Deciding What Size Metal Shelter or Shed to Get That Fits Your Needs

Purchasing a metal storage garage is a big decision that takes some time to review and discuss. While there are several things to take into account when deciding on purchasing a metal carport or shed there are two items to think over that are the most important. The first is to determine what your metal storage shed will be storing and how big of a metal garage you will need to shelter those items. To help with those decisions, we’ve created a brief list of what items are most commonly stored in metal storage sheds and how to decide which size shed/garage to purchase.

If You Are Storing A Car

If you are purchasing a storage shed to house and store a vehicle, it is very important to get a metal garage that fits your car with space to spare. You will first want to measure the length and the width of the vehicle being stored as well as how tall the vehicle is at its absolutely tallest point. That will ensure you have a carport that is the perfect fit for your car. But what many people forget is that once the car is snuggly nestled in its new home, you still need to get out of the car without dinging the doors. If you are using your metal storage shed for a car, always give yourself enough width (usually a few extra feet) to get out of the car, as well as enough height to stand up without bumping your head.

If You Are Providing a Shelter for Animals

If you intend to use your metal garage to provide a shelter for animals it is important to take into account the type of animals you intend to house. For larger animals such as horse and livestock, you will want a much larger metal garage with openings for stalls and entrances. For caged animals like guinea pigs or rabbits, measure out the width and stacking height of the cages as well as the depth. Be sure to compensate for a pathway between each side of the cages and take into account whether or not you may need more space in the future and plan accordingly.

If You Are Storing a RV or Boat

RVs and boats can be stored under metal carports or in metal storage garages and each has its benefits. To further protect your RV and Boat form the elements, it is suggested to purchase a fully enclosed garage with a garage door. You would measure this the same way as you would if you were storing a car. Measure the width, length and height of the car and then add a few extra feet to the width to account for opening doors and getting out of the garage. Also, remember that if online prices only go to a certain height, contact us and we can discuss custom carport and metal storage garage options.

If You Are Storing Every Day Outdoor and Household Items

If you are using your metal storage shed to store household items, then you will want to make sure there is plenty of space for your items, with extra space to spare for organizing and walkways. If you have items that are temperature or light sensitive, you can look into custom options that allow temperature control as well as windows, skylights and lighting systems. Other custom features available are security systems for those precious and valuable items being stored.

The Metal Shelter or Shed That Fits Your Needs

Always remember to measure what you are storing and prepare for having walkways, organizing and extra space if needed. One important thing to remember is that we have staff on hand to answer any questions you may have, so if in doubt call us, and we will gladly provide you with the information you need.

10 Uses for a Steel Garages and Storage Sheds

The first thought of many people considering purchasing a steel garage or storage shed is that it can only be used to store cars or to house garden tools but we’ve made a list of 10 (and believe us there are many more) uses for a storage shed or steel garage to help open your eyes to all that a steel storage shed can be.

You can use your storage shed as a…

1.  Animal shelter

Several people use storage sheds and steel garages as a place to keep animals such as bunnies, guinea pigs, and other crated or cages animals. The sheds can be custom made with shelving units to house such animals and are convenient and close to home to care for these animals that may not be allowed in the house. Other people use large steel garages to offer outdoor animals such as dogs, cats, horses, goats or other farm animal’s protection from the extreme weather elements of rain, snow, cold and heat.

2. Place of Business

Renting and paying utilities on a place of business can be difficult for a small business just starting out but to keep your operating costs and over head low, you may want to consider using a storage shed as your place of business until you feel ready for a piece of business reality
3.  Hobby Shop

Many steel garage owners use their sheds as a place to do hobbies that there may not be room for in the home. Whether it is being used for quilting, sewing, or crafting, storage sheds are the perfect place to store all craft and hobby material as well as the best place to step away and enjoy your hobbies.

4. Game Room/Man Cave

Every man deserves a place to go hang out with his buddies and play poker, pool or just to watch the big game. Using a storage shed as a man cave and game rooms gives the man of the house a place to escape to and enjoy.

5. Workshop

Larger hobbies such as welding or wood working can take up a lot of space in a home and cause unnecessary dust and dirt. To combat this, many wives are suggesting their husbands do these hobbies out in the steel garage. This gives men a place to work that they won’t have to clean up every time they step away and keeps dust and dirt away from the house.

6. Place for Home Storage

Old couches, Christmas décor and old toys can all be stored out of the way in a dry and protected place when they are stored in a metal storage shed or garage. These storage buildings can house all the extra home items you don’t have room for, don’t need to be used at the moment and don’t want to get rid of.

7. Pool House

Storage sheds as a pool house offers a place to change for the outdoor pool can house a Jacuzzi or even just store the pool supplies out of the way but close to your outdoor pool.

8.  At-Home Gym

Going to a gym can be time consuming and expensive but using your storage shed as a workout area allows for easy access, no travel time, no membership fees and complete work out privacy.

9.  Mediation Area

Steel garages can easily be turned into a place of relaxation and mediation that can be accessed year round. A storage shed is the perfect place to perform morning mediation, yoga and pray and also offers a secluded place to relax and study.

10. Guest House

If you need some extra space for those guests on the way, convert the steel storage shed. With a few modifications, these metal garages can transform in to a spacious temporary living quarters for visiting family and friends.

Specific-Use Sheds

In the world of sheds there are many different type of sheds.  Each shed has its own specific use.  Sheds can be customized to fit your needs, they can come in all shapes and sizes. They really are the best option for storage if you have extra property. They can also be made out of any type of construction material.

Here’s a break down of each type of shed:

The Vinyl-sided sheds

The vinyl is more affordable and can look great on the outside. However it’s not really the greatest shed. Most people go with it because they like the clean look. If you’re in a very dusty area it can be easy to wash off.

Wooden Sheds

Wooden sheds can be very solid, if the right wood is used these can last for years on end. They’re called wooden because they’re made only out of wood. They can look old fashioned or just wooden. Wood can split or break over time if it’s not protected. This is where buying from the right shed company comes into play.

The best part about wood sheds is you can apply any color you want to them, they’re easily paint-able if you use the right primer and paint. Wood sheds give owners the most flexibility, that’s why they’re among the most popular sheds in the world.  The other great fact about wood sheds is they can last and they can be made out of really impressive woods, like cedar.

Plastic Sheds

Plastic sheds are more affordable than metal sheets. they usually are made out of molded plastics like polyethylene.  This type of material makes the shed light and still strong enough to stand to resist some weight. Their advantages include being rot proof and light. They will not last as long as metal sheds and if to much weight is applied they can bend.

Metal Sheds

Metal sheds are the creme of the crop. It does depend on what type of metal. If it’s a steel type metal it can last a lifetime. Metal sheds are known for their strength and their ability to last. If it’s a cheap type of metal, it can rust. There are certain types of metal sheds that can bend very easily.  If you’re in a warmer part of the country, metal sheds will always be your best option.  It does depend on what you use the shed for.

NASCAR

As many of you have noticed we at Keens Building are a proud sponsor of NASCAR. The sport has become such a major interest of millions throughout the country. So if I may take a break from the norm of posting on storage sheds and metal carports I want to take a moment to acknowledge the victory of Jimmie Johnson last weekend. He claimed victory at Texas. By doing so he extended his lead in the Chase standings.

This historic run that Johnson is on includes winning the AP Male Athlete of the year, Driver of the Year four times, and tons of wins. It truly is a pleasure to be watching arguably the greatest NASCAR driver not only of our time but perhaps the greatest of all time in his prime. He is a model of consistency and has showed true professionalism as he has represented the sport as its champion year in and year out. I am not saying all of this because he is my favorite racer. I am saying this because he has become one of the greats and is a fine ambassador of the sport.

The last two years he has topped the Forbes list of most influential athletes. There are many in this country who question whether or not NASCAR is even a sport so accomplishing this feat is truly a testament to the impact Johnson is having on this country. So it’s only appropriate that I give credit where it’s due. Hats off to you Jimmie Johnson.

Storage Shed Accessories and Features to Purchase with Your Metal Garage

Purchasing a storage shed is a wise choice and there are several uses and reasons to buy a metal storage garage. Whether for storage or used for a woodworking shop, the accessories to storage sheds are just as important. There several accessories to go inside of or customize your storage garage to fit your specific needs and we’ve created a short list of the most used customizable shed accessories.

Benches

Benches are perfect for the gardener who is storing gardening supplies in her storage shed or using it as greenhouse in the winter. Benches make good resting spots as well as storage places for smaller items like gloves and hand shoves. Benches are also nice if the garage has been converted to a man cave and requires extra seating.

Ramps

Ramps are a great addition to metal garages that are housing RVs, cars, four wheelers, and other motorized vehicles. They allow for smooth pulling into a metal storage garage and reduce the risks of injury when stepping into the shed.

Lofts

Lofts in a metal storage shed offer owners extended overhead space for more storage of items they may not use regularly. Christmas décor, old children’s toys, etc… all could be stored in overheard lofts and the storage shed protects them from the elements while providing extra space below for larger or more used items.

Windows

When storage sheds are used as play or hobby areas, some owners like to have a window to look out of or to peek in on the children at play. Windows can be installed in custom sheds and are also great in metal garages used to house large animals like livestock and horses.

Skylights

Skylights are also a custom option that is great for air circulation in the hot summers and for light in the winter months. Some owners like them for when they use their storage shed as a greenhouse to provide natural light for the plants.

Shelves

Adding a shelving unit to your shed is a great idea when the metal garage is being used for storage, as a hobby area or as a car shop. Shelves that are accessories to metal garages can be built in to prevent falling over and the ruining of other property so if you think you may want shelves, purchase them with your metal storage shed.

Work Benches

Work benches provide work areas for the gardener, mechanic, woodworker and toy train maker among many others. Adding a work bench to your metal storage shed is a smart choice if you plan on using your garage for activities that could benefit from a stable and flat working area.

Security & Temperature Control

For valuable items, being stored in a metal garage, it may be wise to get a custom accessory of security cameras. For items that are temperature sensitive, another accessory to consider is the option of temperature control.  Both of these options may be good considerations if you are using your storage garage as a play place for children. It keeps them safe from heat stroke or being too cold and allows you as a caring adult to keep an eye on them without needing to be in the shed with them.

Storage Shed Accessories

No matter your reason for owning a metal storage shed, be sure to check out the accessory options they come with so all your needs can be met.

Should You Build a Carport or a Garage?

Carports and garages both offer protection for your vehicle from harsh elements throughout the year, whether you live in an area that is hit with heavy snow every year or the lack of trees in your neighbourhood leaves it open to excess sun damage. With either option, your car will receive some of the protection it needs, you won’t have to scrape iced windows before leaving the house, and it can even add some value to your property.

The question is, then, which one is better for your situation? Many people might automatically assume that the garage is the better choice in most instances, but that isn’t necessarily always true. There are definitely some advantages to both, so you just have to decide which one fits your situation better.

The Advantages of an Enclosed Garage

Any time you are working with an enclosed structure, there will be a number of inherent advantage. Obviously, something that has all four walls and a roof will offer even more protection from the elements than a carport, but it will also offer an added degree of security for anything you want to store inside it. The ability to lock the doors and windows means you can do more than just park your car there.

These walls also make the structure more stable, so a garage is likely to stand up to harsh weather conditions for longer. If you’re looking for an addition to the home where you can keep your car or other valuable possessions, and plan to be in the home for a while, this may be the best option for you.

Carport Benefits

A carport, on the other hand, is going to be a more affordable option than a fully enclosed garage. With the quality steel and engineering that goes into these structures, though, they are still extremely durable and can stand up to serious weather conditions.

A carport is also a more versatile option. Since it’s more of an “installation” than it is a “construction project,” it can be set up without any major excavation of the land. And if the location turns out to be not quite right, you can always adjust its positioning without a lot of work. It’s also important to note that without these structures require a lot less maintenance than a garage, and with our range of designs, you can find something that will go perfectly with your home.

The Keens Way: Satisfying Customers

Customer service can be one of the most difficult areas of business. At Keens we like to get everything right the first time.  It’s important that our customers really understand their needs as well. We recommend a few things before you come in or contact a Keens employee.

Here’s a list of questions:

-What are you looking to cover or store? Is this going to be for a car, two cars, or lawn mowing equipment. It’s vital that you know exactly everything you want to cover.

-What are the sizes of everything you want stored or covered?

-Will you want walking space in your storage shed? Do you think that you will need a big door to get everything in? A metal storage garage might be perfect.

-Do you have any vision of your carport or garage or whatever it may be? Can you draw it before you come in? Anything to help give a keens building rep. a clearer vision will help.

– For the location of the shed or building, where will you want it? Is this going to be a tight squeeze right next to your house? Will you be in an area that will be exposed to a lot of water? The more knowledge and information better.

 

The Bottom line is, it’s important that you understand your needs and wants. Once you fully understand your needs and wants, it’s then important to be able to find every way possible to best communicate that with KeensBuildings.com. At this point our rep will find the most affordable option for your that will fit your needs.

When your needs are met, we then have another satisfied customer. That’s our ultimate goal for every person that comes to our site, or through our store.

Metal Storage Buildings and Their Many Uses

Metal storage buildings come in multiple shapes and sizes to house and support several different uses. Perfect for cold weather as well as hot weather, metal garages are made from thin aluminum, galvanized steel or corrugated iron attached to sturdy metal frames. This makes them ideal for literally hundreds of uses in different climates and perfect for households as well as businesses.

For Households

Many households purchase metal storage buildings to create extra space in a home, a garage and within a yard. Metal sheds are often used as garages for cars and motorized vehicles and can easily turned into a place to work on and store project cars. Metal buildings from Keens Portable Buildings can be custom created to fit motorhomes, cars, trucks, boats and smaller vehicles like motorcycles, four-wheelers and off road automobiles. In fact, each space for motorized vehicles can have its own custom steel garage door, making these motorized vehicles accessible while freeing up yard, garage and driveway space.

Steel garages are also used as work and storage areas for all sorts of hobbies. Many people use smaller metal garages as garden sheds or as a place to spread out tools or hobby parts. Some metal storage building owners use their metal garages as wood working shops, model train building areas and as storage places for outdoor sporting equipment such as bicycles, skis and wakeboards.

Metal storage buildings also work wonderfully as a play area for children. Doubling as a toy play and storage area, steel garages also give children their own person clubhouse that can be customized with climate control for all season play. Boys can spread out Legos and girls setup continuous Barbie towns that are out of the way, keep mom happy and are in a safe and clean metal storage building.

For Businesses

Instead of renting a storage unit and paying a monthly fee, many business owners purchase steel garages to house items to be rented out, seasonal displays and overflow business inventory. These units are ideal for the storage of office and home furniture, pool equipment, cleaning supplies or any other business need as they can come in several different sizes to accommodate different sizing needs. These metal storage buildings also come with climate control and security options to provide business owners with the peace of mind that temperature-sensitive items are safe and expensive items are secure and being monitored through camera.

Businesses with large scale needs such as a storage and work space for company vehicles or for manufacturing also purchase industrial metal storage buildings. These steel garages are ideal because they allow business owners and workspace without the high cost of rent and utilities.

Many Uses

Metal storage buildings have several uses, each more convenient than the last. Whether used to store a boat, as a woodworking shed or as a children’s clubhouse, metal garages and storage buildings from Keen’s supply customers with the best variety and customizable metal sheds.

The Advantages of a Portable Building

Having a portable building can be beneficial for a variety of different occasions ranging from a temporary area for cargo to hosting a party with many guests. There are many different styles of portable buildings to choose from that cater to your individual taste as well as options such as renting which allow for you to own a portable building for a small period of time. Portable buildings have an infinite amount of possibilities in which they can be used for. Hosting a party, for example, can be a pain when there is simply no place to put all of your food and condiments out for guests to take.

If you have a portable building, you can quickly set the building up in time for the party and put all of your food products and stationary in there, making it convenient and more upscale for guests. An even better indirect benefit from this is that your food will be protected from any outside contaminants or bugs, proving to be even more impressive to the guests. Portable buildings are especially good for storage as well.

During the winter, for example, you may want to store logs of wood in your backyard to use during very cold weather if you have a fireplace. Without a portable building, keeping wood outside can be detrimental and lead to rotting of the wood, bug infestations, inconvenience due to rain and much more. With a simple portable building you can set up a wood storing area during the winter to keep your wood protected and then simply remove it when warmer weather comes around to free up space again in your backyard.

Investing in a portable building is also easier than ever with many different options available from a complete purchase to a specified period of rental time. If you feel as if you are someone who can relate to the use of a portable building for seasonal cargo, for example, than purchasing a portable building at full price would be suitable for you. If you feel as if you can relate more with the occasional party example than simply renting a building for a small period of time will save you loads of cash and unnecessary stress.

Finally, portable buildings are great in the fact that they are not permanent and can easily be dismantled and changed. If you ever grow tired of your portable building or want to redesign your yard and perhaps purchase a more aesthetically pleasing building, you have the option to do so. Stationary buildings are cemented into the ground and can prove extremely arduous and stressful when it comes to redesign or movement. Stationary buildings completely take away your freedom to change or move the structure at your leisure and as such are much more complicated to deal with. Overall, investing in a portable building can have many benefits that are guaranteed to please the investor. The potential usage of these buildings is almost unlimited and gives the owner complete control over how they wish to use their building.

RV Carports For Sale That Are Affordable

An RV or a motor home can be very costly. It is important to keep them protected from every type of weather. The hot sun beating down on them is not real good either. Covering these or keeping them stored inside can help to protect them. A carport is a good solution to the problems of the weather. It is able to keep the paint from peeling. Nobody wants to have to pay for costly repairs that occurred from it sitting in storage. The problem with the damage is that it is not noticed right away when the motor homes are being stored.

There are many different sizes of these RV carports that can be purchased. It is good to have a variety available because there are many different sizes of RV’s and motor homes. It is going to keep the paint from fading from the sun exposure. Extreme cold temperatures are also bad for these. Insulation is going to be put in some of these but not always. This can help them from being exposed to extreme temperatures whether it is hot or cold. A lot of people that own a motor home will have it stored more than they are using it.

It is important to give it as much protection as possible when it is being stored. This is going to put the homeowner at ease knowing that it is being protected even though they do not have a big garage to put it in. Even though these will not be protected from every angle when using a carport like this, it does give it enough protection so that it is not going to get damaged as easily. Having one that is large enough will also be important. If one end is sticking out the end, the end that is not covered is liable to get damaged from hail, sun exposure and items that are blown by the wind.

A concrete slab can be put under them but it does not have to have one. In areas that have soft ground can benefit from doing this because the RV is not going to sink into mud or get stuck in it easily. It is often hard to know whether someone should do this or not when they are considering a building of this type. If somebody has more than on RV to store, they can take advantage of using one that can store more than one. Other items are able to be stored in these carports as well. It is good protection from rain, snow, sleet and hail. These are also going to block some of the wind. This is a big benefit for a lot of reasons. Everybody that has an RV or a motor home needs to provide some type of protection for it.