Ordering a prefab shed is exciting; you’ve picked the size, the style, the color, and now the delivery date is circled on the calendar. But before the truck rolls in, there’s one more important step: making sure your site is truly ready. And we don’t mean just pointing to the backyard and saying, “somewhere around here.” A little prep now saves a lot of hassle later. Here’s what you need to know to make shed delivery day go as smoothly as possible.
Start with the Right Spot
The first thing to think about is where exactly your shed is going to sit. It might seem like you’ve got plenty of room, but not every open patch of grass is going to be a good fit. Look for a space that’s level, well-drained, and easy to access. Avoid areas that hold water after rain or spots too close to trees, fences, or other structures.
It’s also a good idea to double-check your property lines and local zoning rules. In many of the areas we serve throughout Oneonta, Vestal, and abroad, there are setback requirements that dictate how far a shed needs to be from the edges of your property. If you’re not sure what the rules are in your area, a quick call to your local building or code enforcement office can clear it up.
Consider the Foundation
Once you’ve picked the spot, you’ll want to make sure it’s prepped and ready to support the shed. If possible, we highly recommend a gravel pad for most installations, as it will provide quality drainage, hold up well through winter, and keep the shed level. If you’re going the gravel route, just make sure the pad is slightly larger than the shed itself and built up a few inches above ground level to allow water to run off.
Some folks opt for concrete slabs, especially for larger sheds or those being used as workshops. That’s a solid choice too, but it does require a little more work up front. Patio blocks can be used for smaller sheds, but only if the ground underneath is level and firm. No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is that the surface is completely level. An uneven base is the fastest way to create future headaches with doors, windows, and structural integrity.
If you’re not comfortable building a pad yourself, we recommend contacting a local contractor prior to install day.
Make Sure We Can Get In
Our sheds arrive fully assembled, which means they need a clear path from the road to your chosen site. Think about how wide that path is (we need at least a few feet wider than the shed itself), how tall any overhead branches are, and whether there are any obstacles like fences, rocks, or tight turns that could block the way.
If you’re not sure whether we’ll be able to access the site, don’t guess – reach out. We can take a look at photos, talk it through, and let you know if anything needs to be done before delivery day.
Plan Ahead for the Future
Even if your shed is just going to be used for storage right now, it’s worth thinking about how you might want to use it down the line. Planning to add electricity later? Consider running conduit or at least marking out a path for it now, before the shed is in place. Want to use it as a pool house or hobby studio someday? Make sure the spot you’ve chosen will still make sense when that time comes.
It’s much easier to plan for those possibilities now than it is to make changes later once the structure is sitting in place.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Having your site ready before delivery makes the entire process stress-free. There’s no scrambling, no last-minute adjustments, and no wondering if something was overlooked. When we arrive, we can set the shed exactly where you want it, and you can start using it right away.
So, if you’ve ordered an Amish-built shed from us, or are just starting to plan for one, now’s the time to take a walk through your yard and think through the details. With a solid foundation, a clear path, and a little coordination, your new shed will be in place and ready to go before you know it.
Have questions? Give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear from you!