Getting a new shed delivered to your property can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect, especially if it’s your first time buying one. That’s why we’ve put together some pointers to help your shed delivery go as smoothly as possible. Read on for some useful information on preparing for your shed delivery.
Decide on a Location for Your Shed
First thing’s first, it’s important that you put some thought into where on your property your new storage building will go. The first question to ask yourself is, what is the intended purpose of the shed? If you plan on using your structure for storing gardening supplies and lawn equipment, for example, it’s probably a good idea to place the storage unit in a spot in your backyard that’s easily accessible.
Next, when determining a location for your structure, it’s crucial to think about accessibility. Your storage building should be convenient to access, so be sure to choose a location in your yard that’s open and easy to get to, not crowded by trees and bushes.
Check Local Rules and Regulations
Before committing to purchasing a storage building, you should always check the regulations and building codes in your area to see if there are any restrictions when it comes to building a shed on your property.
This is especially important if you belong to a Homeowners Association (HOA). Most HOAs have some type of rules regarding shed placement on your property, so make sure you know what your HOA requires before moving forward.
Prepare the Site for Shed Delivery and Setup
Once you’ve picked a spot for your shed and checked with your local rules and regulations, you can begin prepping the site for your new structure. The main thing you’ll want to consider is which type of foundation your shed will be placed on top of. There are several main foundation options for your storage building: concrete, wood, and gravel.
Concrete
Whether it’s pavers, blocks, or slabs, concrete is a sturdy, safe choice when it comes to shed foundations. Which type of concrete to use will vary depending on the slope of your land, the size of your storage unit, and how much money you’d like to spend. Regardless of which type you choose, though, it’s hard to go wrong with a concrete foundation.
Wood
Instead of concrete, you can also utilize wooden planks to form a strong base for your structure. With a wood foundation, however, it’s important to keep in mind that wood itself cannot be placed directly on the ground because it has the potential to rot. So, you’ll need to place the wood on top of something, like cinder blocks.
Gravel
Gravel is a great foundation choice if your storage building comes with a pre-built floor. Additionally, if you’re placing your structure on somewhat unlevel ground, gravel is a quick way to achieve a flatter surface. Gravel foundation is a less expensive alternative to concrete, so it’s a good way to establish a solid foundation for a fair price.
Make Way for the Shed Delivery Truck
Once the foundation is set in place and you’re ready for your structure to be delivered, you must make sure that there’s enough room for the shed delivery trailer to get to your location. At Cincinnati Sheds, we deliver our sheds by mule, a type of forklift. If your unit is delivered by mule, make sure that the path to the building’s final location is at least 4 feet wider than the width of the structure itself. This will ensure that the mule has enough room to deliver your storage building to its final location.
If you have fences, shrubbery, or anything else that may block the delivery truck’s path, be sure to get this taken care of before delivery. If you’re unsure whether or not the delivery mule will have a clear path to your structure’s location, consider having a specialist take a look and inspect your property to make sure your storage unit can be delivered to your desired location.
Another thing to keep in mind when preparing for shed delivery is that it’s important to be flexible. The conditions have to be right in order for your structure to be delivered to your property. For example, if the ground is wet and soggy due to recent rainfall, your shed delivery will likely need to be rescheduled. That said, it’s important to be adaptable and realize that the day of your shed delivery may change if the conditions aren’t correct.
By following the steps above and taking the necessary time to prepare, you can help ensure that your shed delivery will go smoothly from start to finish.