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A Gazebo reminds me of “The Sound of Music.” The scene with Liesl and Rolf singing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and dancing along the benches in the rain epitomizes the gazebo setting—the lawn on a large estate. Maybe you don’t have a lawn—or a large estate. Does that mean a gazebo is wrong for you? Maybe, maybe not. But a gazebo is only one style of outdoor living space. If you enjoy outdoor living as much as indoor—entertaining friends, hosting family get-togethers, or enjoying the sights and sounds of nature—choosing the right space is an important decision. Understanding the features of the different styles available will help you decide which is right for you. The difference between a pergola, gazebo, and pavilion What is a pergola? Typically found in gardens, a pergola is a structure with vertical posts or pillars that support a sturdy lattice of cross-beams.  While the lattice overhead provides some semblance of shade, most homeowners choose to use the pergola to support woody vines like roses or wisteria. Pergolas come in all shapes and sizes. A smaller pergola could serve as an arch over a walkway or gate in a fence. A larger structure that covers a patio makes an inviting area for garden entertaining. To provide both shade and ambiance to your seating area, plant vines like wisteria, honeysuckle, or jasmine. While the material you choose for your pergola could be dictated by your surroundings and your homeowners’ association. Wood pergolas blend in nicely in wooded surroundings and can be painted any color you choose. Vinyl pergolas however are ordered in a wide range of colors and cannot be painted. What is a gazebo? A gazebo is a hexagonal or octagonal-shaped roofed structure with open sides all around. They are erected over the grass, a concrete pad, or its own decking and can be freestanding or attached to a garden wall. Gazebos provide shade, shelter from rain, and a place to rest and relax. For larger pieces of property, homeowners often build gazebos in places where they like to hang out away from the home, like next to a lake or river. To provide extra protection from the elements you may choose to enclose the sides with lattice. Or, for occasional use, curtains. Providing cushions for the benches, or comfortable patio seating makes a gazebo a place to return again and again. Like their cousin the pergola, gazebos come in a variety of materials. Wooden gazebos are stained for a natural effect or painted. Vinyl gazebos can be ordered from a variety of colors. What is a pavilion? The likes of parks and campgrounds, the pavilion is making its way into the backyard scene. A pavilion is a freestanding structure without walls with a roof much like a house. It is typically much larger than a gazebo or pergola and the perfect place for family gatherings on that piece of riverfront vacation property. The pavilion’s larger size can accommodate more upgrades. Afterall, wouldn’t a kitchen at one end be a nice feature for family reunions? Or a fireplace for gatherings in cooler weather? You might even want to furnish your pavilion with anything from picnic tables to a big comfy couch. If you belong to a property owners association, check their rules before building any extra structure. And, while you may have a wood or vinyl pavilion, the association may have their say in the matter. Which outdoor structure is right for me? When considering a backyard structure, choosing the right style to fit your needs can take some evaluation. Use, location, and style are all things to consider. A gazebo or pergola offers more elegant outdoor seating than a pavilion. Both look lovely with flowering vines or planters and come in wood or vinyl. Want a solid floor? Gazebos have deck floors, while pavilions are erected over  concrete or stone patios. So, if you want a garden structure to grow roses on, you don’t want a pavilion. And while those roses would look lovely on a pergola arching over a walkway or patio, a gazebo provides a larger sitting area. So, if you want to entertain in your structure, go with the gazebo. For a more rustic location, choose a pavilion. These larger structures blend nicely into wooded environments or property away from home. No matter which you choose—pergola, pavilion, or gazebo—having an outdoor living area adds value and style to your home. If you need assistance with design or color choices, consult with a member of Ulrich Lifestyle’s design team, today.

Do I Need a Permit for a Shed? Frankly, this question can look a little daunting if you haven’t gone in recently to get a permit. Permits come from local governments, of course, and most of us are about as eager to tangle with the government as we are to get an appendectomy. So going in to the county offices to ask for a permit can look like a daunting mess of red tape. But we have helped thousands of clients over the last 40+ years navigate the permit maze, and it really isn’t as bad as it may sound. Now it’s true that we occasionally run into a permitting issue that gets difficult. But most times, it’s pretty straight-forward to get a permit for a shed. Here’s a bit of info to speed you on your way. It may look like a lot of red tape, but shed permits in Virginia usually aren’t much of a problem. Skim this post Building Permits for Sheds: The Good News! (You may not need one.) Building Permit Requirements Virginia Zoning Permits Can you just skip the whole thing? HOA Caution We can help you! Building Permits for Sheds: The Good News In Virginia, you generally do not need a building permit for any shed that is less than 256 sq. feet. That means that you can have a shed that is up to 12×20, or 14×18.  In these cases, you don’t need to visit the government offices for a permit. Now that’s good news! The vast majority of our sheds are under 256 sq. ft, although we do custom-design many sheds that are considerably larger than this, as well. Building Permit Requirements for Sheds There are a few times when you may need a permit for a shed. If you are wanting to wire for electricity, you will probably need a permit. Here at Ulrich Lifestyle, we hire a licensed electrician to wire our buildings. If you want to wire your building yourself, you may be able to do that, but it will need to be inspected. At any rate, if you want to run electrical service to and in your building, call your friendly local county or city office and have a chat with them. Even if you are under 256 sq. feet, it is good to check with your local county or city offices. There are some locations in Virginia that have stiffer requirements than the Commonwealth does. And obviously, if you are over 256 square feet, you will need a permit. So all buildings 14×20 and over (our largest portable prefab buildings are 14×36) will need a permit. Zoning Permits in Virginia Even though you may not need a building permit, you may still need a zoning permit. A zoning permit basically tells you where you may or may not set your shed. This is based on the zone your home is in, eg. R-1, R-3, and so on. Typically, for example, you need to be 5-15 feet away from your property line. This is called setbacks–you have to be “set back” a certain distance from your property lines. How do you find out? Here’s the magic formula: Google. Try something like “Rockingham County setbacks” or “Rockingham County zoning office,” and if Google is having a good day, you may just find what you are looking for. Otherwise, simply go to your local county or city office (online or on foot) and ask about requirements. Shed Permit Jeapordy So . . . can you skip the whole permitting process, roll the dice, and hope your luck holds out? Well, yes, you can. Your shed company will sell you a shed and put it where you tell them. But to be frank, I’ve heard too many stories about people who have gotten burned. For example, one shed we delivered got a neighbor unhappy. They called Big Brother, and the inspector came down to investigate. Come to find out, the shed was 6 inches (yes, you read right — SIX inches) too close to the property line. The delivery guys had to come back out and move the shed. Really, it’s cheaper to check it out beforehand. So the answer to “Do I need a building permit for a shed” will vary from one location to another. But from our experience delivering thousands of sheds across Virginia and West Virginia, it is to your advantage to do a bit of permit homework. HOA: Caution! A final caution: if you are living in an HOA-regulated home, then do check the regulations. There are all kinds of horror stories of people who had to repaint, reroof, or remove a shed because the HOA wagged their finger at the storage building. So do a bit of homework. It will make the entire process much more pleasant. Prefab Building Permits: We can help you. If this is still looking a little daunting, we can help you. Our Design Consultants have years of experience in helping clients get a shed into the backyard. They can help you take care of your permit, if you are one of those who actually needs a permit for a shed. When requested, we have occasionally even pulled permits for clients for a small fee. And of course, we can answer questions, since we’ve covered this territory many, many times before. If you would like to speak with us about getting a permit for a shed, or to find out whether a shed we offer needs one, just contact us, and we’ll be in touch with you. Do you need more specific information on getting a permit for a shed? We have shed permit articles for the following locations: Harrisonburg, VA Rockingham County, VA Waynesboro, VA

An in-depth look at when you do and when you don’t need to secure a permit for your backyard shed in Augusta County, whether you live rurally or not. With over 960 square miles of land and roughly 75,000 residents, Augusta County is the second-largest county in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Established in 1738 from part of Orange County, it was named after Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, the Princess of Wales in the 1760s. Augusta County has a diverse economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. According to the county’s website, manufacturing accounts for 30 percent of the jobs in the county. Augusta boasts over 1,600 farms with an average of 188 acres each, grossing over $143 million in 2006. And visitors enjoy biking, hiking, or driving the county’s many trails and scenic highways. In Augusta County camping, fishing, and skiing are enjoyed right alongside the craft breweries, wineries, food trucks, fine dining, and more. Of course, if you live in Augusta County, you may know all this. But, because of its rural setting, you might wonder if you need a building permit for a backyard shed. After all, if you own 15 acres with no neighbors in sight, who’s to care? Well, the county building department, that’s who. No matter where you live, before building a structure, you need to make sure you’re complying with local zoning and building codes. These codes and laws are adapted for both safety and community purposes. They make sure that all structures, whether you live in them or not, are safe to occupy or protect their contents and that they don’t infringe on the rights of adjacent landowners. Sometimes, the law requires the homeowner secure a permit for the work to be done, even in rural areas. This post discusses the reasons behind permitting, what happens if you fail to secure a permit, and whether you need a building permit for a backyard shed in Augusta County. Why are building permits required? A building permit is like a permission slip. You submit your plans for work to the county, they give you a permit to begin that work, then an inspector comes to make sure the work was done according to the Uniform Statewide Building Code before giving you permission to use the space. Depending on the size of the project, an inspector will sign off on the job at various stages of the work. This provides assurance that each stage—framing, electrical, masonry—is done correctly according to code. A simple backyard shed wouldn’t require so many visits from a building inspector but a garage may. What will happen if I don’t get a permit? Failing to secure a building permit for a backyard shed in Augusta County when required can result in some pretty stiff consequences. According to G.W. Wiseman, Building Official with Augusta County, the county has not adopted the same property maintenance code some Virginia cities have so their compliance is primarily complaint-driven. However, if the county receives a complaint about your outdoor structure, or notices something amiss while inspecting your neighbor’s place, you will receive a visit from a zoning compliance officer or building inspector. If, during their visit, the officer deems your structure non-compliant with building or zoning codes, they’ll require you to purchase a permit. If the inspector finds issues with your structure, they’ll request an evaluation from an architect or engineer. This evaluation will be at your expense. If the architect or engineer finds an issue with your structure, you will be required to correct it, at your expense. Finally, if you go to sell your home in the future and the lack of permit is discovered, either because a Realtor reports it or through a title search, you will be required to secure one before being allowed to sell your home. Do I need a permit for a backyard shed in Augusta County, Virginia? That depends. First, let’s start with the myth: FALSE: If your building is under 256 square feet, no building permit is required. This common misconception is a half-truth. The whole truth is a lot more complicated. Here is the text verbatim from the “Exemptions from application for permit” section of the “Virginia Residential Code Requirements Pertaining to Accessory Structures.” “One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet (23.78 m2) and the structures are not classified as a Group F-1 or H occupancy. Note the text in bold. If you intend to use your backyard shed as anything other than what is highlighted in bold, you need a permit. If you want a summer kitchen, guest cottage, in-law suite, backyard home office, or anything other than a tool or storage shed, even if it’s less than 256 square feet, you need a permit. What are the details? This size exemption for storage sheds is only one part of the permitting puzzle. There are a number of other considerations. Primarily, a building of any size must be built to comply with Virginia Residential Code Requirements. If you’re building your own storage shed, it’s up to you to research what those code requirements are. If you’re buying from Ulrich, rest assured, we have that under control. But let’s look at a few code requirements that some other shed builders might not take to heart as we do. Treatment of wood-based products—In some instances, the wooden components of your backyard shed must be either “naturally durable wood” like cedar or “preservative-treated in accordance with AWPA U1” or pressure-treated. What are those instances? Wooden floor joists closer than 18 inches or wood girders closer than 12 inches to the exposed ground. Fortunately, all Ulrich Lifestyle buildings include pressure-treated floor joists and girders. If you’re shopping around, that’s a great question to ask other manufacturers. All wood framing members that touch concrete or masonry exterior foundation walls and are less than 8 inches from the exposed ground. If you plan to set your building on concrete, you want to know this. Sills and sleepers resting on a concrete slab unless a moisture barrier is used. Siding, sheathing and framing less than 6 inches from the ground or less than 2 inches above concrete or similar surface exposed to the weather. All of Ulrich Lifestyle barns include treated wood siding. Foundations and footing requirements—While your backyard storage building doesn’t require a permanent foundation, there are still a few rules to follow. The general rule from Section R403.1 of the building code reads: “All exterior walls shall be supported on continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings, wood foundations, or other approved structural systems that shall be of sufficient design to accommodate all loads according to Section R301 and to transmit the resulting loads to the soil within the limitations as determined from the character of the soil. Footings shall be supported on undisturbed natural soils or engineered fill. Tool sheds under 256 square feet do not require permanent foundations but still need to be tied down for wind. Other exceptions include: The building eve is under 10 feet Floor level to grade doesn’t exceed 18 inches The structure is anchored to withstand wind loads as required by code Supporting structural elements touching the ground are level, on solid soil, and if wooden, preservative-treated. The structure is constructed of light-frame materials or wood or light-gauge steel and not slate, tile, brick, or masonry. When it comes to footings, if your building is greater than 600-square-feet, or has an eve height of greater than 10 feet, the footings must be below the frost depth for Augusta County of 24 inches. What are the zoning permit requirements for a backyard shed in Augusta County? A zoning permit is different from a building permit. Where a building permit has to do primarily with how the shed is constructed, a zoning permit regulates where the building is placed. Here are a few things Augusta County wants you to consider about zoning permits for sheds: Every property is in a zoning district that has a classification (for example, General Agricultural, Single Residential, Multiple Residential, or Business). Each zoning district has its own “blanket requirements.” Single Residential districts are broken down even further to include rural, single family, mobile home, duplex, and attached homes. A few blanket requirement for residential zones: Buildings must be set back at least 50 feet from any arterial or collector street and 20 feet from any right-of-way or private street. Setbacks for both rear and side lot lines vary depending on the size of the shed, the numbers of acres, and the zoning district. For details specific to your zoning district, visit the August County website. Is there anything else I should know? There are a few other items you may want to consider before signing off on a new backyard storage building. If you want to rent a shed on a temporary basis, such as while your home is being remodeled or to store your things while moving, the same zoning and permitting rules apply. Your storage building must be detached from the main house. If you want electricity or plumbing, you need a building permit and a permit for the utility. If your building is for commercial purposes like an office that the general public will visit, you need a permit. Any garage used to store vehicles or gasoline-powered lawn equipment needs a non-combustible (concrete) floor that slopes toward the door. For more information … For more information about shed permitting in Augusta County, call the Building Inspection Office at 540-245-5717. Also, regardless of size, contact the Zoning Department at 540-245-5700  to ensure your proposed building meets setback requirements and doesn’t encroach on any easements.

An in-depth look at when you do and when you don’t need to secure a permit for your backyard shed when living in the country. With over 849 square miles of land, and roughly 80,000 residents, Rockingham County is the third largest county in the commonwealth of Virginia. Established in 1778, large portions of the county fall in both Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest. Rockingham County is home to three institutions of higher learning and one four-season resort. Recreational attractions include golf, ice skating, hiking, and several caverns. Agritourism is huge in the county with several farm markets, vineyards, and orchards open to the public. This rural setting might make you wonder if you need a building permit for a shed. Afterall, if you own 15 acres with no neighbors in sight, who’s to care? Well, the county building department, that’s who. No matter where you live, before building a structure, you need to make sure you’re complying with local zoning and building codes. These codes and laws are adapted for both safety and community purposes. They make sure that all structures, whether you live in them or not, are safe to occupy or protect their contents and that they don’t infringe on the rights of adjacent landowners. Sometimes, the law requires the homeowner to secure a permit for the work to be done, even in rural areas. This post discusses the reasons behind permitting, what happens if you fail to secure a permit, and whether you need a building permit for a shed in Rockingham County. Why do we have building permits anyway? A building permit is like a permission slip. You submit your plans for work to the county, they give you a permit to begin that work, then an inspector comes to make sure the work was done according to the Uniform Statewide Building Code before giving you permission to use the space. Depending on the size of the project, an inspector will sign off on the job at various stages of the work. This provides assurance that each stage—framing, electrical, masonry—is done correctly according to code. A simple backyard shed wouldn’t require so many visits from a building inspector but a garage may. What happens if I don’t get a permit? Failing to secure a building permit for a shed when required can result in some pretty stiff consequences. According to Joe Shifflett, Building Official with Rockingham County, the county has not adopted the same property maintenance code the city of Harrisonburg has so their compliance is complaint-driven. However, if the county receives a complaint about your outdoor structure, you will receive a visit from a zoning compliance officer or building inspector. If, during their visit, the officer deems your structure non-compliant with building or zoning codes, they will require you to purchase a permit. If the inspector finds issues with your structure, they’ll request an evaluation from an architect or engineer. This evaluation will be at your expense. If the architect or engineer finds an issue with your structure, you will be required to correct it, at your expense. Every time an inspector comes to your home to verify compliance, you will be charged an inspection fee. Finally, if you go to sell your home in the future and the lack of permit is discovered, either because a Realtor reports it or through a title search, you will be required to secure one before being allowed to sell your home. Do I need a building permit for a shed in Rockingham County, Virginia? That depends. First, let’s start with the myth: FALSE: If your building is under 256 square feet, no building permit is required. This common misconception is a half-truth. The whole truth is a lot more complicated. Here is the text verbatim from the “Exemptions from application for permit” section of the “Virginia Residential Code Requirements Pertaining to Accessory Structures.” One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet (23.78 m2) and the structures are not classified as a Group F-1 or H occupancy. Note the text in bold. If you intend to use your backyard shed as anything other than what is highlighted in bold, you need a permit. If you want a summer kitchen, guest cottage, in-law suite, backyard home office, or anything other than a tool or storage shed, even if it’s less than 256 square feet, you need a permit. “Because,” says Shifflett, “at that point it becomes a habitable structure.” What are the finer points to consider? This size exemption for storage sheds is only one part of the permitting puzzle. There are a number of other considerations. Primarily, a building of any size must be built to comply with Virginia Residential Code Requirements. If you’re building your own storage shed, it’s up to you to research what those code requirements are. If you’re buying from Ulrich Lifestyle, rest assured, we have that under control. But let’s look at a few code requirements that some other shed builders might not take to heart like we do. Treatment of wood-based products—In some instances, the wooden components of your backyard shed must be either “naturally durable wood” like cedar or “preservative-treated in accordance with AWPA U1” or pressure-treated. What are those instances? Wooden floor joists closer than 18 inches or wood girders closer than 12 inches to the exposed ground. Fortunately, all Ulrich Lifestyle buildings include pressure-treated floor joists and girders. If you’re shopping around, that’s a great question to ask other manufacturers. All wood framing members that touch concrete or masonry exterior foundation walls and are less than 8 inches from the exposed ground. If you plan to set your building on concrete, you want to know this. Sills and sleepers resting on a concrete slab unless a moisture barrier is used. Siding, sheathing and framing less than 6 inches from the ground or less than 2 inches above concrete or similar surface exposed to the weather. All of Ulrich Lifestyle buildings include treated wood siding. Foundations and footing requirements—While your backyard storage building doesn’t require a permanent foundation, there are still a few rules to follow. The general rule from Section R403.1 of the building code reads: All exterior walls shall be supported on continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings, wood foundations, or other approved structural systems that shall be of sufficient design to accommodate all loads according to Section R301 and to transmit the resulting loads to the soil within the limitations as determined from the character of the soil. Footings shall be supported on undisturbed natural soils or engineered fill. Tool sheds under 256 square feet do not require permanent foundations but still need to be tied down for wind. Other exceptions include: The building eve is under 10 feet Floor level to grade doesn’t exceed 18 inches The structure is anchored to withstand wind loads as required by code Supporting structural elements touching the ground are level, on solid soil, and if wooden, preservative-treated. The structure is constructed of light-frame materials or wood or light-gauge steel and not slate, tile, brick, or masonry. When it comes to footings, if your building is greater than 600-square-feet, or has an eve height of greater than 10 feet, the footings must be below the frost depth for Rockingham County of 24 inches. What about zoning permit requirements for storage buildings in Rockingham County? A zoning permit is different from a building permit for a shed. Where a building permit has to do primarily with how the shed is constructed, a zoning permit regulates where the building is placed. Here are a few things Rockingham County wants you to consider about zoning permits for sheds: Every property is in a zoning district that has a classification (for example, R-1 and R-2 for residential and B-1 and B-2 for business). Each zoning district has its own “blanket requirements.” A few blanket requirement for residential zones. It must be set back at least 5 feet from the side and rear property lines. If the size exceeds 580 square feet, than it must be at least 15 feet from the side property line and 25 feet from the rear property line. Accessory buildings should not be placed in any recorded public easements or fire lanes. Is there anything else to know? There are a few other items you may want to consider before signing off on a new backyard storage building. The same zoning and permitting rules apply to temporary structures, such as while remodeling your home or to store your things while moving. Your storage building must be detached from the main house. If you want electricity or plumbing, you need a building permit and a permit for the utility. If your building is for commercial purposes like an office that the general public will visit, you need a permit. Any garage used to store vehicles or gasoline-powered lawn equipment needs a non-combustible (concrete) floor that slopes toward the door. For more information … For more information about obtaining a building permit for a shed in Rockingham County, visit their website at https://www.rockinghamcountyva.gov/374/Building-Services. Also, regardless of size, contact the zoning department at 540-564-6063 to ensure your proposed building meets setback requirements and doesn’t encroach on any easements.

An in-depth look at when you do and when you don’t need to secure a building permit for a backyard shed. No matter where you live, before building a structure, make sure you’re complying with local zoning and building codes. These codes and laws are adapted for both safety and community purposes. They make sure that all structures, whether you live in them or not, are safe to occupy or protect their contents and that they don’t infringe on the rights of adjacent landowners. Sometimes, the law requires the homeowner to secure a permit for the work to be done. This post discusses the reasons behind permitting, what happens if you fail to secure a permit, and whether you need a building permit for a backyard shed in the city of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Why do we have building permits anyway? A building permit is like a permission slip. You submit your plans for work to the city, they give you a permit to begin that work, then an inspector comes to make sure the work was done according to the Uniform Statewide Building Code before giving you permission to use the space. Depending on the size of the project, an inspector signs off on the job at various stages of the work. This provides assurance that each stage—framing, electrical, masonry—is done correctly according to code. A simple backyard shed wouldn’t require so many visits from a building inspector but a garage may. What happens if I don’t get a permit? Failing to secure a building permit for a backyard shed when required can result in some pretty stiff consequences. First, if the city finds out about the project after it has begun, you could have your permit fees doubled. If they find that completed work wasn’t done according to code, they could require you redo the work, resulting in loss of both time and money. Finally, if you go to sell your home in the future and the lack of permit is discovered, you may still be required to secure one before being allowed to sell your home. Do I need a building permit for a backyard shed in Harrisonburg, Virginia? That depends. First, let’s start with the myth: FALSE: If your building is under 256 square feet, you don’t need a building permit. This common misconception is a half-truth. The whole truth is a lot more complicated. Here is the text verbatim from the “Exemptions from application for permit” section of the “Virginia Residential Code Requirements Pertaining to Accessory Structures.” One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet (23.78 m2) and the structures are not classified as a Group F-1 or H occupancy. Note the text in bold. If you intend to use your shed as anything other than what’s highlighted in bold, you need a permit. If you want a summer kitchen, guest cottage, in-law suite, backyard home office, or anything other than a tool or storage shed, even if it’s less than 256 square feet, you need a permit. What are the finer points to consider? This size exemption for storage sheds is only one part of the permitting puzzle. There are a number of other considerations. Primarily, a building of any size must comply with Virginia Residential Code Requirements. If you’re building your own storage shed, it’s up to you to research what those code requirements are. If you’re buying from Ulrich Lifestyle, rest assured, we have that under control. But let’s look at a few code requirements that some other shed builders might not take to heart like we do. Treatment of wood-based products—In some instances, the wooden components of your backyard shed must be either “naturally durable wood” like cedar or “preservative-treated in accordance with AWPA U1” or pressure-treated. What are those instances? Wooden floor joists closer than 18 inches or wood girders closer than 12 inches to the exposed ground. Fortunately, all Ulrich Lifestyle buildings include pressure-treated floor joists and girders. If you’re shopping around, that’s a great question to ask other manufacturers. All wood framing members that touch concrete or masonry exterior foundation walls and are less than 8 inches from the exposed ground. If you plan to set your building on concrete, you want to know this. Sills and sleepers resting on a concrete slab with no moisture barrier. Siding, sheathing and framing less than 6 inches from the ground or less than 2 inches above concrete or similar surface exposed to the weather. All of Ulrich Lifestyle buildings included treated wood siding. Foundations and footing requirements—While your backyard storage building doesn’t require a permanent foundation, there are still a few rules to follow. The general rule from Section R403.1 of the building code reads: All exterior walls shall be supported on continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings, wood foundations, or other approved structural systems that shall be of sufficient design to accommodate all loads according to Section R301 and to transmit the resulting loads to the soil within the limitations as determined from the character of the soil. Footings shall be supported on undisturbed natural soils or engineered fill. Tool sheds under 256 square feet do not require permanent foundations but still need to be tied down for wind. Other exceptions include: The building eve is under 10 feet. Floor level to grade doesn’t exceed 18 inches. You anchor the structure to withstand wind loads as required by code Supporting structural elements touching the ground are level, on solid soil, and if wooden, preservative-treated. The structure is constructed of light-frame materials or wood or light-gauge steel and not slate, tile, brick, or masonry. When it comes to footings, if your building is greater than 600-square-feet, or has an eve height of greater than 10 feet, the footings must be below the frost depth for the City of Harrisonburg of 30 inches. What about zoning permit requirements for storage buildings in Harrisonburg? A zoning permit is different from a building permit. Where a building permit has to do primarily with how the shed is constructed, a zoning permit regulates where the building is placed. Here are a few things Harrisonburg wants you to consider about zoning permits for sheds: Every property is in a zoning district that has a classification (R-1 and R-2 for residential and B-1 and B-2 for business ). Each zoning district has its own “blanket requirements.” A few blanket requirement for residential zones: Your shed must be in the rear yard. It must sit at least 5 feet from the side and rear property lines. The building cannot take up more than 30 percent of the required rear yard. Accessory buildings should not be placed in any recorded public easements or fire lanes. Is there anything else to know? There are a few other items you may want to consider before signing off on a new backyard storage building. The same zoning and permitting rules apply to temporary structures, such as while remodeling your home or to store your things while moving. Your storage building must be detached from the main house. If you want electricity or plumbing, you need a building permit and a permit for the utility. If your building is for commercial purposes like an office that the general public will visit, you need a permit. Any garage used to store vehicles needs a non-combustible floor. For more information … For more information about building permits for backyard sheds in the city of Harrisonburg, visit their website at https://www.harrisonburgva.gov/accessory-structures. Also, regardless of size, contact the zoning department at 540-432-7700 to ensure your proposed building meets setback requirements and doesn’t encroach on any easements. If you want more information about how Ulrich Lifestyle helps their customers jump through these permitting hoops, contact a trained storage professional near you.

There are many different types of Garages and other detached structures out there that can be used in a variety of ways. This article will highlight three different kinds of Garages and what they are used for. The type of structure you go with should align with what you are trying to accomplish from just storage to a full finish out. Please read below to learn more about these types of garages and the pros and cons that come with them. Pole Barn A pole barn is traditionally a farm-type building used if you just need to keep equipment and materials out of the sun and somewhat out of any elements. Traditional pole barns sometimes do not have any foundations. These are also unsuitable for placement in hilly areas and places with shifting soil. And with no snow load typically, the only real advantage for this type of structure would be a cheap solution for someone on a farm who needs to store some equipment or farming materials. Metal building Metal buildings have become a popular option for people looking for a large, site-built structure that they consider a lifestyle building. While it is not impossible to make this a lifestyle structure, the challenges provided do complicate things. If you’re not worried about adding to your real estate value, aesthetics, or the interior contents staying 100% dry, then the metal building could be an option for you. Metal Building R-Value Another factor to consider when thinking about a garage is the R-value it will provide. In the case of a metal garage, because metal is a conductor of energy, it does not naturally provide R-value. Also, temperature fluctuations that happen from day to night, for example, frequently will cause condensation, which can be a significant factor if you have valuable belongings on the inside. Even if it is sunny outside, your things can be susceptible to getting wet. If the purpose of your garage is something more than storage, for example, you will want it finished out. Going with a metal building will provide some challenges. Since the R-value is not there naturally, you will have to frame the interior to insulate the walls. While this is possible, ultimately, it’s going to take away from your usable interior space. This will need to be planned for when planning your garage and which route you choose to take. Metal Building Conclusion Suppose you want an efficient and aesthetically pleasing lifestyle structure. In that case, it is possible for a metal building but essentially, what you are purchasing with a metal building is just the framework. When you think about the extra materials on the exterior and interior, it can become a significant investment in time and money to get it where you want it to be. The bottom line is that when it comes to metal garages, it can be a great option for you if you are not concerned about it being aesthetically pleasing, and the price is the biggest factor. Or you are willing for extra investment to get it to where it needs to be. A metal garage is suitable for farm applications or big industrial buildings. Stick Built Wood Garage Suppose you want something ready for your finishing touches the day it’s constructed. A stick-built garage is the route you will want to go. Going with a stick-built garage with a wood frame means the garage will already be framed out and ready for a finish out. That means you will not have to worry about gathering materials and doing a lot of work on the garage’s interior before you can get it ready to finish it out the way you want. There are some practical reasons for going with the wood frame garage as well. For example, you can hang stuff directly on the walls and wouldn’t have to buy a big cabinet or shelving that you would have to do with garages constructed with different materials. By hanging things directly on the walls, you can maximize the usable space you have in your garage. Also, it is aesthetically pleasing with a stick-built wooden garage because you have many siding options. The wooden garage also naturally offers a significant R-value because wood is not a natural conductor of energy. Even if you do not plan to finish it out, it will be able to keep your contents dry and offer a good R-value. Stick Built Garage Customization With a stick-built garage, since it is wooden construction, you have many options for the siding and exterior. If you live in an HOA, for example, and they require that your structure match your house, that is possible with a wooden garage that is not as easy to do with a metal building, for example. Not only is matching your home possible in most cases, but you can also put your personal touch on a wooden garage because of the siding options available. Another big advantage of the wooden stick-built garage is you do have the option on some models to have a second story. This is significant because you can use it for whatever you want, and you are essentially maximizing the usable space in the same footprint. This actually drives your cost down per cubic foot. A disadvantage of going with the stick-built garage would be the upfront investment is typically more than that of a metal garage. However, when you look at the overall costs and consider additional labor either by yourself or another contractor and getting it to where you can not only finish it out but have it aesthetically pleasing, the metal garage is more of an investment in the long run than when you first purchase it. That is why a stick-built garage is an excellent investment in terms of long-term value and flexibility. In conclusion The different types of garages discussed in this article have their pros and cons. It’s all about determining the right fit for you and what you are looking for. If price is a leading factor and you need storage on your farm, a pole barn is great. If you still want to be price-conscious, aesthetics and overall quality do not matter, and it’s not a long-term solution, you can opt for a metal building. If you need something that either matches your house or want to make your dream lifestyle structure come to life, a stick-built wooden garage is a great option that will last you for years to come. The most significant factor is partnering with a builder who will guide you through this process and truly get you something that will fit your needs and dreams and last you for years to come.

Award-winning stained glass artist Zac Nafziger recently welcomed the arrival of his new backyard studio shed — a custom building from Byler Barns. “When they called and said it was on its way,” said Zac, “I sat outside as if it was Santa Claus or an ice cream truck just waiting. I took pictures as they drove down the lane. They put my shed in the middle of the road and turned it around. It was pretty much the coolest thing I’d ever seen.” Zac started creating with glass as a high school student at Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He went on to study art at Savannah College of Art & Design and Eastern Mennonite University. You can see many of his commissions around the downtown area of Harrisonburg, including The Church of the Incarnation, Community Mennonite Church, Ice House Studios, and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Center. These works and more have earned him many awards and distinctions both locally and nationally. The Hunt For A New Studio ZN Stained Glass occupied a couple of other spots in the downtown area of Harrisonburg. But with space getting tight, and rent payments rising, Zac needed a place and quickly. His challenges included finding something close to home, affordable, and with plenty of light. When he realized renting a large enough space close to his home was out of the question, Zac started researching backyard studio shed options. And nothing can get closer to home than the backyard. He drove to every place possible. He even looked into overhauling a cargo container. But the turnaround time on that idea was six months and he needed something faster than that. That’s when he visited Byler’s. “Working with Drew was great,” Zac said. “He was very helpful and into the process. He really understood that this wasn’t just a building, this was something meaningful.” And, Drew realized it was important enough that six months was too long to wait. Byler’s was able to build, deliver, and set up Zac’s new studio in two weeks. “At first, they said it would be four weeks and it only took two,” said Zac. “For them to be able to get it here extra fast was meaningful for me.” Designing A Backyard Studio Shed Zac chose to customize one of Byler’s buildings to meet his backyard studio needs. “The customization process was so easy,” he said. “I went just went in with a wish list.” He chose double doors off-center to match the placement of his previous building. He upgraded the window package with three additional windows, stacked together to make one large one facing east for optimal lighting. Then, he added five transom windows for indirect lighting. Zac also had the building framed as tall as possible, elevating the ceiling, and upgraded to a 7/12 roof pitch. “I asked my wife and she said, ‘Don’t get a typical shed roof.’” So, to help with the “not-shed-like” requirement, he went with a copper-colored metal roof that blends well in his neighborhood. A Backyard Studio Shed Under Budget “I think while I was shopping,” Zac said, “the important thing was budget because like most artists we don’t necessarily run with a safety net. We run with tens of thousands of dollars worth of hoarded supplies because we keep making things. So, the thing I had to do was make it affordable.” And, he added, something he could grow into. Talking about affordability, Zac explained that some of his options were going to cost as much as two years of rent payments. His Byler studio cost less than one year of rent payments. “I couldn’t have been happier with the whole process. From getting my shed designed to actually have a finished studio that’s my own. I would recommend this to any artist looking for their own spot.” If you’d like a backyard studio shed of your own, reach to a Byler’s representative. They’re trained to help you customize the studio of your dreams.

Site-built detached garages can be a great addition to any home. They allow for more storage and safekeeping of your valuables and toys or can be used as a workshop/getaway. In some cases, a person might have an existing slab on their property and think they want to use it for their new detached garage to save some money. This article will explore why that is typically not the case and can cost you more in the long run. Everyone knows when it comes to your home, if you don’t have a good foundation, it can cause many problems. The same is true for any site-built garage or other accessory building. Size of the slab Metal buildings typically go in 3′ increments, while wood buildings go in 4′ increments. You will want to make sure whichever type of detached garage you are building that the slab has the correct dimensions. This is so important because the outside of the building must line up with the outside of the slab. Unless it has a threshold, this is to ensure the detached garage is properly sealed and any warranties can still be honored. You also run the risk of damaging the interior and any belongings in the building if you do not have your detached garage adequately sealed. If you do not have the ideal slab size for a detached garage, you can have it customized to fit your slab depending on the builder, but this will be more costly to make it work because you are not using a standard size. Therefore more labor and cutting down of materials will happen. Square and even dimensions It is essential that a slab is built correctly, square, and is high enough for the grade of the land. The grade of the land can be fixed if that is your only issue, but it would add to your overall cost. When we talk about ensuring the slab is square, we are not necessarily talking about the shape. Let’s say you have an existing slab and its dimensions are 16 feet wide by 20 feet long. You will want to measure corner to corner on opposite sides and ensure the measurements are the same. If the measurements are not the same, the slab is not square, which can happen with non-engineered slabs. If the slab is not square, it can cause a significant price increase on the labor side when constructing the roof. You will want to ensure the slab is even from side to side and end to end to ensure a properly constructed detached garage that will not give you issues or require additional time and resources to correct in the future. An unlevel slab can significantly affect the structural integrity of any structure you are building; therefore this is a leading factor of post-purchase / build costs for ownership of a detached garage. In summary While it may seem like a cost-effective way to go about getting your dream detached garage, utilizing a slab that you already have on your property can add up over a long time. Once you add up additional labor and time correcting problems, it takes away some of those savings, if not all of the money saved. The other option would be to either tear up the old slab and get an engineered slab built just for your detached garage or get that same slab built elsewhere on your property. If the purpose of your garage is something more than storage, for example, you will want it finished out. Going with a metal building will provide some challenges. Since the R-value is not there naturally, you will have to frame the interior to insulate the walls. While this is possible, ultimately, it’s going to take away from your usable interior space. This will need to be planned for when planning your garage and which route you choose to take.

If your shed shopping experience uncovers products in a wide range of prices, you might be asking yourself, “What’s the difference?” People buying a shed on a budget generally shop for price first. But a discerning buyer will dig a little deeper and compare the details. If you want to know the difference between a cheap shed and an expensive shed, here are a few things to look out for. Buying a Shed on a Budget—What to Look For The Customer Experience No doubt about it, customer experience ranks number one when it comes to why shoppers do business with a particular company. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting the best product on the planet if the retailer has changed your delivery date three times. To find a shed company that gives great customer service look for a LEAF. A company that is Loved, Educated, Available, and Flexible. Loved—People love companies that make a difference in the community. Check out your shed builder’s social media page and see if there are any signs of relationship with their followers. Look them up on Google. Have happy customers left five-star reviews for this company on places like Google, Yelp, or Facebook? If not, maybe there’s a reason. Educated—Wise shed builders keep up with the industry. Their sales reps know the latest news about methods, materials, and local ordinances and are willing to educate you. When you purchase a shed at the big box store no one is there to tell you what your local officials will allow, or not. Available—A company that offers an amazing customer experience will always have someone willing and able to answer your questions. Is your retailer available when you are? Can you send him a Facebook message or do you have to call the landline and leave a voicemail? An active chatbot on a website indicates a company readily available for their customers. These are important things to consider when shopping around. You want a retailer who is there for you. Flexible—A shed builder who cares about your needs will allow you to customize your building. Want red siding instead of blue? You got it. Want to add another window? Not a problem. Maybe, you like the porch you saw on your neighbor’s storage building. A flexible shed builder has no qualms about adding one onto your shed, too. Flexibility applies to more than the structure, too. Ask about delivery accommodations, foundation options, and even different warranty packages. The Quality of Materials Let’s face it, some materials cost more than others. And the shed that costs $1,500 is probably constructed of the cheaper materials. A metal roof costs more than a shingle roof, for example. Also, vinyl siding adds to the cost. If you want a wood-sided shed, engineered woods have a longer life and cost more than standard lumber. And paints formulated to last decades, or even a lifetime, like the Sherwin-Williams Duration paint we use at Ulrich Lifestyle, also cost more. Consider the accessories included with your shed, as well. Windows, doors, workbenches, and lofts add to the cost of an outdoor storage building. You’re probably not going to find a wired shed at a major retail store but if you want to be able to plug in your power tools, a custom shed builder can add that package for you, which will add to the cost. The Construction Details Just because a shed builder has the skill to build a quality shed doesn’t mean they do. Some companies cut corners that Ulrich Lifestyle never would. If you want to understand why one shed would cost much more than another that looks so similar, compare them on these finer points. Floor joists. Some shed builders claim to use pressure-treated lumber on their floors. However, they only use the pressure-treated wood on the outside skirting—what’s visible—but use untreated lumber for the joists you cannot see. Ulrich Lifestyle uses pressure-treated lumber for the entire shed floor. Rafter spacing. Roof rafters should be 16 inches apart. Some shed builders will space them 24 inches apart to cut costs on lumber. If you live in an area that gets snow, you want your rafters closer together. Lapped double top sill. The top sill is the board that stretches along the top of a wall. Doubling it adds strength to your building. But some builders will use a thinner board on top to cut costs. Filled corners. When two walls meet at the corner, a gap results. For added strength, and to provide a solid nailing surface for wall coverings, Ulrich Lifestyle fills that gap with an extra board. This, of course, adds to the cost of the building. Sprayed paint. Most shed manufacturers apply paint to their wood-sided buildings with a sprayer because it’s faster. But coverage of sprayed paint can be inconsistent, not filling cracks or covering nail heads. For the best coverage, a builder uses a roller on the siding and a brush on the trim for the thickest coat possible. When you’re buying a shed on a budget, you don’t want to shop price alone. Because buying an inferior product only costs you more in the long run. Shop customer experience, materials, and construction and you’ll get the best deal for your money. If you have more questions about buying a shed on a budget, an Ulrich representative near you is ready with answers. After all, they’re Loved, Educated, Available, and Flexible.

Do you find your love for woodworking, crafting, or DIY projects being cramped up in your limited workspace? Are you tired of constantly searching for tools, clearing clutter, and never having enough room to immerse yourself in your hobbies fully? It’s time to consider a game-changer – a custom shed workshop! These versatile and practical structures can provide the ideal dedicated space for your creative pursuits. In this blog post, we will explore the potential of custom sheds, providing valuable insights and tips on creating a conducive environment that will inspire you to take your hobby to new heights. Building the Perfect Foundation Before diving into the details of designing your custom shed workshop, starting with a solid foundation is crucial. Ensure your shed is built on level ground to provide stability and prevent any issues. A well-built foundation ensures durability and longevity for your workshop. When designing and building custom sheds that perfectly suit your needs, Ulrich stands out as a reliable and reputable company. We understand that every customer’s requirements for their custom workshop are unique. From woodworking enthusiasts to crafters and DIY enthusiasts, our team takes the time to understand your vision and tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Designing a Functional Workspace Consider the Size: The size of your custom shed workshop depends on your specific needs. Consider future growth by evaluating the space required for your tools, equipment, and projects. Adequate workspace and storage are crucial for maintaining a clutter-free environment. Optimize Natural Lighting: Good lighting is essential for any workspace, enhancing visibility and reducing eye strain. Incorporate windows or skylights into your shed’s design to maximize natural light. Additionally, positioning your workbench near a window allows you to enjoy the inspiring view of your surroundings. Insulate Your Shed: Invest in proper insulation to create a comfortable and conducive environment for year-round work. Insulation regulates temperature and dampens noise, making your workshop a peaceful oasis. Power Up: A well-equipped workshop requires a reliable power supply. Ensure your shed is wired correctly, with ample outlets strategically placed around the space. Consider consulting an electrician to handle any complex electrical work. Storage Solutions: Efficiency is key. Install shelves, cabinets, and pegboard walls to keep your tools organized and easily accessible. Use clear bins or labeled boxes to store smaller supplies, such as screws, nails, and paintbrushes. This ensures quick and efficient access to all your essentials. Stay Comfortable: Working long hours in your workshop can be physically demanding. Install proper ventilation to maintain air quality, especially when working with chemicals or sawdust. A fan or an air conditioning unit can help regulate temperature during extreme weather conditions. Personalizing Your Workshop Inspiring Décor: Add some personal touches to your custom shed workshop to make it your own. Hang motivational posters, display your completed projects, or showcase tools and equipment that inspire you. Surrounding yourself with things you love will ignite creativity and keep you motivated. Ergonomic Considerations: Prioritize ergonomic setup by investing in a comfortable chair, positioning your workbench at the right height, and ensuring adequate lighting. Taking care of your physical well-being will improve focus and productivity during your projects. Soundproofing: Consider soundproofing the space if your workshop is close to your home or neighbors. This helps to maintain harmony with your surroundings and reduces noise distractions, creating a more focused and peaceful environment. Embrace Your Creative Haven With your custom shed workshop set up, it’s time to embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead. This dedicated space invites you to explore, create, and bring your visions to life. Whether you’re into woodworking, crafting, or DIY projects, the freedom and focus provided by your workshop will unlock your true potential. Start building your dream workshop today with Ulrich, and witness the transformation a custom shed can bring to your hobbies and projects. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Happy crafting, woodworking, and DIYing!

Martha’s storage journey starts out like so many. About seven years ago, when she was moving to her new house, she needed some extra space for her things. So she began renting a storage unit, thinking she might need it for a year or two. That’s been about seven years ago. When mice invaded the storage unit, Martha had enough. It was time to get her own backyard storage shed. But here’s the smart part. Instead of paying rent on a storage unit she’ll never own, Martha decided to purchase her own shed using one of Ulrich’s financing options. The financing allows her to have more storage space, right by her backdoor, for about the same money she was spending each month on her rental unit. With an Ulrich internet consultant’s help, she settled on a Heritage, 10 feet wide and 16 feet long. This will give her about 160 sq ft of storage space. She selected a beige color that would be reasonably close to the color of her home. Since her gate was too narrow for a fully constructed shed, she chose Ulrich’s on-site option. On a warm Friday morning in June, the Ulrich builder arrived at Martha’s home with what looked like a pile of lumber and assorted items on the back of his trailer. As the day progressed, he transformed the boards and buckets of paint into a pretty beige and white shed. Martha now has a tough, beautiful Ulrich shed only steps from her back door. Over time, this shed will become completely hers. In the meantime, she has a bigger, more convenient space. That is what I call smart!

Standard log cabins are homes where all of the parts needed to construct the cabin are brought to the site where the house will be built and constructed piece-by-piece around a wooden frame or in a “lincoln log” style construction method. Prefabricated cabins like those we provide are considered stick-built homes with log or other types of siding built off-site in a climate-controlled facility and then delivered in modules with specialized equipment to your site. There are numerous benefits associated with building prefab cabins over site-built homes. Read below on some of them and what makes our stick-built homes a good option for someone looking to get a new home. The Cost of Building Prefab Log Cabins Is more cost-effective One of the primary considerations when building a home is the cost for some people. Many factors impact the investment to build your dream cabin, including the design, the materials used, number of bathrooms, size of the kitchen, the quality level of the systems in the home like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and the level of craftsmanship, warranties, etc. An advantage of building in a climate and quality controlled environment vs at the install site will result in a better product for the customer and a more efficient process for everyone. It also avoids innumerable subs working on your site making a mess, the risk of weather and other delays. Traditional log cabins have no framing and depend on the structural integrity of one piece of wood to protect you from the elements. As large round trees become more costly to source, a stick-built option like Ulrich provides you with a more consistent build and is significantly more cost-effective over the long term. They Take Less Time to Construct Construction times with site-built homes are subject to potential construction delays due to various reasons. Projects can often take significantly longer to complete than the original estimated timeline leading to cost overruns and, most importantly, frustrations. Even in the best of times, constructing a site-built cabin can take upwards of a year, while our unique process allows them to be completed in most cases only a quarter of that time. Prefab log cabins or, in our case, a stick-built style home built off-site are typically finished and ready to be sent to build sites within a matter of months. Once delivered, they require minimal to no time to install, except a larger two modular unit. Total time including decks and electrical and plumbing hookups for one of our homes, is a few days, depending on the size and specs of the cabin. Unlike site-built homes, you could have a fully functioning prefabricated log cabin home within only a few months of your purchase. You get the advantage of a stick-built home quality but do not have to worry about delays due to weather, sourcing, etc. Greater Design Flexibility While not exclusive to prefabricated housing, one benefit of building a prefab cabin home is the buyer’s amount of control over the design and layout of their cabin. A customer can decide whether they want a traditional look or a modern farmhouse as an example. The number of floors, bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and every other detail of prefabricated cabin homes is discussed ahead of time and customized to fit the buyer’s wants, needs, dreams, and budget. Prefab housing eliminates the possibility of surprise manufacturing costs along the way; our designers walk customers through the entire process, and before anything has been built, they know exactly what they are getting. More Stability Than Traditional Log Cabins Although it may seem counterintuitive, prefab log cabin homes are significantly more stable. This is due to two main factors: they don’t rely on one piece of wood from cracking or splitting to protect the inside from the elements, and they have framing construction, making it much stronger. Because of the manufacturing process, prefab cabin homes eliminate much of the cons of traditional log cabins. Additionally, to withstand the process of being transported from their manufacturing facility to the building site, they require a higher level of durability than site-built log cabins and face more frequent quality testing along the way. Prefab Log Cabins Don't Need to Settle Standard log cabins typically need to settle, which refers to the amount that the walls of the house (the logs themselves) will shrink over time. This process can take up to five years, with most settling occurring in the first two years. By the time the process is complete, a standard cabin wall can have a height reduction of up to six inches. Settling occurs in response to the logs tamping down over time and an overall loss in moisture. Logs eventually reach Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC), the equivalent level of humidity in the home’s air, at which point the house is settled. When a house settles, adverse effects such as the inability to open windows or doors can occur, which can cause problems for homeowners. To avoid this, construction companies sometimes leave space for homes to settle, causing draftiness. However, prefab cabin homes avoid settling by attaching log siding to a solid framework and center beam, meaning the cabin’s structural integrity remains intact. They Don't Crack as Much In addition to avoiding settling to increase the overall instability of the home, prefabricated log cabin homes are less prone to cracking than site-built cabins. The cracking of logs occurs as a part of the process of reaching EMC. It is most common when a home is built with logs with a moisture content higher than 19%. However, most prefab log cabin companies use “dry logs,” meaning their moisture content already falls below 19%, making them at a significantly lower risk for cracking once installed. You Get Better Protection From the Elements From the time they are constructed, prefabricated cabins are better protected from the weather. Unlike site-built cabins, all the pieces that go into the house are produced within a facility, transported to the building site, and then installed quickly. The controlled production of materials and construction means there is a lower likelihood of delays in construction due to weather, and the pieces of the cabin themselves spend almost no time outdoors before the home is installed. Additionally, prefabricated log cabin homes offer the aesthetic appeal of a traditional log cabin with today’s architecture’s durability and structural integrity. Our cabin homes are built using “D” shaped logs with shiplap technology. The shiplap technology design orients the outside of logs to be curved, flattens them on the inside walls, and fits them snugly together to help seal the wood and keep out any cold weather. Furthermore, because all of the logs are milled in a manufacturing facility, the wood’s quality and consistency ensure an ideal fit that is much harder to obtain with an on-site build. Prefab Log Cabins Are Environmentally-Friendly Prefabricated cabins are ideal when considering the environmental impact of building a new home. Most importantly, prefab log cabin homes are made primarily using wood, a renewable resource. Wood is the least environmentally impactful resource to produce for house manufacturing, and unlike other resources, it can completely replace itself within its ecological environment. There is also less waste associated with the building of prefabricated cabin homes. While site-building requires materials to be delivered directly to a building site and modified on location, the in-facility manufacturing associated with our stick-built construction process ensures significantly less waste and emissions associated with each build. Furthermore, the precision obtained with milled wood ensures that more warm air is kept in and cold air is kept out, meaning less energy is used to heat the house long-term. Conclusion Prefabricated log cabin homes are an excellent choice if you’re considering building a new home in the country or somewhere outside of the city. They offer numerous benefits over site-built log cabins, including their stability, durability, environmental impact, and on-site waste reduction. Ulrich’s non-traditional Prefab log cabin homes blend the best of both worlds. You get a stick-built home in a quality and environmentally controlled environment makes it an excellent choice for someone who does not have the time or patience to deal with a site-built home that needs the quality that comes with that.