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.

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.

The Strength Behind Aluminum Storage Buildings

The word aluminum can come off rather cheap. One might think of soda cans, and they might think that a building built out of the same materials in a soda can will just just crumble. That’s absolutely false. The aluminum buildings built by Keens Buildings are very strong. They’re not built with a cheap aluminum that’s just skin deep. These materials are literally made to last.  You can count on Keens Buildings to not sell you anything cheap or weak. We really do care about the satisfaction of our customers and you can really see when you work with one of our staff members.

The other myth about aluminum storage buildings is the fact that they might rust. We understand this concern, no one wants to purchase a building that will just be rusted out over time. Our aluminum buildings are rust-free, yep, no rust whatsoever.  We’ve been in business for many years now and we know our buildings are rust free. Sadly, many other companies that sell aluminum storage buildings are so focused on profit, they tend to have cheaper metals and their buildings will rust out, but with Keens Buildings, they won’t.

With no rust, and much strength, aluminum storage buildings are worth the investment. The reason why is because they will last the test of time. Just see for yourself!

The Advantages of Aluminum Buildings

Aluminum storage buildings provide solid protection for your valuable investments. These portable structures can be used to store and safeguard vehicles, sports goods, gardening tools, lawn equipment, furniture, business stock and similar items. If a fairly big building is purchased, it can be converted into a cabin, garage, workshop or even cottage as per individual requirements. Some people even transform them into pool houses or guest houses.

Advantages of These Structures

The benefits of aluminum buildings are many and are listed below.

  • Less prone to damage from rodents, termites, other insects or pests
  • May even resist damage from fire
  • Energy efficient
  • Maintenance free
  • Rust-resistant
  • Protects against damage from various weather conditions
  • Constructed to last
  • Convenient and easy to install

Customizable, and Financing Available

Aluminum outdoor storage buildings are available in different colors, sizes and models. Different customization options may be available with the dealer such as choice of c-channel steel frame or 2×4 yellow pine frame built out of top grade lumber. If you like the idea of owning one such structure but feel it doesn’t fit within your budget, cheer up. Chances are that your dealer would have an attractive financing option to offer you.

Facts You Should Know About Portable Buildings

Today, portable buildings come in various designs, shapes and sizes and are sometimes difficult to distinguish from conventional structures. Here are some facts you should know about these buildings:

  • When you shop for a portable building, look for quality. Portable structures should be judged with the same yardstick as other structures. Consider the suitability for purpose and context, its aesthetic appeal and economy.
  • They do not require a conventional foundation and can be set up on concrete slab, black top or plain level ground. This makes them easy to set up.
  • They serve a wide variety of purposes – to store seasonal equipment, fixtures and furniture, for tack and feed; as a workshop; as an enclosed play space for children; as an office space, and much more.
  • They can be customized and upgraded. You can add doors, windows and other options as well as choose from different designs and colors for trim and roof. They come in different sizes to suit almost every kind of need.
  • You may require a building plan review and permit to set up a residential accessory building. Additionally, any electrical, plumbing or mechanical work may require a permit. The location you choose to set up must meet zoning regulations.
  • Their efficiency and durability depends a lot on material used. High quality steel and aluminum storage buildings are resistant to termites and pests, and are suitable for all-weather use.

Purchase your portable building from a reliable dealer to ensure quality as well as design and installation to suit your specifications.

Any residential accessory building larger than 200 square feet will require a building plan review and permit. Regardless of size, any electrical, plumbing or mechanical work will require a permit and all building locations must honor zoning and subdivision set backs.