Before you install a shed, carport, garage, or cover, you may need a permit from your local governing authorities

Here is a list of helpful considerations. This is not an exhaustive list, but it may help you get the process started. You will need to know what size and type of structure you are wanting to build.

1. Check your Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Homeowners Association (HOA) requirements
   Before you get your permit, find out if your local community has any restrictions. If you are part of a subdivision, your property may be subject to (CC&Rs) that have rules about what can or cannot be built on your land. If you are part of a (HOA) there may be restrictions of style, color, and roof type on permissible structures.
2. Check local governing authority regulations
   Ask your local planning department (may also be called zoning, land use and development, building and planning, etc.) about the general building rules that apply to your property. You may be able to find these regulations online, but it may be faster to just call the planning department. Have your address, the size and type of your structure, and the location where you want to place the structure ready before you call. Here are some helpful questions to ask.

• Is my property in your jurisdiction?
• How far does the structure need to be from the front, back, and sides of the property?
• How far away does the structure need to be from the house?
• Can I put it in front of my house? (if applicable)
• How far does the structure need to be from the well and septic tank? (if applicable)
• Is there a height limit?
• Are there any style and color restrictions?
• What permits (and inspections) are required for structure delivery and install?
• What department is responsible for issuing permits, and what is the phone number? (if different)
• Is there an online application for my permit?
• How long does it take to get a permit?
• Are certified plans required for my permit?
• What are the foundation requirements? (if any)
• Does the area around the structure need graded? How much?
• Are there any wind or snow load certification requirements?
• How much does the permit cost?

If the structure is for a business, you may need to verify that the structure intended use is permitted.

Yes—we do that too.

We offer gravel pads and concrete slabs for sheds, carports, and garages ordered from Watson. 
Every site prep job is custom-quoted to keep the cost as low as possible. We’ll use our experience and expertise to help determine the best solution for your location and structure. If you use your own contractor, we provide clear instructions and drawings to help ensure the slab is right for your structure. And as always, our team is happy to answer your contractor’s questions. We want the best possible results for you every time!

Important: Site prep must be completed and approved before scheduling delivery and install. Additional costs will apply if the site is not ready on install day.

Now that you know the local requirements and property setbacks, you can make your Site Plan!

1. Find a level spot
   • A shed delivery requires a flat location with good access for the delivery equipment and shed to reach the site.
   • A carport garage install has precise requirements. The foundation must be completely level. Level is not the same as flat. Level means there is no slope at all. You will need to find or make a flat area that is the dimensions of the structure, plus a standard minimum of 6’ on each side where the installation crew can safely use their ladders and equipment. You may need to have a concrete slab poured (see instructions sheet for slab details), or prepare a suitable gravel pad that is packed and transit level. You may also need to have your ground surrounding the site graded depending on your location conditions and local codes.
   • A carport cover does not require a level pad, however there will be an additional unlevel site fee if the location is not level.  The carport legs will need to be cut to fit the ground– keep this in mind when ordering the height as the longest leg will be your chosen height and all the others will be shorter to fit your site.
2. Look overhead
   • Trim any trees and branches that extend into the delivery path and setup location for a shed. (2’ wider than the shed width, and approx. 14’ high)
   • Trim any tree branches that hang over the carport/garage site lower than 4’ above the leg height of the structure.
   • Utility lines near the area, or in the delivery path can be a safety hazard for install. For a carport garage, choose a site without lines within twenty feet of the location, or be sure to clear your choice with the Watson office if that is not possible.
3. Mark the corners and double check your setbacks
   • Put four flags or sticks in the ground for the corners of the structure.
   • If it is near any property lines, outbuildings, the house, septic field, gas lines, etc.– make sure you have sufficient distance to meet setback codes, road and sidewalk right-of-way, and work space requirements for the install.
4. Check underground
   • Don’t forget to check underground! You cannot cross septic tanks or sprinkler lines with delivery trucks, equipment, and sheds as it may damage them.
   • If you have any easements on your property, you are not allowed to install a structure in that area.
   • Before any grading or excavation is done, be sure to call for underground utilities to be marked.

• If the purchase is a sale, the non-refundable deposit was made at the time of completing and signing the paperwork, and the balance is due the day of delivery/install.
• The payment transactions may be done by card, cash, or check and can be received by the sales representative (at time of order) and the delivery/install driver (at time of install).
• If the shed is under a rent-to-own contract, you will be receiving payment options and instructions by mail within a couple weeks of delivery.

Watson Shed Order Process

Get the process started
Place your shed order by completing the paperwork and making your deposit.
Choose from our large number of stock buildings, or order a shed built with your choice of colors and options.
Your shed is finished!
As soon as the shop has your new shed built, you will receive a phone call to schedule the delivery.
Day of delivery
You will receive a phone call from the driver on the scheduled day of delivery, with an estimated time window of arrival. Please be looking for this call that morning, as we cannot deliver the shed unless we have confirmed it with you on that day.
Your shed arrives!
The driver will deliver and setup your shed in a suitable location.
(Keep in mind that sheds on our rent-to-own program cannot have access obstructed in any way, for the duration of the rental process.)
The driver will collect the balance due, if applicable, and can receive cash, a check, or he can process a card payment by phone with the office for the balance.
He will also ask you to sign the delivery sheet that he will then return to our office.
Enjoy your new shed!
If you have the shed on our rent-to-own program, you will be receiving a call and information packet from our main office to introduce you to our RTO team.
They will help you with your account throughout the rental process.

Watson Carport Order Process

Get the process started
Place your carport/garage order by completing the paperwork and making your deposit.
Make sure that permitting and zoning requirements are met before you order.
Send the site pictures
Send the pictures of the install site to 931-635-2244.
Please be sure to include your name and phone number with them for reference.
The manufacturing process will not begin until we have received these.
If your order is a garage, someone will come by to do a site check once you have the site fully prepared, to confirm it is suitable before we begin manufacturing.
Manufacturing is in process!
When the shop has your new carport nearing completion, you will receive a phone call to schedule the delivery (usually within a week or two of install date).
Day before delivery/install
You will receive a phone call from the install manager the day before the scheduled day of delivery to confirm the install. Please be looking for this call that day, as we cannot deliver the carport unless we have confirmed it with you the day before.
Delivery/Install Day
The installer will call when he is on his way to update you on his arrival time.
You will need to be at the location at the time of their arrival, and the time of completion of the install.
The installer will collect the balance due, if applicable, and can receive cash, a check, or he can process a card payment by phone with the office for the balance. He will also ask you to sign the delivery sheet that he will then return to our office.
Enjoy your new Carport or Garage!

Watson provides a 3-year manufacture warranty for sheds, and a 12-month manufacturer warranty for metal frame carports and garages.

Watson Barn Rentals Shed Warranty

Watson Barn Rentals, LLC guarantees this shed for three years against manufacturer defects. Our commitment to excellence and service ensures that we will deliver a quality product to our customers. We source the highest quality materials for our sheds from trusted name brands that are designed for outdoor products, and we hold our manufacturing process to the same premium standards. If we have overlooked an issue, we are happy to make it right! Please give us a call and explain the situation!

• This warranty is applicable only for the original purchaser, and guarantees a reasonable service under normal use of the shed.
• Alterations and modifications (or misuse and abuse) to the shed by the customer or another party (not limited to: adding ramps, steps, ladders, electrical wiring, insulation, and more) will void the warranty.
• We make no warranty of the suitability of the shed for any intended purpose.
• Damage caused to the shed by the choice of building location is excluded from the warranty. Natural ground conditions may settle and cause the shed to become un-level resulting in door sticking and dragging. Choose a stable and dry ground location for best results.
• Damages of shed contents and personal property are excluded from this warranty.

Watson Carports Warranty

Watson Carports, LLC guarantees its carports, garages, and other metal framed structures for 12 months after install against manufacturer and installation defects. Our commitment to excellence and service ensures that we will deliver a quality product to our customers. We source quality materials for our structures from trusted name brands that are designed for our outdoor products. We hold our manufacturing process to the same premium standards. If we have overlooked an issue, we are happy to make it right. Just give us a call!

1. Watson Carports, LLC does not warranty horizontal roof metal against drips or leaks during heavy rain. We do not warranty the structure if debris is allowed to accumulate on the roof.
2. Watson Carports makes no warranty of the suitability of the structure for any purpose.
3. Any alterations and modifications (or misuse or abuse) to the structure will void the warranty.
4. Damages caused to the structure by choice of location are not covered by this warranty. This includes damages caused by ground erosion and/or ground settling. Tree, storm and wind damage are excluded from this warranty. Metal buildings will sweat and form condensation under certain conditions; this not covered under the warranty.