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Buy or Build a Storage Shed? 5 Questions to Ask Before You Decide Should you buy or build a shed? Lots of folks enjoy the DIY project, and the fun of building something on their own. Others think it’s going to be too much hassle. They just want to get a good shed in their backyard, done by people who know what they are doing. 6 questions will help you decide which is best for you. Buy or Build? Start with 5 Questions. Which is more valuable to you, time or money? Build. If you are short on money and long on time, building your shed may be perfect for you. Expect to make a few extra trips to Lowes, and to pay a little extra for some wrong cuts. And remember that for most of us, any DIY project takes longer than we estimate! But, if you don’t count your time you can save around 10-50% over the cost of a pre-built shed. Buy. If you have cash, or you don’t mind RTO or financing, you may decide that your time is worth more to you than your money. Who is going to build a better shed–the shed company, or you? This is pretty obvious, but a high-quality shed requires a high-quality builder. Make no mistake–putting together a fine-looking shed is fairly complex. Build. If you are an experienced builder, you may decide to build because you enjoy creating your own quality structures. Buy. If you’re not an experienced builder, and misaligned doors or crooked shingles will drive you crazy, you’ll want to go with an experienced shed company. Obviously, quality varies from one builder to another. Look around at different models, and you will soon see the difference. How will you get the design you want? Build. If you have background in construction design, you can design what you want. No one is going to say, “Sorry, that design just isn’t in the catalog.” Buy. If your best option for a shed company is a box store, you will have a limited selection of buildings, window and door layouts, and accessories. Box stores typically do not have design consultants who are trained to help you custom-design your shed. If you have access to dedicated shed companies, they can build you pretty much anything you can dream of. How soon do you need your shed? Build. If you have experienced building skills and some willing help, you may be able to get a shed up and ready to go next weekend. Buy. In busy times, a shed company may have a backlog of 4-6 weeks for a custom-designed shed. Other times, they may be able to get you a shed off a retail lot within a week. If your schedule is tight, be sure to ask the shed company about theirs. Do you enjoy doing building projects? You really ought to ask yourself about what you enjoy. Life is short. It’s worth thinking about what will be least painful, and most pleasurable. Build. If you just love this sort of project — you might have your answer right there. Some people get great satisfaction out of researching and designing, buying and building. They enjoy the pleasure of looking at what they built with their own hands. Buy. If you’d prefer a trip to the dentist, you need to start looking for pre-fab sheds. Decision: Will you Buy or Build your Storage Shed? If they idea of building gets you excited, you’ve probably found a way forward. You have two options. You can either build entirely from scratch, or you can buy a shed kit that requires primarily assembly. If you decide that you are a buyer, you have an immediate decision to make. Who will build your shed for you? Be sure you choose a reputable builder, who has been in the business for a while. Check out their reviews. If you decide you’d like to check out a pre-fab shed, we’d love to help you! Wave your hand to us, and 40 years of experience will be at your service. Good luck with your decision about whether you should build or buy a shed! If you are ready to buy, get in touch with us. We’d love to talk to you about the perfect shed for your backyard. Shoot, yeah. I’d be glad for a little help.

Camp Thurman hosts an average of 7,000 campers per year. Each of those young campers are eager to climb, jump, run, swim, play and get messy, and with that, some of them will scrape a knee, get sick, or possibly worse. The camp decided they needed an onsite medical building. With the name “Samaritan Inn” proudly posted above its door, each camper is cared for with selfless care as the Good Samaritan cared for the Traveler in Jesus’ Parable (Luke 10:25-37). The nurses station was installed in December of 2014. It was a tight squeeze to be installed exactly where they needed it. However, the Ulrich Drivers carefully maneuvered the building into just the right position. Once in place, the building was stocked with everything needed. One staff nurse, as well as a few young assistants, care for the kids who need them. While visiting Camp Thurman, I was stepped inside the Samaritan Inn as a young boy exclaimed “That’s The Hospital! I Hate Hospitals” I chuckled to myself thinking about how right he is. No one likes the hospital. However, it’s always a comfort to know that it will be there when you need it. The same goes for Camp Thurman’s Nurses’ Station. Built with quality, it will be there for the next camper with a bug bite, upset tummy, or sprained ankle who walks through its door.

A lot is being said about turning your backyard storage shed into a home office, or buying a shed with the intention of using it as one. Though this may seem like a trend of the 21st century (and certainly the growing popularity of it must be), people in past generations also used their backyard storage shed as something of a home office. And some of these people were quite famous! Below is a list of five famous authors who loved setting pen to paper in their backyard storage shed turned to writer’s workshop. George Bernard Shaw Well known for his plays, such as Pygmalion (also know as “My Fair Lady”), Bernard Shaw is one of the most frequently taught, Irish writers. But what people may be less familiar with him for is the fact that much of his writing actually took place in his shed! Believe it or not, this shed was built on a turntable, which allowed the legendary writer to readjust the position of his shed depending on where the sun was in the sky. He even kept a bed in his shed for when he wanted to rest, along with a phone in order to keep up with his calls. Virginia Woolf Virginia Woolf understood the distractions that occur when you work from home. As a way to get a private retreat from these worldly cares, she had her small garden shed reconstructed into the quintessential writing shed. Unfortunately, the small garden shed, now writing shed, proved to be not much quieter. She was constantly bothered by her husband, the sound of church bells, the nearby school yard and the like. Yet these distractions didn’t keep her from doing some great writing, penning sections from her many great novels and essays. Dylan Thomas Feeling like you need to get away from things? Then you can relate to poet Dylan Thomas. He worked in his little writing shed during the last four years of his life. The shed was green on the outside and painted white on the inside. He had shelves along the walls for his books and even had a little fireplace to keep things warm during the winter. “Do not go gentle into that good night” was written in this writer’s work shed. Thoreau We mustn’t forget the quintessential shed writer, Thoreau, who spent two years living “in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built myself, on the shore of Walden Pond.” Similar to the other writers on this list, Thoreau had grown weary of worldly distractions. But unlike the others, who did their living in a house nearby and their writing in their shed, Thoreau went all out and actually lived in his. “Walden Pond” might just be one of the first accounts of a liveable shed in the popular psyche. Mark Twain Famous writer, comedian, and adventurer, Mark Twain lived a grandiose life, spending more than he could afford, and eventually driving himself into poverty. But his own writing shack was anything but grandiose. He described his writing retreat home by saying in a letter: “It is the loveliest study you ever saw…octagonal with a peaked roof, each face filled with a spacious window…perched in complete isolation on the top of an elevation that commands leagues of valley and city and retreating ranges of distant blue hills.”

Poultry Generator Shed Install We recently installed a poultry generator shed on John Plaugher’s poultry farm in Briery Branch, VA. The primary people at this time who use buildings like this are poultry farmers like John. These farmers are finding that a generator shed offers some significant benefits. The Power Connection of Harrisonburg, VA, installed a generator. They recommended the use of a generator shed, as it provides excellent weather protection for the generator and the transfer switch. The Power Connection really likes to have the generator inside in a clean and dry environment, because it extends the life of the generator substantially. Gen Sheds Offer Superior Protection With a power generation system, there are a number of vital components that need protection from sun and weather. Engines in the past were pretty basic. Although the basic function of engines hasn’t changed a lot, the engine controls are far more complex than they used to be. The engines going on gen sets these days have lots more emissions controls, sensors, and electronic controls. These electronics are very susceptible to moisture and dirt. The gen shed keeps these sensitive components dry and clean. The generator unit itself–the part that actually produces the electricity–is also finicky about being protected. One of the key components in the generator is the copper windings. These have a special coating on them around the copper wire. The lifespan of the generator is directly correlated to the condition of that coating. If the generator is out in the sunlight and the moisture, the protective coating around the windings will break down more quickly. Modern engines have far more sensitive electronic controls than in the past. Generator windings and insulation are also susceptible to sun and moisture. This particular generator is an open unit, which means that it does not have a generator enclosure around it. It must be indoors. This poultry generator shed provides weather protection for the unit, but also makes it easy to work on–there is plenty of weatherproof space to service the unit. They do make the same generator unit with metal enclosures, but those enclosures are a few thousand dollars. Metal enclosures do essentially the same thing as a generator shed, but Benjamin has found that the generator units in buildings will stay cleaner than gen units in enclosures. He says, “Usually when I go to a farm, and a generator is in an enclosure, there is a lot of dirt. We have to wash them up. When I get to a generator in a building, it can stay clean with minimal ongoing cleaning.” Generator Shed Design The design of the generator shed is also important. It has to be relatively tight and weatherproof. But it also has to allow the equipment to stay cool. The engine stays cool by directing fresh air over the radiator, and then running the hot air out exhaust louvers in the wall of the gen shed. The generator itself also needs cooling, and brings fresh air in to cool the copper windings and the coating around them. This cool air required by engine and gen unit gets into the building by intake louvers that open up when the generator runs. The location of the exhaust and intake louvers is important. The louvers need to be placed differently for different generator configurations. Misplaced louvers in the shed will cause the hot air to simply recirculate, instead of consistently drawing in fresh air. Then, generator and engine both can overheat. This is not just an unhandy turn of events. It can actually become dangerous (though thankfully, it’s rare). Benjamin has seen conduit that has melted because it got so hot in the building. In one event, a generator shed that was improperly designed overheated so that the main breakers refused to reset–all while the extreme heat in the building was growing by the minute.  It took some cool thinking and some hot work to get the generator shut down without killing the birds or destroying the generator. John thinks his new generator shed is great. “The building is built exceptionally well,” he says, and adds that the design of the louvers is very good. “There’s plenty of room to get around … I’m real pleased with everything. I just like everything about the building.” And from Byler Barns, we say — Thank you, John! We’re glad that it’s working out this well for you. A poultry generator shed is a solid investment. For only a little more money than an enclosure, you get a cleaner, drier environment for the engine, generator, and transfer switch. That gives the equipment a longer service life. And, the generator service techs can work indoors in the worst weather, making it easier and quicker for them to get things running in the event of equipment failure. Would you like more info about generator sheds?

Amidst the storage buildings in Texas, you will also find growing an assortment of plants and wildlife. These birds and plants have found their way into the homes, gardens, and growing around storage buildings in Texas because they alone have the durability to be named the super plants of Texas. Plants in Texas must be able to withstand the changes in temperature and unique climate in order to really thrive. Whether growing in vast fields, or in private yards next to a small garden shed, these plants have made a name for themselves as survivors. Perennial Plants for the Texas landscape Perennial plants are those that grow from the same stem stock year to year. They are perennial because no matter the climate, no matter what happens, they will remain year after year in your garden to delight and charm you with their colors and fragrances. Some local favorites are the Yarrow, the Oxblood Lily, Hickley’s columbine, the German Red Carnation, Hardy Argeratum…and more. Small garden sheds and plants of texas We could go on and on about the wonderful super plants of Texas. They are part of Texas’s landscape. But not only are they a part of the Texan landscape, they are particularly precious to the gardeners, farmers and lovers of nature who live alongside these plants from the day to day. The gardener’s retreat –small garden sheds While there are all kinds of great garden shed designs and ideas out there, none of them will matter as much to you as your own unique garden shed does. You already have your small garden shed –you’re just looking for how to keep up with all the plants that you’ve grown around your garden. Optimizing your storage space Seeking more space in your small garden shed? Firstly, you’ll want a walk in space for your small garden shed. This will allow you full vision of your tools and equipment, which is important when you are in the midst of gardening. Sometimes you’ll need just one, exact tool, seed or plant. It can be a pain to search through upturned boxes and piles of unsorted matter. Keep a tool rack on the wall for your commonly used tools. Shovels, rakes and other planting necessities should go on this rack so that you won’t have to stumble around them to get to the really fun stuff. Glass storage containers for seeds Keeping seeds in glass jars is a fun and effective way to keep your seeds healthy. Keep them on storage shelves in your small garden shed so they remain safe and out of the way. Maybe decorate them with lights during the late summer months and enjoy a lit night on your patio! Perennial super plants and small garden sheds make a great combo. Enjoy your gardening and shed experience this summer and share what plants you like to garden, and how you like to keep your small garden shed organized!

It was summer in high school when I decided to turn my parents backyard shed into an art studio. It was a pretty looking, wood storage shed. I’d painted it white at my parents orders just a few weeks earlier. The inside had a window on one wall that let air in. Though my parents wanted it for storage, with a little creativity, it could have been repurposed into anything. I knew that turning the shed into an art studio would take some work because summers are hot in California, which meant the shed would be, too. I ran an extension cord from the shed to an outlet outside my house and attached a fan to the extension cord. The fan worked wonders and was enough to make the small garden shed quite pleasant to work in. I then equipped the shed with an easel, a box of painting supplies, and a cooler filled with bottled sodas. It became my art studio and hangout spot for friends. Shed as art studio Backyard storage sheds present a lot of opportunity. I’m not the only person to think of a slightly out-of-the-box way of using his or her four-walled box of opportunity (i.e. shed). One such person is a young lady in Florida who took an empty, wood storage shed and turned it into a beautiful art studio. In fact, turning a shed into an art studio is just one of many creative ways people are using their sheds to add extra space to their lives. Sheds as incubators for great ideas Apple may have been created in a garage, but it just may owe some of its roots to a shed. When Steve Jobs dropped out of college, he moved back to his parents house and lived in their shed in the backyard, prior to founding Apple. Who knows what kind of ideas were born out of the freedom from worldly distractions he found while living in that shed? A few other great inventions that came out of a shed: the Harley Davidson Motorcycle, the Black and Decker Workmate, and Hewlett and Packard’s first product. What might you think up inside your shed? Sheds as backyard spas Sometimes you don’t need your shed to get something productive done. It’s not a bad thing to have a little space tucked away to get alone time and relax. Another way that people are using their sheds is by turning them into personal spas equipped with hot tubs. This is a great option for people who live in places with irregular weather. Rain or shine you’ll still be able to visit your shed after a long day and feel your cares fall away as the warm water cleanses and refreshes you. Liveable sheds for rent I know people are doing this one because I’m writing this blog post from the front porch of a rental unit in someone’s backyard. Though I’d classify it more as a Tiny House than as a shed, it’s still a brilliant way for any homeowner to make use of the property they have. These savvy homeowners have made this liveable shed for rent to anyone looking to stay as a guest for a few nights. It’s got one bed, a small shower and bathroom, and a kitchen and washing machine all stashed away into 400 sq ft of floor space. The owners of this particular shed were smart and gave it its own front yard patio space and private driveway. Makes guests feel like they have plenty of privacy, even though the owners live right next door. She shed A trend growing in popularity is to turn your small garden shed into a personal getaway, either for yourself or for your kids. Amy Allen Clark, founder of momadvice.com, decided she wanted to add some personal space to her life. She thought it would be a good idea to have a spot for her kids to play in during the day, and her friends to relax in at night With a little help, she was able to achieve just what she wanted. The shed is equipped with a system that lets her know when her kids are using the shed, and has a bar that seats up to four guests, for after her kids fall asleep. What are some cool ways you’ve used your shed?

What is a Gazebo? Gazebos are the classic cousin of the southern front porch. Built for outdoor function with beautiful design, there’s a sophistication about the gazebo that reminds us of warm days, cool lemonade and wicker furniture. Gazebos are often found under misspellings such as ‘gazeebo, gazbo, and gazibo,’ but there’s nothing confusing about how much class a gazebo can add to a landscape design. Imagine relaxing here on a summer evening. The trouble most people have when they’re looking to buy something like a gazebo is that there isn’t much practical information out there to help narrow down what they want. We at Ulrich Lifestyle have been selling gazebos for a while, and for Q & A time have written up a short guide with answers to those basic questions. Skim this post What is a gazebo? What is the difference between a gazebo and a pergola? Are gazebos a good choice for a business? Is wood or vinyl a better choice? What about delivery and installation? Show me: design inspirations What is a gazebo? Gazebos are the iconic landscape building, usually designed in a classic octagon though they can also be built in a rectangular shape. They come in a variety of sizes and can be made to accommodate big groups, or made to size for the couple that enjoys small parties or sitting outside in the evenings. They are traditionally elegant in style, and because they have the classic look will fit into almost any landscaping design. They are the a popular choice for businesses, homes, parks and lakes or waterfront properties. What is the difference between a gazebo and a pergola? Great question. We also have posts about the perks of owning a pergola or a pavilion. Basically, if you want a floor or the classic octagon look go with a gazebo, though if you want the gazebo look without the floor check with the business and see what they can customize for you. Gazebos, pergolas, or even pavilions are all open-air structures, but gazebos usually provide more protection against the elements than pergolas, and come with options such as screens, doors, electricity wiring, or amenities such as ceiling fans. Pavilions are another option with many customizations like the ones listed above. Are gazebos a good choice for a business? We say yes, absolutely. Many first class businesses across the world have set up gazebos for the enjoyment of their customers and employees. The first question to ask is what the purpose is for the structure, and where will it be situated? Will it be used as a place to relax and entertain, used to serve food, or as a place to rest along a trail or walkway? Figuring out how the building will be used will help the choice of style and size needed to accommodate the guests it will serve. As seen in the photo below gazebos are an excellent choice for use in venues as well. They can house crowds, dinners, dances and outdoor business events. Adding a gazebo for a venue or professional hosting service adds value for the people you serve in practical use and aesthetic appeal. Is wood or vinyl a better choice? This question is best answered by asking two questions, (a) What is the current style of your property and (b) which kind of maintenance appeals to you? Gazebos may need either periodic re-staining of the wood, or cleaning of the vinyl. With either option it is thankfully only on the to-do list every several years. Make sure to ask the business it was purchased from what the best maintenance schedule would be for your gazebo; with good care either type of material should last you for a long time. What about delivery and installation? Good question. Gazebos are a more complicated outdoor building than some and should definitely be set up by professionals. For businesses equipped to handle delivery and installation it is fairly easy, and some will even throw in free delivery up to a certain distance. For example, Ulrich Lifestyle’s policy is to deliver for free up to a 20 mile radius, and installation is usually included in the cost of the buildings we have for sale. Show me: Design Inspirations To get that random burst of inspiration it’s fun to scroll through photos of what other people have done with gazebos on properties, or near their homes. Enjoy! Gazebos meet a variety of outdoor needs… as a lakeside shelter… for an outdoor, covered hot tub or jacuzzi… as a covered bridge… …or as a pool house. For ideas on options and pricing, or to ask Ulrich Lifestyle specific questions, start here. We’re glad you stopped by!

What is a Pergola? One of the most satisfying home projects to build is an outdoor place for family and friends to gather and connect. After buying a home, many of us dream about that luscious backyard for hosting barbecues, maybe relaxing by a pool, creating a safe spot for kids to play, growing a few flowers, and establishing a place where we can forget the responsibilities of life and the office for a while. It’s a good dream to pursue, and the pergola is a great first option to consider. It is more of a minimal purchase, and with its classic Mediterranean look makes for a beautiful landscape feature. The amount of decisions that go into turning a dream space into reality can be a bit overwhelming. We’ve had several years experience helping folks choose outdoor and backyard buildings at Ulrich Lifestyle, and have set up a short guide to help you cover a few basic questions. Skim this Post Basic facts about pergolas. What is the difference between a pergola and gazebo, or pavilion? Should I buy wood or vinyl? Is building a pergola a good home project? Show me: design inspirations Basic Facts about Pergolas Pergolas are the deluxe version of the garden arbor, and are built open-air with a square or rectangular shape. Most come with a lattice top, making it a perfect place to grow climbing plants, hang flower pots, and create a semi-shaded area for comfortable relaxation. Some pergolas come with an option to purchase extra canvas covers for more shade, and another popular choice is to have one side built in for extra shade or privacy. What is the difference between a pergola, gazebo or pavilion? Good question. We have a couple of different blog posts to help you get started with this decision. Pavilions are built with a roof and supports, but no floor, while gazebos are made with floor and roof, and partial sides. Gazebos and pavilions are considered more of an outdoor building, while pergolas provide semi-protection against rain and sun. Should I buy wood or vinyl? There are a few considerations. The first question to consider is whether vinyl or wood will better fit the style of your home or business. What is the current siding on your home? Once you decide this question it has already narrowed down a major choice. The other question is will you want to keep it on a maintenance schedule for re-staining, or keep the vinyl cleaned? Vinyl will typically need to be cleaned every year or every other year, and wood will require a re-stain every 5-10 years. Both of these are somewhat dependent on the climate. For this stunning pool area the homeowners decided to go with an extra long pergola to fit the area and create several “rooms” for dining and relaxing. This pergola was set on a base of stone and used to create a classic outdoor dining area. The table would’ve looked fine solo, but the pergola really finished the area. Is building a pergola a good home project? It can be done, but if you have no professional experience with construction or installation the short answer is ‘leave-it-to-the-pros.’ A pergola may look like an arbor, but it is a bit more complicated. If you choose to buy, some businesses will include free delivery up to certain distance. General policy with orders through Ulrich Lifestyle is free delivery within a 20 miles radius of our business, and in most cases the installation is already included in the cost of the pergola. Show me: design inspirations We’ve collected photos of pergolas we sell to help you get the dreaming started. The best way to know what you want is by seeing ideas of those who have done it before. Each photo may not fit your home exactly, but this is great way to get those random bursts of inspirations for your own space. Enjoy! Notice how this pergola really turns that whole drinks-and-dining end of the pool into a show-stopping feature. It was lovely as it was, but adding the pergola made it into something really noteworthy. Here we have more of an area of elegant relaxation. It is still a superb place to gather, but the ambiance is more a sophisticated cocktail party than a pool party. An area such as this can be easily converted from formal into casual, and vice versa. Pergolas have less sun, wind, and rain protection than gazebos and pavilions. Optional curtains offer added protection. Some pavilions are designed with an arched roof to give them a more distinctive look. Almost any pergola can be customized to your preference. To get ideas for options and pricing, or to ask Ulrich Lifestyle specific questions, click here. Thank you for stopping by!

Where did the idea for the storage shed come from? Surprising or not, what we know as the modern day storage shed is something that has roots as far back as the cavemen. Just as mankind has always strived to expand his wealth and knowledge, it seems that even from early on he has felt the urge to expand his ownership over his own personal space. Sheds as we know them Ancient cultures from across the world found different ways to create storage spaces apart from their houses. The Egyptians stored things underground, and the Eskimos stored (and still store) things inside igloos. The shed as we know it in America today, however, owes its ancestry to the British British Sheds and follies Besides sheds used for storage, another kind of shed-like structures were built in England. These structures, called follies, resemble less the storage shed and more the luxury shed of today–the man cave or she shed. Whereas barns existed to store essentials, follies had seemingly no purpose whatsoever. They actually sprung up as a trend for the wealthy who had plenty of land to spare. The first Brit to build one of these follies was Sir Thomas Tresham. He built Rushton Lodge in 1595. It was a building erected to express his Christian views on the Trinity, and the symbolism of the number three. There are three sides to the lodge, three floors, three windows on each floor, and three smoke-holes in the chimney. Today, the idea of a shed is huge in the British psyche. It’s so big that they even have a yearly contest to decide who has created the best shed. Evolution of the barn Just as American sheds owe their ancestry to the British (the very word “shed” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “shud” which means “cover”), American barns are also close relatives to English barns. The first colonists that came to America from England brought the English Barn with them. The English Barn was about 30×40 ft and was used to store small numbers of livestock and grain. As America formed into a nation, the barn evolved. Eventually it became the iconic Prairie Barn, intended for the wide open range, and then lastly the commercial barn that was popular in the early 1900s. Sheds and barns today Following in this tradition, Ulrich Barns offers sheds for sale in Texas that serve both traditional uses as well as the rising trends in alternative sheds – stables, she sheds, playrooms, office spaces and more. Why have Ulrich build your shed? Once you’ve decided that you want a shed, there are only so many options facing you. You can: Build your own shed –if you have the time, parts and expertise to make a shed. You can hire somebody to design your shed, and then contract someone to make it. I don’t even want to know how much that would cost. You can pick up one of those plastic things you find at your local hardware store and maybe throw a shovel or two in it. Or you can get in touch with www.ulrichlifestyle.com and have a quality shed made for you.

When drawers and shelves aren’t enough to stay organized, these creative organization tips will help you get control of your space: Jars A simple and visually appealing way to get a little more organized is by separating similar objects into glass jars. This can be great when organizing your workbench. Separate nuts and bolts, screws and nails into different jars. Jars can also be a great option for storing your seeds. The jar should keep your seeds fresh while you wait for the right time of year to start your garden up again. Coat Racks Coat racks, especially horizontal ones, can be a great way to keep things organized. The best part about using a coat rack to keep things organized is that you can hang it up along the wall. Doing this is a great way to keep tools and cleaning supplies off the ground. You can even hang bags from the hooks. Store similar items in bags to keep them together. Bicycle Basket Taking your bicycle basket off of your bike and hanging it on the wall is another great storage idea. You can keep paperwork in them, planting supplies, tools–you name it. Kayak Storage Now that it’s summer, it’s time to get out our kayaks and water sports gear from the shed. We’ll want to keep them stored somewhere easy to access, as to not get discouraged from taking them out for weekend boating trips. You can actually make your own Kayak storage rack out of PVC pipe. It’s not too difficult. Making use of the outside of your shed The inside of your shed isn’t the only place you can use for storage. Doing a lot of outdoors work this summer? Attach a wooden boot holder to the outside of your wooden storage shed. The look will compliment the outside appearance of your shed and also be a great way to easily access your work boots. Having a lot of bonfires this summer? Add a storage rack to the outside of your shed where you can keep nicely chopped pieces of firewood. Beats keeping them lying around in a pile all summer. Plus, keeping your wood under the shelter of your shed’s roof will reduce the need to keep a tarp around at all times. Go vintage Another visually pleasing way to make more room is by repurposing old objects into new uses. Vintage is the new chic. Get creative with a wall hanger that you can decorate. Wooden hangers are a great way to make use of your wall space while keeping things vintage. Use charming, box crates made out of vintage wood to store your movies, books, and magazines in. Stack vintage luggage to create a table for storage. Maybe even use the insides of the luggage to keepsakes! Using these creative ways to keep your shed, house or workspace clean won’t only be helpful, they will look great. Don’t be surprised if friends and guests ask you for tips on how they can get organized!

What is a Pavilion? One of the first things we think about are the buildings we see dotted all over the parks and forests in the east. They are usually filled with grills, the smell of charcoal and burgers, picnic tables, brightly colored plastics, family and friends, and occasional raccoons. Pavilions have also become sophisticated choices for backyards, pools, resorts, and businesses all over the world. One of our favorite pavilions is the backyard style. Ranging from large to small, minimal to deluxe, they are a show-stopping feature to any landscape or pool. Interested in buying a pavilion, but feeling overwhelmed about where to start with the choices? Understandably, buying an outdoor building feels like a more complicated choice than where to go for dinner. It’s confusing. Ulrich Lifestyle has been selling, delivering and installing both outdoor and backyard structures for years and to help this process we’ve set up a guide with FAQ’s and basic information. Whether you are considering buying for a home or business, these points apply to both. Skim this Post Basic facts about pavilions How is a pavilion different from a gazebo? Do pavilions have a floor? What about delivery & installation? Wood vs. vinyl question Show me more: design inspirations Let’s get started! Basic Facts about Pavilions Pavilions are free-standing structures usually built in a square or rectangle shape. They are open air with the number of supports that are consistent with the size, such as the one below with four posts. They come without a base or floor, and can be set on pre-existing floors if the area is level and will support the weight. How is a pavilion different from a gazebo? The most basic difference is that pavilions don’t come with floors built in, and the shape of pavilions tend to be in squares or rectangles, while the classic gazebo shape is octagonal.  Gazebos are the more traditionally deluxe cousin, while pavilions tend to be more airy and minimal, though pavilions have also become sophisticated structures since the early days of canvas. Click here for a link to a blog post with info about gazebos. Do pavilions have a floor? Pavilions do not have a built-in floor, and are set on pre-existing bases such as concrete and stone, and sometimes gravel. If you need a built-in floor for the location’s sake a gazebo would be a better option, otherwise the pavilion can be installed as a beautiful addition to an existing base or one you choose. What about delivery and installation? We don’t recommend anyone setting up a pavilion on their own, unless they already have a background in construction. Most places will deliver and install, and some include it in the cost of the building. For example, on any orders placed through Ulrich Lifestyle we have a general policy in place for free delivery within a 20 mile radius, with installation usually included in the price of the pavilion. This is a good illustration of why it is better to have a professional to deliver and set up the pavilion. On several sides there are neighbors close by and in front of the pavilion is a pool, making access limited from almost every side. Wood vs. Vinyl question This question comes down to a personal preference. Wood usually requires re-staining every 5-10 years, and vinyl would need a good cleaning a little more often – it depends on which type of maintenance will best fit your schedule or lifestyle. Current siding (or style) of your home or business is the other consideration. As you can see in the photo below these folks chose to go with the same woodsy flair that their house already has, and it matched the general look very well. Show me: Design Inspirations Sometimes the best way to get an idea of what you want is to browse through photos of what other people have done. Here we have collected a range of inspirations for some dreaming. Enjoy! Above you see a pavilion built on a platform several steps up, which is a great idea to really draw the eye to a feature area.This is a combination pool and elegant outdoor relaxation area. As you can see there is a fire pit nearby and the entire area is private and quiet. The pavilion is the ‘icing on top’ for an already beautiful space. Wicker is the natural choice for outdoor furniture. It holds up well to weather, and comes treated to prevent swelling and discoloration from the elements. One can practically feel the crisp air and comfort of the warm fire in this photo. The attraction of outdoor structures is turning an outdoor space into something usable for most of the seasons of the year. Who says a pool house should only be a changing room?  This pavilion gives an outdoor space for a sitting room and a casual dining area, as well. As you can see in most of these photos, customizations are always an option. Many choose to add electrical wiring, ceiling fans and installed lighting to make outdoor buildings even more homey and comfortable. Imagination isn’t limited, and if you have an idea, check with us! We’d be happy to help, and are glad you stopped by today. To get a more in-depth look at pricing and options contact us. Happy shopping!

Do I Need a Permit to Build or Buy a Storage Shed in Rockingham County, VA? We know that permitting can seem like a hassle. And since I am wanting to put a portable shed in my backyard anyway, I got in touch with the official inspectors to see what permit requirements are for sheds in Rockingham County. It was incredibly simple. If you are needing info for the shed permit requirements in Rockingham County, this article will get you rolling. QUICK STATS Shed Permit Requirements for Rockingham County The 10-second version: Building permit: For a storage shed under 256 sq. ft, no building permit is required. Zoning: Keep your shed 5 feet away from the property lines in your backyard. But give them a call before you install. (540-564-3030) And now, the details… The folks at the Rockingham County offices were very helpful and pleasant, and answered pretty much every conceivable question about sheds and permits in Rockingham County. Here’s what they tell us. If you are building or buying a storage shed, there are two separate issues that you need to be aware of. Building permits. The concern here is the structure itself, and whether it is built to code. Zoning permits. The concern here is where the structure is placed. We’ll look at each of those in turn. Building Permits for Storage Buildings in Rockingham County, VA 256 is the magic number for storage building permits. If your shed is less than 256 square feet, you don’t need a building permit. You can do the math. But for common examples, you don’t need a building permit if your building is 12×20, or 14×18, or less. But there are a few exceptions: Electricity. If you want to wire your shed for electricity, you’ll need a permit. Heat. If you want heat in the shed, you’ll need a mechanical permit. (Space heaters need not apply. The code frowns on buildings incinerating.) Commercial. Businesses buying a shed do not need a shed permit–if you are under that magic 256 sq. ft. However, if you are zoned F1, (manufacturing aircraft, autos, beverages, or pretty much anything) you need a permit. If you are zoned for H (high hazard materials) you need a permit. So, if you plan to manufacture fighter jets in your backyard, or run a jet fuel storage depot, you will definitely need to check with county offices. Here are a few other things you need to know about building to code. Foundations. Under 256 sq.feet, you don’t need a permanent foundation. To learn about popular shed foundations, click here. To learn how to install a gravel pad, click here. Note that even if you don’t need a building permit, your structure still must be built to code. This means that it needs adequate snow load, wind resistance, and so on. (As you might guess, Ulrich Lifestyle buildings are already built to Rockingham County building code.) What if my shed needs a building permit? If your shed is over 256 square feet you will need a permit, but the process is pretty simple. Fill out an application at the office. Those are not available online as of this writing. Pay the permit fee. Fees grow as your building gets bigger. For a storage building, those fees start around $50. Ask when to schedule the inspection. You want to be sure that you get your building signed off. Permits are usually available within 10 days of application. But remember that summer is busy season for building. Jay Carter is the Plan Reviewer with the county. As we talked, Jay pointed out the advantages of going with a reputable company like Ulrich Lifestyle. If a DIY builder is “building from scratch,” the county will have to ask for more specific details, and the inspector is going to look at the building more closely. The advantage of Ulrich Lifestyle is that the entire process should go faster, and there’s little chance of inspection failure. He says, “You all have done a lot of work — it takes the guess work out of it. I love the pre-fab sheds because there’s not a whole lot to go wrong. We like them.” In fact, Ulrich Lifestyle has the engineered drawings of all our standard sheds on file at the Rockingham County offices. They have been pre-approved, making your job easy. Jay suggests, however, that if you need a permit, you should still bring in a drawing of the building. This allows them to stamp it and give it back to you, so you have your own copy of the approval. Your Ulrich Lifestyle sales rep can give you that drawing. Zoning Permits Even if your shed doesn’t need a building permit, you still need a zoning permit. This deals with 3 primary issues: Utilities. You want to avoid setting your shed on top of gas lines, cable, water, sewer, electric, and so on. If the gas company comes to repair a line, and your shed is sitting on top of the leak, a few earnest conversations will follow, and they’re likely to win. Easements. This is similar to the first issue. Easements are the land that you get to seed, fertilize, and mow because you own it. Easements are also the land utility companies can dig up as though they owned it. It’s a great working arrangement. Setbacks. Setbacks are the distance your buildings sits from your property lines. Minimum setbacks are 5 ft. from all property lines in your backyard. But depending on where you are in the county, or or if you have a large building (over 580 sq. ft), your setbacks will be higher. Don’t neglect the zoning permit. Jay is clear: they aren’t driving around the county and policing the placement of your shed. But when you go to sell, the bank will probably do a survey of your property. If you haven’t placed your shed correctly, you may need to move it. Or worse, remove it. As Jay says, “It’s unpleasant when we have to tell people to move a building.” Getting a zoning permit is easy. Sometimes it takes only a phone call (540-564-3030). Other times, you may need to stop by the office at 20 E. Gay St., Harrisonburg. (Map this.) Either way, it’s not usually a lengthy or difficult process. Rockingham County Shed Permits: Cost, Red Tape, and Hassle Here’s a pleasant summary. For a shed under 256 sq. feet … No cost. No paperwork. Thank you, Rockingham County! Contact Information — Rockingham County Offices 20 E. Gay St., Harrisonburg, VA. (Map this.) 540-564-3030