Getting a new Action Building is an exciting step toward solving your storage or workspace needs. To ensure a seamless delivery and installation, proper site preparation is essential. Our buildings are delivered pre-assembled, so having your site ready is the key to a fast and efficient process.
Let's walk through some common mistakes customers make during site preparation and how you can avoid them to guarantee your delivery day goes off without a hitch.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Local Building Codes and Regulations
One of the most significant and costly mistakes is failing to check with your local authorities about building permits or specific regulations. Every city or county in Alabama and Georgia has different rules regarding setbacks, foundation requirements, and size limitations for accessory structures. Proceeding without the proper approvals can lead to fines or even force you to move your new building.
Solution: Do Your Homework First
Before you even finalize your order, contact your local planning or building department. Ask them what permits, if any, are required for a pre-assembled portable building of the size you plan to purchase. Clarify any rules about how far the structure must be from property lines, your home, or other buildings. Getting this information upfront saves you time, money, and stress.
Mistake 2: Choosing an Unsuitable or Uneven Location
Placing your building on soft, uneven, or sloped ground can cause problems with its long-term stability. An unlevel site puts stress on the building's steel frame, which can affect the alignment of doors and windows over time. Poor drainage in a low-lying area can also lead to issues with moisture and ground erosion around your foundation.
Solution: Select and Level Your Site Carefully
Choose a spot on your property that is as flat and level as possible with good drainage. Our delivery team will professionally level the building on blocks, but starting with a relatively even surface makes the process much smoother and more effective. If your desired location is on a slope, you may need to have the area graded by a professional to create a level pad.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Delivery Access and Clearance
Our team delivers your building fully assembled and ready to use. This means we need a clear and wide enough path to maneuver the delivery truck and trailer onto your property and to the final site. Common obstacles like low-hanging tree branches, power lines, fences, and other structures can prevent a successful delivery.
Solution: Measure and Clear Your Delivery Path
Ensure you have a clear path from the street to your building’s final location. We require at least 1 foot of clearance on each side of the building. For example, if you order a 10-foot wide building, you will need a clear path that is at least 12 feet wide. Trim any tree limbs, temporarily remove a section of fence if needed, and clear any other potential obstructions before the delivery team arrives.
Mistake 4: Not Preparing a Solid Foundation Pad
While our buildings are designed to be placed directly on level ground with concrete blocks for support, failing to prepare a proper foundation pad can lead to settling over time. A site that is just cleared of grass is not enough; the ground underneath needs to be firm and stable.
Solution: Create a Stable Foundation Pad
For the best results, we recommend creating a gravel pad. This involves removing the topsoil, laying down a weed barrier, and adding a few inches of crushed stone or gravel. A gravel pad provides excellent drainage and a firm, stable surface that will support your building for years to come.
Your Guide to a Perfect Site
Proper preparation is the most important step you can take to ensure a smooth and successful installation. By avoiding these common mistakes, you set the stage for a stress-free experience and a lifetime of use from your new Action Building.
To help you get everything right, we’ve created a comprehensive guide with step-by-step instructions.
Download our free Site Preparation Checklist today to ensure your property is ready for delivery!