Workers raking and leveling a gravel pad with a laser level to prepare a shed foundation

Site Prep & Delivery

Get Your Site Ready for Delivery

Before the Mule rolls in, your spot needs to be level and reachable. Here is exactly what to have ready, the four base options to choose from, which work is handled by you or a local contractor, and the clearance our driver needs to set your building down right.

Foundation Options (517) 673-5120

Which Base Does Your Building Need?

For quite a few of our customers, the answer ends up being a gravel pad. The right base depends on your building, your ground, and your budget. Here are the four options we most commonly see with our customers, and some simple reasons for when each one makes sense.

At times, your local municipality decides what your property and building size require, and at other times they let you make the choice. We always recommend checking with them first.

Gravel Pad

the long-term value

A gravel pad keeps your building level, dry, and off the dirt for years. It drains well and resists settling, which is why it fits nearly every shed, barn, and cabin. It costs more than blocks, but it gives you a strong base. Most customers either build it themselves or hire a local contractor.

What the pad needs

At least 6 inches past the building on every side
A foot past it if your roof has a wide overhang
4 to 6 inches of 3/4-inch clean crushed stone or 21AA
Landscape fabric underneath is optional

Concrete Blocks

the low-cost way

You can pick up solid concrete blocks, 2 or 4 inches thick, at a local home improvement store like Lowe's or Home Depot without spending much. We find this to be an affordable, quality option if a gravel pad feels a bit out of your current budget.

Have them near the spot and our driver will place them under the building.

What to buy

2-inch or 4-inch thick solid concrete blocks
One block every 4 to 6 feet under each runner

Bare or Leveled Ground

smaller sheds, flat ground

Works for smaller sheds on ground that is already flat and well-drained. Bare dirt can settle and hold moisture over time, so it is the least forgiving of the four.

Our driver brings treated wood blocking to finish leveling and shimming if you do not have concrete blocks or the ground is a little off.

What to check

The spot is already close to flat
Water drains away from it after a rain
Minor grade up to about 6 to 8 inches is fine

Concrete Pad

the biggest commitment

A poured slab costs the most in money and time, and it is the most permanent base you can put under a building.

Our drivers can remove the runners at your delivery so it sits about 4 inches lower (an add-on cost, paid directly to the driver).

Makes sense for

Garages
Large or heavy buildings
When a permit calls for it

We Don't Do Site Prep In-House, But We Might Know Someone Who Can Help

The pad itself is handled by you or a local contractor, but we're glad to help you figure out what your building needs. In two areas, there's a local contractor our customers have used for years, and we're comfortable pointing you to them.

Adrian, Tecumseh, and Lenawee County

VanErt's Landscaping & Building Contractor

For customers around Adrian, Tecumseh, and Lenawee County, we're comfortable pointing you to VanErt's Landscaping & Building Contractor. Kevin's built more than 125 shed pads and foundations for our customers over the years, with more added every year. He's a good friend, and we trust him for great service, quality, and communication. Reach out directly to talk scope, timing, and pricing.

(517) 265-5423 1506 Sutton Rd., Adrian, MI 49221

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Monroe, Monroe County, and the southern Detroit metro

Big D's General Contracting

For customers in Monroe and Monroe County, up into the southern Detroit metro area, we're comfortable pointing you to Big D's General Contracting. He's built well over 50 shed pads and foundations for our customers in the region over the years, with more added every year. We've even trusted him with a few projects of our own. Reach out directly to talk scope, timing, and pricing.

(734) 915-2816

Big D's on Facebook

Outside these areas?

Even if we don't have someone we recommend who works in your area, we're happy to share thoughts and ideas on how to find a good contractor near you. Send us a message with where your building is going.

Send us a message

A red Amish-built lofted barn being set in place on a customer property by the delivery Mule

Getting It In Place

What the Mule Needs to Get In

Our delivery Mule is a nimble machine that can tuck a building into spots a truck never could. It still needs a clear, firm way in. Walk your route with these four things in mind.

A clear path in

The Mule needs an opening at least as wide as your building, plus a foot or two of wiggle room. Check gates, fence openings, and the gap between the house and trees.

Overhead clearance

Watch for low branches, power and cable lines, and roof eaves along the route. The building and the Mule both need room overhead.

Firm, fairly level ground

The Mule is heavy, and soft, wet, or sandy ground can bog it down. Minor grade of up to about 6 to 8 inches is fine. Our driver brings treated wood blocking to finish leveling and shimming if you do not have concrete blocks or the ground is a little off.

Gates and obstacles

Removable gate panels make placement easy. Point out anything fixed in the path, like AC units, septic lids, raised beds, or sprinkler heads, so we can plan around it.

If the site is not ready: our driver will take a look and make the call on the spot. If a building cannot be set down safely, we will not force it. We will work out the next step with you and reschedule. No surprise charges, no pressure.

Not Sure? Send Us Some Pictures (and/or Videos).

Every yard is different. Tell us about your property and what you are putting there, and we will be glad to help you figure out the right base and the easiest way in. No pressure, no guesswork.

Talk to Us About Your Site

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Adrian

60+Buildings on Display

Our first established location just off US-223 in Adrian. Walk through dozens of styles and configurations, sit inside a few, take your time. No appointment needed. We leave the buildings unlocked. Come see the quality for yourself.

Address

2301 E. US 223, Adrian, MI 49221

Phone

517-673-5120 Text Us

Hours

Mon–Tue: 10am–5pm

Wed: Closed

Thu–Fri: 10am–5pm

Sat: 10am–3pm

Sun: Closed

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Carleton

55+Buildings on Display

Located just off Telegraph Road in Carleton, we have a full selection of sheds, cabins, garages, barns, and more ready to walk through whenever you're ready. We can't wait to see you soon.