The customer is responsible for any site preparation, site accessibility* and permits needed for the structure. Permit requirements vary from town to town. Please check with YOUR town building department for info on permits, foundation requirements, etc. What you read below are general recommendations and common site preparation in our area. However; you may need to do something entirely different to meet YOUR code. Please make sure to tell them that this is a pre-fabricated structure and we are delivering it to you either whole or in two sections depending on what you order. Our company does not build the structure on-site but our modular structures do require on-site finishing work. It is usually helpful for you to bring in one of our brochures, so that you can show them the product. You may even be asked to submit architectural drawings. While we don't have professional drawings available for every one of our buildings, we do have many of them on hand. We can also order a set of architectural drawings, customized with your name on them and geared toward your specific building and layout. There is a fee for custom drawings and they generally take 7-10 days to receive.
First, choose a site accessible to a full-size pickup truck and trailer (minimum 42' in length) OR a larger tractor trailer set-up. If it's a large building or double wide and will be a long distance or out-of-state delivery, tractor trailer access may be necessary. Please be aware of mud, overhead branches, wires, or any other overhangs or obstructions. Clearance should be several feet wider than the structure on all sides unless it is a straight line in and on level ground. We also need at least 14' of height clearance.
Note: Many double-wide 2-story buildings are 'direct deliveries'. The peak style roof is over 12' in width at the top and may require an escorted tractor trailer for transport from our PA builders to your location. Open access for a large load is required! The truck must have space to lower the building onto the pad and then pull out from under it.
STONE FOUNDATION: This method is best for structures that include a wood floor and PT runners.
The site that you choose should be fairly level and well-drained. For small structures, low spots can be shimmed with patio block but it isn't good or necessary to block it up to high. For larger structures (anything over 12'x16'), especially garages, we highly recommend having a foundation pad. Our larger buildings are more substantial in weight and it is imperative that all of the pressure-treated 4x4's installed under the sub-floor be resting on a firm, level surface. With the added weight of heavy equipment or vehicles, blocking up low spots can make the floor of the structure feel bouncy, and could possibly cause warping over time. To protect your investment, make sure that you provide a firm foundation for these larger buildings. A poorly prepared foundation may void any implied warranties.
If the ground needs to be leveled, we recommend putting down a pad using Item-4 (stone aggregate). Do not use shale, pea stone, bank run or any other loose or large stone that can shift. For larger buildings, we strongly recommend hiring a professional to do the job for you; someone who is experienced in building pads for this purpose. Preparing a level and firm pad is not an easy task! Don't let a contractor talk you into using cinder block for a shed 'base', these buildings are built for ground contact and the 4x4 PT runners should sit flush with the pad whenever possible. Also, you may need to scrape the ground in order to level it out before you lay the stone.
Listed below are some tips† on preparing your site yourself.
If you use Item-4, it must be level and compacted until very firm. We recommend that the base of your pad be at least 1 foot wider all the way around the base of the overall structure.
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| A good pad is firm and level |
A bad pad is loose and uneven |
THE LEFT PHOTO depicts a tamped and rolled stone pad prepared by a professional; If done right, the pad will be dead level and almost as hard as concrete!
If you have any questions regarding your pad, please call us at 845-247-4449 for assistance.
To prepare the pad with Item-4:
- Drive stakes into all 4 corners of the building site. To be sure that the base is square, measure diagonally in both directions and check that the measurements are equal.
- From the highest ground point, mark the first stake at least 4 inches up from the base (the ground). Attach a string and string level to the 4-inch mark on the stake with a nail. Stretch out the string until level and attach it to the next stake. Continue until the string is level around all four stakes.
- Fill the area with Item-4 to the height of string lines, tamping down using a tamper or roller until it is very firm. Repeat this step until the entire site is level and compacted.
You can also build a box to house the Item-4 out of 4x4's or 6x6's. Use a level on the wood and raise/lower as needed. If you have any questions, please call us at (845) 247-4449; we'll be happy to answer any of your questions about site preparation, or recommend a professional who can do the job for you.
We recommend that the pad be at least 4 inches deep overall with more in any low spots to be certain the entire surface area is level.
NOTE: All building measurements are outside and approximate. Measurements are from overhang to overhang. The actual footprint of the building will be less than the purchased dimensions.
CONCRETE SLABS: This method is best for floorless structures, especially garages.
Generally, a slab consists of footings and at least 4" thick of concrete. Actual specifications are dependent on your local town codes.
The slab should have no pitch along the first 8" of the entire perimeter (unless your town code requires something different; be sure to let us know) so the 6x6 PT perimeter of the building sits completely flush on the concrete. For best results; the size of the slab should be the same as the footprint of the purchased building. Keep in mind; the exact footprint is slightly less than the purchased dimensions; as our building measurements are approximate and from eave to eave. There should be no anchors, hooks or anything else implanted in the concrete prior to the delivery of your building. We must be able to slide the building off of the trailer and onto the pad without any obstructions. The slab should be no more than 4" high; as we need to be able to drive up and on the slab during the delivery process. Blacktop foundations are not recommended! We also cannot place our buildings on raised foundation walls, cinder blocks, over basements or any other hollow center.
Important: Anchoring and moisture-proofing floorless
structures are customers responsibility.
Anchor Referrals: informational purposes only as there are several ways to anchor a building and your local town code may require a certain procedure not listed on these sites. Be sure to inquire before making a decision.
Stone Pad anchoring: American Earth Anchors www.americanea.com or 866-520-8511
Concrete anchoring: Concrete Fastening Systems www.concretefasteners.com or 800-966-9617 (hint: look under wedge studs aka thunder studs)
*Site must be prepared and accessible by truck and trailer prior to delivery of structure or a $100 fee (minimum) will be charged for a return trip. The Barn Raiser, LLC is NOT responsible for poorly prepared (soft and/or not level) pads and we cannot be held responsible for the buildings integrity if foundation is sub-par. Some settling is normal but if a building settles more than usual, sometimes causing uneven or jammed doors; this is generally because the foundation was too soft to begin with. A properly prepared foundation is very important!
†Tips provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee that the pad will be adequately firm and level. If you are unsure of your ability to build a suitable pad for your new structure, we strongly suggest you consult a professional.