Considering downsizing? Meet the Facebook group “Shed to House” and discover a wealth of helpful information that could sway you in your decision. Shed conversions have been growing rapidly in popularity. If you are looking to purchase a quality shed to convert to your own “tiny house,” contact Classic Buildings today.

What Is “Shed to House?”

Shed to House is a popular and informative Facebook group that consists of people with a common interest or goal of having a “simple life with small living.”  It was created by Kelly and Beau Brotherton in February 2017 and currently has over 58,000 members. Some of its members have already taken the plunge and are living in their own small home. Others are in the process of this type of transition, while the remainder of members are hoping to be there one day.

“Shed to House” – a simple life with small living – Image Source: Shed to House

About the Creators of “Shed to House”

The Brothertons are a family of six who really went against the status-quo by converting a 16X48 shed into their home. They started a Vlog of their journey on YouTube and their channel now has almost 26,000 subscribers and over 4 million views. Their honesty and openness about the benefits and the struggles involved in a “shed to house” life has definitely been a big contributor to their success. They describe their channel as their “journey to intentional living. Knowing us, this little channel may become more of a ‘How NOT to Guide’ on the first years of homeschool, building a homestead in Texas, and navigating everything new and in between.” Source: The Brothertons

The Brothertons started the “Shed to House” group: Image Source: YouTube

Purpose of the Shed to House Group

The purpose of this Facebook group is to be a place where members can find information about small living, be encouraged by other members, and even empowered. It was originally formed as a space for the Brotherton’s YouTube channel.

Helpful Content

“Shed to House” is full of helpful content that will not only inspire you but also help you solve any problems you might be having with your own shed conversion. If you can’t find an answer to your questions already posted here, then just ask. You will find that this is a community that is more than willing to help you. The members are truly passionate about their chosen lifestyle and want to share their experiences with anyone who is interested.

There are countless shed styles to choose from – Image Source: Shed to House

Photos

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so you will find a wealth of words posted in this group. There are countless photos of both exteriors and interiors of shed conversions. You will also find step by step photos of the progress of different stages of conversion as well as the finished products. Many layouts are worthy of the latest design magazines. You’ll also find images of shed deliveries and blueprints.

Take a look at a variety of tiny house layouts – Image Source: Shed to House

Videos

Many group members have also uploaded helpful videos; some giving you a virtual tour of their homes. You’ll even find an interactive video posted by one of the members that allows you to scroll 360 degrees as the video progresses. The most popular video on the Brotherton’s YouTube channel, Better Together Life, is well worth a watch. It asks the question “Could you really live in this?” and judging by its immense popularity, 1.7 million views to date, many people are asking themselves that very question.

Could you really live in a shed to house conversion?

A Picture that Says It All

One of the most popular posts in the group is a picture of a fortune that one of the members received. This post was liked 572 times and generated 25 comments to date! The words really sum up a very wise sentiment that the amount of happiness that you have in your home is not proportional to its size. You can have just as much, if not more happiness in a small house as you can in a large mansion.

A small house can hold as much happiness as a larger one – Image Source: Shed to House

Classic Buildings Makes Becoming a Shed to House Owner Easy with Rent-to Own

Classic Buildings sells high quality, Amish-made sheds and portable buildings that are easy to own. You can purchase their sheds outright; or if you prefer, you can choose their rent-to-own option. Don’t worry about being turned down because of a credit check. We don’t do credit checks! Everyone is instantly approved regardless of their credit score. Even if a poor credit score has been a problem in the past when you’ve tried to purchase something, it won’t be a problem for us.

We offer multiple payment options to make it easy and convenient to make your monthly payments. The great thing about our Rent-To-Own program is that you will have a fixed monthly payment. Your payment will not increase during your contract period. This is a great help when you are trying to make a budget.

Rent to own your own shed conversion

Classic Buildings: For the Perfect Shed to House Conversion

If you are looking for the perfect building for your shed to house conversion, contact Classic Buildings today or visit the location nearest to you. Our sheds are built using the same process for building a home. Choose from either a metal or shingle roof; they’re the same price!

Remember, before buying a shed you should be aware of the shed permit requirements of your municipality. Sometimes permit requirements to depend on the size of your shed.

Classic Buildings has locations throughout the Midwest, including various Missouri cities (St. Louis, Arnold, Columbia, St. Charles, Rolla, Linn, Springfield, Jefferson City, Kansas City, and Washington Missouri). We are located in Swansea, Illinois and Kansas and deliver throughout the Midwest, and, in some cases, nationwide! We will deliver your shed right to you and we offer free delivery of up to 30 miles from any one of our showrooms.

If you would like to take a look at Classic Buildings’ storage sheds, check out our brochure, or visit one of our locations to see our sheds firsthand! 

“I appreciate being treated as if I were your only customer, allowing as much time as needed to reach a decision.” – Russell J. Murray

 Read more testimonials here!

Storage for football, hockey and baseball equipment Missouri: Are you forever tripping over your family members’ sports equipment in between games or when the sports season changes. Be sure to get the storage you need before your favorite sports season begins so you can concentrate on playing and not on where you are going to put everything. Read on for some great ideas for sports equipment storage. If you are looking for quality, affordable storage solutions in Missouri, contact Classic Buildings today.

Buy a Storage Shed

Storage sheds are not just for your gardening tools. They can provide extra storage for football, hockey and baseball equipment. In fact, they are the perfect storage solution for every type of sporting or recreational activity that you enjoy. If you don’t have room for a home gym inside your house, you could also purchase a larger shed and use half of it to set up your exercise equipment, and the other half to use as storage for the equipment you need for the sports you play outside of your home. Classic Buildings constructs a wide array of beautifully made sheds in any size that you require.

A storage shed is a great place to keep all your sports equipment

Have a Garage Built for You with Special Storage Areas

If you don’t already have a garage, now is the time to consider getting one. You may choose to have one built that is large enough to house your car as well as space for extra storage. That way, you’ll not only have a protected place to keep your vehicle, but you can also use it as storage for football, hockey and baseball equipment.

Having all of your equipment in your garage means that you can quickly and easily load it into your vehicle as you are leaving for the game and unload it when you arrive home without having to carry it in and out of your home. Classic buildings also makes single, two-car, and three-car garages and with our convenient rent-to-own program, a new garage is easier than ever to purchase.

This lovely two car garage has plenty of space for your sporting equipment too

Get Your Own Workshop with a Storage Area

If you are a handyman as well as a sports enthusiast, then why not kill two birds with one stone and invest in your own portable workshop! You can get one built large enough so that you can store all of your football, hockey and baseball equipment in it as well. Classic Buildings can custom design a workshop to meet your individual needs. It can even be equipped with insulated floors for added comfort, and electricity so you can use all of your power tools. Finish it off with all the shelving to store your tools as well as your sporting equipment.

For ultimate storage check out this two-car garage with upper workshop and tons of extra space

Rent a Public Storage Unit

Renting a public storage unit is also an option for storage for football, hockey and baseball equipment in Missouri. Many people who think that they wouldn’t be able to afford to purchase their own storage shed or garage take this route for their additional storage needs. However, did you know that Classic Buildings’ rent-to-own program’s monthly payments are actually comparable and sometimes even lower than monthly storage rental fees. And the biggest bonus is that in a few short years, your building will be totally paid for. This means you own it, and unlike public storage, you will no longer have to make any more monthly payments. Learn more about the advantages of rent-to-own and how it works in our post “Portable Cabins Rent to Own how it works“

Why pay storage fees when you can own your own storage shed from Classic Building

Already Own a Garage? Install Shelves or Storage Cupboards

If you already own a garage, you could install shelving or storage cupboards along the side for extra storage. If your garage is too narrow for the extra shelves, then you can take advantage of the rafters in your garage to store away your equipment that is out of season, only leaving the current seasons’ things close at hand on the ground level.

Take advantage of the vertical space in your garage 

Build an Extra Storage Space Under Your Stairs

If you have stairs in your home that are open underneath or go down to your basement, you can transform that currently unused area into handy storage for football, hockey or baseball equipment. You can choose to completely cover in the area and add a door for access or install open shelving. Either way, storing your sporting equipment under your stairs can be a great way to get it tidy and out of the way.

The area underneath your stairs may give you the extra storage space you need

Classic Buildings: Storage for Football, Hockey and Baseball Equipment Missouri

If you need extra storage for football, hockey and baseball equipment Missouri, Classic Buildings has a wide selection of shed and garages for you. Purchasing a high quality, custom crafted shed or garage doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, and you don’t need to wait until you have enough money saved to buy one. Contact Classic Buildings today or visit the location nearest to you and find out how easy it is to rent-to-own your own beautiful wooden shed. We provide financing and most people can even qualify for $0 money down.

Remember, before buying a shed you should be aware of the shed permit requirements of your municipality. Sometimes permit requirements depends on the size of your shed.

Classic Buildings has locations throughout the Midwest, including various Missouri cities (St. Louis, Arnold, Columbia, St. Charles, Rolla, Linn, Springfield, Jefferson City, Kansas City, and Washington Missouri). We are located in Swansea, Illinois and Kansas and deliver throughout the Midwest, and, in some cases, nationwide!

If you would like to take a look at Classic Buildings’ storage sheds, check out our brochure, or visit one of our locations to see our sheds firsthand! 

“Your company produces such a quality storage building! You can tell that quality went into it because the quality just shines through it. Even the delivery was a class act. All of you do a great job.” – Rick Franklin

 Read more testimonials here!

Leaving space under your building: is it necessary? The answer is yes. If you have a wood shed, then you don’t want it to come into direct contact with any moisture that is going to cause the wood to rot over time. Leaving space will help to protect your building and make it last longer. If you are looking for a quality crafted storage shed, contact Classic Buildings today.

How You Can Leave Space Under Your Building

You can leave space under your shed building by placing it on cement blocks. This is actually the most common, easiest to construct, and least expensive form of foundation for sheds. Cement blocks are built into mini towers and placed about 3 to 5 feet apart. The completed shed is then placed on top of these blocks.

Leaving space under your building will protect it from moisture

The Pros of Leaving Space Under Your Building

Leaving space under your building will help it last longer

Wood and moisture don’t mix. That is why it is a good idea to protect your wood shed from any moisture damage by raising it up off the ground or by setting it on a gravel or concrete pad. The base or flooring of your shed is the most susceptible to moisture damage, especially if it is in direct contact with the ground. Dirt holds moisture and a wood shed that is sitting directly on dirt will rot relatively quickly.

Larger buildings require cement foundations to support the extra weight

It costs less and is easier than constructing a concrete or gravel pad

The alternative to leaving space under your shed to help it to last longer is it build it on a concrete or gravel pad. The concrete and gravel will form a protective barrier between your shed floor and the moisture of the ground. However, it costs a lot more to put in a concrete or gravel pad than it does to simply raise your shed up on concrete blocks.

If you are constructing a larger shed or if you are planning to store heavy equipment inside your shed, then you will need to use a concrete or gravel pad as concrete blocks will not be able to support the extra weight. Generally smaller sheds up to 8X6 will not need a concrete foundation however, the type of foundation that you require will depend on your “shed’s size, the region of the country in which you live, an the type of shed floor you desire.“

Raise your shed high enough so animals can’t hide under it easily

The Cons of Leaving Space Under Your Building

Animals may choose to nest underneath

It is true that a raised building can be an attractive place for small animals to make their home. This can be a real nuisance, especially if the animals are rodents such as mice or rats that might damage your shed or its contents, or that are not people-friendly like smelly skunks or raccoons that can make a mess of your trash.

Solution: If you raise your shed high enough off the ground (at least six inches or more) then these types of animals will be less inclined to burrow beneath your shed as they will feel more exposed. At this height, you will also be able to see what is happening and will be able to shoo them away if they begin to take up residence.

You may prefer the look of a concrete pad to cement blocks

It isn’t aesthetically pleasing

Having a shed that is raised up on concrete blocks may not look as aesthetically pleasing as one that is sitting directly on the ground. The space beneath the shed may give it an appearance of not looking quite finished.

Solution: You can place bricks around the edges of your shed, like a small wall, to fill in the space. This will serve two purposes: it will make your building look nicer and it will prevent debris or animals from congregating underneath your shed. If you don’t want to go to the expense of using bricks, then you could also lay planks along the opening. The planks won’t look as nice as the bricks but they will work. You will, however, have to replace the planks over time as they too will be susceptible to rotting.

Another great way to make the space look nicer is to landscape around your shed. The addition of plants will draw your eye away from the empty space and you will barely notice that it’s there.

Add some plants to make your shed more visually pleasing

How Much Space Should You Leave Under Your Shed?

If you only raise your building up a few inches off the ground, it still may be susceptible to moisture damage. Over time, debris and dirt can collect and build up underneath your shed until it is touching the bottom. Debris such as leaves and other organic materials will decompose over time and collect moisture. This trapped moisture will begin to rot your shed.

Answer: Make sure your shed is raised at least 6 inches off the ground. At this height, you will be able to check for any debris that might be piling up underneath and you will be able to clear it away relatively easily before it does any damage.

You should leave at least 6 inches of space underneath your building

How Classic Buildings Can Help Prepare the Site for Your Shed

Along with making sure that your shed is protected against any moisture damage, it is also important to make sure the site you have chosen for your shed is properly level. Classic Buildings offers free site visits. Our Portable Building Specialists will come to your home to help you find the best-suited location to put your building and to ensure there is adequate access to maneuver the building into your yard.

They will then stake out where you want to put your building and check how level your site is. They will also make recommendations on site preparation if needed – all at no charge to you!

There is a 3-year warranty for settling and proper function of doors when the building’s foundation is done by Classic Buildings PBF crew.

Your shed is safely delivered to the prepared site and then properly leveled

Classic Buildings: High-Quality, Amish-Crafted Sheds That Last

For high-quality, Amish-crafted sheds that are guaranteed to last, contact Classic Buildings or visit the location nearest to you. Our buildings are constructed using the same process as for building a home. Choose from either a metal or shingle roof; they’re the same price!

Remember, before buying a shed you should be aware of the shed permit requirements of your municipality. Sometimes permit requirements to depend on the size of your shed.

Classic Buildings has locations throughout the Midwest, including various Missouri cities (St. Louis, Arnold, Columbia, St. Charles, Rolla, Linn, Springfield, Jefferson City, Kansas City, and Washington, Missouri). We are located in Swansea, Illinois and Kansas and deliver throughout the Midwest, and, in some cases, nationwide! We will deliver your shed right to you and we offer free delivery up to 30 miles from any one of our showrooms.

If you would like to take a look at Classic Buildings’ storage sheds, check out our brochure, or visit one of our locations to see our sheds firsthand! 

“Your company produces such a quality storage building! You can tell that quality went into it because the quality just shines through it. Even the delivery was a class act. All of you do a great job.” – Rick Franklin
 Read more testimonials here!

Here are some simple landscape ideas to help keep your backyard looking its best. Start out by purchasing a garden shed to house all of your landscaping tools and supplies. Find out how easy it is to own your own beautiful custom garden shed; contact Classic Buildings today.

7 Best Landscape Ideas for Your Backyard

Is your backyard looking a little neglected? Read on to get some great landscape ideas to take your yard from humdrum to fabulous.

1. Use a Storage Shed For All Your Landscaping Tools

Purchase a shed that complements your landscape to store all of your tools – Image Source: Classic Buildings

One of the best ways to make sure that your backyard is looking its best is having the right tools to do the job. Having the right tools can also pose another problem, though – where to store them so that they are kept in good working order and aren’t lying around. That’s where it is a good idea to incorporate a garden shed into your landscaping design.

Choose one that will complement and enhance the look of your garden. A custom wood shed may cost a bit more than a metal or plastic one, but it can definitely look so much better and it can even be designed to match your home. Consider renting to own your shed to ease the financial outlay and help you get the perfect shed.

To learn about more ways you can use a shed, check out our post “Portable buildings: The complete 2019 Buyers Guide.”

2. Get Some Design Assistance With a Gardening App

A gardening app can help you plan out your backyard design – Image Source: Better Homes and Garden

If your backyard is a blank slate, but you really don’t know what would make it look its best or what plants and features would go best together, there’s an app for that. By using the Better Homes and Garden Plan-a-Garden program, you can create your own garden design plan. It includes more than 900 plants including flowers, shrubs, and trees as well as buildings, sheds, fences, ponds, and decks that you can drag and drop onto your design so you can see how it will look before you start investing in plants or other features.

For more inspiration check out our post “Garden Sheds – 8 Inspiring Pictures to Get Ideas from“

3. Define Your Flower Beds

Make a definite separation between your grass and your flower beds with stone edgers – Image Source: Love of Family and Home

Sometimes it’s hard to know where your grass ends and your flower beds begin. Making a definite visual separation between the two will make your yard seem tidier and well cared for. It doesn’t have to take a lot of work either. As seen in this flower bed transformation from Love of Family and Home, which was completed in a mere two afternoons, a simple addition of decorative stone edgers between the lawn and plants makes a tremendous difference.

4. If You Hate Cutting Your Grass – Consider “Hardscaping”

“Hardscaping” frees you up from the chore of mowing – Image Source: HGTV.com

If you find cutting your grass a chore you would rather avoid, or if you are tired of trying to keep your entire lawn free from unsightly brown or yellow patches of grass, then you may find that “hardscaping” is a great alternative. Replace or reduce your grass areas with gravel, slate tiles, stone pavers or another ground cover. You may want to contact a professional for advice on how to plan it out and on how to use landscape fabric underneath to prevent grass or weeds from coming through.

5. Use Organic Mulch to Deter Weeds and Feed Your Soil

Control the weeds and feed your soil with organic mulch – Image Source: Mid West Living

Weeds are an unwelcome guest in your garden. They crowd out the plants that you want to show off and they look awful. However, trying to keep them at bay can be a non-stop and often difficult battle. Try using an organic mulch such as bark chips as opposed to inorganic types like brick chips or shredded rubber. Organic mulches will hold in moisture so that you won’t need to water as often, allow your plants’ roots to breathe, break down to feed your soil, and keep the ground cooler. In addition, mulch will not only deter weeds, but it will make your flower beds look great too.

6. Add Height to Your Backyard With a Trellis

A trellis can become a beautiful design feature – Image Source: The Art in Life

A trellis can be a great way to add some extra height to your backyard as well as let you grow some beautiful plants such as a clematis or climbing rose. Re-purposing old materials for your trellis is a great way to be environmentally friendly and add character to your design. You can use old ladders, skids, wheels, or door and window frames as in the above example from The Art in Life.

7. Use Assorted Containers for Visual Interest

Choose containers of different colors, shapes, and sizes for added interest – Image Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Using containers in your landscaping is a great way to insert extra colors and textures into your design. Choose a wide variety of containers made from different materials and in different colors, shapes, and sizes and then group them together for an eclectic yet interesting focal point. You can even use an old basket for a container; simply line it with plastic or put a plastic container inside before adding your soil and plant to protect it from moisture damage. Place some of the pots on stone slabs or bricks to give a variance in height. Be sure to place your pots close together to give a sense of greater fullness.

Planters are also a great way to enjoy your more delicate plants outdoors in the summer, and then you can bring them inside your home or garden shed to protect them from the cold. Learn more about wintering plants in our post “How to Keep Plants in a Garden Shed over Winter.”

Looking for a Garden Shed? Take a Look at these Great Choices from Classic Buildings

High-Quality Garden Sheds You Can Afford

Purchasing a garden shed doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, and you don’t need to wait until you have enough money saved to buy one outright. Contact Classic Buildings today and find out how easy it is to rent to own your own beautiful garden shed or visit the location nearest to you. We provide financing and most people can even qualify for $0 money down.

Remember, before buying a shed you should be aware of the shed permit requirements of your municipality. Sometimes permit requirements depend on the size of your shed.

Classic Buildings has locations throughout the Midwest, including various Missouri cities (St. Louis, Arnold, Columbia, St. Charles, Rolla, Linn, Springfield, Jefferson City, Kansas City, and Washington Missouri). We are located in Swansea, Illinois and Kansas and deliver throughout the Midwest, and, in some cases, nationwide!

If you would like to take a look at Classic Buildings’ storage sheds, check out our brochure, or visit one of our locations to see our sheds firsthand! 

“Your company produces such a quality storage building! You can tell that quality went into it because the quality just shines through it. Even the delivery was a class act. All of you do a great job.” – Rick Franklin

 Read more testimonials here!

A utility shed is a great choice for any extra storage and space challenges you might have. You will find a variety of styles, sizes, price points, materials, and levels of quality on the market today. To help you make sure that you are purchasing the best utility shed for the best value, we’ve put together a utility shed ultimate guide to purchasing your perfect shed. For the highest quality storage sheds at a price you can afford, contact Classic Buildings today.

Utility Sheds Ultimate Guide – Index

Click on the links below to take you to the corresponding section.

1. What Are the Reasons to Buy a Utility Shed Instead of Renting Self-Storage?
2. How Much Storage Sheds Usually Cost by Common Dimensions and by Wood, Plastic, Metal?
3. Most Common Uses for Utility Sheds
4. Comparison of Pre-Built Wood, vs Metal vs Plastic vs Custom Built Wood
5. Keys to Improving the Longevity of Your Shed
6. Tips for How to Find the Best Shed Supplier in Your City
7. Unique Shed Style/Look Ideas

Purchase a utility shed and have everything conveniently close by

1. What Are the Reasons to Buy a Utility Shed Instead of Renting Self-Storage?

There are many good reasons why it is better to buy your very own utility shed rather than simply renting self-storage space. Here are some of the top reasons:

• Convenience of having all your stuff close-by: If you purchase your own utility shed, you will no longer have to travel to a storage unit; your possessions will be located right in your own backyard whenever you need them.
• Added value to your property: If you purchase a high-quality building, it can actually add value to your property.
• If you move, you can take your building with you: A utility shed is a portable building that you can transport to any location if you choose.
• Customized for your particular needs: You can purchase a utility shed and have it customized or constructed to your exact specifications including color, shape, size, layout, and optional features. You can also design it to match your home.
• Pride of ownership: Your utility shed will actually be yours and you can do anything you like with it.
• Use it for more than storage: Unlike a rental storage unit, if you own your own utility shed and you decide to use it for something other than storage, you can. Utility sheds can be converted into studios, garden sheds, workshops, or even guest accommodations. Have your shed insulated and add wiring for additional comfort and convenience.
• Rent to own: If you don’t have enough money to purchase your utility shed outright, then take advantage of Classic Buildings’ Rent-To-Own program. This program will give you all the benefits of buying your own building in a way that will suit your budget. See section 4 of this post for more information on Classic’s rent to own program.

Utility sheds can be used for your overnight guests too!

2. How Much Storage Sheds Usually Cost by Common Dimensions and by Wood, Plastic, Metal

There are countless numbers of storage sheds you can purchase. Depending on the style, type, options, or size you choose the price can vary significantly. The following chart will give you an average price range for the most common sizes of plastic, metal, and wood sheds.

If you require a larger sized shed than the above listed sizes, you will find that you probably can only get one that is custom built in wood. No shed is too large for Classic Buildings. Contact us and let us know what dimensions you need and we will give you a free quote.

Buy Quality For a Lower Total Cost of Ownership

A higher quality wood shed is going to cost more than a similar sized metal or plastic one. However, the additional investment may well be worth it as a wood shed is more likely to add value to your home and it will undoubtedly look better and last longer. If you are concerned about the additional initial expense, why not consider a Rent-To-Own option which will allow you to spend a bit more upfront, yet get a much better shed that will be a wiser investment and have a lower total cost of ownership?

Buy quality to save money over time

Benefits of Rent-To-Own

Besides allowing you to purchase a better quality shed than you thought you could, Classic Buildings’ Rent to Own program is also amazing because:

• You can qualify for $0 money down financing.
• You will not be made to do a credit check
• You will be given instant approval
• You will not be tied to any long-term contract and you can cancel at any time.
• You can pay off your building at any time with no penalties.
• You will have a fixed monthly payment as low as $85 per month.
• You will actually own your building after just 3 or 4 years.

3. Most Common Uses for Utility Sheds

The uses for your utility shed are only limited by your imagination. Here are some of the top ideas about what you can use your utility shed for.

Seasonal Decorations

If you love the holidays and enjoy getting into the spirit of each season then you’ll find that your utility shed is a great place to keep all of your seasonal outdoor and indoor decorations ready for display when the time comes and then for storage until next year. Quickly find everything you need to make your home look festive for Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, and the Fourth of July.

Image Source: Wayfair.com

Store all your seasonal decorations in your utility shed

Hobby Supplies

No matter what your hobby, you can store all the supplies that you need in your utility shed. Whether you enjoy winemaking, paintballing, electronic models, scrapbooking, or crafting, your shed will make the perfect place to keep all you need safe and organized. You can even set up a section of your shed to practice your hobby in peace.

Keep your paintball equipment safe in your utility shed

Recreational Equipment

If your family loves to play sports, you may find that your home is overflowing with all the equipment! A utility shed can provide you with the added space to safely store all of your equipment when you are not using it. You can even organize your shed into separate areas for each type of sport that you play or you can set it up according to the season that you play, with winter sports on one side and summer on the other.

You’ll have enough space to keep all of your sporting equipment in your new shed

Landscaping Tools

If you like to keep your yard looking its best then you need the right tools and a place to store those tools when you are not using them. A utility shed is a great place to store all of your gardening and landscaping tools as well as your lawn mower and trimmer. You can also have a workbench installed where you can start seedlings for your garden or use to pot plants to bring inside.

A shed is a must for the avid gardener

Exercise Equipment

Maybe you don’t have space in your home to set up equipment but you don’t want to have to travel to a gym every time you want to exercise. That’s where a utility shed could come in handy. You can keep your exercise bicycle or treadmill inside where you can have your workout in private any time you want to. It would also be a great place to store your weights and set up a bench press.

No need to travel to a gym; exercise at home

Tools

If you are a homeowner then you know how often you need to use tools to do some quick repairs or fixes around your home. Your utility shed can be a great place to store all of the tools that you need. To keep your tools even more organized, install additional shelving, tool racks, and workbenches. You might be surprised at how much more inclined you’ll be to do those much-needed repairs if you can easily find the tools that you need in the first place.

Classic Buildings can install a handy tool organizer for you

4. Comparison of Pre-Built Wood, vs Metal vs Plastic vs Custom Built Wood

Maintenance: There are pros and cons to each type of shed. Plastic and metal sheds are both rot and insect resistant. Metal sheds, however, are susceptible to rust. If you purchase a high-quality wood shed that has been properly treated, its maintenance too can be much easier than a lower quality pre-built shed. Look for wood storage sheds that come with features such as pressure treated lumber with a 30-year warranty against decay or paint that has a 25-year warranty against chipping or peeling.

Pick a wood shed with an extended warranty against decay

Price: Metal sheds are by far the cheapest to purchase. However, they may not be the nicest to look at and they probably won’t add value to your property. Even though wooden sheds are usually the most expensive to buy initially, if they are quality made and well maintained, they could last much longer than their metal counterparts.

Added Value: Higher quality wood shed packages are going to cost more than similar sized metal or plastic ones, however, the additional investment may well be worth it as a wood shed is more likely to add value to your home and it will undoubtedly look better and last longer. If you are concerned about the additional initial expense, why not consider a Rent-To-Own option which will allow you to spend a bit more upfront, yet get a much better shed that will be a wiser investment and may actually have a lower total cost of ownership?

Customization: Choosing to purchase a custom built wood shed also will give you the opportunity to have a shed that will perfectly meet your needs and that can also match the look of your home. You can’t get that level of customization with a pre-built plastic, metal or wood shed.

Plastic vs Metal vs Wood Sheds

5. Keys to Improving the Longevity of Your Shed

Purchasing a new shed is a relatively large investment so you want to make sure that your shed is going to last for years to come. Whether your shed is plastic, metal or wood, keeping it clean will go a long way to helping it last longer. Each spring it is a good idea to give it a good “spring cleaning” to get rid of any debris that has accumulated over the long winter months. Look for any obvious signs of mold or mildew and get rid of those both on the inside and outside of your utility shed. Here are some specific cleaning tips for keeping each type of shed in tip-top shape.

Plastic Sheds: Over time, plastic sheds can develop cracks. It is important to fill in those cracks as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming larger. To fix a crack, take a piece of the same type of plastic that your shed is made from (you can usually purchase this from a local hardware store) and weld it over the cracked surface. Welding is not for the beginning handyman so you may wish to hire a professional to do it for you. The following video will give you an idea about what is involved with welding plastic.

Welding cracks in plastic sheds will stop the crack from growing

Metal Sheds: The biggest enemy for your metal shed is rust. It is best to catch and fix a rust spot as soon as you discover it and repair it right away before it has time to spread. Clean the rust spot thoroughly by removing any rust and damaged paint until the spot is clear. Apply a clear sealant and rust neutralizer to the area. If necessary you may need to apply a second coat to properly seal the spot.

Wood Sheds: Cracks can also develop over time in your wood shed. In order to keep the cracks from getting bigger, you need to fill them with an epoxy and wood dust. The step by step process is outlined for you in the following video.

 
Fill the cracks in your wood shed before they get bigger

You can get some additional general cleaning techniques from this article about Maintaining a Wood Outdoor Storage Shed. Or for more help on clean mildew from wood read the article How to Clean Mildew on a Shed.

6. Tips for Finding the Best Shed Supplier in Your City

Ask Your Friends and Family for Recommendations

If you have a friend or family member who has purchased a utility shed recently, ask them how their experience was and if they are happy with their product. A personal reference will give you a great idea about where to buy your shed. If you don’t know anyone who has done this recently, you can go online to find customer testimonials.

Find personal testimonies for suppliers online

Purchase from a Local Supplier

Look for a locally owned and operated supplier that has been in business for a relatively long time. If they have been around for years then that probably means that they have quality products and treat their customers right.

Check Out The Supplier’s Reputation

If you are still not totally convinced, you can go online and check out sites such as the Better Business Bureau to find out what the supplier’s reputation has been.

7. Unique Shed Style/Look Ideas

Sheds come in many shapes and sizes and as evidenced by the following styles and designs they can be quite unique and stylish. Check out Classic Buildings’ full line of beautiful and quality made utility sheds.

Sheds can be customized as a tiny home, guest house, or vacation residence

Your shed can even be customized for your children to play in

If you need more space, choose a larger structure

Your shed can add curb appeal

Choose a color that will complement your landscaping

Classic Buildings: For the Highest Quality, Custom Built Utility Sheds on the Market

Purchasing a high quality, custom crafted utility shed doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, and you don’t need to wait until you have enough money saved to buy one. Contact Classic Buildings today or visit the location nearest to you and find out how easy it is to rent-to-own your own beautiful wooden shed. We provide financing and most people can even qualify for $0 money down.

Remember, before buying a shed you should be aware of the shed permit requirements of your municipality. Sometimes permit requirements depends on the size of your shed.

Classic Buildings has locations throughout the Midwest, including various Missouri cities (St. Louis, Arnold, Columbia, St. Charles, Rolla, Linn, Springfield, Jefferson City, Kansas City, and Washington Missouri). We are located in Swansea, Illinois and Kansas and deliver throughout the Midwest, and, in some cases, nationwide!

If you would like to take a look at Classic Buildings’ storage sheds, check out our brochure, or visit one of our locations to see our sheds firsthand! 

“Your company produces such a quality storage building! You can tell that quality went into it because the quality just shines through it. Even the delivery was a class act. All of you do a great job.” – Rick Franklin
 Read more testimonials here!

There are countless different portable storage buildings on the market today so deciding on the right one can be a bit daunting. We’ve put together a list of FAQs that we often hear from customers. Read on to get all your questions answered and then contact Classic Buildings today to order one of the best portable storage buildings you can buy.

FAQs

Here are the questions that our customers ask the most before they purchase a building from us. They will answer your questions about our buildings themselves, our delivery process, and financing.

About Our Buildings

Where are your portable storage buildings made?

All of our portable storage buildings are made locally right here! We are a family owned and operated business and our own local employees use the best Amish craftsmanship to make your new building right here in America.

Can I get insurance for my building?

For a small additional fee, we offer “Protection Plus.” This is a type of insurance on your building that will last for the duration of your Rent-To-Own contract.

Why do your buildings have diamond treadplates?

Classic Buildings installs diamond treadplates in their buildings because they are slip resistant, corrosion resistant, hygienic, protective, and attractive.

Our buildings come standard with a diamond treadplate

Do you charge extra for metal roofs?

No. Whether you choose a shingled roof or a metal one, the price is still the same.

What type of paint do you use for your portable buildings?

The paint that is used on a Classic’s Buildings portable building is the same type of paint that is manufactured for extreme durability and was originally designed for outside barn walls. This paint has a 25-year warranty against chipping or peeling.

What are some of your standard features on your portable buildings?

All Classic Buildings portable buildings have heavy duty door handles and hinges, lockable door latch, aluminum drip edges, working loft door, 4×6 pressure treated skid, and ridge ventilation as standard features. Click here for a complete list of all of our standard features.

What is AdvanTech flooring?

AdvanTech is a flooring that is a high-density engineered wood for superior strength, moisture resistance, and quality; it comes with a 500-day no-sanding guarantee. Classic Buildings gives you the option to upgrade to AdvanTech flooring.

You have the option to upgrade to 50-year Advantech Flooring

Delivery Questions

Do I have to pick up my portable storage building myself or can I get it delivered?

Classic Buildings can deliver your portable storage building right to your chosen site if you want. We will even do it free of charge within 30 miles of any of our showrooms.

The site I have chosen for my new shed is in a really tight spot. Is it still possible to deliver a completed shed there?

Classic Buildings uses a very maneuverable piece of equipment called the Mule to navigate your new shed to its intended location. The Mule is able to operate in a very tight turning radius and can lower your building close to the ground for clearance. Our highly trained staff can maneuver most buildings into even the tightest of spaces. If you think you have a special situation or a unique problem with getting your building into your backyard, contact us and one of our helpful staff with work with you to try and solve it.

“The Mule” can navigate even the tightest of spaces

Will I have to do any of the set up myself?

No. We can do the set up for you. Classic Building’s delivery trucks are self-contained and have all the tools that our highly trained installers will need in order to completely deliver and set up our portable storage buildings. They even have concrete blocks and pressure treated shims that they will use to make sure that your building is perfectly level.

Do I need to pay extra for delivery?

We offer free delivery within 30 miles of any of our showrooms.

Will my backyard get damaged by the delivery truck?

At Classic Buildings, we understand that you care about your property. That is why we use the latest in delivery equipment to keep the damage to an absolute minimum. We have a very versatile piece of equipment called the Mule that we use to install your new building. It is equipped with wide flotation tires that will help to protect your yard from damage. 

The following video will give you a good idea about the equipment that we use and the processes we implement in order to bring your new portable storage building to you with little or no effect to your property.

 
your building will be delivered safely

Financial Questions

If I have bad credit, can I still qualify?

Don’t worry about being turned down because of a credit check. We don’t do credit checks! Everyone is instantly approved regardless of their credit score. Even if a poor credit score has been a problem in the past when you’ve tried to purchase something, it won’t be a problem for us.

Do I need a big down payment?

No. Most people qualify for our financing with $0 down payment.

Will my payments ever go up?

The wonderful thing about our Rent-To-Own tiny houses is that you will have a fixed monthly payment. Your payment will not increase during your contract period. This is a great help when you are trying to make a budget. In contrast, when you rent an apartment or house, you may experience rate increases.

You can even Rent-To-Own a Classic Buildings tiny house with no down payment!

How can I apply for your Rent-To-Own program?

Visit our website and choose the perfect portable building for your particular needs. Then simply fill out our form with your name, phone number, and email address to let us know that you are interested in our Rent-To-Own sheds and we will do the rest. We’ll get back to you and ask you for only the information that’s required for the contract.

Are there only certain building styles that qualify for the Rent-To-Own program?

No. All of our beautiful, Amish-crafted portable buildings and tiny houses can be included in our Rent-To-Own program.

All of Classic Buildings beautiful portable buildings can qualify for the Rent-To-Own program

How can I make my monthly payments?

We offer multiple options to make it easy and convenient to make your monthly payments. You can choose from one of the following methods, whichever one is best for you:

• Autopay: With Autopay, you can have your payments automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month. This is a worry-free way to make sure that you never forget to make a payment – just set it up and forget about it. Learn more about Autopay here.
• Online: If you prefer, you can make your payments to us electronically through your online banking program.
• By Phone: Paying your monthly fee by phone is another option we offer.
• By Mail: We will even accept checks sent to us in the mail.

Where are your showrooms located?

We have showrooms located across Missouri, including Kansas City, Sedalia, Jefferson City, Rolla, Columbia, Linn, St. Charles, and Arnold, as well as Swansea, Illinois.

Classic Buildings: High-Quality Rent-To-Own Tiny Houses

For high-quality, Rent-To-Own tiny houses that are guaranteed to last, contact Classic Buildings or visit the location nearest to you. Our buildings are constructed using the same process as for building a home. Choose from either a metal or shingle roof; they're the same price!

Remember, before buying a shed you should be aware of the shed permit requirements of your municipality. Sometimes permit requirements to depend on the size of your shed.

Classic Buildings has locations throughout the Midwest, including various Missouri cities (St. Louis, Arnold, Columbia, St. Charles, Rolla, Linn, Springfield, Jefferson City, Kansas City, and Washington, Missouri). We are located in Swansea, Illinois and Kansas and deliver throughout the Midwest, and, in some cases, nationwide! We will deliver your shed right to you and we offer free delivery up to 30 miles from any one of our showrooms.

If you would like to take a look at Classic Buildings’ storage sheds, check out our brochure, or visit one of our locations to see our sheds firsthand! 

“Your company produces such a quality storage building! You can tell that quality went into it because the quality just shines through it. Even the delivery was a class act. All of you do a great job.” – Rick Franklin
 Read more testimonials here!