Getting a shed built shouldn't turn into a project for you. Most of the work happens in our shop before we ever show up. But there are a few things on your side that make build day go smoothly. Here's the short list.
I'm Anthony with Port City Sheds. Jamie Policz and I build every shed ourselves for homeowners in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties.
How build day actually works
About 90% of your shed is built in our shop before build day. Walls are framed square, panels are put together, and everything is loaded and hauled to your place. On site, we assemble it.
That's why most builds take one day, usually about 5–6 hours on site, depending on size and the options you pick.
So "being ready" isn't about a big project. It's about making sure we can get in, set up, and build without surprises.
1. Know where you want it
Pick the spot and which way you want the doors to face. Think about:
- How you'll use it. Mower in and out? Put the doors where the path is easiest.
- Where you'll walk to it from the house.
- What you'll see from the back porch or kitchen window.
If you're not sure, that's fine. We go over layout and orientation with you before build day. That's part of the follow-up after you order.
2. Make sure it's allowed there
Check this before build day, not after.
- HOA: If you have one, read the rules and get any approval in writing. Size, color, and placement are the usual questions.
- County or town: Setbacks from property lines apply. For our three counties, any shed larger than 12x12 needs a building permit.
Our standard line is 10x10, 10x12 and 12x12, so most of our sheds come in at or under that size. Still, confirm the rules for your address. If you go bigger, we can handle the permit process for you. More on that on our Custom Builds page.
3. Clear a path from the driveway
We carry the prebuilt panels and materials from the truck to your spot. That path needs to be open.
- Open or unlock the gate, and let us know how wide it is ahead of time.
- Move trash cans, grills, hoses, and kids' toys out of the way.
- Trim low branches along the path if they'd hit a wall panel.
- Leave room in the driveway or at the curb for our truck and trailer.
Tight side yards are common in Wilmington neighborhoods. We work with them all the time. We just want to know before we pull up.
4. Clear the spot itself
Take everything off the area where the shed goes: firewood, planters, old pavers, stepping stones, yard furniture. We need open room around the footprint to work, not just the footprint itself.
If there's an old shed there, we can take it down and haul it off. It's an add-on in the store. Tell us when you order so we can plan it into the same trip.
5. Tell us what's in the ground
You know your yard better than we do. Let us know about:
- Sprinkler lines and heads
- Invisible dog fence wire
- Septic tank or drain field
- Any buried lines you're aware of
We'd rather hear it up front than find it on build day.
6. Have your choices made
By build day, the decisions should be done:
- Size
- Paint and shingle colors
- Door and window placement
- Any extras, like a ramp, loft, or workbench
We go over all of this with you after you place your order. If you want to see it first, play with the 3D designer and send us your design.
7. Plan for the pets and the day
Keep dogs inside or away from the work area while we're there. Gates will be open and there's a lot of moving material.
The balance is due when the shed is done, so have your payment ready. We take cash, check, or card.
A quick checklist
- Spot and door direction picked
- HOA and county rules checked
- Gate open, path cleared
- Room for our truck and trailer
- Spot cleared of everything
- Sprinklers, dog fence, septic marked or noted
- Colors and options decided
- Pets put away
That's it. Get those done and we can spend the day building.
Why it's worth getting on the schedule now
We only take 1–2 site builds a week, and right now we're sequencing them between the holidays. Builds happen Tuesday through Thursday. Doing this short list early means you're ready when your slot comes up, and you're not losing a week to a gate key or an HOA email.
If you're still deciding whether now is a good time, here's why ordering in fall or winter makes sense. You can also look at recent builds or check pricing.
Questions about your yard?
Not sure about a spot, a gate, or a tight side yard? Send us a note on the contact page or call or text me at (910) 800-0897. We'll tell you straight what works.
Thanks!
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