Have Questions about Shed Planning and Design? Here Are Some FAQs

As shed design experts, we have heard all types of questions from our customers! You would be surprised at how many different things can come up when you consider adding a shed to your property. We have answered our customers’ most frequently asked questions about shed planning and building, so you can browse through them to learn more. If you don’t see your questions on this page, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help!

Shed and Chicken Coop FAQs

In this category, you will find some general inquiries about our sheds. You’ll find answers to some common questions about insulation and shed placement, among other concerns you may have.

Is Shed Insulation a Good Idea?

If you are building your shed to make it a workshop, you might consider insulation. Shed structures can be difficult to insulate, as they need proper ventilation to avoid mold and other structural damage. Consult with a professional before you tackle an insulation project.

Is Shed Placement Important?

Yes, shed placement is essential. You will want to place your structure somewhere that best suits its function and the shed design. Are you going to set the shed on the side where the neighbors can see it or in your rear yard for gardening storage? Consider factors like drainage, trees, zoning codes, direct sunlight, and similar concerns when you pick a shed location.

If you’re covering up a bad spot in your lawn with your shed, maybe rethink the placement if that spot is from excessive moisture. Always make sure your shed is set on dry, stable ground so that it doesn’t shift or settle over the years. (A good foundation will help with this, too.) Also, the moisture could cause mold or rot that would deteriorate your shed over time. Read more about shed planning how to place sheds correctly in our blog post here.

Do Sheds Require Maintenance?

Storage sheds, like a new bathroom, are an investment for your home. When you purchase a new storage shed design, it will require some maintenance to keep it looking and functioning well for many years. If you want to increase the lifespan of your new storage solution, check out our tips for proper maintenance.

How Do I Prevent Critters from Getting into My Shed?

Animals of all sizes and insects alike might feel entitled to make your shed their new home if you aren’t careful. Never store trash or food in your shed. Keep an eye out for leaks, holes, or cracks in the walls and roof of your shed. Clean your tools before you put them away so you aren’t accidentally bringing in insect eggs. Keep the floor area clean with regular sweeping. Want more information about keeping nature outside? We have some advice for you as you begin your shed planning process.

How Do I Winterize My Chicken Coop?

Winterizing your chicken coop is more than checking for damage to the structure and adding bedding! Your chickens need a thoroughly cleaned home, with a neat floor area, artificial light to encourage egg production, and extra vitamins and protein added to their diet. Your adequately maintained chicken coop can help you keep your chickens safe and healthy for the colder months.

What Maintenance Does My Chicken Coop Need?

Unlike standard sheds, chicken coops need everyday upkeep. Chickens need their homes checked and their water supplies sanitized frequently. Keeping the chicken coop clean each day will make deep cleaning much less complicated. Look out for damage to the enclosure caused by the chickens or other animals looking to get inside. Walk around the structure at least once a week and note any changes in your shed’s design, like leaks, cracks, or holes. Read our blog post on chicken coop maintenance to learn more.

Have More Shed or Chicken Coop Questions? Contact Us

Shed Planning and Building FAQs

Are you worried about the bureaucracy of adding a shed to your property? Our shed planning and building FAQs touch on things you might be questioning about things like how to correctly add a shed to your home without upsetting your HOA or building permit requirements in your area.

Do I Need a Building Permit for My Shed?

Depending on where you live, you may need a building permit for your shed. Check with local government officials who can help you determine if you need one or not. In some places, a structure under a certain amount of square feet does not require a building permit. That means sheds built to be accessory structures—those designed to hold smaller outdoor equipment and look nice next to the house, for example,—may not require a permit. Keep in mind that even if you do not need a building permit, you are still responsible for following building codes and property line setback requirements. For more detail, reference our blog on this subject.

Why Should I Buy a Premium Pre-Built Shed and Not a Shed-Building Kit?

Shed building kits from big box stores are typically low quality and not built to last. Sure, their price points are appealing, but you’ll need to build them or hire someone else to do it for you. When you buy a premium pre-built shed from Sun Rise Sheds, we take the hard work out of it for you. Not only will your shed be delivered and ready to use immediately, but we will also have built it to your exact customized shed design. Plus, our sheds are handcrafted and made to last for years to come.

Are Sheds an OK Addition According to Your HOA?

Before you purchase a fully customized shed design, you should see that it’s OK with your HOA. Their guidelines are typically detailed and have specifications for new structures on your property. If you have difficulty understanding the policies, you may want to sit with an HOA board member and go over your questions together. It may help to have a design for your shed prepared.

You can make a 3D-model of your shed with our customization tool to help with your shed planning needs.

Can I Finance My Shed?

At Sun Rise Sheds, we have both a financing and a rent-to-own option for our customers who want more flexible payment methods. Contact us today to find out more about our payment options!

Is a Foundation Required for My Shed?

In short, yes. If you want to ensure that your shed lasts as long as possible, you will need a good foundation beneath it.

What Kind of Foundation Do I Need?

Before you schedule your shed delivery, make sure you already have your foundation ready to go. You’ll want to have a flat and level surface of either gravel or concrete. We recommend your pad being 1 foot larger than your shed on all sides. We recommend using a smaller crushed limestone or a gravel product that packs well and is 3” – 4” thick. You can also pour a concrete pad for your shed. No matter what you choose as a foundation, our delivery experts can set up your shed right where you need it, and you won’t have to worry about moving it later.

Who Can I Get to Install My Foundation?

For Gravel Pads

Keeny Excavating
Nathan Keeny
515-988-9970

For Concrete Pads

Check with your local concrete contractor or if you see some concrete work being done in your neighborhood you can check with them.

Where Should I Place My Shed on My Property?

The best location to place your shed depends on the shed’s function and your property. You will need to consider things like drainage, trees, zoning codes, and more to find the best shed location.

If you are in town or a development there is often lot line set backs, utility easements, and drainage easements. You will need to check with the city and get a lot map which will tell you the set back requirement.

Have More Shed Building Questions? Contact Us

Shed Customization FAQs

Indeed, pre-built sheds designed and constructed by specialty builders like us at Sun Rise Sheds are incredibly customizable. However, you probably have some big custom shed questions before choosing options like siding colors and window and door styles. Here are our answers to a few of those inquiries.

What Size Shed Do I Need?

The correct sizing for your new shed will depend a lot on how you plan to use it, and placement options on your property may also limit it. Here at Sun Rise Sheds, we can build custom sheds in many different styles in a variety of sizes to suit your needs, whether you’re housing chickens or your prized classic car. We encourage you to contact us to help you with your shed planning to determine your shed size.

What Type of Ramp is Best for My Shed?

We sell two different types of ramps at Sun Rise Sheds—aluminum and steel. Aluminum is lightweight enough to be moved frequently, non-corrosive, and requires minimal maintenance. However, it does scratch easier and is more expensive than steel. Steel ramps are more robust than aluminum, less expensive, and inflexible. Their drawbacks are their weight, their tendency to rust, and they are slippery when wet. The right ramp for your shed design is entirely up to your preference, so choose which one works best for your shed planning needs.

Should I Choose a Shingle or Metal Roof for My Shed?

When choosing a shed design, planning for the roof you want is crucial. Both shingles and metal roofs have their pros and cons. Shingle roofs are often the more affordable choice, and they are easy to repair and replace if problems arise. Metal roofs are associated with commercial and agricultural buildings, and they have a 40-to-70-year lifespan compared to shingles’ 15 years. Metal roofing is also fire resistant, and you can have it coated in a color of your choosing to match your home. Like ramp choice, roofing choice is entirely up to you.

Wondering About Something Else? Contact Us

Delivery FAQs

Having your storage shed delivered can be so exciting that you forget crucial steps to ensure a smooth process. Here are some of our delivery questions answered, so you can start using your new shed as soon as possible.

Do I Need a Foundation Before My Shed Is Delivered?

In short, yes. If you want to ensure that your shed lasts as long as possible, you will need a good foundation beneath it.

Before you schedule your shed delivery, make sure you already have your foundation ready to go. You’ll want to have a level surface that’s been measured and filled with the proper stone base. You can also construct a concrete pad for your shed. No matter what you choose as a foundation, our delivery experts can set up your shed right where you need it, and you won’t have to worry about moving it later.

Will I Need to Remove My Fence for Delivery?

In most cases, at least one fence section needs removal for a successful shed delivery. When measuring your fence for removal, remember that the truck driver needs enough space to maneuver safely into the yard. Don’t count on the driver being able to make a tight squeeze! It is always better to remove too much fence than not enough. If you give the driver enough room, the installation process will be much more seamless.

Do I Need to Check if I Am Blocking Utilities?

Remember that you are responsible for speaking with the local municipality to determine if your new shed will be blocking access to any utilities like water, sewer, or electrical lines. If you are and something comes up where access to those lines means your shed has to be moved, you will have to pay to have it moved somewhere else in your yard! Prevent this inconvenience in advance and have your yard assessed for utility access.

Shed Design Customization Tool FAQs

Our shed customization tool is a revolutionary new feature for people looking to build a shed. With this tool, you can play around with everything from color to size. Customize your 3D structure with just a few clicks and check out all our different options for storage sheds. This tool will help you decide what you are looking for in your dream shed so that we can get started on it as quickly as possible! After experimenting, you can contact us and talk to us about your shed design.

How Do I Use the Customization Tool?

Our 3D shed customization tool is easy to navigate. Just click through the menus and choices for shed customizations. There is nothing you can’t change with this tool, making your shed planning easy. You can even use this tool to visualize where you will store things. This part of the tool helps determine what size you want your shed to be.

What if What I Want Is Not an Option on the Customization Tool?

In the rare chance that this inconvenience happens to you, and you have questions about something you do not see on the tool, feel free to contact us! We will help you meet your specifications with one of our custom designs! We want your shed design to match your vision!

How Do I Get to the Customization Tool?

Our customization tool is located right on our website! Click here to use our customization tool.