If you’re in the market for a portable building, you likely want something that lasts, looks good, and adds value to your property. But many homeowners make avoidable mistakes when buying a portable building – mistakes that can lead to unnecessary cost, frustration, or a building that doesn’t meet its purpose. At Allen Portable Buildings, we treat every customer like family, and we want you to feel confident in your purchase. In this article, we’ll walk you through seven common mistakes when buying a portable building and show you how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Size
One of the most frequent mistakes when buying a portable building is picking the wrong size. Many homeowners underestimate their storage needs, or they fail to plan for future uses.
Why it matters: Choosing too small means you’ll outgrow it fast; too large and you’ll pay for wasted space.
How to avoid it:
- Write down what you intend to store (lawn equipment, vehicles, workshop tools, etc.).
- Consider future uses (guest space, hobby shop, rental equipment, etc.).
- Visit our Sheds & Lofted Sheds page to see size options and get an idea of what fits your yard and budget.
- At Allen, we can help you pick a size that works now and still gives room to grow.
2. Overlooking the Site Preparation
Building quality starts with the site. Many buyers skip proper site prep—leaving the building on uneven ground, poor drainage areas, or without a solid base.
Common mistake: Placing a shed on bare soil or grass and expecting it to stay level.
Best practice:
- Ensure a level, well‑drained foundation (gravel, concrete pad, or treated timber skids).
- Clear the area of debris and brush before delivery.
- Ask your sales rep about our base options and how we can deliver a shed that’s “built right here in Sikeston, Missouri.” By addressing site prep early, you’ll avoid sagging floors, tilted doors, and premature damage.
3. Ignoring Local Zoning & Permit Requirements
Buying a portable building without checking local rules is a mistake that can cost time, fines, or even removal.
What to check:
- Zoning regulations in your city, county, or neighborhood.
- Property setbacks, maximum size allowed, and permit requirements.
- Foundation requirements (in some areas, a concrete pad is required).
At Allen Portable Buildings, we guide you through these local considerations so you avoid unpleasant surprises.
4. Focusing Only on Price (and Missing Quality)
When buying a portable building, the lowest price rarely equates to the best value. A common mistake: choosing the cheapest option, then paying later for repairs, weak structure, or poor finish.
Quality matters:
- Materials used (treated lumber, quality siding, proper roofing).
- Construction methods (proper framing, adequate anchors, good doors/hardware).
- Warranty and local service.
At Allen, no hidden fees. We build strong, dependable structures and treat every customer like family.
5. Forgetting to Factor in Maintenance & Weather‑Proofing
Portable buildings have to stand up to the elements—rain, snow, wind, and heat. A mistake many make: neglecting weather‑proofing or selecting a building not suited for their climate.
Tips to avoid this mistake:
- Choose siding and roofing materials rated for your region.
- Ask about wind rating, anchoring, and reinforcement for storms.
- Consider adding extras: gutters, vents, and insulation.
Allen’s buildings are built for Midwest conditions—durable, affordable, and local.
6. Overlooking Interior Organization & Use Flexibility
Many buyers think only of “storage,” but then find their building is a clutter magnet or doesn’t lend itself to a workshop or hobby space. Not thinking about layout and organization is another mistake when buying a portable building.
Avoiding this:
- Plan door location (single vs double doors, roll‑up vs standard).
- Think about window placement, lighting, and loft space.
- Consider future use: office, guest space, crafting room.
- We have a variety of utility sheds and lofted barns; explore our “Utility Sheds” category for ideas and internal layouts.
7. Skipping the Delivery and Setup Details
Finally, a mistake that often gets overlooked: not checking delivery, setup, anchor requirements, and what’s included.
Questions to ask:
- What’s included in the delivery price? (site prep, leveling, anchoring)
- How long is the installation/assembly?
- Are doors and windows installed, or is it a kit you rebuild yourself?
At Allen, our team handles delivery and setup in our coverage area. We anchor each building properly and ensure you’re satisfied.
For more on picking the right building and layout ideas, check out our guide to Correctly Choosing a Portable Garage.
Mistakes when buying a portable building don’t have to happen. With the right size, site prep, local compliance, quality construction, weather‑proofing, organization, and delivery details, you can get a building that serves you for years. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact our team at Allen Portable Buildings for a free quote. Built right here in Sikeston, Missouri, we treat every customer like family.
