How to Prepare Your Yard for Shed Delivery
A smooth shed delivery starts with good site preparation. Taking the time to prepare your yard properly ensures your building is placed correctly, doors align, and the structure lasts for decades. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your site ready.
Step 1: Choose the Right Spot
Before doing any prep work, pick the ideal location. Consider:
- Drainage — Avoid low spots where water collects. The site should be the highest point in the immediate area, or at least level ground that drains well.
- Setbacks — Maintain required distances from property lines (typically 5–10 feet side/rear, 15–30 feet front). Read our permit guide for setback details →
- Sun exposure — A south-facing shed gets more winter sun (melts snow faster), while a north-facing shed stays cooler in summer.
- Access — You'll need to reach the shed from your house or garage. A clear path makes it more useful.
- Overhead clearance — No power lines, tree branches, or roof overhangs above the site.
- Underground utilities — Call 811 before digging to mark underground lines.
Step 2: Check Access for the Delivery Truck
Our delivery truck and trailer need a clear path from the street to your placement site:
- Width: At least 10–12 feet of clear width
- Height: Adequate overhead clearance (no low branches, wires, or awnings)
- Surface: The truck can drive on grass, gravel, or pavement, but soft/muddy ground may be a problem after rain
- Turning radius: The truck needs room to maneuver — tight corners or narrow gates may require special planning
If access is tight, let us know when you order. We can discuss options like a mule (motorized shed mover) for tight spots.
Step 3: Build Your Foundation
The foundation is the most important part of site prep. We strongly recommend a 4–6 inch crushed stone gravel pad for Michigan sheds:
- Excavate — Remove 4–6 inches of topsoil in an area 1–2 feet larger than the shed on all sides
- Lay landscape fabric — Prevents weeds from growing up through the gravel
- Fill with crushed stone — Use 3/4" minus or road base, compacted in layers
- Level and compact — Use a tamper to create a firm, level surface. Check level in multiple directions — the pad should be within 2 inches of level across its entire area
- Verify size — The pad should extend at least 6 inches beyond the shed footprint on all sides
A properly built gravel pad provides excellent drainage, resists frost heave, and costs $200–$600 depending on size.
Read our complete foundation guide →
Alternative: Concrete Slab
If you prefer a concrete slab (recommended for garages or buildings with plumbing):
- Hire a concrete contractor to pour a reinforced slab with a thickened edge footing
- Ensure the slab is level and fully cured before delivery
- Concrete costs $1,500–$4,000+ depending on size
- In Michigan, concrete must be designed to resist frost heave (thickened edge or monolithic slab)
Alternative: Direct on Grass
Our sheds come with pressure-treated skids and can be placed directly on grass. However, this is not recommended for long-term placement because:
- Grass and soil retain moisture, which can accelerate floor joist aging
- The ground may settle unevenly over time
- Weeds can grow around and under the shed
If you place on grass temporarily, plan to add a gravel pad within the first year.
Step 4: Clear the Site
The week before delivery:
- [ ] Remove all vegetation, roots, and debris from the pad area
- [ ] Trim back any bushes, branches, or fences that could block access
- [ ] Move vehicles, trash bins, lawn furniture, and other obstacles from the path
- [ ] Mark sprinkler heads, invisible fence wires, or other hidden yard features
- [ ] Confirm the gravel pad is level and compacted
- [ ] Call 811 if you haven't already — mark underground utilities
Step 5: Delivery Day
On the day of delivery:
- Be present — Someone 18 or older should be on-site to sign for delivery and confirm placement
- Clear the path — Make sure cars, toys, and garden hoses are out of the way
- Keep pets and kids inside — For safety during the delivery process
- Confirm placement — Our driver will place the shed on your prepared pad. This is your chance to confirm the exact position before the truck leaves
- Ask about leveling — Minor shimming may be needed on uneven ground; our driver will handle this
Step 6: After Delivery
Once the shed is placed:
- Check door operation — Open and close all doors. If they stick or rub, the shed may need re-leveling (common as the ground settles).
- Add skirting (optional) — Skirting around the base keeps animals out and improves appearance. We can discuss options.
- Inspect for gaps — Check for any gaps between the shed and the ground that could allow pests in.
- Plan landscaping — Add gravel, mulch, or plantings around the shed to complete the look.
Common Site Prep Questions
Can I put a shed on a slope?
Minor slopes (under 6 inches across the pad) can be handled by building up the low side with gravel. Steeper slopes may require a retaining wall or excavation. If your yard has a significant slope, contact us before ordering to discuss options.
Do I need a permit for the gravel pad?
Generally, no — a gravel pad is not considered a permanent foundation and typically doesn't require a permit. However, if you're pouring concrete, some townships may require a permit even for the pad. Check with your local zoning office.
What if it rains before delivery?
Light rain is fine. Heavy rain that turns the access path to mud may require rescheduling. If the ground is too soft for the truck, we'll work with you to find a better delivery date. We can't place a shed on a muddy, unstable surface safely.
Delivery Cost
Free delivery and setup are included within 50 driven miles of our lot in Bangor, MI. Beyond that:
- Sheds 12' wide or under: $6 per driven mile
- Sheds 14' wide or over: $9 per driven mile
Calculate your exact delivery cost →
Ready to Get Started?
We deliver throughout Southwest Michigan and beyond. If you have any questions about site preparation, call us at (269) 427-2214 — we're happy to help.