What is Site Prep? Do You Need It?
When a structure is delivered, most times it needs a level, stable base to prevent future settling, drainage, and ventilation issues. Stoltzfus Structures is a one-stop shop for getting your site prepped before a structure is set to be delivered. To keep your structure in great condition as long as possible, it needs a good base. Read below to understand why site prep is important, what kinds of prep are available, and what not to do when considering site prep.
Why Do You Need Site Prep?
Site Prep is the process of preparing the ground surface to create a stable and level foundation for your structure to be placed when delivered. Simply placing your structure right on the ground will result in issues with drainage and ventilation, and can cause your structure to move or be unsteady due to the ground settling over time. A proper base can create structural stability and will help prevent molding and warping from the ground’s moisture. This won’t only affect the structural stability, but also the basic usability, as your structure’s doors may not open properly if your base is not level.
This prepped site also makes delivery smooth since the crew will be able to place the building quickly and safely within the stone or concrete platform. Check out this shed above being delivered and set on a stone pad. The crews that complete your site prep will also know the exact measurements to make your foundation. The foundation needs to be slightly larger than the structure being placed, so there can be proper drainage, more stability, and so the structure has a bit of wiggle room when it’s being delivered.
What Kinds of Site Prep are Available?
At Stoltzfus Structures, we offer two kinds of site prep – gravel stones or concrete. Gravel is commonly used for sheds, while concrete is sometimes used for garages. Contact us if you are unsure which site prep material would be best for your property. If gravel is used, and your backyard is uneven, meaning slight hills, the crew will use wood to raise the foundation and then fill and level it with stones. You can see in the image below how this uneven backyard uses wood to keep the stones inside, providing a level base for your structure to sit.
This gravel can be extended to create a driveway or pathway to your structure, as seen in the image below. Site prep not only strengthens your structure’s longevity and stability but also provides landscaping around your structure. You can decorate with flowerpots, large stone borders, or ground lights to add an aesthetic appearance to your structure’s surroundings. We’ve seen tons of clients utilize their site prep by adding more stones around the structure and decorating with various gardening decorations, fire pits, outdoor dining areas, and more. You can see what some of our clients have done around their structures in our Featured Projects.
What is Not Recommended?
If you wish to go with another contractor or complete the site prep yourself, we will still deliver your structure, but we are not responsible for any settling or issues that are caused by the pad being improperly installed. Using Stoltzfus Structures to complete your site prep is perfect for a “one-stop shop” since we can schedule your foundation preparation and your delivery in conjunction with one another.
Doing your own site prep sounds easy and cost-effective, although there are several reasons why professional preparation is recommended. A professional team will ensure your foundation prevents warping or sagging of the structure’s floor, extend the foundation to make sure rainwater will drain through the stone pad, and prevent flooding around the structure. A stone foundation will also discourage rodents from digging under your structure and chewing your floor, where a professional team will know how deep to make your foundation to prevent these critters.
Cinder blocks sound like a strong and stable choice to set a structure on…but when your structure inevitably settles, the cinder blocks will increase the risk of this structure settling unevenly. Also, delivery is made more difficult when cinder blocks are used, due to the blocks wobbling, and if any are uneven, causing the structure to be unsteady when placing the structure down.
Which Buildings Need Site Prep
When purchasing a modular building, the concrete site prep needs to be the EXACT size of the building. If you have a modular structure that does not have a floor, then the concrete must fit the interior of the structure, so it can sit flat and snug. Our team will provide you with drawings to detail where the tie-down straps should be located to ensure your structure is anchored down correctly. Some municipalities also require different preparations, so always check your local regulations and provide these details to your project manager.
We suggest every building have a prepped site, so your structure can last as long as possible, retain its structural stability, and create a smooth delivery process. Greenhouses, one of our structures that can be ordered without a floor, can have whatever you wish underneath. You can have gravel, dirt, large stones, bricks, etc. Although this still needs to be level-based and measured according to the size of the greenhouse.
What Else Do We Offer?
If you are still shopping for your outdoor structure, we have tons to choose from. Whether you are looking for a place to store your cars or extra storage space, check out our Garages. For outdoor tool and equipment storage, look at our Sheds. If you have a pool and need an area to store all the pool toys and chairs, see our Pool Houses. Or maybe you are looking for an outdoor area to host parties and block the sun – Check out our Outdoor Living Structures.
We also offer luxury shed-style structures, saunas, and more within our Outdoor Retreats. Finally, if you were looking for a way to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers all year round, consider our Greenhouses. All these structures would need some form of site prep, so knowing which structure you want is the first step before getting your property ready. This will let the crew know the size and drainage parameters for which your site should be prepared. Need a structure quickly? Visit our Stock structures and have one delivered as soon as your site prep is completed.
Have questions about your property’s site prep? Contact us or call – 610-593-7700 to speak with one of our team members.
Jada Morris
Recently graduated from college, I take advantage of having more free time and spend those moments catching up on my love of reading, brainstorming ideas for design projects, and spending time with my family, friends, and furry companions. I have two Golden Retrievers that are complete opposites, one who has enough energy to run three marathons a day if he could, and the other who would be happy to stay in bed all day! I might relate a bit more to the later but am always up for an adventure.
