By Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Keen's Buildings • Portable Buildings • Sheds • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Tips to Buying a Vinyl Shed

Storage sheds come in many different shapes and sizes. In fact, storage sheds come with so many options that our customers are often faced with the choice of purchasing a shed with aluminum siding, T1-11 siding, Hardi-plank siding, steel panels or vinyl siding. Each type of siding has its benefits to the customer but when a  shed is to be used for at-home-storage, many of our customers like to use vinyl siding. So to help you decide if vinyl siding is the right choice for you, we’ve created this post to discuss what does vinyl siding does for you and what are some things to look for when purchasing a vinyl shed.

Maintenance Free

The beauty of vinyl siding on a storage shed is that it is virtually maintenance free. However, to ensure that it will continue to be maintenance free for several years of storage, there are a few things to look for.  If you are storing larger and heavier items, it is important to look for pressure treated shed joists as well as make your floor a thicker concrete slab by about ¾ of an inch more. If for some reason the floor will be getting wet, (this could be because of wet items being stored immediately or just to hose off the interior of the shed occasionally) then purchasing a floor with water sealer of pressure treatment is ideal. By ensuring you have these things, you can know that you will have a beautiful shed that is maintenance free and that will protect and store your items for the years to come.

Is There Enough Room?

Sometimes we get caught up in the idea of a storage shed and forget to remember if we have enough room for one. The most common base for a vinyl storage shed or building is a base of ¾ inch stone that is 2 feet wider and longer than the shed. This creates a good base with plenty of space for the shed. If you can fit the base, you’ll be able to fit the shed. Also, it is important to consider that while getting a vinyl shed that is already put together and ready for installation is the best way to buy a shed, it can also mean trailers and large trucks needing space to deliver it to your intended spot. So be prepared to accommodate the extra space needed for delivery.

Customizable Benefits

Vinyl siding is perfect for at-home-storage because not only is it maintenance free and durable during all weather, it also has a more stylish look that adds to yards or at home storage areas. Vinyl comes in a large variety of color choices and are completely customizable (metal trim, roof shingle and shutter colors) to match your home. This makes your shed look like it was meant to go with your home and add value to your yard.

Sheds can also be created with windows, window screens and even shutters to create an even more cohesive look with your home. Sheds can also be customized with security systems and temperature control when you are storing temperature or expensive sensitive materials.

The benefits of vinyl for at-home storage is almost immeasurable but hopefully with this quick post and these tips, you can see how a vinyl sided shed may be the right choice for you and you will be able to chose a quality vinyl shed from Keens Portable Buildings.

By Aluminum Buildings • Aluminum Storage Buildings • Carports • Enclosed Garages • Enclosed Steel Garages • Keen's Buildings • RV Carports • Sheds • Steel Carports • Storage Buildings • Storage Sheds • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

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.

By Keen's Buildings • Metal Buildings • Portable Buildings • Storage Buildings • • • 0 Comments

Why You Should Purchase a Storage Building

There are many reasons why you should want to purchase a storage building. Many of us live in homes that are much too small to hold all of our belongings in a safe and tidy manner. And while most homes these days come complete with a roomy basement or attic, some could be damaged or not allow enough space to store many of the items that we own, or we may already have another use for these extra rooms such as converting them into an extra bedroom or family den.

 

While a garage can provide you with plenty of extra storage space for all your boxes and lawn equipment, there are many homes that do not have a garage added on and it can be very expensive to have a new garage built on to your home. If any of these situations apply to you, then you have a very good reason to purchase a storage building so that you can have more space inside your home and a place to store away all of your lawn equipment and other outdoor items.

 

Storage buildings are available in various shapes and sizes and they are not limited to the small, box shaped storage sheds that we see in many people’s yards.  You can find large storage sheds and carports that will provide you with enough extra space to store your vehicles, boat, bicycles, motorcycles, riding lawn mower, or other equipment that can not be placed inside the house but still needs to be kept in out of the rain and heat. Investing in a storage building will help you to take care of your many other investments so that they will not become damaged by being outside in the elements where water, bad weather, moisture, heat from the sun and debris could have harmful effects on these items.

By Carports • Keen's Buildings • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Metal Sheds • Steel Carports • Storage Buildings • • • 0 Comments

High Quality Storage Buildings

Storage buildings that are made out of high quality materials are your best choice when it comes to finding an outdoor storage solution. Metal or steel storage buildings will last much longer and provide you with more protection against the outdoor elements than typical wooden storage sheds are able to. And even though these quality storage buildings can cost much more than those made out of lesser quality materials, it is still highly recommended that you invest in one of these buildings if you want to keep the valuables that you have stored inside safe all year long.

Many times high quality storage buildings will be much larger than other types of storage sheds which will allow you to store away larger items or more boxes full of seasonal items and equipment. If you can find a storage building that is large enough to hold all of your outdoor equipment such as a riding lawn mower, or water sports equipment, then purchasing a high quality storage building will be a lifetime investment. Storage buildings of this type will protect your tools and machinery much better than standard quality sheds normally do.

A wooden storage building is prone to draw in moisture when it is extremely hot outside, this will cause any clothing or soft material items to accumulate mildew or mold. There is also a higher chance of rodents and pests such as ants and other harmful insects building nests inside of a wooden storage building or other type of building that is not completely secured. A high quality building that has been made out of high quality steel or other metal materials will be secure, stable and durable enough to keep out most pests and hold up against strong winds and rains.

By Keen's Buildings • Metal Buildings • Storage Buildings • • • 0 Comments

Designer Storage Buildings

When most people go shopping for a new storage building to place in their front or back yard, the design of the building may not be the most important detail on their minds. However, there are some beautifully designed storage buildings available on the market today are customizable to match the exterior of your home.

A storage building can be a huge investment that will be very valuable over time and provide you wit the convenience of extra space in your home and protection of the items that you normally keep outdoors such as lawn equipment. These buildings can also add a lot of value to your property which can be very helpful if you need to sell your home in the future or take out a mortgage.

While any type of storage shed can provide you with all of these great benefits, a designer storage building will be able to provide your property with additional aesthetic value as well because it will be a beautiful new addition to your home. Getting a customized designer storage building that matches your home or one that simply has a unique style about it can bring new life to your yard and make your home one of the best looking in the entire neighborhood.

You may not even want to store away your greasy tools and equipment inside of these beautiful buildings, but be rest assured that while they are an eye-catching display, they are also tough and durable enough on the inside to provide you with all of the protection that you need for your lawn equipment and seasonal items.

A designer storage building can provide you with a great area to landscape around and add bright spring flowers or other fun yard decorations that will make the building stand out. You can add some vibrant paint to it or elegant windows that will provide character and creativity to what would normally be a simple place to store away items that are not frequently used.

By Carports • Enclosed Garages • Keen's Buildings • Storage Buildings • • • 0 Comments

Before You Buy a Storage Building

There are several things any homeowner should know before purchasing a storage building. First, you need to make sure that you get all of the necessary permits. In most areas, you need a permit to legally make any alterations to your property.

You can get a permit at your local town hall or the office that deals with planning and zoning in your area. It is important to ask questions when you speak to one of the planning representatives so that you will have everything you need in order to get started with your project. Some towns can have very strict policies when it comes to altering properties; therefore, it is important that the permit process is followed very carefully and all the paperwork is filled out accordingly.

Placing any type of carport or storage building on your property is typically considered making a change to the land that you own, and it could also affect your property taxes as well as the overall resale value of your home. Obtaining a permit is a very standard procedure and it should not be difficult.

By Enclosed Steel Garages • Metal Buildings • Metal Garages • Steel Carports • Steel Garage • Storage Buildings • • • • • 0 Comments

Isn’t it time for a change from your wood garage?

Steel garages have come a long way in the past years and are changing the minds of most home owners that do not already have built-in garages. Unlike most steel garages, Keen’s has the option to allow you to customize your next garage, allowing it to have a personal touch and match your established home.

More importantly, Keen’s steel garages come with a quality and strength like none other. Before steel garages came about, we only had one option to contact a designer to create a wood garage from scratch. Although these wood garages were totally customizable, they came with a lot of cons such as production time, money spent verses home value, weather challenges and termite infestations.  Then as time pasted and the popularity of steel garages came about, most consumers realized that the benefits of a steel garage exceeded those of a wood garage except they all looked the same.

Some things to take note with Keen’s steel garages are that they will be:

  • Termite proof
  • Water-Resistant
  • Ideal for all weather
  • Not highly flammable as wood is

 

With Keen’s steel Garages, you not only get the high quality production of the steel and all of its benefits but you are able to do something most cannot with their steel garage; personalize.

By Uncategorized • • • 0 Comments

Financing your new Car Port

If you’re looking for an affordable way to boost the value of your property, quality car ports by Keen’s Portable Buildings are a surefire solution. And yes – you can afford a beautiful new single-bay, double-bay or triple-bay car port, even if your credit history isn’t blemish-free.

Keen’s Portable Buildings knows that everyone hits a financial snag sooner or later. And this tough economic climate is forcing many homeowners to look for ways to keep their budgets in check. But life does go on. And protecting your valuables, particularly your vehicles, becomes even more important in such a time. Plus, if you’re looking to sell your home, any improvement you can afford will help. Realtors nationwide point to car ports as a no-fail way to boost your home’s resale value.

If your credit history is less than stellar, no worries. We’ve got multiple financing options that will allow you to buy a beautiful new carport with terms that fit your budget. We work with multiple outside lenders to offer you competitive interest rates. Qualified buyers can purchase new car ports with zero money down and take up to 84 months to pay. An interest-free account and 12 month same-as-cash financing options also are available. Don’t assume that a new, top-quality car port is out of your financial reach. Contact Keen’s Portable Buildings today and let one of our friendly representatives discuss your options.

If you plan to purchase your new car port online, we understand you may be concerned about safety of your sensitive information. Again – no worries! We work with Geo Trust, the world’s second largest digital certificate provider, to process your online purchase. Geo Trust securely transmits all of your personal information and financial transactions with the ultimate in online safety. More than 70,000 companies in more than 140 countries trust Geo trust for secure transmissions of credit applications and sensitive information.

With the purchase and installation of a beautiful, custom-configured car port, you’re sure to boost the enjoyment and resale value of your property. Browse our website to see all the available options, then contact us at 1-386-364-7559 today.

By Uncategorized • • • • 0 Comments

Solar Panels on Commercial Carports Save Companies Money

Companies nationwide are saving on energy costs and helping to improve the local environment by installing solar panels atop their commercial carports and buildings. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is spurring such efforts by granting funds for projects that result in a significant energy conservation and money savings benefit.

San Bernadino, CA’s Economic Development Agency this month reported that the recent installation of 1,400 solar panels atop its downtown building cut $7,000 from its $12,000 monthly electric bill. Las Vegas officials expect to cut city electrical costs by $300,000 a year via a plan to install solar panels atop carports serving city buildings. And on a much smaller, but equally impressive scale, officials in Bexley, Ohio are considering installing four commercial carports topped with solar panels in the parking lot of its police station, a move estimated to save the city $338,560 over 25 years. Companies of any size can benefit. And at Keen’s Portable Buildings, we think utilizing carports in ways that help save energy, cut costs and otherwise positively contribute to a community is a great idea.

Commercial carports by Keen’s Portable Buildings are made of sturdy 14-gauge standard steel tubular framing and 29-gauge standard steel roof and side panels. So they’re able to support solar panels used to capture and harvest energy for lighting in your carport and for your nearby building. Our metal commercial carports also can be certified to withstand heavy snow loads and wind speeds of 110mph, 130mph and 150mph, assuring that your full investment is protected.

If you’re looking to add commercial carports to your business’ property, Keen’s Portable Buildings is the place to call. We offer custom design and expert installation of single-bay, double-bay and triple-bay commercial carports and financing as low as 6.9 percent with flexible payment terms and zero-money-down offers for qualified buyers. Contact us today at 1-386-364-7995 to find out how a commercial carport can benefit your business.

By Carports • Enclosed Steel Garages • Steel Carports • Storage Buildings • • • 0 Comments

Why We Build Steel Carports

Over the past few decades, steel carports and buildings have grown in popularity. Today’s economic climate and the concerted effort on the part of homeowners and the construction industry to adopt more environmentally sensitive products and methods make steel carports and steel buildings even more desirable.

Metal and steel construction is becoming an increasingly popular choice for warehouses, churches, gyms, community centers, schools, retail outlets, sports and riding arenas, livestock barns, storage facilities, airplane hangars, even homes. And Realtors nationwide say that a steel carport can significantly boost your property’s value.

Quality carports of any type construction are property value boosters. They offer homeowners protection for their cars, trucks, RVs, boats and other vehicles, whether an enclosed carport or open carport configuration. Enclosed steel carports can be used in an endless variety of fashions, from simple storage buildings to decorated kids’ playrooms, professionally outfitted automotive and wood workshops to decked-out man caves. With the right insulation and soundproofing, you can even turn your enclosed steel carport into a working music recording and mixing studio.

Steel carports by Keen’s Buildings are constructed with heavy-duty 29-gauge standard steel panels and 14-gauge standard steel tubular framing. We use steel because it’s durable, environmentally friendly, attractive and economical. A certified steel carport is guaranteed to withstand heavy snow loads and wind speeds of 110mph and 130mph to meet all city, county and state building code and permitting requirements. It’s not at the mercy of wood boring pests like termites, and it’s resistant to mold and mildew growth. And at the end of its usable life, it’s 100% recyclable.

Steel carports are cost effective, too. On average, building a steel carport will cost you 40% to 50% less than more conventional construction materials and methods. Despite the savings, installation of an open or enclosed steel carport will increase your property’s resale value and prompt a quicker sale, according to Realtors.

To learn more about all the benefits of an expertly installed steel carport, contact Keen’s Buildings at 386-364-7995 or via our convenient, online contact form.