By Do It Yourself • Keen's Buildings • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings: The End of Summer RV Vacation Checklist

Just because summer is almost over doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fun RV Trip! In fact, the offseason may be the best time to go. With prices dipping due to decreased demand and the weather getting cooler, why not take a cross country excursion? Every trip’s made better when you’re properly prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled this end of summer vacation checklist so you can have everything you need to enjoy your RV trip!
If you’re going on a road trip and taking shelter from the weather in your RV, then you’ll need many of the same amenities you would need for your home, here is a list, so you don’t forget anything.

Clothing and bedding

Clothing and bedding are essential to braving the weather. When you’re packing, be aware that the weather can change, so you’ll want to bring clothing that is suitable for the environment you’ll be traversing in. That means bringing a raincoat, jackets, socks, etcetera. You’ll also want to pack some sheets or a sleeping bag (depending on your needs) and some rags and towels for washing up.

Hygenic items

Be sure to pack any hygienic items you need to stay clean. This includes any of your favorite soaps, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, tissues, or anything else you may need to keep you looking and feeling your best!

First aid kits and medication

No one wants to imagine themselves getting hurt or falling ill, least of all while they are on their vacation; however, it can happen. Stay prepared by making sure that you have your first aid kit fully stocked with antibacterial ointments, compresses, bandaids, disinfectants, gloves, and cotton swabs. Additionally, if you or anyone on the trip requires specific medication, be sure to bring it. Being prepared can make all the difference in the world!

Food and cooking supplies

While on vacation you’ll need to eat. So be sure to pack any cooking supplies, oils, pots, pans, dish soap, disposable plates, and uncles. You may also want to carry as any seasonings and the food you want to prepare – unless you plan on purchasing it while on your trip. It’s a good rule of thumb to take a little extra food just in case you need it. Be sure to carry plenty of bottled water on your trip as well.

Miscellaneous

Lastly, take any items that you will need personally. Some of these items may be obsolete (depending on your situation). Here are a few items you nay need on our trip. Sunscreen, insect repellant, A GPS, solar power charging devices/batteries, cleaning wipes, a tool kit, and a wi-fi hot spot.

When you have everything you need for your RV trip, then you can spend that time enjoying yourself and not being concerned about obtaining necessities.

By Design • Do It Yourself • Sheds • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings: Fantastic Ideas for a She Shed

Ideas for a She shed

Men aren’t the only ones who can benefit greatly from having a shed. She sheds are becoming more and more popular. Here are a few creative ideas for turning a regular shed into a she shed!

Yoga or exercise space

Yoga and exercising are great for the body. You can stretch and do your work out in the privacy of your she shed. For this, you’ll need whatever equipment you typically use for your workout regimen. Whether that’s a yoga mat, weights, or an exercise bike. The shed will offer protection for your equipment as well as plenty of space for you to work out in.

Reading room

Curling up with a good book can be absolutely rejuvenation, particularly after working all week. However, it can also be difficult to find a nice secluded area to read that is free of distractions or disturbances. With a reading shed, you’ll have your very own reading space or library! To pull this off you will need a bookshelf, comfortable seating, and ample light.

Crafts

Crafts are a fun hobby, but it can be frustrating not having a specific location to do them, and constantly having to shift and move the tools you need can feel like a hassle. However, with a craft shed, all of your tools will be protected and in one location. What you need to equip your craft shed with will depend on the type of crafts you do. Regardless, you’ll likely benefit greatly from having a storage area, a sturdy table, and comfortable chairs.

Office

We can all benefit from having an office. Whether it’s to work or study an office can offer you a quiet space and the privacy you need to get work done. To pull this off, you’ll need electricity and any amenities you will need for your work. That can mean a laptop, computer, pens, paper, books, and more! If you plan on using your office all year round you may want to consider getting additional insulation so you’ll be able to conserve energy and control the temperature.

Café shed

It can be delightfully fun to create meals in the comfort of your own backyard. With a café or kitchen shed, you can do that with ease. It’s perfect for inviting friends over or having a family gathering. You’ll likely benefit from a refrigerator, chairs, and other amenities to get your kitchen up and running.

There is no limit to the uses of a shed. If you what to add on to a pre-existing shed or have one built contact Keen’s Buildings today!

 

By Construction • Design • Do It Yourself • Sheds 0 Comments

Keen’s Buildings: How to Convert your Old Shed into a Hideaway

Clubhouses and hideaways are appealing. Having your own unique space can be a truly comforting thing, and in a relatively crowded and popular location, such as Florida, it’s certainly appealing. If you have a shed in your backyard, you can easily convert it into a hideaway using these tips.

A fresh coat of paint

The first step is to give your old shed a paint job, inside and out. Because sheds are often small, this should be a relatively quick and painless endeavor. You can paint your shed to match your house or blend it with the surrounding area.

Repair

If your shed has any cracks or damages have them repaired. Sealing any cracks will prevent unwelcome intruders, like bugs, from entering through the cracks. You can use caulk and weather stripping to create an airtight space for your soon to be hideaway. If your shed is very old, you may need to replace entire walls or larger sections of the shed.

Install some windows

To add some natural light into your new hideaway, consider installing some skylight windows. In the moonlight, a window pointing towards the sky can create a memorizing effect. If you choose to you can have a skylight window that opens to allow some fresh air in, in this way you can enjoy some of the wonderful benefits of the outdoors in privacy.

Insulation

Insulation is excellent for energy conservation and condensation management. With proper insulation, your hideaway can be comfortable inside regardless of the season.

Add air conditioning or heating

In addition to insulation air conditioning and heating means you can control the temperature with ease. In Florida, air conditioning can be a saving grace. Just make sure that you allocate the space necessary for the installation.

Lighting

Many sheds only have one lightbulb, and for a small storage shed, that’s enough. However, when repurposing, you shed, you may want to add more lighting. Overhead lights and lamps are perfect to have if you plan to read or study. You can also install lights outside of your shed if you plan to use your hideaway in the evening.

Extra space

You can always add additional rooms and space to your shed. Many storage sheds are built with shelves and hooks. This is fantastic, as you’ll already have an area to store things. Think twice before tearing down shelve and hooks; they may be useful!

Repurpose old furniture

If you have any old furniture or benches, they can become useful assets for your newly refurbished building. If your furniture is a little rough, you can repair it. Sanding rough surfaces and adding a fresh coat of paint can go a long way when it comes to salvaging old furniture.

Replacing the door

The type of door you use can say a lot about the type of building you have. A simple door design can create a very welcoming atmosphere. You can add a screen door, patio, or porch to create a homely, welcoming feel.

The possibilities for your hideaway are endless. From purpose to ascetics, you can create a secondary space to be used however you want.

 

By Design • Do It Yourself • Outdoor Sheds • Sheds • Tips and Tricks • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Transform your Storage Shed into a She Shed

A well laid out plan can yield excellent results. With careful planning, you can make use of all the space you have, and turn a storage shed into a house complete with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Converting a storage shed into a she shed is not as difficult as it may seem. With six simple steps, you can change your drab storage shed into a living space with all the necessities to live comfortably.

Step 1: Planning

Determine the space you need for your shed, measure out the area, and sketch out the design you want for your shed. Allocate space for a porch and determine which assets you want for your building. You can also add a porch for a homely feel. Clean the inside and outside of yours shed well before you start your construction.

Step 2: Repairs

If your roof, foundation, or walls need any repairs, be sure not to neglect them. A proper foundation will endure that your building lasts a long time and will save you in costly repairs later. Check the ground and the foundation for moisture, and any other compromises.

Step 3: Insulation

Proper insulation in the walls and roof will not only help you better control temperature but also save energy. If you have single pane windows, consider replacing them with double-pane windows that have screens. You can also install drywall and paint over it to add to the ascetics.

Step 4: Rooms

Build a small bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and living room. You can add counters and open shelves for storage.

Step 5: The Interior

Determine which flooring you want to go with and have it laid down. Hardwood or tile are both excellent options. Additionally, a few heaters and an ac unit will go a long way in controlling the temperature. Radiators that use oil are an energy efficient heating option.

Step 6: furniture

You can reuse old furniture or purchase new furniture for your tiny house. Using a sofa instead of a bed can help your safe space. You can use a table as a desk as well.

A tiny house can be a comfy hideaway that is perfect for small intimate gatherings or space just for you.

 

 

By Construction • Do It Yourself • Metal Buildings • Steel Buildings • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Things You Need to Know Before You Start Constructing Your Metal Building

The decision to construct a metal building is a great one. There are many factors to your metal building that you have likely considered. The type, function, and aesthetics of what will be your new property are all things that have probably crossed your mind. However, there are also other factors you should consider. These considerations aren’t about the construction, but about the company itself and the quality of the products and services they provide.

Whom you decide to have constructed your metal building can be just as important as the materials, and other decisions regarding the building itself. This is because different companies may use materials of different quality, that means if you have two different companies build the same building type there will be variations between the buildings. For that reason, it’s always wise to research the company you have building for you. Look at customer reviews and complaints made to the Better Business Bureau. Thoroughly examine the company and their history to see if they are reputable. Be sure to ask about the manufacturer qualifications and process to obtain more information regarding building materials.

Low Price Doesn’t Equal Good Quality

Low price doesn’t always mean you’re getting good quality. Sometimes a higher rate may be worth it considering the cost of quality materials. Having a flimsy metal building negates its purpose. Be sure that a discount price doesn’t also mean that the quality of your construction is discounted as well.

In today’s time, there are a plethora of scammers who only want to take your money and leave you without anything. Be sure that those whom you have constructing your building are a real entity. A metal building dealer won’t have any problems verifying this for you as they will have a central location (or locations) to verify the authenticity of their existence. If you have any doubts, it’s okay to ask if they have a real office.

Do your research

Check to see if the company you have constructing your building serves your area. Far too often companies claim to be nationwide, but only serving people in specific regions. This can be an incredibly frustrating situation to deal with and certainly something you don’t want to find out after you’ve spent time (or even money) trying to put a building together.

Ask About Customizability Options

Each metal building company has a specific process when it comes to constructing buildings; however, see if they also allow for custom buildings. While having a metal building is excellent, it can be even better if the building fits the specifications you desire. Don’t let a pushy salesperson or anyone bully you into making a purchase you aren’t comfortable with. You want a company that strives to understand what you need from your metal building and truly listen, understand, and strive to meet those needs.

The Understand the Buying Process

Finally, understand the buying process. Also, any fees you may incur before, during, and after the construction phase. A good company will walk you through it and be upfront about what you can expect. Additionally, they will let you know if anything could change during the process.

At Keen’s Buildings, you’re not just another sale or a person for us to turn a profit. We value each one of our customers and strive to meet the unique needs of their project. Contact us today if you have any questions, we would love to hear from you.

By Do It Yourself • Keen's Buildings • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

When it Comes to Metal Buildings Don’t trust the Discounts!

Discounts and deals, who doesn’t love them? Lower price same quality… right?

We’ve become accustomed to getting things at a cheaper price, but less expensive doesn’t always mean better, and the cost has to come out somewhere. To put it simply many companies cannot afford to create high-quality goods and sell them at a super cheap price. So, what do many of them do? They sacrifice the quality of the goods. In the end, you’ll have a low cost and a low-quality metal building that won’t last.

When trying to decide if something is truly worth it there are a few things you’ll want to consider, first is the person, entity, or company you are purchasing from trustworthy? This is a big factor, and with the sheer quantity of metal building fabricators out there it is extremely difficult to know who you can and can’t trust. A good rule of thumb is to research the company. Customer reviews are your friends, and if you’re going to invest (discount or not) then you want to make sure that your investment is worth it.

Many discount metal building dealers are trying to undercut their competition by drawing people in with low prices, but what they don’t tell you is that the quality is reduced.

A quality metal building will last.

Metal is a very durable material and a metal building, if constructed well, should last for decades. In the end, sacrificing durability and safety in exchange for a cheaper cost is not worth it.

Location

If you are having problems pinpointing a specific physical location, or an office in the real world that should be a red flag for the authenticity of the company. Many dealers can make their site look fantastic online, but may not have a physical location. A reputable dealer will have a physical place you can go to if you would prefer to discuss things in person.

Communication

How a dealer chooses to communicate can also be an indicator of whether or not they are a legitimate business. If a business refuses to answer basic questions or seem to be elusive with their answers, it may be best to look further into the company before conducting business with them.

Reviews

Reviews are critical. From there you can see what others have experienced when working with the company. Don’t skip BBB ratings as they can provide a lot of insight into complaints.

Here at Keen’s Buildings, we strive for transparency and openness with our customers. If you ever have any questions regarding our services or products feel free to contact us. We will happily work with you every step of the way to ensure that you get the building you want.

By Do It Yourself • • 0 Comments

Storage Tips from Keen’s Buildings for Your Barn and Shed

 

 

Storage-Tips-from-Keens-Buildings-for-Your-Barn-and-Shed

Everyone requires extra storage space at some point in their life and when that happens to have a storage space like a shed, a barn, or a garage can be a lifesaver. It is better than renting storage space because you’re not paying any monthly rent and have easy access to your stuff since it is all on your property. However, not everyone has the luxury to afford an extra storage building where they can keep their storage items. It is great to have a shed, garage, or barn on your property for storage, but these buildings can get cluttered over time.

Most people don’t mind the clutter, but they don’t realize that they can use these storage buildings for more than just storing stuff. Having a clean and uncluttered storage shed, barn or garage gives you additional space, where you can work on your hobbies. If you are bad at organizing storage items and want to de-clutter your barn, shed or garage, then you have come to the right place.

Here are the best tips from Keen’s Buildings related to storage for your barn, shed, and garage:

1.   Storage in your shed

You will generally be storing garden supplies and tools in your shed, but you can also create a small workshop in the shed with the additional space, once you organize your stuff. There are so many things you can store in your shed, depending on its size, but to maximize the storage potential of the shed, it is imperative that you focus on keeping things organized. You can hang baskets on the walls where you can put in utensils, and use the walls of the shed to hang tools. Use wooden crates to store heavier and bigger items like garden shovels and drills.

2.   Storage in your garage

The garage must be clean and organized because you will be storing your car over there, and your little ones or pets might occasionally visit it as well. Therefore, keep all electrical equipment out of reach from little ones, and keeping them on top of cabinets or hanging high on the walls is a great idea. This will keep the floor neat and tidy, and ensure that no one trips over any equipment in the garage. Clearing up clutter in your garage will provide you with more space, and you can use that as a small office or even as a place where you put in a couch to relax and have a few beers.

3.   Storage in your barn

If you have a barn on your property, you must be storing everything related to animal produce and other farming equipment in there. Keeping a barn clean and organized can be a challenge, but if you manage to pull it off, you will be saving yourself a lot of trouble. It is important that you keep all your tools and supplies in one place so that you don’t lose any items.

Getting rid of clutter in your barn will also allow you to get rid of any pests that do get inside since they will not have any place to hide or nest. Make sure that you keep the barn clean for any animals that you are keeping in there, which means no items should be left lying around the floor.

By Do It Yourself • General Information • • • • • 0 Comments

Pest Control Tips to Keep Your Shed Free From Pests All Year Around

Pest-Control-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Shed-Free-Pests-All-Year-Around

 

Pest control is a big problem for every household because no one wants their house crawling with tiny creepy crawlers and critters that have built nests in all the crooks and crannies. The biggest problems with pests are that by the time you notice them it is already too late. This means that you must acquire pest control services to eliminate unwanted critters from your property. Most people don’t pay much attention to their sheds when it comes to cleanliness, and all that clutter creates the perfect conditions for pests to build their nests.

Most homeowners don’t want to use chemicals to fight pests, but that doesn’t mean you should let pests reside in your shed throughout the year. There are a lot of natural ways in which you can control pests in your sheds and ensure your property remains pest free the whole year. These methods are as follows:

1.    Seal all doors and windows

The most obvious pest control method you can employ is keeping your shed locked completely so that nothing gets inside it. If there are cracks and holes in the shed, it can provide easy access to insects and pests to get inside and find shelter. Therefore, make sure that all windows and doors are sealed completely, and are airtight, so not even dust gets inside.

2.    Perform regular checks

When the colder months arrive a lot of critters and pets will try to find warm shelter, which is exactly what your shed will provide them with. Therefore, you should be extra vigilant before winter and ensure that your shed is sealed and protected from any pest or small animals like squirrels and rodents.

3.    Remove piles of debris

Small animals and pests are attracted to debris because it provides them with an area that is sheltered and perfect nesting conditions. If you have a lot of debris piled alongside your shed, it will be an open invitation to them to invade your property. So, clean up and remove all piles of debris on your property to ensure your shed is free from pests.

4.    Trim bushes and branches

Most small animals, like squirrels and raccoons, are expert climbers and will use the branches and tree limbs to find a way into your shed. You can save yourself a lot of trouble from these pests by regularly trimming the branches and bushes on your property. Make sure that no branches are hanging over your shed, which could provide easy access for these critters.

5.    Secure garbage bins

Insects and pests will be attracted to leftover food and garbage on your property, especially your garbage bins. So, make sure that you keep all your garbage bins securely locked on your property, otherwise, these pests will find a way to get inside them and wreak havoc.

If you have a pest infestation problem on your property and in your shed, you shouldn’t take any chances and get in touch with pest control professionals to eliminate them immediately.

By Aluminum Buildings • Aluminum Storage Buildings • Do It Yourself • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Carports • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Metal Storage Buildings • Steel Carports • Steel Garage • • • • 0 Comments

Cleaning a Keen’s Buildings Steel Building Made Easy

Now that you’ve got your Keen’s Buildings Steel Building, durable storage structure built you will want to keep it clean and organized. Taking a few hours and a little sunshine to maintain the appearance of your building is key for keeping mold, mildew, and stains your steel building. These helpful guide lines should offer some ways to tackle the task. With A Mixture of Dish soap and Water: Get a bucket with a tablespoon of mild dish soap. Keep in mind that for every file gallons of water used, you only need a few teaspoons of soap. Next take your garden hose to rinse the siding and outer structure thoroughly. Once you’ve loosened the dirt, on the outside, use a long-handled scrub brush with soft bristles or oversized sponge. You don’t want to scratch the surface of our building with a harsh cleaning utensil. Work your away all around your structure and then rinse down the building with your garden hose When Using A Power Washer: Power washers can have intensive water pressure settings which be more effective for removing dirt on the exterior of a Keens Steel Building. Power washers can be rented or purchased depending on how often you may use one. Most power washers come with attachments like long handled brushes with bristles that rotate. Often times these power washers come with cleaning solutions that help get rid of tough stains on the siding. Be sure to use a low setting on the power washer if you’ve chosen a vinyl or wooden structure. High pressure blasts directly hitting non-steel surfaces can be damaging. Remove mildew with a Special Cleaner: Stubborn spots and stains can require a bit more than elbow grease. Try using a special cleaning solution with a toothbrush to concentrate on those tough stains. Rinse clean let dry then repeat the process. Many home improvement specialty stores carry cleaning solutions made for vinyl and wooden surfaces. While a Keens Steel building structure can withstand high-pressure blasts you want to be mindful not go overboard with certain chemicals in specialty cleaners. They can cause surface discoloration. Use a Water and Vinegar Solution: A-70% water 30% vinegar combination is the right ratio for this solution. Many environment concerned clients prefer to use all-natural products. A vinegar-based cleaning solutions is a green alternative that is rather effective. You want to wash down your building with the vinegar solution, let it set for 30 minutes, rinse, repeat and dry. Try a combination of laundry detergent and water: This is as another cost-effective structure cleaning option. 1/3 cup detergent for every 6 gallons of water is the suggested proportion. If you are using a power washer you can use this mixture as your cleaning solution. Long-handled sponge mops or scrubbing brushes will work up a good lather on your steel building. Rinse off the surface with a garden hose or power cleaner, repeat, and then let dry. We suggest that you use caution when cleaning your steeling building from Keen’s Buildings. If you have questions, please feel free to contact one of our sales specialist in an office near you - https://www.keensbuildings.net/choose-your-keens-location/.

Now that you’ve got your Keen’s Buildings Steel Building, durable storage structure built you will want to keep it clean and organized.  Taking a few hours and a little sunshine to maintain the appearance of your building is key for keeping mold, mildew, and stains your steel building. These helpful guide lines should offer some ways to tackle the task.

With A Mixture of Dish soap and Water:  Get a bucket with a tablespoon of mild dish soap. Keep in mind that for every five gallons of water used, you only need a few teaspoons of soap.  Next, take your garden hose to rinse the siding and outer structure thoroughly. Once you’ve loosened the dirt, on the outside, use a long handled scrub brush with soft bristles or oversized sponge. You don’t want to scratch the surface of our building with a harsh cleaning utensil.  Work your way all around your structure and then rinse down the building with your garden hose

When Using A Power Washer: Power washers can have intensive water pressure settings which be more effective for removing dirt on the exterior of a Keens Steel Building. Power washers can be rented or purchased depending on how often you may use one. Most power washers come with attachments like long handled brushes with bristles that rotate. Often times these power washers come with cleaning solutions that help get rid of tough stains on the siding. Be sure to use a low setting on the power washer if you’ve chosen a vinyl or wooden structure.  High-pressure blasts directly hitting nonsteel surfaces can be damaging.

Remove mildew with a Special Cleaner: Stubborn spots and stains can require a bit more than elbow grease. Try using a special cleaning solution with a tooth brush to concentrate on those tough stains. Rinse clean let dry then repeat the process. Many home improvement specialty stores carry cleaning solutions made for vinyl and wooden surfaces. While a Keens Steel building structure can withstand high-pressure blasts you want to be mindful not go overboard with certain chemicals in specialty cleaners. They can cause surface discoloration.

Use a Water and Vinegar Solution: A-70% water 30% vinegar combination is the right ratio for this solution. Many environment concerned clients prefer to use all-natural products.  A vinegar based cleaning solutions is a green alternative that is rather effective. You want to wash down your building with the vinegar solution, let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse, repeat and dry.

Try a combination of laundry detergent and water:  This is another cost-effective structure cleaning option. 1/3 cup detergent for every 6 gallons of water is the suggested proportion. If you are using a power washer you can use this mixture as your cleaning solution. Long handled sponge mops or scrubbing brushes will work up a good lather on your steel building. Rinse off the surface with a garden hose or power cleaner, repeat, and then let dry.

We suggest that you use caution when cleaning your steel building from Keen’s Buildings. If you have questions, please feel free to contact one of our sales specialist in an office near you – https://www.keensbuildings.net/choose-your-keens-location//.