Before your new shed arrives, it's important that you've taken the time to plan and prepare your property for the structure. The following are some things to keep in mind while preparing for your new shed.
1. Decide Where Your Shed Will Go
Put some thought into where on your property your new storage structure will go. Here are a few helpful questions to get you started:
- What is the primary purpose of your new structure?
- Will you need access to your shed on a daily or weekly basis?
- Do you mind if you can see the shed from the street?
- Please feel free to ask a sales Rep to make an appointment, and have them come out to assist you with any on-site questions
You probably know what will go into your new shed, but it's a good idea to give some thought to who will be using it. If you plan to store the kids' pool toys or bikes, you may want them closer to the house. If you are using your structure primarily for lawn, garden, or maybe just for storage, then ramps, shelving, workbenches, and overhead lofts are great features for added storage. Same thing for electric, you can actually customize your storage shed with an electrical package, but if you skip that and will be using tools that require electricity, or want lighting, make sure you're close enough to a power supply.
Additionally, if you plan on having your structure delivered, be sure to choose a location that can be reached by a delivery vehicle.
A great way to feel comfortable with the decision you made is to map out the proposed area using a garden hose or even spray paint to get a better idea of how it will look on moving day.
Insider's Tip: Make sure to select a flat area so the shed will be level. This is very important, as the shed must be level in order to remain structurally sound. In most cases, you should be able to eyeball it. In a worst-case scenario, you may have to do a bit of digging to remove any bumps or large rocks. Don't forget to decide which way the shed will face. Which side do you want the doors to open?
2. Check Local Rules and Regulations
Each township, county, or municipality has varying degrees of restrictions. For example, one township may have virtually no restrictions, while another town may have several. Some locations don't require any type of permit if you have a structure under a certain size. If you belong to a Home Owners Association, ask someone on the board about any rules. Check with us if the zoning office requires any paperwork. We may be able to supply it to you to give to the officials.
3. Prepare the Site for Your New Shed
A fast and easy way would be to turn this task over to someone who does it professionally. Check with us at the office as we also install gravel stone foundations.
If you decide to tackle this yourself, the first thing to decide is which type of foundation to put down. Here are several foundation options:
- Crushed Stone: Use about 6 inches of crushed stone. It is available at most Lawn and Garden Centers or Retail Landscapers. We recommend using a pressure-treated 4" x 6" border (make sure that the border is 100% LEVEL). We recommend installing the border 2 feet wider and longer than the size of the shed; this will allow for rainwater coming off of the roof of the shed to drain, with very little splash-up. Spread 6" of crushed stone inside the border.
- Concrete Base: Concrete base is the best method, provided it's done well by either an experienced do-it-yourselfer or a professional.
- Please Note: we install our own gravel stone pads, feel free to contact us for an estimate
4. Can the Delivery Truck Get to the Site?
Probably the biggest benefit of your new structure is that it will arrive completely built. However, we also build sheds onsite for an additional fee. Make sure the delivery truck can get to your location. Walk your property as if the truck were right there so you can develop a path you'll want our delivery driver to take. If you foresee any problems with this, contact us and we can do a site check. If necessary, and for an additional charge, we can build your structure on-site.
Shed Truck Delivery Checklist
- What is the total length of your shed?
- Is there enough clearance to get off the street and to your selected location? (Add 2 feet to the width for your total clearance)
- What condition is the ground? Soft soil, swampy, dry hard ground?
- Are there any obstacles that will prohibit your move? Fences? Trees? Wells? Other buildings?
- Is the terrain suitable for a delivery truck or the Mule?
Please Note: Space Makers Sheds does not remove any fences; this is the customers' responsibility.
5. What is the Mule?
The Mule is a machine that lifts one end of the shed while putting 2 sets of dolly wheels under the other end of the shed. Please note the Mule cannot lift over fences. the Mule allows us to take the structure over your yard, to reduce damage to the yard, and can move around objects in the yard, and access tighter spaces.
By taking the time to plan and prepare for your new shed, you can rest assured that the process will go smoothly from start to finish!
Looking for a new shed? Check out what Space Makers Sheds has to offer!