In preparing for the arrival of a new shed, the process of shed site preparation can present homeowners, businesses, and agricultural enthusiasts with numerous challenges and concerns. From ensuring a completely level and solid foundation to addressing drainage and ground preparation, prepping the site for a new shed involves navigating various intricacies that can lead to frustration, worry, and anxiety.
This blog post delves into the common pain points associated with shed site prep, from dealing with shed placement to different foundation types. By reading further, you will gain valuable insights into addressing these concerns effectively and learn practical tips for preparing your site to welcome a new shed. Additionally, we invite you to explore our online 3D designer tool, allowing you to visualize and customize your ideal shed, thereby taking the first step towards transforming your outdoor space.
Why Is Shed Site Prep Important?
Preparing the site for your new shed is a crucial step that sets the foundation for the functionality, longevity, and overall satisfaction with your outdoor structure. You likely need a new shed for additional storage space, protection of valuable belongings, and enhancement of your property’s aesthetics. However, without proper shed site preparation, these objectives can be compromised, leading to a myriad of problems for property owners in Michigan.
By creating a level, stable foundation for your new shed, you not only ensure the structural integrity of the building but also protect your investments, provide peace of mind, and enhance the overall appeal of your property.
How Do I Choose Where I Put My Shed?
Selecting the ideal location for your shed involves carefully considering several factors, ranging from convenience and accessibility to practicality and local regulations. The positioning of the shed should take into account:
- Intended function: Is your new shed meant to store your garden tools? Then placing it in proximity to your gardening area is a wise choice. Perhaps you need to store holiday decorations. In that case, positioning further away from the house may be better for you.
- Property lines: You’ll want to ensure that your new shed doesn’t infringe on your neighbors’ property and that you follow all local shed placement rules.
- Existing landscape features: Do you have a large garden, pool, or other landscape feature that will make it difficult to place the shed? If so, you may want to consider placing it in a more accessible location.
- Homeowners association requirements: If you’re part of an HOA, you’ll have to abide by their rules and regulations for shed placement.
How Do I Do the Ground Prep for My Shed?
Preparing the ground for your new shed is crucial in ensuring its structural integrity and long-term functionality. Let’s delve into the essential aspects of ground preparation to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to create the ideal foundation for your shed.
1. Leveling the Ground
The first step in ground preparation is ensuring that the site for your new shed is level. Uneven ground can lead to structural issues, compromised stability, and potential water drainage problems. By meticulously leveling the ground, you provide a stable base for your shed and mitigate the risk of damage caused by uneven settling over time. Imagine the relief of knowing that your backyard storage shed is securely positioned on a level surface, safeguarding your valuable investments and providing peace of mind for years to come.
2. Choose the Right Materials
Selecting the appropriate materials for ground preparation is vital in guaranteeing the longevity and durability of your shed. Utilizing quality materials such as gravel or crushed stone can aid in providing effective drainage and prevent moisture-related issues, protecting your belongings from water damage. Here are some common foundation materials:
- Cement Blocks: Place 8x16x4” cement blocks underneath the skids. Every skid needs a block at the front and back and then additional blocks need to be placed in the middle spaced not more than 6’ apart.
- Limestone Pad: Place 4” of #57 limestone in a level pad 12” beyond the width and the length of the building on all sides. Also, you may want to use a 4×4 as edging.
- Concrete Foundation: Pour the pad 1/2” less than the dimensions of the building. We attach treated plates to the bottom of the walls protecting the walls from moisture and rot. These bottom plates are fastened to the concrete pad with anchors or bolts.
- Post Platform Foundation: Use treated posts. Dig the post holes 32 to 42” deep. Place post pad or concrete in the bottom of the hole. Insert posts. Fasten cross beam joists with bolts to posts, making sure that the entire structure is square.
- Shed on a Slab: To attach a shed to a slab, have your concrete contractor add a 4” reinforced curb. This will keep water from entering the structure.
By investing in the right materials for your ground preparation, you empower yourself to eliminate concerns about the safety and integrity of your shed, creating a secure and reliable space for your storage and outdoor needs.
3. Ensure Proper Drainage
Proper drainage around the site of your shed is essential for safeguarding it against water-related damage and ensuring the structure’s longevity. Consider the relief you’ll feel knowing that your shed is protected from weather-related worries, with adequate drainage systems in place to channel water away from the building. This proactive approach provides security for your belongings and alleviates the worry of potential property loss due to inadequate protection, offering peace of mind and reassurance for your investments and your personal well-being.
How Will My Shed Get Delivered?
Understanding the delivery process for your new shed is crucial in ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. At Mid Valley Structures, we take pride in offering a hassle-free delivery and installation service, providing you with peace of mind from the very beginning. When it comes time to deliver the shed, depending on the accessibility of the location, we choose one of three methods:
- Trailer Delivery: A structure can be placed in the desired location right from a trailer in most cases. The process is easy and quick.
- Mule Delivery: If the truck and trailer option cannot reach your desired location, we deliver your shed using the Mule Shed Delivery System, a forklift system that can access tight locations that other vehicles cannot. The tracks left are similar to those left by a large riding lawn mower.
- Onsite Construction: When a factory-built building is not an option due to location or other obstacles, such as fenced yard or tight lot, we offer a full line of build-on-site structures.
When you choose Mid Valley Structures, you can rest assured that our own dedicated team, equipped with our own trucks, will handle the delivery and assembly of your shed. This eliminates the worry of subcontractors and ensures that your new shed is in the hands of trusted professionals who prioritize precision and care. What a relief it is knowing that your shed will be delivered and assembled by a team that understands the importance of your investment and is committed to delivering a superior service tailored to your needs.
Design Your Shed First to Know How Big of a Shed Site Preparation You Need
If you’ve ever felt the frustration of a disorganized, cluttered space or worried about the safety and protection of your belongings, especially in the face of Michigan’s unpredictable weather, you’re not alone. The anxiety and stress caused by these concerns can be overwhelming, leaving you longing for a solution that brings relief and peace of mind.
Throughout this blog post, we’ve covered the essential steps for shed site preparation. From leveling the ground to ensuring proper drainage, and understanding the delivery process, you’ve gained valuable insights into creating the ideal foundation for your new shed. Mid Valley Structures stands ready to offer the perfect solution to ease your worries and frustrations. With our wide variety of styles and materials and our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can now envision the excitement and relief of acquiring a beautiful, well-protected structure that eliminates all the pain points associated with storage concerns and weather-related worries.
So, why wait? Take the first step toward a stress-free, well-protected outdoor space by exploring our online 3D designer today and witnessing the transformation that awaits you. Experience the relief, peace of mind, and pride that comes with choosing the perfect solution for your shed site preparation.
