Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Shed
Investing in a backyard shed is a pretty big deal – so it’s totally fair that you’ve got some questions about the process to get off your chest. After all, it’s a very real investment that’s going to sit in your yard for years.
We’ve put together the Westwood Sheds Ultimate FAQ Guide to support your decision. This guide answers the most common questions we hear from customers and links to helpful articles if you want to look deeper into any topic.
General questions
What are the standard features of a Westwood Shed?
One thing that sets Westwood Sheds apart is how much comes standard with our sheds.
We include a wide range of features upfront, so you’re not constantly adding upgrades just to get a well-built, functional shed. You can check out our Smart Values page for a full breakdown of what comes standard with your shed.
Can I build a custom shed?
Absolutely. Custom sheds are one of the things we do best! You can personalize everything from the size and layout to the siding, roofing, doors, windows, colors, and trim.
For a deeper look at customization options, check out our Custom Shed Upgrades blog where we break down popular upgrades and design ideas.
Do you have a tool to design a shed online?
Yes! Our online shed designer tool lets you configure your shed step by step and see your selections come together in real time. You can adjust size, colors, doors, windows, and more before placing your order.
What is the largest shed model you offer?
That would be our multi-section shed. This design allows multiple sections to be combined into one larger structure, giving you significantly more square footage and flexibility than a standard single-unit shed.
Do I need a permit for a shed?
That depends on where you live. Every city and county has its own rules about shed size, placement, and whether a permit is required. In some areas, smaller sheds don’t need one. In others, anything over a certain size does. Download our helpful permit checklist for more info.
Do Westwood Sheds meet HOA guidelines?
Usually, yes. We build a wide variety of sheds in different styles, colors, siding options, and roof types, so it’s usually not hard to match HOA requirements.
Whether your neighborhood has rules about paint colors, roof style, size limits, or materials, we can typically design something that works. The best thing to do is share your HOA guidelines with your sales rep upfront.
What are some creative backyard shed ideas?
You’d be surprised how versatile a backyard shed can be. There are plenty of uses, including:
- Home office
- Man shed/she cave
- Guest room
- Greenhouse
- Workshop
- Outdoor gym
- Homeschool
And that’s just scratching the surface. For even more inspiration, check out our full blog: 15 Surprising Backyard Shed Ideas.
Can you build the shed on-site?
Yes! If there isn’t enough access to bring a fully built shed onto your property, we offer a build-on-site option. That means our crew will come out and construct the shed right where it’s going to stay.
There is an additional charge for this service, since it requires extra time and labor. If you think access might be tight, talk with your sales rep and we’ll walk you through the details. You can also check out this helpful article for more information on how the on-site build process works.
Which shed model should I choose?
The right shed really depends on what you plan to use it for. Some styles are better for storage, others work well as workshops or hobby spaces.
If you’re not sure which one fits your needs, take a look at our Choosing the Right Shed Model guide. Or just reach out to our team – we’re happy to help you figure it out.
Pricing & Warranty Questions
How much does a backyard shed cost?
It all comes down to the size, siding, and those extra personal touches you choose. Because material and lumber prices are a bit of a moving target right now, we prefer to give custom quotes so you’re getting the most up-to-date figures.
The best way to get a firm number is to grab a free quote from your local Westwood rep. Once you have it, we’ll lock in that price for 30 days. Or, if you’re still playing around with ideas, use our Shed Designer tool to build your layout online and send it over for a no-pressure quote.
What is your warranty?
We believe if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. That’s why all Westwood products come with a full 8-year warranty. Some building materials may also carry additional manufacturer warranties. Your sales rep can walk you through the specific details for your shed. You can also view our warranty certificate for the full breakdown.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, money orders, personal, certified, and business checks, as well as credit cards at our sales locations or with our delivery drivers.
Please note that checks may be processed as eChecks. We’re unable to accept gift cards or barter for goods or services.
Many customers also choose our Rent-to-Own (RTO) option, which is a popular and flexible way to get the shed you need without a large upfront payment. With Rent-to-Own, you can take delivery of your shed right away and make manageable monthly payments over time. You can learn more about how it works in our guide here. If you’re unsure about anything, just reach out – we’re happy to help.
Delivery & Setup
Is delivery and installation included?
If you’re within 30 miles of one of our sales locations, free delivery and installation is included with your shed purchase. We deliver your shed, place it where you want it, and level it properly. Additional charges may apply for deliveries outside that range.
How long does shed delivery take?
Stock sheds are typically delivered within 5 business days. Custom sheds usually take 2-3 weeks. Delivery times can vary based on order volume and weather, but your sales rep will provide the most accurate timeline when you order.
What do I need to do before my shed arrives?
Before delivery, clear the installation area of debris, trim tree branches, and make sure there’s enough width and height clearance for access. Your gate should be about 2 feet wider than the shed you’re purchasing. If access is tight, talk to your sales rep about possible solutions.
How long does it take to build a shed?
Most sheds are pre-built and installed the same day they’re delivered, so you’ll be able to start using your shed right away. Delivery times depend on the type of shed you choose. Stock sheds are typically delivered within about 5 business days, while custom sheds usually arrive within 2-3 weeks. Timing can vary depending on weather and our current delivery schedule, so your sales representative will give you the most accurate timeline when you place your order.
On the day of delivery, our driver will usually call about 45 minutes to an hour beforehand with an estimated arrival time. The team will place the shed in your chosen location and install it on concrete blocks (included at no extra charge) to make sure it’s level and off the ground.
In rare cases where a property obstruction prevents delivery of a pre-built shed, we may build the shed on site instead.
What happens after installation?
Once your shed is set and leveled, it’s ready to use. All that’s left is to enjoy it – and maybe share a photo or review once you’ve settled in.
Ready to get started?
We hope these questions about buying a shed helped clear things up. If you’re ready to explore your options, you can design a shed online with our Shed Designer tool and see your ideas come together in real time. Or, if you’d rather talk it through, our team at Westwood Sheds is always happy to help.
DESIGN YOUR OWN SHED ONLINE
Design and build a shed for life. Your life!
This free online tool allows you to see how much each shed costs. As you design your shed, you will see an instant estimate, allowing you to create a shed you love that fits in your budget!
