Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to FAQs concerning portable buildings.Does my portable building need to sit on gravel or concrete?
It needs to be on a level location. Our buildings are designed to rest directly on their skids. In order to level the building we use treated wood blocks.
Do I need to have a permit for my new building?
You should contact your local city and county agencies to discuss zoning, permits, setbacks, and covenants. It is also recommended that you contact your Home Owners Association (if you have one) to determine what association rules and regulations may apply to your situation.
What is rent to own?
Rent to own is a lease transaction that provides an affordable solution for self-storage in the privacy and convenience of your own property. The rent-to-own option is an easy, affordable, and limited obligation option, which makes using and owning one of our buildings available to everyone! We also offer a 0% financing option if you prefer. Call us for the details!
Will you move my building if I relocate?
Yes. Our buildings are sturdy and truly portable! We are also able to move buildings made by other manufacturers. Whether it is across the yard or across the country, we can make sure your building gets to where you need it.
Do you have building I can look at?
Yes, we have a large display of various sizes and styles on our sales lot. We encourage you to come take a look. Often customers have a certain size in mind, but after looking, realize that a different size would better suit their needs.
Do you have prices on the web?
With all of the sizes and styles that we offer and the fluctuation in costs, this would not be practical. We would be happy to quote prices over the phone, by fax, by email, or better yet in person.
You sell both wooden and metal buildings, which is better?
Each has its advantages. Metal siding is extremely tough, it does not dent, scratch or rust. They can be painted, stained, or left natural. When left natural they weather to a soft gray.
Our metal buildings come in a variety of primary and trim colors. The metal buildings from Star come standard with 29-Gauge Roof Metal and a 14-Gauge Tubular Steel Frame, making them very durable.
The Graceland Wooden Buildings come in 24 colors or your choice of 8 urethane stains. Their high-quality workmanship makes these buildings both durable and attractive.
Is a shingle or metal roof better?
We offer roofs with galvanized steel, colored steel and aluminum, standard 3 tab and architectural shingles.
Aluminum lasts longer, will not rust, and is the coolest choice.
Steel, galvanized or colored, also lasts a long time. All metal roofs are more wind resistant.
Shingle roofs are usually purchased for their appearance. They may be required by your homeowner’s association rules. Typically, shingles on a portable building must be replaced every 15 to 20 years.
Do I need a concrete slab?
No slab is needed. All of our buildings come with their own pressure treated skid foundation. Raised structures allow ground moisture to vent out and walls are not in contact with the ground.
We may be able to build on your slab if you already have one, or if you prefer a concrete floor.
How should I prepare my site?
Usually, no special site preparation is needed for buildings and gazebos. We will level the structure using concrete pads and blocks and pressure-treated shims. Carports and greenhouses should be placed on fairly level ground.
Do you come out and inspect my site before delivery?
With our many years of experience, we can usually determine if a site is suitable by discussing it with you. If there is still doubt, then we will come to take a look.
How do you get the building into my yard?
We deliver on a trailer with a pick up truck. If we cannot get to the precise location for your building, with our truck then we can roll it in on pipes, or use a machine called a “mule” (see the photo gallery).
What if I have a fence or my gate is too small?
We can take down and re-install most wooden fences for a small fee. We can take down chain-link or vinyl fences, but we recommend that you have them re-installed by a professional fence company.
How much space do you need?
On smooth, level ground, we only need a few inches more than the building width. Remember that turns take more space than moving in a straight line.
How long does it take?
That depends on what you buy and when you buy it. If we have it in stock, then we can deliver it in a few days. Special orders generally take two to three weeks. Carports can take two to six weeks for delivery and are assembled in a few hours.
All of this can be affected by weather and unusually busy sales periods.
Do you charge for delivery?
All of our prices include normal, local delivery and setup. We consider all of St Tammany, Washington, and Tangipahoa parishes as local. Most deliveries take about an hour on-site. Difficult, long-distance, and time-consuming deliveries may cost extra, as will removing fences, concrete blocks, and anchors.
Is there a warranty?
All portable buildings, carports, and greenhouses are warrantied for 5 years by Johnson Portable Buildings.
Lark, Graceland, and Star Metal Buildings, also carry a manufacturer’s warranty. Also, much of the materials used, such as siding, roofing, and treated lumber carry a manufacturer’s warranty as well.
Graceland Buildings has a Lifetime Warranty against rot and termites on treated materials, a 25-year warranty on roofing, and a 7-year warranty on workmanship.
Your best warranty is that you are dealing with the Johnson family. We do everything we can to maintain our reputation and 100% customer satisfaction!
Can my building be moved?
Any portable building can be moved.
If my building settles, do you come out and re-level it?
Due to varying ground conditions, we cannot be responsible for settling. This is seldom necessary and can usually be done by the homeowner. If we do need to come back out, there may be a small service charge.
Do I need a permit?
This depends on where you live and the size of your building. We suggest you contact your local code enforcement and your subdivision association to make certain.
Does my building need to be anchored?
We have installed thousands of buildings without tie-downs, and in 35 years have never seen one blow away. If a tornado comes, anchors will not matter. Some areas require anchors by law. The buildings will float, so anchors are recommended in areas prone to flooding. Some codes require anchors.
How close to the property line can I place my building?
Setbacks vary from area to area, check your local codes and subdivision requirements. We recommend at least 3 feet of open space on all sides.
How are the buildings measured?
An “8-foot wide” building may be 8’3″ outside plus roof overhang and 7’5″ inside from frame to frame.
“8 ft walls” can be 7’9″ inside and 8’3″ outside.
Some “12 ft wide” buildings may be 11 ft inside so that the overall exterior width does not exceed 12 ft and require an escort to move.
What maintenance is needed?
Portable buildings with treated wood, steel, or aluminum siding require very little maintenance. Just keep it clean and free from mold and mildew as you do for your house.
Buildings with “smart panel” siding (painted buildings) must be kept caulked and painted.
It is also a good idea to keep building interiors sprayed for bugs.
Do you paint buildings?
Painted buildings are available.
Do you have references?
Yes, thousands! We will open our files and let you contact any of our past customers. Chances are that someone from your neighborhood or with the same building or service you seek is in our files.
Do you do repairs?
We do not have a repair department. We will gladly take care of any defects in material or workmanship. However, problems caused by damage or neglect are best handled by a contractor that specializes in repairs.
