yes. We can dismantle a timber shed, transport it, and rebuild it on a new base, which is ideal when the framing is still sound and you want to avoid the cost and waste of buying new. We handle the job with a structured plan so panels are protected, fixings are tracked, and the rebuild goes back together square.
How do you dismantle a shed safely so panels and fixings do not get damaged or lost?
We label every panel before removing a single screw, add a quick sketch for door swing and window orientation, and use a labelled fixings box so original screws and hinges are easy to track. Roof panels are lifted carefully, edges protected, and panels are wrapped and stored in sequence so reassembly is straightforward.
How do you protect shed panels in the van so they do not flex or scuff during transport?
We transport panels in a clean lined van with blankets between pieces, then strap vertically to keep panels flat and prevent flex. This is especially important for roof panels, window units, and any older timber that can twist if it is not supported properly.
Can you level an uneven base in Worthing or elsewhere before rebuilding a shed?
Yes. Base level is the main reason sheds twist, leak, or end up with doors that bind, so we check levels and use shims and sensible base improvements where needed. If required, we can add pressure treated bearers to improve airflow and correct small falls so the shed sits square and weatherproof.
How do you weatherproof a shed rebuild if rain is due and time is tight?
We stage the rebuild so it becomes watertight first, then finish detailing afterwards. That usually means roof panels and felt are prioritised, nail heads and joints are sealed cleanly, and where the original felt has worn we can reinforce vulnerable edges so water sheds away properly.
When is it smarter to repair and move a shed rather than replace it?
If the framing is sound and the base can be levelled, moving your existing shed is often the best option. Replacement usually makes more sense when rot has spread through studs or floor joists, or if the roof structure has sagged beyond a sensible repair, and we can often advise from photos before you commit.
What should I do before you arrive for a shed move or a snag visit?
For shed moves, clear the shed, wipe down shelves, and send photos of the access route and the current base, plus any plan for heavy storage like bikes or tools so we can suggest support where needed. For snags, a quick list of priorities and a few photos helps us batch tasks and bring the right fixings first time.
Do you handle tight access gardens, narrow passages, and awkward carry routes in Brighton and Sussex?
Yes. Tight access is common in Brighton and Sussex, especially with narrow side passages, curved garden exits, and constrained parking, and we plan the carry route so the job stays controlled and tidy. If you share photos of the access line, gates, and the tightest turns, we can plan the safest approach.
Which areas do you cover for handyman and snag work around Brighton and Sussex?
We cover Brighton and Hove every week, including Hanover, Seven Dials, Kemptown, North Laine, Brunswick and Palmeira, as well as the wider Brighton area where tight access and permit streets are common. We also regularly cover nearby Sussex towns including Lewes, Shoreham, Hassocks, Burgess Hill and Worthing, and we are happy to coordinate snag lists and flat pack builds around your moving date so everything is ready when the boxes arrive.
If you are further afield, we can still help on larger booked jobs, and we typically schedule longer London visits at four hours or more to account for travel and parking while keeping the same calm, careful approach.
Do you take waste away from handyman jobs and snag fixes?
We keep things tidy and separate waste responsibly, but disposal depends on what it is and the route available. If you have anything that needs licensed disposal, it must go through an appropriate licensed route you have set up, and we can advise on keeping items separated and documented.
How do I get a clear quote for handyman work, snags, or a shed move?
Send a few photos of the jobs, your address area, and any access notes, then we will give you a clear fixed price where possible.
Book Your Handyman
Send us a few photos of the jobs and any access notes and we will give you a clear fixed price. We cover Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing and the wider Sussex area and we are happy to coordinate with your moving date so everything is ready when the boxes arrive.
Call 07552 555 820 or visit www.eastsussexvan.com to get started.
About the author...
Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. He holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in English Literature and Digital Media from the University of Brighton. Peter oversees every move from first message to the last box and brings local know how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by hundreds of five star Google reviews. The company follows an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where available, reuses boxes and runs paperless bookings. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com