You've designed the perfect Action Building, and you're ready for it to arrive. This is an exciting moment, but there is one crucial step you must complete to ensure a seamless installation: site preparation. Because we deliver our buildings fully assembled, the condition of your property is the single most important factor for a successful delivery day.
A properly prepared site guarantees that your building can be installed efficiently, safely, and correctly. An unprepared site, on the other hand, almost always leads to delays, extra costs, and frustration. Let's explore why this step is so vital and what can happen when it's overlooked.
The Consequences of an Unprepared Site: Real-Life Scenarios
Overlooking site preparation can create significant obstacles for our delivery team. These are not just minor inconveniences; they can halt the entire installation process.
- Scenario 1: The Unlevel Ground
A customer in Columbus, GA, chose a spot that looked "mostly flat" to the naked eye. On delivery day, our team discovered the ground had a significant slope. A building placed on an unlevel surface will have doors that won't open or close correctly, and the frame will be under constant stress, potentially voiding the warranty. The delivery had to be rescheduled, costing the customer time and requiring them to hire a contractor to grade the land properly. - Scenario 2: The Narrow Path
In a suburban neighborhood near Montgomery, AL, a customer forgot to measure the clearance between their house and their fence. Our delivery trailer, which needs at least one foot of clearance on either side of the building, couldn't fit through the gap. The delivery was stopped, and the customer had to spend their weekend removing a section of their fence before we could return days later. - Scenario 3: The Soft Ground After Rain
After a week of heavy rain in Tifton, GA, a customer's yard was saturated. Even though the site was level, our heavy truck and trailer would have sunk into the soft soil, causing deep ruts and potentially getting stuck. For the safety of our crew and to avoid damaging the customer's property, the delivery had to be postponed until the ground firmed up.
In every case, the root cause was the same: the site was not ready. These delays can be easily avoided with a little planning.
Your Role: How to Prepare Your Site for Success
Your responsibility is to ensure the site is level, clear, and accessible before the delivery truck arrives. Here’s what you need to focus on:
- Ensure a Level Foundation: Your building needs a solid, flat surface. This doesn't have to be a concrete slab; a level pad of dirt or gravel is perfectly acceptable. Use a line level and stakes to check for any slopes. Your site should be level within 4-6 inches across the entire footprint of the building.
- Clear the Delivery Path: Measure the path from the street to your desired location. You need a path that is at least 2 feet wider than your building. For a 10-foot wide shed, you need a 12-foot wide path. Remove any obstacles like firewood, play equipment, or vehicles.
- Check for Overhead Obstructions: Look up! Low-hanging tree limbs, power lines, or roof eaves can prevent the building from passing. We need at least 14 feet of vertical clearance along the entire delivery path.
- Confirm Local Regulations: Before you do any work, check with your local city or county office in Alabama or Georgia. Some areas require permits for accessory buildings, and it's your responsibility to secure them beforehand.
Your Essential Guide to Site Prep
A smooth delivery day begins weeks in advance with proper planning. Taking the time to prepare your site correctly saves you from the stress and potential costs of a delayed installation. It ensures your new Action Building starts its life on a stable, secure foundation, ready to serve you for decades.
To help you cover every detail, we've created a comprehensive guide with checklists and step-by-step instructions.
Download our free Site Preparation Ebook at https://info.actionbuildings.com/site-prep-ebook to ensure you're ready for delivery day.