Preparing Your Site for Delivery
A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these simple steps to ensure your new building is placed smoothly and securely — often in under an hour.
Why Site Prep Matters
Your Guardian shed or outdoor building arrives fully assembled on a delivery truck and trailer. Our driver uses specialized equipment to place the building exactly where you want it — but we need a clear path to get there and a level surface to set it on. Spending a little time preparing your site prevents delays, extra charges, and ensures your building sits properly for years to come.
Your Step-by-Step Checklist
Step 1
Choose Your Location
Pick a spot that works for your property and local regulations. Keep these in mind:
- Setback requirements — check your local zoning for minimum distances from property lines, fences, and other structures
- Utility lines — call 811 before you dig to mark underground utilities; watch for overhead power lines too
- Drainage — avoid low spots where water pools; position the building so rain flows away from the doors
- Sunlight & access — consider how you will use the building and choose a spot with convenient access from your home
Step 2
Clear the Area
Give our delivery crew a clear path from the street to your chosen spot:
- Remove rocks, stumps, brush, and any debris from the building site
- Trim low-hanging branches and limbs along the entire delivery route
- Move vehicles, trailers, lawn equipment, and anything else out of the path
- Take down any temporary fencing or gates that could block access
Step 3
Level the Ground
Your site should be as level as possible — within about 3 inches across the full span of the building:
- Use a long board and level or a laser level to check the grade
- Fill in low spots or remove high spots as needed
- A crushed gravel pad (4-6 inches deep) is highly recommended — it provides excellent drainage and a solid, level base
- The pad should extend about 2 feet beyond each side of the building
Step 4
Ensure Delivery Access
Our delivery trucks need enough room to maneuver your building into place:
- Minimum 12 feet wide clearance along the entire delivery path
- 14 feet of overhead clearance — watch for power lines, tree branches, and carport overhangs
- Firm ground the truck can drive on without getting stuck (avoid wet or muddy conditions)
- If you have a gate, make sure the opening is wide enough for the building plus a few extra feet on each side
Step 5
Mark the Spot
Help our delivery crew place your building exactly where you want it:
- Use stakes, flags, or spray paint to mark where you want the corners of the building
- Indicate which direction the doors should face
- Double-check measurements — make sure the marked area matches the dimensions of the building you ordered
Foundation Options
Recommended
Crushed Gravel Pad
The gold standard for shed foundations. A 4-6 inch layer of crushed stone or gravel provides excellent drainage, keeps the floor dry, and creates a perfectly level base. Extend the pad 2 feet past each side. This is the option we recommend for most customers.
Concrete Slab or Runners
A poured concrete slab or concrete runners (parallel strips) provide a permanent, rock-solid foundation. Ideal for larger buildings, garages, or workshops where you need a hard floor surface. Make sure the slab is level and properly cured before delivery day.
Bare Ground
For budget-friendly setups, a well-leveled patch of bare ground can work for smaller sheds. We will use concrete blocks to shim the building level. Keep in mind that ground contact may lead to moisture issues over time, so gravel is always the better long-term choice.
What to Expect on Delivery Day
Our delivery driver will call ahead to confirm timing and go over any last-minute details. Here is what happens when they arrive:
- Arrival — the driver pulls in with your fully assembled building on a trailer
- Walk-through — you will confirm the exact placement location together
- Placement — using a specialized mule (a small, powerful machine), the driver carefully backs the building off the trailer and positions it on your prepared site
- Leveling — the building is shimmed and leveled using concrete blocks as needed
- Final check — you do a walk-around to make sure everything looks great
The entire process typically takes less than an hour. Please be present (or have a designated adult there) to confirm placement and sign off on the delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for my shed?
Permit requirements vary by county and municipality. In many areas of North Carolina, storage buildings under a certain square footage (often 12×12 or smaller) do not require a permit, but it depends on your local jurisdiction. We strongly recommend contacting your local building or zoning department before ordering. Our team is happy to help point you in the right direction.
Can you deliver to a hilly or sloped yard?
We can deliver to mildly sloped properties, but the building site itself needs to be level (or leveled before delivery). Steep hillsides, sharp drop-offs, or very uneven terrain may require additional site work or grading before we can safely place the building. If you are unsure, send us a few photos of your property and we will let you know what is needed.
What if my yard is soft or muddy?
Our delivery truck and trailer are heavy, and soft or saturated ground can cause them to get stuck. If your yard tends to get muddy, try to schedule delivery during a dry period. You may also need to lay down gravel or stone along the delivery path. If conditions are too wet on the scheduled day, we may need to reschedule for safety — we will work with you to find the best time.
Do I need to be home for delivery?
Yes, we require that you or a designated adult (18 or older) be present during delivery. Someone needs to confirm the exact placement location, do a final walk-around inspection, and sign the delivery paperwork. If you absolutely cannot be there, call us ahead of time and we will work out a plan.
What about electricity or plumbing hookups?
Guardian Sheds delivers and places the building, but we do not run electrical wiring or plumbing. If you plan to add power, lighting, or water to your building, we recommend hiring a licensed electrician or plumber after delivery. You may want to plan ahead by choosing a location close to your home’s existing utility connections to keep costs down.
Ready to Get Started?
Design your dream shed online or give us a call. We will help you choose the right building and walk you through everything — from order to delivery.