Frequently Asked Questions

Do you build your sheds and gazebos on site, or deliver whole buildings (built at the shop), or both?

We do both, but it's cheaper for you if we can deliver a whole building. We need truck or truck and trailer access to deliver a whole building.

How much truck or truck and trailer access space do you need to get a whole building into my backyard?

Check first that access to where you want the building is not blocked by fences, buildings, trees, hills, overhead wires, etc. For height, check for at least 13'6" overhead clearance (and we may need more where we unload the building). For width, check for at least 10' and at least 2' more than the width of the building you need. For instance, a 10' x 16' shed should have 12' of access width. Finally, we will need more space if we need to negotiate a curve getting back to your site (the above measurements anticipate fairly level ground going straight back to the site). Let us know if you have less than the specified clearances: we may need to deliver the building in pieces as a kit, carry the pieces to where you need them, and assemble the building on the site.

May I buy a kit to assemble myself? Does the kit cost less than a whole building?

You may purchase a kit to assemble, but the kit does not include instructions or fasteners. The price of a kit is the same as the price of a whole building assembled at the shop.

How will you unload my building?

Our trucks and trailers have beds that tilt. We back up to where the building is needed, then tilt the bed to slide the building off the back. Once it is unloaded we can push it around a bit if needed (for instance, we may need to pivot the building to orient it the way you want at your site). We cannot lift buildings over fences or other obstacles, however.

Will you put my building in place with a forklift?

No, we cannot move buildings in your yard with a forklift. We need to be able to access your site with a truck or truck and trailer.

Will you deliver my building with a truck or with a truck and trailer?

Large buildings are always delivered with a truck and trailer. Buildings that are 10' x 16' or smaller may be delivered either way. Let us know if you have tight quarters for delivery since a truck takes less space for delivery than a truck and trailer.

How far do you deliver?

For sheds, gazebos, playsets, and some other large items (e.g., large bridges) the first twenty-five delivery miles are free (does not include furniture and other smaller items). However, we deliver significantly further than that - just ask for a quote.

How do I prepare my site for a building?

Bare earth or grass is not normally level enough for a building. For relatively small sheds and gazebos, we level the building with blocks you provide. There is no extra charge for this service providing adequate blocks are on hand when we arrive with the building (we do not provide or sell blocks). For larger buildings, you will need a level gravel pad a bit larger than the building or a level concrete pad the same size as the building. Other methods work also, but let us know if you wish to use another method. For site preparation services you may want to check with Eli Stoltzfus at: Abundant Life Landscaping (301) 467-0949.

Where can I get blocks for you to use to level my building? What size and how many do I need?

Home Depot, Lowe's, and others normally stock the cinder block or patio block you will need. If we know you plan to use block to level your building, we can give you a suggested number to have on hand when we arrive. In most cases we suggest a combination of solid four-inch (4"x8"x16") and two-inch (2"x8"x16") block. A solid patio block may be substituted for the two-inch cinder block.

How do I pay for my building?

We accept check, cash, and credit cards (MasterCard and Visa). We need 20% of the order total to get an order started. Final payment is due when the building is delivered.

Are building permits needed? Who takes care of getting permits?

Building permits, when required, are the responsibility of the homeowner.

From the time I place my order, how long will it take until I have my building?

The time needed depends on the time of year. We give you our best estimate at the time you place your order. From about December through February, we can usually have a building to you in four or five weeks. During other times of the year, the wait time may be six weeks or more. However, we always keep some buildings in stock that are ready for immediate delivery.

Will I get advance notice before my building is delivered?

Yes, when we have the building we call you and arrange for a delivery date and time that works for both of us. We give you our best guess of arrival time, but if on the day of delivery the driver gets far off schedule we normally give you a call.

May I make changes to your standard building configurations?

Yes. Each building style and size has a standard configuration, but if you order a building you may specify how you want your building to appear. Some changes may be made at no extra charge; other options may be added for a fee (see Wood Shed Options and Vinyl Shed Options).

What are my color options?

Color samples may be viewed online (see Paint Colors, Vinyl Colors, Aluminum Trim Colors, Polyvinyl Trim Colors, and Shingle Colors - same for painted and vinyl-sided sheds) and in the brochure. For the most accurate renderings, you will want to stop by our sales office and see actual paint and vinyl samples, however.

Do you deliver playsets and furniture?

Yes to both. We deliver and install playsets the same as sheds and gazebos with the first twenty-five delivery miles free. Some other large items are delivered free within twenty-five miles also (e.g. large bridges). Delivery installation is available for some arbors (charges apply). Delivery is available for all our picnic tables and lawn furniture (driveway dropoff only for most items); the delivery fee depends on your location.

Do you have brochures of your products?

We have print brochures for many of our products. Call us if you want us to mail you a brochure. Alternatively, some brochures are available to download (high-speed connection recommended).
Click Here to Download