Delivery and Site Prep Requirements for Raber Structures
Once you’ve chosen your desired Raber structure, our team will arrange a time to deliver it to your prepared site. Before we deliver your structure, you’ll need to properly prepare the site where your building will go. Each structure that Raber builds requires different site preparation to ensure stability. Here, we’ll explain the necessary site prep for our structures and what you should expect during our delivery process.
Site Preparation
Different structures require different types of site preparation. Smaller buildings can use a gravel pad, but larger structures may need a concrete pad. Your site must be ready before our team delivers your structure, but we can help you out if needed. Here’s some important site prep info to help you get started.
Two-Car Garages
Every two-car garage from Raber Portable Storage Barns requires site preparation. The shed pad you need depends on your garage floor. Garages with wooden floors require a gravel pad, while garages without a floor require a solid concrete pad. If you need assistance, we can help you arrange the right site prep for your garage style.
Gravel Pads for Garages with Wooden Floors
If you choose a two-car garage with one of our wooden floors, a gravel pad is required beneath the structure. The gravel pad serves as the garage’s prepared base and provides good drainage. The wooden floor remains the floor inside the garage, which is strong enough for most cars and trucks. Always consult with a team member about specific needs. Raber has a team that can handle your gravel site preparation for you. Contact us to discuss the garage size you want, your property, and gravel pad needs so we can help you plan the work before your garage arrives.
Concrete Pads for Garages Without a Floor
If you order a two-car garage without a wooden floor, you will need a concrete pad to support the weight of your vehicles. You may use an existing concrete pad if it’s suitable and large enough for your selected garage, or we can subcontract the concrete work for you. If you have an existing concrete pad, talk with our team before ordering so we can discuss whether it will work with your garage. If you need new concrete, contact us before having it poured so we can coordinate the pad requirements with your building and schedule a delivery time.
Storage Shed Site Preparation in The Midwest
Getting your property ready is an important step in planning your new storage shed. At Raber, we can help you choose a site prep option based on your building size, ground conditions, and intended use. Options include leveling with pavers, preparing a gravel pad, or installing concrete piers for a tiny home project.
Paver Leveling for Sheds Smaller than 12×20
Storage sheds smaller than 12×20 can be blocked up and leveled using 2-inch and 4-inch pavers. Our delivery team carries these pavers on our trailer so they are available to use when your shed is delivered. We can also block and level some larger sheds with pavers, but discuss with our team your desired building and site so we can help determine the best option.
Gravel Pads for Larger Storage Buildings
For larger storage sheds and portable buildings, we recommend a gravel pad. Although paver leveling may be an option for some larger buildings, a gravel pad is our recommended method for site preparation. Gravel pads are also recommended for our horse barns to prioritize drainage. Our site prep team can prepare your gravel pad for you. Contact us before delivery to discuss your building size, location, and site prep needs.
Concrete Piers for Tiny Home Projects
If you plan to use your building as a tiny home, like with one of our cabin structures, we recommend concrete piers extending below the local frost line. The piers act as deep structural legs, transferring the building’s load into stable soil instead of relying on structural components for a sturdy foundation. This approach helps reduce seasonal up-and-down movement caused by freezing and thawing ground. Our site prep team can install concrete piers for your project. Pier depth, spacing, and support details should be confirmed for your specific building, site, and applicable local requirements before work begins.
Our Delivery Process
To schedule your delivery, our delivery professionals will contact you about a week before your structure is ready to schedule a time to drop off your structure that works for you. On delivery day, our team will let you know they’re on their way about an hour before they arrive at your property. Before your structure is delivered, ensure there is proper clearance, landscaping, and site preparation for our delivery personnel to deliver your structure. After delivery arrangements are made, we’ll send out our delivery team to bring your structure to you. Our personnel will unload the structure on the street or driveway, then use our shed mule to bring it to your prepared plot without destroying your lawn.
Delivery Requirements
To deliver your structure, our team needs to have a width clearance of two feet more than the width of the structure. For example, if you buy a 10×16 shed, you would need to have a 12-foot-wide opening in your yard for us to safely deliver the shed. Check for any overhead tree limbs and wires that could obstruct our shed mule, and trim any trees if necessary. The space needs to be clear for our team to get through. Make sure your prepared shed pad is level, and if there happens to be a discrepancy of more than 8 inches, we recommend adding more rocks or concrete blocks to properly level it. If needed, our team can bring concrete blocks during delivery to level the structure for a minor fee.
Let Our Site Prep Team Help
Raber offers site preparation services for both gravel pads and concrete piers, along with paver leveling by our delivery team. Tell us the size of your desired building, how you plan to use it, and where it will be placed so we can discuss the right option for your project. Check out our in-stock inventory or design a custom shed with our 3D Builder to find or create the ideal structure for you. Contact us today to plan your storage shed site preparation in the Midwest and request a quote for gravel pad or concrete pier installation.
