| Prior to purchasing any shed or horse barn, we | | | | rain/snow melt dripping off the eaves - especially, if |
| recommend that you check with your local | | | | you are not planning on installing rain gutters on the |
| government\'s building/code enforcement office. | | | | shed. Water splashing directly onto the ground will, |
| Building code officials, in addition to supplying the | | | | eventually, create a muddy area and splash up onto |
| permit (for a fee that varies with the municipality), | | | | the shed walls. The gravel base prevents this to |
| will also advise on \"setback\" requirements, which will | | | | extend the life of the building. |
| determine where the shed can be placed in relation | | | | To prepare a gravel base, remove the sod from an |
| to front, side and rear property lines. Additionally, | | | | area slightly larger than the pad, level the site by |
| there may be any number of restrictions or | | | | removing dirt where necessary, and spread the |
| requirements a property owner must meet | | | | gravel to a depth of about three or four inches. |
| depending on location, how your property is classified | | | | Tamp the gravel down with a piece of 4-by-4 or |
| (i.e. residential, farm, etc.) and whether a shed (or | | | | metal tamper until it is evenly distributed and the site |
| barn) is designated as a \"permanent\" or | | | | is flat and level. |
| \"temporary\" structure based on the size of the | | | | A \"frame\" of pressure-treated 4x4\'s or cement |
| building or how it is constructed. Residents of | | | | block will help keep the stone in place and create a |
| subdivisions also should check any subdivision | | | | neater appearance; however, it is not required. |
| regulations concerning detached buildings. | | | | OR |
| Since all municipalities have differing regulations and | | | | A level concrete slab between 3” - 4” thick |
| requirements, we are unable to give advice on | | | | and at least a foot larger than the building in length |
| exactly what may be required of you. Taking care of | | | | and width, as with the gravel pad. |
| these issues is the responsibility of the property | | | | OR |
| owner. We are often asked to supply building specs, | | | | Cement pillars, with or without tie-downs, are |
| etc. as part of the permit process and we are happy | | | | required by some municipalities. Check local regulations |
| to assist whenever possible. | | | | for quantity and recommended placement. |
| Ultimately, it is your responsibility to check with all | | | | NOT RECOMMENDED: Cinder blocks. Inevitably, there |
| municipal agencies and obtain all necessary permits | | | | will be some \"settling\" after your shed is delivered |
| and inspections. | | | | and placed on site. Placing a shed up on cinder blocks |
| A level pad of ¾\" crushed stone, 3\" - 4” | | | | greatly increases the risk that your shed will settle |
| deep, 1\' larger than the size of the shed (for | | | | unevenly. This can create twisting and offset door |
| example, a 10’ x 14’ building would require a | | | | and window frames. Additionally, delivery and |
| pad at least 11’ x 15’). This will allow for | | | | placement of shed can be with more difficult with |
| better drainage around the perimeter of the shed for | | | | cinder blocks as a base. |