Jon Rollins, an architect, works with wood to create furniture, cabinets, and sculpture. He needed a new shop to keep his tools and sawdust out of his home. Ulrich Barn Builders had built a storage shed onsite for a friend from work. The beauty and quality of the building convinced Jon to work with Ulrich to build a shop for him. As an architect, Rollins wanted a storage shed that matched his home and looked like it belonged on his property. He had a good idea of the size and style he wanted before he contacted Ulrich Barn Builders. Jon chose a 12×16 Elite Craftsmen shed. He wanted the clerestory windows for more natural light on his projects. He had Ulrich customize the storage shed by removing the loft in the middle for added headroom and leaving it in the ends for storage. They added a single door to the corner so he could build a small storage room across one end for bikes and yard equipment. The crew from Ulrich Barn Builders built the storage shed onsite in less than a week. They worked efficiently, keeping their work area tidy. After the shop was built, Jon added electricity, lights, cabinets, and storage for his tools and supplies. Now he loves to work alone in his shop, enjoying the details of each project. He says his projects are his therapy. His woodworking takes him completely out of his everyday life and gives him time and space to contemplate. He is very satisfied with his new storage shed that matches his home. As an architect, he recognizes quality in a building when he sees it, and Jon says, “I would certainly recommend Ulrich.” #JonRollins #WoodworkingShop

Michelle Mukuna from Arlington, Texas, always wanted a she shed. For her fiftieth birthday, she decided to buy one for herself. She drove past sales lots with cute she sheds, but when she went to Ulrich Lifestyle’s plant, she fell in love with one of our most elegant sheds. Working with Everett Ulrich at Ulrich Lifestyle, Michelle started with a Retreat style cabin shell to get the look she wanted, but more affordably. She designed the 12×18 shed around an ornate chandelier. White trim and carriage lights on the outside add to its charm. Michelle found Everett Ulrich at Ulrich Lifestyle to be professional and friendly from the design stage to the building process in her backyard, even changing window placement at the last minute. Nestling her relaxing she shed in a corner of her yard, Michelle planted a rose garden nearby and added a front deck with rocking chairs. She decorated the interior with feminine, floral pieces, including bird accents and the dollhouse from her childhood. Michelle jokingly compares herself to Cheryl in the famous State Farm commercial, and feels confident that her she shed is chichier than Cheryl’s. “I had been collecting all these beautiful things that I knew I wanted to go in my shed,” Michelle says. “What I wanted was a place I can relax, read, enjoy fellowship with my friends, my family. All my girlfriends, we can sit around and talk.” “It’s a fellowship shed,” Michelle says. “It’s like having a getaway right in your backyard.”

Russell and Robyn Lamb from Whitesboro, Texas built a house which burned when it was struck by lightning. Stuck in a rental house in town, they wanted to get back out to their country property. They considered living in an RV, but when Russell saw an ad for Ulrich Lifestyle, he contacted Ulrich Designer Greg Stubbs about a tiny home. As Russell saw the details of the sturdy construction of Ulrich Lifestyle buildings, he was impressed. “From the time I contacted them, they were helpful,” Russell says. He was worried about needing to take out fences and cut down mature trees to get a building onto his property. He was relieved to find that we had an affordable onsite build option. In three days the Ulrich crew had built the shed between the trees, leaving behind a painted, trimmed building, complete with window boxes. While they wanted a tiny home, the Lambs still needed space for a master suite, open living room and kitchen, and laundry room. A 16×44 Retreat was just the right size for their needs. They added transom windows over the french doors for more natural light. The Lambs added shiplap to the walls, a stained wood ceiling, wood floors, and a full-sized kitchen. Robyn decorated their tiny home beautifully with warm farmhouse décor. A deck in front adds to their living space. Though they may eventually build a bigger house and their Ulrich Lifestyle tiny home will become the guest house, for the time being, “It’s perfectly comfortable to come home to,” Russell says. “It feels like home.” #Tinyhome #RussellandRobynLamb #Retreat #Farmhousedecor

Kirk and Amy Zambetti were looking for a vacation home in the Hill Country near Art, Texas. “The big idea was to find a piece of Texas countryside that we could enjoy as a family,” Amy says, “a happy place to create memories.” They wanted to get away from the city, enjoy campfires, and for Kirk to hunt with his sons. They wanted a house they could move right into, but a custom-built home could take two years. Kirk and Amy enjoyed working with lifestyle structure adviser Brian Winkle at Ulrich Cabins to customize a 32×56 vacation home cabin exactly to their wishes. Though the process had seemed overwhelming for Amy, with Brian’s design experience, “it came together seamlessly.” “Ulrich Cabins is very responsive to the customer,” Amy says. They chose a white board and batten exterior. They planned a large open kitchen and living area for gatherings of family and friends, with an extra big kitchen island. They changed a walk-in closet to a home office for Kirk. Extra windows open to the Hill Country views. The Zambettis were thrilled when their vacation home was completed and ready to move in only eight weeks, three weeks early.  The Ulrich Cabins delivery team set the house down precisely, ensuring the windows perfectly framed the views, adding porches front and back. “It’s built like a tank,” Kirk says, satisfied their cabin will withstand the elements for years to come, providing a beautiful, comfortable space for their family to make memories together. #vacationhome #KirkandAmyZambetti #UlrichCabin

Getting a shed, workshop, or any other type of backyard structure can be a daunting task for some, especially if they have never done it before. While researching, you will find many different kinds of sheds at various price points. They also serve many other purposes. Whether it is a kit, a fully finished structure complete with insulation and climate control, or something in between, there are endless possibilities in getting your structure done. To some, on paper at least, going with the cheaper or less expensive option might sound like the right choice, especially if you are willing to put in some work yourself. Let us explore some of the actual costs associated with a purchase like this and why the “cheap” route might end up costing you more in the long run. Going a cheap route plus finishing it out yourself If you want something like a backyard office, mancave, she shed or other lifestyle structure, you’ll want it finished out more than likely. To get something finished out, you have a few options, buying something already done and not having to lift a finger, or buying a shed as a shell and doing the work yourself. If you opt to try and do it yourself, it may seem like a cost-effective way to get the structure you want. While this is true in most cases in the short run over the long run, it could cost a lot more in terms of time and money spent. Buying a shed unfinished and then finishing it out does come with a few challenges. Doors – let’s say you want a different door than the one your shed came with. To accomplish this, you buy the one you want and attempt to fit that door in the same spot the old door was framed out for. This is difficult because it is complicated to get a proper seal since initially, it was not framed out for that door and dimensions. Adding windows – If the storage shed you bought didn’t come with windows, and you opted to put them in yourself, you would be presented with several factors to consider. While the window off the shelf is less of an investment upfront, when you consider the other materials you would have to buy, like siding for the trim and caulking, it ends up being more. Insulation – While it is possible to insulate the walls of a shell after you purchase it, it’s not an option in most cases on the floor, which is the most critical if your concern is keeping your shed at a suitable temperature and moisture out. Materials and waste – planning to finish out your shed will come with a list of materials needed, which again might seem like a good option cost-wise, but it is tough to plan exactly how much you will need. This can lead to buying more than initially planned and possibly waste. Warranties – If buying a shed then finishing it out yourself, that in almost all cases will void any warranty you got when you purchased the building. This means whether it’s a few weeks or a few years down the road, you will be responsible for the cost and labor of fixing anything that might go wrong with your outdoor shed or office. Opting for a smaller size building to save a few bucks There is no need to pretend that the costs of a structure will seem like the most important thing to someone when first looking for a backyard shed or structure. One of the leading factors that drive price is the size of the building. It might seem like a good idea if budget becomes a problem to get the smallest footprint building that you think will accomplish what you need. While this certainly can be achieved in some cases, you can run out of room quickly if you are using the shed for storage. The same goes for converting it to an art studio or workshop. The more tools/materials you acquire, the more space you may find you need. Adding on to an existing shed or workshop is very difficult, costly, and doesn’t always come out how someone might of envisioned. That is why it is critical and can be a better return on investment in the long run if you listen to an expert and go with the size that will accommodate everything you’re looking to accomplish. Quality, Craftsmanship, and Warranties When thinking about which route you want to take when getting a storage shed, backyard studio, workshop, or other structure, you really should think about it as an investment, not a purchase. What that means is no matter what your upfront costs end up being, over the next 20 years, that structure should provide you with more value than you initially paid for. When you’re talking about what you got in return for what you bought, several factors can be looked at. Quality – Using quality materials like investing in high-grade lumber, shingles, and any other materials involved in constructing the shed is critical in providing a quality, long-term lifestyle structure. Craftsmanship – While it is crucial to have top-quality materials, having the passion and skill to provide a consistent quality is just as important. The company you choose to partner with for your structure should have the same passion for your project as you do and the ability to make your vision come to life with expert craftsmanship. Warranty – If a company can pair high-quality materials with expert craftsmanship, their warranty should show that. You will typically see shed warranties in the 3-10 year range with all sorts of qualifiers to get the warranty honored. Ulrich believes in our product, which is evident with warranties starting at 10 years and going to 20 years. And being in business for over 30 years, we will be around to honor that warranty for many years to come. Slowing down and getting it right. The most essential factor in getting long-term value is getting it right the first time. Ulrich does not believe in a cookie-cutter approach to getting you the solution you want and deserve. Whether it is a storage shed, workshop, or any other lifestyle structure, we want to take the time, get your needs, dreams, and wants and make it fit in a budget that makes sense. We believe in discovering your actual needs and bringing your lifestyle home. Our goal is honestly not just to make you happy the day you make your purchase but to continue that happiness for many, many years after. While it may seem like a good idea to save a few dollars upfront opting for something that is not the perfect solution will cause pain and more of an investment in both time and money in the long run. Contact us if you’re ready to start the process today.

Donna O’Toole has enjoyed crafting as a hobby for quite a few years. More recently, her daughter nudged her to consider getting a backyard shed. Donna and her husband Bob enjoyed perusing the Sturdi Shed lot in Corsicana. Donna was very impressed with the quality of the buildings. While they started by looking for a small shed, they quickly started thinking about how nice it would be to have a large shed — large enough to both store Bob’s tools and have a crafting area for Donna. Working with a Sturdi Shed dealer, they settled on a 12×24 ft Sturdi Shed Lofted Barn, painted gray and white to match their home. One end has a large rollup door large enough for a lawn mower. The long side of the building has a single door, making it easy for Donna to get in and out of her crafting space. So far, the crafting space isn’t fully finished out, but it does have a window air conditioner, peg board, and electricity. Donna hopes to fully finish out the interior with sheetrock in the future. For now, the simple space provides a wonderful little getaway area where Donna can immerse herself in her art. A large sign on the wall says “DONNA’S SCRHAPPY PLACE.” “I come out here in the morning, and I lose track of time,” says Donna. “It’s just a place for me to relax and enjoy my art.” A word of caution, though, to husbands who are considering sharing a shed with their wife. Donna says she may take over the entire barn for her hobbies! #Craftshed #SturdiShed #LoftedBarnShed

You have finally found and closed on the perfect land for you and your family. Now what? Finding a house and land to put it on can be a very daunting task. There can be a lot of hoops to jump through, and in some cases, finding the land and purchasing it is only half the battle. Read below on how Ulrich can simplify your home building process once you get the land and some tips to help you along the way. I don't have my land yet; should I wait to call until I do? Although we wrote this article to inform you if you had your land and were ready to move forward, we don’t want your first call to Ulrich to be after you purchase your dream property. We genuinely want to be there for you, in the beginning, to help you in any way we can. Whether that be sharing knowledge on what kind of land works best for you, different tips for securing financing, what space you will truly need, and helping you truly understand your overall budget for what will work for you from land to cabin and utilities. The earlier you can get Ulrich in your corner, the more we can go to work for you and make this typically stressful process a breeze! What is needed on the land? One of the things we will do with you is guide you through the process once you have the land. This will include setting up the water, electricity, clearance needed, and how all of that fits into your overall budget. A lot of people come into this whole process with a vision in their head, whether that is country living full time or a weekend escape for the family. We leverage our expertise and make that vision a reality. We do that by working together with you on a plan to set up your land and get you enjoying your home as quickly as possible. Getting Water set up One of the first things to consider is water. Some people who buy our homes are already set up with either city or co-op water which is pretty straightforward. However, some may need to check their land and surrounding area to see if they have good access to water. A good option for people who have good water access would be to drill a well. If you do not have good access to water, you still have some excellent options to put in a water system. If you are in an area that gets a good amount of rainfall, you could install a rain catch system that can be very effective. But if you don’t have well access and live in a dry climate where these systems won’t work for you, you could store the water in tanks on your property and have water haulers come fill it up for you when it is time. While to some, this might seem like an inconvenience. When you factor in both the size of tanks and the number of water haulers in the rural areas of places we serve, this can be an excellent option and cost-effective in some cases. Hooking up your Electricity Identifying where you want to put your cabin on your property will be a factor in getting the costs of installing electricity. Several factors will go into pricing, but the main two are the associated labor to run the electricity and the closest access point or electricity pole to run your power from. This can be a factor, and it is hard to ballpark without having someone see your property, so it is best to contact your local county to see what you would need to get power run and the costs associated with that. Type of septic and getting it installed The septic system is a big system to install and tends to be the one that customers wonder about the most. Depending on where your land is located different counties could have different requirements for the type of septic system they require. Some counties, for example, may require an anaerobic system. These systems are more costly, mainly in the $8,000-$12,000 range, depending on what type of terrain you’re in. If your county doesn’t require that, you could always opt for a conventional septic system, which will be more cost-effective at around $4,000 – $6,000 again depending on location, labor, etc. Talking Budget When we talk about budget with our customers, we typically talk about it with an all-in approach. If someone comes to us and hasn’t purchased their land, we understand that will factor in the home they decide to purchase. There are great websites such as Land Watch, Lands of Texas, and even Zillow that can help someone who has no idea where to search. If you know what area/county you will be purchasing, going with a local land broker can also be a great option. Once the customer knows what land they are buying, we can combine the factors mentioned above with the overall cost of the new cabin and come to a realistic number. Doing it this way will prevent any confusion down the road and give you a clearer picture of everything itll take to start enjoying your home and land. What's required before the cabin arrives? We would of likely addressed this during the design process, but this is good to know as a general rule of thumb we need 20 feet high and 20 feet in width of clearance. There are no sharp 90 degree turns and a clear path to where the cabin needs to go. Does that mean it has to be those dimensions every time? No, we’ve been doing this for 30 years and have made some interesting things happen to get our homes to our customers, which is why we are so involved. We typically will not need to do site checks as pictures and utilize tools like google maps will suffice for understanding what we will need to do to make the delivery happen. We will never say no unless we are sure there is no way we could get it there and our designers will address that at the beginning of the process.

Although it is, in most cases, the go-to metric for someone determining the value of a home, square foot pricing can be somewhat of a shifty concept that doesn’t always mean what you think it does if you are looking at it from a pure number standpoint. We will look at factors that go into pricing and how we come up with a square footage price, take some of the mystery out of it, and show how that is just one factor that can be used to determine a home’s actual value. Price vs. Investment When people think about square footage price, it can seem higher on a smaller square footage home than a bigger one. So when thinking about the investment, it’s wise to think about it from a total investment number, with square footage being one of the factors. Quality We are not a low-cost provider, and we have never wanted to be. We are a quality home builder building to code using the highest quality materials in a quality-controlled environment with strict quality assurance standards. Let’s elaborate, a stick-built home built on site will typically use sheetrock. Let’s say it’s about $15 per panel that will run you anywhere from $300 – $500 per 200 sqft room. We use tongue and groove lodgepole pine, western redwood cedar, or both for our finish. The costs associated with those woods can range up to 10 times the price of what it would be for drywall or sheetrock. Even with that significant disparity in the quality of materials used and their costs, we are still around the same price as a site-built – stick-built home. Size Size is the biggest factor when looking at a price per square foot number. That is for several reasons, one being any other things you add like cabinetry or the type of HVAC, etc, will add costs to the overall home. The more that number will rise when you spread that over a square footage price, the less square footage you have. Imagine adding $5,000 worth of cabinetry to a 300 square foot home and adding that same amount to a 600 square foot home, and you can see how quickly that number can rise. Another factor is that on our smaller homes (sub 400), there will be an additional charge to the home because of labor costs, etc. This is right in line with what other homebuilders do, and it’s something that can increase your costs per square foot. It’s always wise to look at it as an overall investment and see if it is worth it from that angle. Cabinetry When discussing pricing, something that might fly under the radar is the cabinetry you want in your home. No matter the amount or quality of the cabinets you put in, it will affect the price. At Ulrich, we have an in-house custom cabinet shop that allows us to fully customize the size and needs of your cabin and use high-quality pine and cedar to make those cabinets look good and stand the test of time. It is all solid wood construction with features such as slow close hinges, unlike the store-bought screw-in type you might be used to seeing. So when you talk about adding some of that cabinetry into, let’s say, a smaller footprint home, that will cause the price per square foot to rise quickly. There is nothing like gorgeous cabinetry to accent a kitchen or bathroom as well as the many uses they will provide, but it’s something important to know as you go into planning for your home. HVAC The heating and cooling system of your home will also impact your home’s overall square footage price. You have several HVAC options as far as types of systems, and it boils down to what’s important to you and what your plans are long term. The most cost savings option would be to frame out and place window units in your cabin. Depending on the size of your home, you might need several units, which could take away from the aesthetics of your home. A step above that would be a thru-wall unit, like you may have seen in hotels. Depending on the size of your home, you will need several of these, and the noise plus the space they take up could take away from the comfort you are looking for in country cabin living. The best option we have found over the years for our homes is a mini-split system. These are very efficient for what they are and allow for multiple units so you can have zoned comfort in whatever room you are in. These do require more of an investment upfront but are something that most of our clients go with because of the long-term value they provide. They will not take up much space, are typically placed on the upper portion of a wall, and are very quiet when operating. Any of these systems will add to the overall cost of your home and increase that square footage price. Just weigh the pros and cons and see what will provide you with the most value long term. Bathrooms Bathrooms are going to be a factor when you’re talking about price. It is important to consider how you will be using the home and letting that dictate how many bathrooms you may need. Size is the first thing to think about, and if you are getting less than 500 square feet, you could feasibly get away with one bathroom. If you’re getting a bigger space and anticipate doing a lot of entertaining or having friends and family over, you might opt for 2 or more and maybe a public half bathroom that is not in one of your rooms. All of these are possible, and we can work with you to determine the best setup in your situation. A bathroom can typically add $5,000-$10,000, which will factor into your overall price. Conclusion All of these are factors into what can go into an overall price and a square footage price. While it’s not a perfect metric to determine the overall value, it will always be something to pay attention to. We believe in transparency about what goes into our pricing. We believe in providing homes to customers that they will be proud of for years to come. Hopefully, the knowledge you have gotten from this article can help you with your decisions in the future and help take out the guesswork and mystery of the square footage pricing. Ulrich is always here to help you no matter where you are in your journey. Give us a call today, and let us see how we can serve you!

Storage sheds can be a great investment for your property. Whether you are looking for extra storage or a private space to work, a storage shed adds value to your property and your life. So, how much do storage sheds cost? Storage sheds from Ulrich are available at prices from $3,800 plus tax. Ulrich sheds are made with high-quality materials and skilled labor to ensure your satisfaction. Customizations, including lofts, workbenches, and finishing, will add to the total cost. At Ulrich, all of our sheds are customized to meet your exact needs. You’ll often find that sheds on the market vary dramatically in price, and this is largely due to the quality and durability of the product and its materials. We always use the highest quality materials to build our structures so our customers get the best storage shed they could ask for. Storage Shed Pricing Breakdown There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of a storage shed, including the size and style of the shed, the materials used, the level of customization, and whether or not installation is included. Shed Size One of the most important factors in shed pricing is size. Sheds are available in a wide range of sizes, from small sheds that are just big enough to hold a lawn mower and some garden tools, to large sheds that can accommodate all of your outdoor equipment, bicycles, and more. The size of the shed you need will depend on the items you need to store. Materials The higher quality the material used to create your shed, the higher the total cost will likely be. At Ulrich, we always use high-quality materials – from the wood of the frame to the exterior paint – to design and build long-lasting, durable structures that will serve your needs for years to come. Finishing If you want to spend time in your storage shed or convert it into a more habitable space, finishing it out is usually the way to go. A custom shed from Ulrich will give you the opportunity to opt for insulation, electrical wiring, drywall, and more so that you can comfortably use your new space. Choosing to finish out your storage shed will increase the cost of the structure because of the extra labor and materials needed to complete the job. Customization If you purchase a premade storage shed, the price will be relatively consistent, but you will often miss out on opportunities to get exactly what you want. We offer a variety of customization options, from lofts and workbenches to ramps and insulation, to ensure your storage shed meets your needs. While customizations do add to the total cost, customizing your shed will provide the amenities and features you want, whether you plan to store gardening tools inside, use the space as a home office, or rent it out to travelers. Installation Some shed manufacturers charge extra for installation. At Ulrich, we provide white-glove delivery and installation with every order to ensure your custom shed is treated with care throughout the entire process. Other Costs to Consider When Buying a Storage Shed There are a few other costs you may want to keep in mind when budgeting for your storage shed. Permits Depending on the size and location of your shed, you may need to obtain a permit from your city or county. The cost of the permit will vary depending on the municipality. When you work with Ulrich on a custom shed, we will help you determine what, if any, permits you need to install a storage shed on your property. Our team can help you secure the necessary permissions, as well. Foundation and Site Preparation Choosing the right spot for your new storage shed is an important part of the process. For most Ulrich sheds, you will not need to take extra steps to prepare the site, saving you time, energy, and money. However, it is important to select a relatively flat and level area that is accessible. Our team can also use blocks to level your shed when they install it. Some shed companies may charge extra for site preparation, especially if they require you to have a concrete foundation in place beforehand. Is It Cheaper to Buy a Shed or Build a Shed? Buying a shed kit or the raw materials necessary to build your own shed will often be less expensive than buying a custom shed. However, building your own shed can be more costly in other ways, so weighing the pros and cons of each option before committing to one is important. How Much Does It Cost to Build a Storage Shed? When calculating the cost of building your own storage shed, you need to not only consider how much money you will spend but also how much time and energy you will need to complete the project. It may be cheaper to simply purchase the materials for a shed (including wood beams, drywall, hardware, paint, and more), but the building process will require a substantial amount of planning, labor, quality assurance, and effort on your part, as well. Consider how much money you will spend on purchasing and hauling materials. If you don’t have a large enough vehicle to transport them, you will need to rent or borrow a vehicle, which can be costly or inconvenient. When it comes to the time, energy, and labor you need to dedicate to the project, you should realize that you may need to spend weeks, if not months, planning out the design of your shed, obtaining materials, building the structure, and ensuring everything is in order. If you don’t have sufficient tools or experience building structures like storage sheds, it is often advisable to purchase a custom shed and trust in the work of professionals. How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Storage Shed? Custom storage sheds from Ulrich start at $3,800 plus tax. Depending on the size and customizations you select, an unfinished shed can cost as much as $20,000, while a finished shed may cost up to $60,000. The price tag for custom, high-quality storage sheds may be higher than shed kits or DIY options, but you will save on time, energy, and labor by purchasing a custom shed. Additionally, premade sheds will rarely include the features you need to be satisfied, so you will lose out on having a shed that suits your needs.

Whether you want extra storage space for lawn equipment, an easy-to-access home office, or a private residence to rent out or keep family members close, a large 12×16 storage shed can provide you with the flexibility and utility you need. If you are interested in adding a large shed to your property, you’re probably wondering: how much does it cost to build a 12×16 shed? A custom 12×16 shed from Ulrich starts at $9,100 plus tax. Using highly-skilled labor, high-quality material selection, competitive warranty, white-glove delivery, and an exceptional experience from start to finish, these sheds are a worthwhile investment that will withstand time and the elements. With a variety of customizable options including lofts and decks, you can get everything you need from your large storage shed when you collaborate with our design team. A 12×16 shed can be a significant investment, especially as prices of materials and quality products have risen over time. Because this structure is larger than most standard storage sheds, it is important to consider how you intend to use it, what features you want, and how much time and money you are willing to put into it. For a high-quality, durable shed of this size, a custom shed from Ulrich will guarantee your satisfaction. Is It Cheaper To Build Or Buy A Shed? In most cases, trying to build a shed on your own can be costly, dangerous, and time-consuming. When deciding between buying or building a shed, you should not only consider the financial cost of materials and labor but also the value of your time. Building a shed on your own requires a significant time commitment, and it is important to decide whether you are willing to sacrifice your time for this project. If you have experience building houses or other sturdy structures, you may be able to construct your own shed without too much difficulty. However, for most individuals, it will be cheaper, safer, and quicker to buy a shed. Is A 12x16 Shed Big Enough? A 12×16 shed is a good size for storing lawn equipment, bikes, and other outdoor gear. It’s also large enough to use as a workshop or studio space. If you need more storage space, you can always build a larger shed, but a 12 x 16 shed is often sufficient for most purposes. The versatility of a 12×16 storage shed can give you the space you need for a variety of uses, including: Lawn equipment and gardening tools storage Bike and motorcycle storage Sports equipment storage Home office Workshop or studio Pool house AirBNB or other vacation rental Mother-in-Law suite Guest house Man cave She shed Where to Install a 12x16 Shed When installing a shed, it’s important to choose a relatively level spot that’s not too close to your house or other buildings. You’ll also want to make sure there’s enough room around the shed for easy access. Once you’ve selected the perfect spot, mark out the area with stakes and string so you can see where the shed will go. At Ulrich, we handle the delivery and installation of all our custom sheds and other structures. You don’t need to worry about laying down a foundation or preparing the site in any special way. If the ground isn’t perfectly flat or level, we will lay down blocks to level your shed during installation. How To Get A Cost Estimate On A Custom Shed Getting an estimate on the price of a custom shed is easy with Ulrich. Just give us a call or fill out the form below, and we’ll help design and build the perfect shed for you.

If you are looking to enhance your backyard area, there are a few options you can choose from. Pergolas, Gazebos, and Pavilions are all outdoor living structures but each has their own unique look and purpose. This article describes each outdoor structure’s look, use, and factors to consider when building each one. As summer approaches, now is the perfect time to think about adding a beautiful structure to your backyard to relax, enjoy, and entertain guests in the comfort of your backyard. Pergolas Traditionally, a pergola was used most often in a garden scenario for subtle shade to enjoy the garden and for growing and displaying plants. The pergola has grown and expanded into many more modern uses but is still used in the traditional sense regularly as well. Often pergolas are compared to gazebos and pavilions but unlike the two, pergolas are more often used for aesthetic purposes. A pergola commonly has a lattice style roof that does not offer full shade like a pavilion or gazebo would. This lattice style roof design wise can still offer partial shade but also gives a more open and airy feel to the area’s ambience. In addition this style of roof can also be good for hanging plants that have long vines and branches or climbing plants that grow and intertwine on structures like trellises or arbors. If you are considering adding to your outdoor living space and think a pergola may be a good addition you will want to consider a few factors: Use – What is the purpose of this area? Are you looking to add a shaded area or would partial shade be sufficient? Outdoor Ambiance – Are you looking for something that enhances an open and spacious environment? Design – Pergolas come in many different styles so you will want to decide what design you are hoping to achieve with your outdoor space. Pergolas can be a great addition to a garden used more traditionally for plant and shade purposes. They are also a stunning addition to an outdoor seating area or poolside hangout spot. The uses of a pergola are incredibly diverse, so if you are looking for a multipurpose but tasteful addition to your outdoor living space a pergola would be the perfect addition! Gazebos A gazebo is a free standing outdoor structure built to enhance one’s backyard landscape. Classic gazebos are octagonal in shape but there are a variety of ways to build them. There are several different shape options for gazebos including oval, rectangular, dodecagonal, and of course the classic octagonal gazebo. Gazebos have deck floors and provide a large sitting area for entertaining. There are plenty of ways to enjoy your gazebo once it’s been completed. You can sit and relax while reading a book. A table could be set up under the gazebo to host an outdoor dinner gathering. By setting up chairs, you could host a small backyard concert, performance, or celebration. When building a gazebo, there are a few factors to consider in the design. Location – where will the gazebo be placed in your yard? Scale and proportion – think about the size of the gazebo, choose one that isn’t too big or too small for the space Style – What style are you looking for? Does it blend with your house and complement your yard? Having an outdoor living area such as a gazebo adds value and style to your home. It creates a perfect space in the yard for relaxing, gathering, entertaining, and more. You will enjoy the harmony and beauty of your new gazebo for years to come! Pavilions A pavilion is an open architectural space. Pavilions have many uses including an outdoor kitchen space, a poolside bar, or for backyard dining. Gathering under a finely constructed pavilion during the nice Spring and Summer evenings will create memories to last a lifetime. You’ve probably seen a large pavilion at a park. These are perfect setups for picnic areas or outdoor events. They are common structures at parks because they can accommodate larger groups and provide plenty of shade. When building a pavilion, there are a few factors to consider in the design. You want a sturdy build that matches your home and provides comfort. Materials – Vinyl or Wooden Style – Traditional, Modern, etc – keep in mind the style of your house You want the pavilion to fit and complement its surroundings Primary use – what will be the main function of the pavilion? Enjoy hosting family and friends in the backyard underneath your stunning new pavilion! Conclusion Each outdoor structure has its unique qualities. Deciding which one will work best for you and your outdoor space depends on the look and feel you’re going for. Whether it’s a poolside pergola, a relaxing space under a gazebo, or an outdoor dining pavilion, each structure will complement your backyard in a new way. These structures would be splendid additions to any backyard and will delight you, your family, and all the guests you have the pleasure to entertain!

Have you ever wondered what an Ulrich Cabin is like? Whether you have one question or a hundred questions, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most common questions we receive about our cabins. The answers to these questions are given by our in house cabin expert, Brian Pokrifcsak. Brian has worked in the land selling and home building industry for over 30 years and his experience and expertise allow for great insight when it comes to learning more about Ulrich cabins. After reading this article, you will have an understanding of who we are, what we build, and the answers to all your cabin questions. To begin, let’s answer one of the most common questions people have about our cabin homes. 1. How much does an Ulrich cabin cost? There are 5 areas that control the price when purchasing a cabin home. Size of cabin – The biggest factor that affects price is the size of your cabin. Think about the purpose of your cabin and the amount of square feet you will need. Number of bathrooms – The amount of bathrooms in your cabin influences the price based on the fixtures we install in each one. Choice of Heating/Cooling Systems – We have options on the heating/cooling systems that vary in price and it is your preference which one you select Amount of Cabinetry – We custom craft and build all of the cabinetry that goes into each cabin. The amount of cabinetry you select affects the price of the cabin. Porches/Skirting options – Depending on the type of porches and skirting you choose, those additions factor into the price as well. 2. How long does it take to build an Ulrich cabin? Typically, lead times on our cabins are between 14-16 weeks. It does not take that long to actually build the home; in fact, most of our cabins we can knock out in about 4 weeks! The lead times we give are based on the overall construction from start to finish considering everything from beginning to end. 3. Is an Ulrich cabin turnkey? Yes, these 100% stick built homes built offsite and brought onsite are completely turnkey. The only thing the customer is responsible for is making connections to their water, electric, and septic system on their land. The land must also be a site ready for delivery with no big obstacles in the way of where the cabin will be set up. We typically need 20 feet height and 20 feet width clearance to bring a cabin onto your property and install it above ground on a pier and beam style foundation. 4. What area do you deliver the cabins to? We deliver throughout the state of Texas as our cabin park is based in Cleburne, Texas. In the state of Texas, there is a small delivery fee to bring your cabin to your land. We do make exceptions to deliver out of state and have done so before. Delivering a cabin outside of Texas is possible but outside of our normal delivery range. The further from our location in Cleburne TX we are traveling to deliver, the more the cost of the cabin is affected. That being said, we have delivered our cabins as far as California and Arizona! We will make an exception for customers out of state if it makes good business sense for us and for you. 5. Does Ulrich finance the cabins? We do not offer in house financing on our cabins. We do have a network of preferred lenders that are very competitive and understand our process. We have a good relationship with these lenders as we have worked with them before to finance our cabins. If you have a bank you know and trust, whether that’s a small credit union or your local bank, we recommend going through them to get your cabin financed. 6. What are the requirements to start construction? The requirements to start construction on your cabin involve land, time frame, and payment. The ownership of your land as well as a time frame that fits our build schedule are important to consider before starting construction. For payment, we take 50% of the payment down when the cabin is first ordered. The next 40% is taken once the home is complete. Lastly, two additional payments are collected once we finish porches, everything is complete, and you are 100% satisfied with everything. 7. How are the cabins classified? They are not modular, manufactured, or mobile homes. They are 100% stick built homes built off site and brought on site. They are not classified as mobile homes because they are not built on a trailer and do not sit on axles. They are not classified as a manufactured home because you are not limited to 7-10 floor plans to choose from. We allow you to customize your floor plan. We build a rustic wood product, a 100% timber built home. No sheet material on the interior is used. 8. What options do I have in customizing my cabin? The options you have when customizing your cabin include the exterior finish, roof type and color, cabinetry, bathrooms, windows, interior finishes, paint colors, floor colors, porches (how many and what type – railing or no railing). You are custom building a home with choices that we guide you through to select options that fit your lifestyle and desires for your home. 9. How is an Ulrich cabin delivered and installed? We deliver the cabins using our special equipment that is designed to move the entire house down the road and on to your site. We install it on an above ground pier and beam style foundation system. 10. Where are the Ulrich cabins built? We build out of Cleburne, Texas. We have a model home park that currently stages 5 of our cabin models. The cabin park is open Monday through Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Closed on Sundays. In Conclusion There you have it! The top 10 questions and answers about Ulrich cabins are now a part of your knowledge base and will help you in your research and understanding of Ulrich cabins. We have been in business for over 30 years and are proud of who we are and what we build. We do not take shortcuts on materials at any level as we believe it doesn’t take that much more to do it right. We use the best of the best materials and ensure a quality product from start to finish. Come out and see our homes at our model home park so you can see who we are, what we build, and how we may fit your lifestyle with an Ulrich cabin. Cabin park