Traditional and Aesthetics Still Tops Although homeowners are embracing backyard buildings for a wide variety of unique new uses—from home office to man cave to backyard retreat and, yes, the occasional tiny home—traditional products remain top sellers. For Stor-Mor Sheds in Meridian, Idaho,[Read More…]
Megan Headley
Megan Headley is a freelance writer with more
than a decade of experience writing about the
built environment. She can be reached at
rmheadley3@gmail.com, or connect with her
at www.linkedin.com/in/meganheadley
From Shed Builder to Retail Entrepreneur
Many shed builders got into the business because they found demand for their skill. But to keep that demand coming, it’s critical to have a solid retail component connected to your shed business. If you’re looking to sell your work yourself, consider these five tips for expanding your building business[Read More…]
Making the most of Your Sales Lot
When a potential customer takes their first step onto your sales lot, what do they see? Sales staff ready to answer questions? Brochures they can take home as they consider their buying options? Lots of options to meet a wide variety of buyers’ needs? If word of mouth is the[Read More…]
Transforming the Shed Shell
Many shed builders find that when they’re ready to expand their product line, depending on the local market, cabins and/or cottages are the perfect way to grow. While codes and permitting are more stringent for outbuildings intended to house people, as compared to storage buildings, shed builders may find that[Read More…]
Is the Time Right to Expand from Storage Buildings to Dwellings?
Shed builders looking to differentiate or expand their business into other product lines often see cabins and/or cottages as a perfect fit. While the intention is different—and housing people versus tools is a critical difference—the size, framework, and even construction materials of these outbuildings bear many similarities. And for builders[Read More…]
What Do You Need for Shed Delivery?
The Internet is full of advice for homeowners who need to move a shed. Just find the right size trailer, or a couple of your buddies, and you’re in business, these sites say. Having enough hands on deck may be the key to a DIY shed move (if you’re willing[Read More…]
Leveling with the Customer
Just about every shed mover has been there: You get to the jobsite and, lo and behold, your 40-foot trailer won’t fit through the gate. Or maybe it’s that the shed’s peaked roof comes about level with low-hanging power lines. Or perhaps you make it to the shed site, but[Read More…]
Maximizing Your Workspace
Whether building full sheds in the shop, or simply doing the prep work for an onsite build, most shed builders have one common complaint: Not enough room to work. The trouble is, no matter how big your current space is, it’s likely never going to be big enough. However, a[Read More…]
2016 Shed Design Forecast
Planning a change to your inventory or offerings for 2016? Then it pays to know what your competitors around the country are offering in the year ahead. While well-known shed styles remain as popular as ever, many manufacturers and dealers are mixing things up with new materials, new options and[Read More…]
Power Problems
Whether it’s for small-scale power tools or major automated equipment, power is a part of the manufacturing process—and occasionally one of the manufacturing headaches. Shed builders face a range of energy challenges, ranging from finding power at remote locations to protecting equipment in the shop from surges, as well as[Read More…]
