Category: Blogs

5 Unexpected and Unique Ways to Repurpose Your Backyard Shed

If your backyard shed is looking more like a rundown eyesore, don’t tear it down! A storage shed might be named as such

If your backyard shed is looking more like a rundown eyesore, don’t tear it down! A storage shed might be named as such, but that doesn’t mean that you necessarily have to limit it to just “store things.” There are many unique and creative ways to turn that old shed into a newly repurposed space that you can really enjoy for very little cost.

Work Not-So-Remotely From Home

COVID undoubtedly had a huge effect on the way that many workers were able to conduct business. If you were one of the millions who found that working from home was more convenient and decided to make it a permanent situation, then your shed might be a great way to work not so remotely from home. Turn your old backyard shed into a new office, complete with WiFi, and have a home office where you can still wear your PJs if you want, but you can also find respite from the bustle of your home.

Working Out in the Great Outdoors

As the colder weather starts to make its way to the Charleston area, exercising outdoors in the frigid air might not be your forte! Your backyard shed will likely make a great place to store some exercise equipment, some weights, and a place for you. Instead of investing in a gym membership, extend electricity to your storage shed and enjoy working out just steps from your home.

Charcuterie, Anyone?

With the cost of living on the rise, many of us are readjusting our spending to accommodate it. If your entertainment budget is the first thing that you are cutting, you can repurpose it with a new shed hangout. Have your friends over for wine and make a charcuterie board. You can make a place to hang out inside, with a porch to grab some fresh air. Forget the sitter since you are still home, but don’t sacrifice time for yourself and your besties. We waited too long to gather together to quit now!

Game Time?

With colder temperatures comes football! If you are tired of hitting the sports bar but still want to have some time for yourself and the guys, then make your shed your sports haven. All you need is a makeshift bar, a couple of stools, and a big-screen television. The best part of having a sports bar on the premises? You get to stumble home when the games are over!

Santa’s Workshop?

The holidays will soon be approaching. This year, go the homemade route and put some thought, creativity, and “you” into your gifts. If you turn your backyard shed into your own little “Santa’s workshop,” you can make arts and crafts for family and friends to enjoy. You can also allow your little ones to get creative along with you without worrying about messing up the house or having to safeguard your furniture!

If your storage shed is starting to look like it should be condemned, there is hope. It doesn’t cost much to fix it up, and what you will get is a whole lot more space. However, if there is just no saving it, then Portable Buildings of Ravenel has the solution you need to add an office, workout room, entertainment area, or your own workshop for very little. Contact us today to discuss how we can build you a backyard haven!

Should You Google “Metal Garages Near Me” Or Go Wooden?

When it comes to adding room for storage or housing your vehicles from the storm, a garage is something that can add real value and equity to your home.

When it comes to adding room for storage or housing your vehicles from the storm, a garage is something that can add real value and equity to your home. With many options to choose from, you might be wondering if it is better to Google “metal garages near me,” or if a wooden option is a better fit. These are the pros and cons of prefab metal garages versus their wooden counterparts.

Metal Versus Wooden: What’s the Difference?

If you are considering building a detached garage to store things or to house your toys and vehicles, then you might be wondering whether metal or wooden is better. Both metal and wooden garages come with advantages and disadvantages, but the right choice for you depends on your budget, preferences, and what you intend to use it for.

The Advantages of a Metal Garage

For a two-car garage, metal garages are way more affordable than wooden ones. Typically, a metal garage costs about $14 per square foot, whereas a wooden one will cost anywhere from about $35-$65. When you add in the time for construction, wood frame garages require an architect’s drawing and many more obstacles and hurdles before building. When you purchase a metal garage, we deliver and assemble it for you. Typically, assembly can be done in one day.

Metal Garages Can Withstand the Elements

When it comes to comparing a wood versus a metal garage, metal can withstand the Southern region’s weather elements much better. Metal garages are impervious to termites; they are fire-resistant, pest-resistant, and will not rot. A metal garage also does not require maintenance like annual painting or replacing new shingles on the roof. Although it is possible for metal to degrade over time, it is much more durable than wooden alternatives, especially when it is made from galvanized steel.

Advantage of Wood Garages

One major advantage that you have with a wooden garage option is that it can be completely customized from the design to the exterior paint. The good news, though, is that metal garages over the past decade have come a long way and now offer various shapes, facades, colors, and sizes. So when it comes right down to it, metal is a more economical and convenient choice.

Old Traditions Die Hard

If you are in the market to build a garage, traditionally, wood is the clear choice. But over the past decade, metal options are making great strides to offer an affordable alternative that doesn’t sacrifice style, customization, or options. At Portable Buildings of Ravenel, we offer a number of different types of garages, sheds, and carports to suit your needs, wants, and budget. Instead of Googling “metal garages near me,” contact us today to discuss how we can add a detached garage to your home to satisfy all of your desires!

Things to Look for When Searching for Carports for Sale

A carport is a luxury upgrade that doesn’t cost as much and isn’t nearly as much of a headache as building a garage

A carport is a luxury upgrade that doesn’t cost as much and isn’t nearly as much of a headache as building a garage. They help to keep your vehicles sheltered, house your lawn equipment, and sometimes can even double as entertainment space to hide from the heat. But not all carports for sale companies are the same. Before you choose, make sure to look for these factors!

Reputation

In the service and product industry, nothing speaks as loud as your reputation. Where once all you really had to go by was word of mouth, the internet has made reading reviews and ratings super easy. Before you check out carports for sale, make sure to go the extra mile to read what their previous customers have to say. When they have a pleasant exchange, they are often willing to share – and if it was unpleasant, they will sometimes want to give others a heads up!

Price

Almost all of us are somewhat guided by the price of a carport, but you should not base your decision on cost alone. In the world of carports, you get what you pay for. Cheap is not something that will get you what you want! At Portable Buildings by Ravenel, we offer cost-competitive prices, but we are not cheap. Often, cheap means that you have to sacrifice – and you don’t want to find out the hard way what that means after buying!

Knowledge

Carports sometimes require things like permits and municipality rules, which is why finding someone who is knowledgeable in your area is so critical. Not following the rules can lead to holding up your carport project – or worse, costly fines that will likely befall you after the carport company is out of the picture. Make sure that you are fully up to code to avoid any hassles and expenses down the road.

Delivery

Sometimes a carport appears to be a great deal – until it isn’t anymore. When companies don’t include delivery in their estimate, you can get sticker shock when it is finally added. As the cost of fuel increases, so does the cost of delivery. Before you assume that the estimated cost is the total without any additional fees like delivery, don’t assume that it is! We never add on any up-charges or unpleasant surprises: our estimate is our word.

If you are in the market for a carport, you might be simply Googling “carports for sale,” which is not enough. Make sure to consider several factors before deciding which company to buy your carport from. At Portable Buildings by Ravenel, we have the reputation, cost-competitive pricing, and honesty you need for your carport build or purchase to go smoothly. Contact us today to get started!

Take Cover From the Heat – The Best Uses for Your Carport

As the summer keeps heating up and not cooling down, even at night, many are wishing they had a place to take cover.

As the summer keeps heating up and not cooling down, even at night, many are wishing they had a place to take cover. A carport is not only a great place to keep your vehicle under wraps; it’s also a fantastic extra space for you to get away from the hot summer weather. Carports can be designed to house anything that you want from your big-kid toys to your mobile home, and they can also serve as an entertainment space; really, the sky’s the limit! These are just some of the creative ways to find shelter.

A Haven from the Storm

If there is one thing that everyone hates about grocery shopping, it is getting the groceries into the house – especially when it is raining. For those who don’t have a garage to park in to carry the packages inside, a carport is an excellent way to keep dry during summer showers. If you build your carport as a shield that leads to your entryway or back door, you can make it from the car to the kitchen without getting drenched. It won’t ease all of the hassles that come with unloading groceries, but at least you won’t get soaked!

Outdoor Entertainment

A carport not only is a great place to house your car; it makes for the perfect shelter to house your next get-together. When the heat of the day settles or is in full swing, no one wants to stand in the sun – it’s like standing in the desert. A carport can supply some overhead shelter, and if you want to get really creative, you can line the exterior with lights and a mister to cool everyone while the temperatures soar!

Keep Your Gardening Equipment and Tools From Rusting

If you live in the South and have a front and/or backyard, you know that things can grow out of control pretty quickly. Most of us have the tools that we need to cut back the jungle foliage that can start to invade our spaces. But if they’re left outside, all of those tools and equipment can begin to rust and once they do, they are virtually useless. Reserve a little area of your carport to store your landscaping equipment and keep it safe. That way, when you do need it, it will be in working order instead of rusted and ready to be thrown out!

Carports Are Great Boat Storage!

If you are lucky enough to have a boat, you want to have a place to keep it nice! A carport isn’t just for a car; it’s an ideal place to hide your weekend warrior or entertainment vehicles. Whether it is a golf cart, boat, or jet ski, you have invested enough to want to keep that investment safe! Building a carport will give you lots of extra room.

As we continue through the summer, the extreme temperatures are starting to take their toll. Almost everyone is looking for a bit of shelter from the hot sun! A carport is not only a great way to keep your vehicles safe from the beating down of the sun; they are also an excellent way for you to find a little haven from the storm, to entertain, or protect your investments. At Portable Buildings of Ravenel, we custom build carports to suit your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can create a little space for you to hide from the heat!