 When purchasing a shed, one of the first things to consider, is where you would like to position the shed and what might need to be done to the site to clear it and make it level.
Pretty much any site will need some adjustment to get a solid and level foundation. For shed sites that are up to 8" out of level we can adjust with a gridwork of cement blocks before constructing the shed. If you are ordering your shed using our 3D Shed Configurator, be sure to check the box for Blocking to Level the Site. For more complicated sites with rocks, tree roots, shrubs, or just very unlevel, we recommend checking with your local landscaper to prepare a flat, level area for the shed to sit on. A suitable area can be prepared by bringing in fill and preparing a base of 3/4" crushed stone. If you would like site prep. recommendations from one of our builders, you can schedule a free consultation here. We look forward to working with you!
0 Comments
Whether you’re looking for more storage, a new workspace or anything in between, a shed
or outdoor structure can be the perfect addition to your property. Unfortunately, in most cases you can’t simply commission the project and start building right away—you’ll likely need to navigate your way through some local town or zoning regulations first. These regulations are very localized and vary by city/town, region or state—so it’s important to understand exactly what rules and requirements apply to you. If you don’t do the proper research beforehand, you might face some steep fines or penalties down the line; you might even end up having to relocate or modify your new shed if it doesn’t meet the right specifications. When Will I Need a Permit? Here’s a look at some common factors that can impact whether you’ll need a permit or some form of approval before building a shed: Shed Size and Location - in most places, you’ll need a permit if your shed will exceed a certain size or height. This information may be published online, and is also likely available from your local town or city hall. It’s a good idea to get this information before you start designing your new shed to ensure you’ll be able to complete the build exactly the way you’d like. In addition to the size itself, the location or placement of your shed can also play a role in the permit and approval process. Whether this will matter might be dictated by the location of your property, proximity to other structures or other concerns. Pro Tip: Depending on the project, you may find that your local municipality will require either a building or zoning permit (or both!) before you can begin. Take the time to understand exactly what’s required and make sure you’re able to obtain it before construction starts. Set Back Requirements - There are often restrictions regarding the amount of required distance between your shed and your property line, your home or any other nearby or adjacent structures. Make sure to learn what these requirements are for your property and stick to them when deciding where to place your new shed. Building Code Standards - Different locations can have very different building code requirements. An area that regularly suffers from heavy rainfall and flooding, for instance, will require a different build than a property that’s warm and sunny year-round. Part of the permit process will involve ensuring your new shed will be built to last and won’t be at risk of significant damage due to improper construction or materials. Electrical and Other Modifications - Any type of wiring, electricity or other utility-based modification will often require a permit and some additional approval. Depending on what you’re hoping to build or run inside of your new shed, you’ll want to do some research here to understand how it will impact the permit process. Applying For Your Permit(s) Once you’ve reviewed the information above and have planned out your new dream shed, it’s time to get in touch with the appropriate local office(s) to apply for any relevant permits! In order to request a permit and receive approval, you’ll likely need to include some relevant information and documentation as part of the submission process. This can include building plans and architectural drawings, information about the builder or contractor who’s completing the work, and other items. Make sure you have any of these required documents available when completing a permit application. Working with Urban Sheds At Urban Sheds, we put our clients in total control of the shed-design process—and we’ll work with you to understand and navigate any of the unique zoning, building and regulatory requirements in your location. Our local craftsmen and builders are experts in both their field and in the local communities we serve. Our team has the experience and knowledge needed to build your dream shed and ensure it adheres to any and all requirements in your town or city. Looking for more information about shed-building requirements, considerations and best practices? Download the Urban Sheds 2019 Buyer’s Guide today!  Congratulations on taking your first step toward building a new shed! A shed or outdoor
structure is the perfect way to add some extra storage space to your property, enhance the overall aesthetic of your yard and increase the value of your home. Once you’ve completed some of the required research for things like zoning and building permits, and have determined the type of shed you want to build (and the location you’d like to build on), it’s time to find the right contractor to complete the project. Remember that not all sheds are created equal—and it’s important to find a capable, reliable and trustworthy builder to ensure you’re getting a product that’s built to last. At Urban Sheds, we’re proud to offer premium-quality structures that our clients love. Here are five reasons to choose Urban Sheds for your next project: 1. Every Urban Shed is Custom-Built That’s right—every single one of our sheds is built to meet the exact needs and specifications of our clients. We don’t sell prefabricated sheds, and we don’t build offsite or ship anything across state lines. We build unique, custom-designed sheds that are constructed on-location to provide our clients with the perfect outdoor structure for their needs. 2. We Hire Local Builders and Craftsmen At Urban Sheds, we believe in investing in local communities, small businesses and the neighborhoods we serve. That’s why we exclusively hire local builders, tradesmen and craftsmen to build our premium-quality sheds and outdoor structures. Our builders are passionate about the work they do and the impact they’re making in their communities—they’re your neighbors. Meet some of our expert builders here. 3. We Use the Highest-Quality Materials We use the highest-quality materials and building processes to ensure our sheds can withstand the test of time. We use double top plates on walls and headers across door openings, our flooring systems are completely pressure-treated to protect against rot, termites and ants, and much more. With Urban Sheds, you can truly build with confidence. 4. All Urban Sheds are Backed by a 30-Year Structural Warranty In fact, we’re so confident in our materials and in our builders that we’re proud to offer a 30-year structural warranty for every single shed we create. It’s an important part of our commitment to building the highest-quality structures we can, and to provide our clients with true peace-of-mind and confidence when purchasing a new shed. 5. You Can Design Your Very Own Dream Shed—No Experience Required Have the perfect vision of your new dream shed but no design or building experience? Don’t worry! With Urban Sheds 3D Configuration Software, you can quickly and easily craft a digital rendering of your perfect shed. A simple-to-use interface allows you to select the style, size, shape, color and many other options for your new outdoor structure—you can even get a quote and price estimate from directly within the tool. Once your design is complete, you can send it directly to our team of expert builders to begin scoping out the project. In our experience, small businesses offer unique talents, capabilities and perspectives that can’t often be found in big factories or large enterprise organizations. We take pride in every single shed we create and are proud of the network of builders and extremely talented individuals we’ve created. Urban Sheds provides the platform to connect you with people who truly care about the work they’re doing for you. When you purchase from Urban Sheds, you aren’t just buying a product—you’re making an investment that will last for many years to come. Get in touch with us today to begin your next project; we look forward to working with you!  At Urban Sheds, we’re proud to connect our customers directly with local craftsmen and builders to create the custom shed of your dreams. And for many of our clients, the first step in building a new shed is to get rid of an old one that’s well past its prime! That was the case for Don Coughlin, a Massachusetts-based attorney and realtor who knew he needed an improvement to the aging outdoor structure on his property. “I had a dilapidated old shed that was falling apart in the backyard,” Don said. “I was in the market for a new high-quality structure that could provide proper storage for the items that wouldn’t fit in our garage including garden tools, a lawnmower, snowblower and some outdoor furniture.” After doing a bit of research online, Don found Urban Sheds’ website—and after reviewing several completed works in our online gallery, he really started to develop a vision for this next project. It didn’t take long for us to help turn that vision into reality. “My experience with Jeremy and the Urban Sheds team could not have been better,” Don explained. “They began by getting rid of the old beat up shed in the backyard and were even able to preserve (and build on top of) the existing foundation which saved me quite a bit of time and money.” “I’m a detail-oriented person and had requested quite a few alterations and modifications,” he added, “and I was concerned about asking for something that was ‘too custom’. Jeremy’s team was so accommodating and worked with me every step of the way to ensure I was getting exactly what I wanted—right down to my requests for things like stainless hardware, special primer paint and custom double-door.” Don also commended the Urban Sheds team for our ability to create a premium-quality product onsite without sacrificing or damaging any of the surrounding area—a challenge sometimes easier said than done. “I’m a very neat and detail-oriented person, and my shed is in a rather tight spot near my deck and house,” explains Don. “Jeremy was very careful not to overspray any paint or disturb any of the nearby gardening and planting throughout the entire building process, whether he was bringing in materials or working on the actual build. His cleanup was immaculate as well.” “I would absolutely recommend Urban Sheds to anyone looking for a new shed or outdoor structure,” Don adds. “In fact I’m so pleased with their work I’ve actually been recommending Urban Sheds to all of my real estate clients who are buying houses that needs sheds. I’ve done the research and assure them that Jeremy and the team at Urban Sheds are second to none!” We’re thrilled to get to work with terrific clients like Don to create premium-quality and highly functional sheds and outdoor structures. Check out the pictures below to see Don’s new shed and get in touch with us today if you’re ready to kick off your own project!
 One of the best things about Urban Sheds is that we put our clients in total control of the
design and creative process—and with our powerful 3D Shed Configuration Software you can custom-design your dream shed even if you have absolutely no previous experience! That’s exactly what happened for Scott, who was a first-time buyer with a pretty specific vision of what he was looking for. “I had been shopping around for several months before finding Urban Sheds,’ said Scott. “We’ve never owned a shed but desperately needed one as we had been lugging our bicycles up and down our steep cellar steps—not to mention we had no storage space for backyard items like a hammock and lawnmower.” To start, Scott spent some time doing online research and looking at a number of local shed-building companies; he even conducted several site visits to check out some finished products and meet with builders. “We really struggled to find the right combination of quality and value that we were looking for,” said Scott. “After striking out with a few local custom builders and all of the big-box stores we looked at, we ran a few more web searches and were fortunate to find Urban Sheds’ website.” Scott was immediately impressed with both the quality and work ethic at Urban Sheds—and thanks to our 3D configuration software, he was able to design his own shed from scratch rather than being forced to purchase a pre-fabricated product or rely on another builder’s design.” “The online shed-building software is amazing,” said Scott. “We were able to visualize and test many different configurations, colors and options—all with pricing right there. It’s a very cool experience and something that makes it easy for literally anyone to begin designing and building their perfect shed.” Once the design was complete, Scott sent it to Urban Sheds with a deposit and desired start date and we immediately began scoping out the project. Within just a few weeks, we were able to finish the build. “We couldn’t be happier with the entire process,” Scott recalled. “Everything we ordered was customized, from the doors to the ramp to the roof—and Jeremy’s team built a spectacular product that we know will last for many years.” “The best part about working with Urban Sheds is that they connect you with local builders,” Scott added. “It’s really important to us that we’re supporting local, independent businesses—and Jeremy and his team make that easy to do thanks to their talent and professionalism. In fact we were so impressed with the shed that we asked Urban to build a small deck for us later that summer!” Ready to start designing your own dream shed? Access our 3D Configuration Tool today! |
