Top Questions to Ask Before Ordering Your Shed

Before buying a storage shed, ask questions in five areas: your needs, the building itself, delivery and setup, cost and payment, and permits and warranty. Getting clear answers up front helps you avoid the most common surprises, like a building that’s too small or a delivery truck that can’t reach your yard.

This guide organizes the questions by each stage of buying a shed, with a short answer for each.

What should you know before buying a storage shed?

TL;DR:

• Start with how you’ll use the shed. Your use determines the size, doors, and features you need.

• Ask how the building is framed and what the floor is made of, not just what the siding looks like.

• Confirm delivery timing, what’s included, and what site prep you’re responsible for.

• Compare payment options: cash, financing, rent-to-own, and 90 Days Same as Cash.

• Check local permit and HOA rules before you order.

• Ask about the warranty and whether the building can be moved later.

What should you ask about your needs?

Start here. These questions shape every other decision.

• What will I store or do in the shed? Lawn equipment, seasonal storage, a workshop, and a home office all call for different sizes and features.

• What size do I really need? Measure your largest items, then add room to walk around and grow. Our guide to backyard storage shed sizes can help.

• Will my needs change in a few years? If you might add a workshop or bigger equipment later, sizing up now is easier than replacing the building.

• Where will it go in my yard? Pick a spot that’s firm, close to level, well-drained, and reachable by a delivery truck.

What should you ask about the building itself?

Two sheds can look similar in a photo and perform very differently. If you plan to buy a metal shed, these questions matter most:

• What is the frame made of? Steel framing resists rot, warping, and termites. Our post on steel sheds vs. wood and plastic explains the differences.

• What gauge is the steel? Lower gauge numbers mean thicker, stronger steel.

• Does it have a floor? Many low-cost kits don’t. A raised floor on joists keeps belongings off the ground.

• What coatings protect the steel? Galvanized framing and Galvalume roofing resist rust. Our guide to the galvanized steel shed explains how they work.

• What wind rating does it have? Ask what speeds it’s rated for and what anchoring that requires.

• Is it built and delivered fully assembled? Pre-built buildings skip days of on-site construction.

What customization options are available?

Ask which sizes, doors, windows, colors, and add-ons you can choose, and which are available on in-stock buildings versus custom orders. Lofts, porches, electrical, and insulation are easiest to add when you order. Our guide on how to customize a shed walks through each option.

What should you ask about delivery and setup?

Delivery questions are the ones buyers most often forget.

• How long will it take to get my building? In-stock buildings typically arrive in about 1 to 2 weeks, while custom builds usually take about 3 to 6 weeks.

• Do you deliver to my area? Action Buildings has 15 locations across Georgia and Alabama and delivers throughout most of both states and nearby areas. You can check by zip code.

• What’s included with delivery? Ask whether placement and leveling are included. With Action Buildings, the crew places the building and levels it on foundation blocks.

• What site prep do I need to handle? You’ll typically need a firm, level, well-drained spot and a clear path wider than the building.

• Can the building be anchored? Ask about anchoring if you live in a storm-prone area.

Our guide to shed delivery and installation explains each step, and our guide on how to level ground for a shed covers site prep.

What should you ask about cost and payment?

Ask for the full price, including options, and confirm whether delivery and setup are included, so you can compare buildings fairly. Then ask which payment options fit your budget.

Do you offer rent-to-own?

Yes. Action Buildings offers rent-to-own with no credit check, so you can get your building now and pay over time.

What is 90 Days Same as Cash?

90 Days Same as Cash lets you take delivery of your building now and pay the full balance within 90 days without interest.

Is financing available?

Yes. Traditional financing is available with approved credit, and plans may include $0 down and low monthly payments.

Can I pay off my building early?

Most agreements allow early payoff. Talk with your local sales rep about the terms of your specific agreement.

If you’re still weighing whether to buy now or save up, our post on the cost of waiting to buy a shed compares the options, and sheds for sale in GA covers how financing and rent-to-own work.

How much does a storage shed cost?

Storage shed cost depends on size, materials, construction quality, customization, and delivery. A small, basic building costs far less than a large building with a loft, porch, electrical, and insulation.

When comparing prices, look at long-term value as well as the upfront number. A steel building that needs little maintenance and lasts decades can cost less over its lifetime than a cheaper shed that needs repairs. Our shed cost guide breaks down pricing by size and material.

When is the best time to buy a shed?

Many buyers wonder when sheds go on sale, but timing usually matters less than your situation. If you’re already paying for a storage unit or losing garage space, waiting for a sale can cost more than it saves.

Ordering in late winter or early spring can help you avoid the busy summer season, when delivery schedules fill up. If you need storage by a certain date, ask which in-stock buildings fit your needs.

What should you ask about permits, HOAs, and warranties?

These questions protect you after the sale:

• Do I need a permit? It depends on your city or county, the building’s size, and features like electrical. Check before you order.

• Does my HOA have rules about sheds? Many HOAs limit size, placement, color, or style. Get approval in writing first.

• What warranty comes with the building? Ask what’s covered, for how long, and what could void coverage.

• Can the building be moved later? Portable buildings on foundation blocks can often be relocated if you move or change your yard.

What does asking the right questions look like in practice?

Say a homeowner plans to buy a 10x10 shed for a riding mower, trimmer, and yard tools. Before ordering, they measure the mower and realize the deck is wider than a standard walk-in door.

By asking about door options and size, they move up to a 10x12 building with double doors and a ramp. They also confirm their gate is wide enough for delivery and check their HOA rules. The building arrives on schedule, the mower fits, and there are no surprises.

How do you buy an outdoor storage shed, step by step?

If you’re buying a shed for the first time, follow these steps in order. Each one builds on the last, so you won’t have to backtrack:

1. Define how you’ll use the shed

2. Measure your largest items and choose a size with room to grow

3. Confirm the frame material, steel gauge, and floor

4. Choose doors, windows, and add-ons

5. Confirm delivery timing and that your area is covered

6. Plan your site and check the delivery path

7. Compare payment options

8. Check permit and HOA requirements

9. Ask about the warranty

10. Get a written quote with everything included

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Storage Shed

For more quick answers, visit our FAQ page.

Where are you located?

Action Buildings has 15 locations across Georgia and Alabama, where you can see buildings in person and talk with a sales rep.

Do you deliver to my area?

We deliver throughout most of Georgia, Alabama, and nearby areas. You can check delivery availability by zip code.

How do I get a quote?

Contact your local location, call us, or submit a quote request online, and a sales rep will help you price the size and options you want.

Should I buy an in-stock shed or order a custom one?

Choose in-stock if you need storage quickly, since it typically arrives in about 1 to 2 weeks. Order custom if you need a specific size or add-ons, which usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks.

Is a metal shed worth buying?

For most homeowners, yes. A steel-framed shed resists rot, termites, and storms and needs far less maintenance than wood, which makes it a strong long-term value.

Final answer: what should you ask before buying a storage shed?

Ask how you’ll use it, what size you need, how it’s built, what you can customize, how delivery and site prep work, what payment options are available, whether permits or HOA rules apply, and what the warranty covers. Getting those answers before you order is the best way to end up with a building that fits your yard, your budget, and your plans.

Bring these questions to any seller you’re considering, and compare the answers side by side.

Ready to get answers for your project? Request a quote and a local sales rep will walk you through sizes, options, and payment plans.