Buying Guide
At Northland Sheds, we understand that choosing to buy a shed isn’t a decision you want to make lightly. There are a number of factors to consider and choices to make, and it can quickly become overwhelming.
We want your shed buying experience to be as seamless and stress-free as possible, so we created a 5-step buying guide to simplify the process. Follow these steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a shed in no time!
Our Simple 5-Step Buying Guide
1. Determine Your Budget
2. Assess Your Needs
3. Choose Your Building
4. Prepare The Site
5. Schedule The Delivery
1. Determine Your Budget
At Northland Sheds, we offer a variety of shed styles and sizes, so you’ll be sure to find one that fits your budget. We also offer several flexible payment options for your new shed.
Other Costs to Consider
Shed Permits
Depending where you’re located, you may need to apply for a permit for your shed. Here’s an article on shed permits in North Dakota for more info.
Site Prep Costs
If you’re placing a shed where there’s no pad or foundation, you’ll need to calculate the cost of site prep in your total cost. Here’s an article for more info on site prep.
Delivery Fees
The cost of delivery will depend on your location. See our delivery page for more information.
Shed Payment Options
When purchasing a shed, there are a few other costs to consider besides the price of the shed.
Cash
Paying with cash is the simplest way to buy, and offers the lowest overall cost. You’ll save money on interest and other fees, and you’ll own the shed as soon as it’s delivered. Cash sales can be paid with cash, check or ACH
Rent-To-Own
*(Not Available in Minnesota)
Our Rent-To-Own option is affordable payment opton that is a great alternative to renting a self-storage units. With this option, you pay monthly “rental” payments, which go towards paying off the shed. After making the payments, you receive ownership of the shed.
Traditional Financing
With traditional financing, you own the shed outright, and you’ll make monthly payments that go towards the balance on the shed.
2. Assess Your Needs
After you’ve determined a budget, it’s time to get specific about your needs. Here are some things to consider.
Usage
Sheds can be used in a variety of ways, from storage to living spaces like home gyms or offices, and how you use your shed will determine the best style and size for you. For instance, if you need lots of storage space, our High Barn shed is a great choice. Our Studio sheds are a perfect shed to use for your home office.
Sizing
Choosing the correct size is one of the most important decisions for your shed purchase. Here are some questions to consider:
- What will you place in your shed?
- What is the widest item I will want to move in and out of my shed?
- What items might you buy in the future that you’ll need to place in your shed?
Options
What options will your shed need to have? If you’re planning to use your shed as a home office, make sure it has plenty of windows for natural lighting. Or, if you need a place to store boxes, getting a shed with a loft area is a good choice.
3. Choose Your Building
When choosing to buy a shed from Northland Sheds, you can choose from our selection of sheds in stock or order a custom shed from our 3D Designer tool. Here are more details:
In-Stock Sheds
- Choose a shed from our online inventory. Sheds are sold as is and are not customizable.
- Short wait time: It will take approximately 10-14 days to have your shed delivered, but can vary depending on location.
How To Get an In-Stock Shed
- Browse online inventory
- Select your shed
- Place your order
Custom Sheds
- Full customizable sheds designed and ordered with our 3D Design Tool
- Longer wait time: At least 3-4 weeks. Lead times will vary depending on the design
How to Get a Custom Shed
- Open 3D Builder Tool and enter a zip code (for delivery fees)
- Design your shed by selecting the size, colors, materials, and options you want
- View your estimated price and check out right from the 3D Builder
After you’ve placed your shed order, we’ll reach out with any additional information and to answer any questions you may have.
4. Prepare The Site
Proper site preparation is a crucial step of the process. Keep in mind that getting the proper permitting before you begin is important. Here are some steps to a proper shed foundation.
1. Build Temporary Frame
Using 2×4 lumber build a 3-sided temporary frame slightly larger than your shed. Fasten the frame to the stakes from the outside to ensure easy removal of the frame after it is filled.
2. Fill with Base Material
Level the frame and ensure it is square, then fill with base material. We recommend at least 2-3 inches of crushed gravel for a long-lasting foundation.
3. Level Base
Level out the base with rakes or shovels. Slide a board over the top of the leveled frame to make sure the base is level.
4. Compact Base Material
Using a compactor to finish your new foundation will make delivery easier and minimize the settling of your shed over time.
For more informational on proper site prep, check out our site prep page.
5. Schedule The Delivery
After placing your shed order, a customer representative will contact you to arrange a date that works for both you and our delivery driver. On the set date, our delivery driver will come and set up the shed on the place you prepared for it.
During the delivery, the driver will use a Shed Mule, our machine specially designed to place sheds. This will ensure that your property is not damaged and that you get the shed placed exactly like you want it.
Delivery Costs
If you live within 10 miles of a shed lot, delivery is a flat rate of $199. We charge $4.50 or $5 per mile one way for anything past 10 miles, depending on what width the building is. Click Here to see how close you are to one of our shed lots.
For more information, check our Delivery page! As always, we’d love to talk if you have any questions!