How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Shed Industry
It goes without saying. But we’ll say it. Covid-19 has impacted almost every element of our lives in 2020. Daily routines have been flipped on end. More people are working remotely. Kids are engaged in home schooling. Meals are being home-cooked and dishes washed in a seemingly never-ending cycle. As a society, we have come to appreciate the little things in life, like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, more than ever. It’s frankly hard to imagine an area of our lives not impacted by this pandemic.
Believe it or not, the shed industry has felt these effects in unexpected ways as well.
COVID-19’s tentacles have reached nearly every aspect of our lives.
While people have been homebound, new projects are keeping them busy. Garages have been cleaned out, yards and landscapes have become priorities and handyman projects abound. With all these activities, people have rushed out to get utility and garden sheds as well as lofted barns that fit these storage, gardening, and DIY needs. This is pretty typical of the Spring shed rush, just for an extended period of time this year.
The biggest surge has come to the top-of-the-line shed companies, like Liberty Storage Solutions (Liberty). For years, Liberty has encouraged customers to “Imagine The Possibilities.” Shed structures can be an incredible starting point for new and creative ideas beyond simple storage or gardening sheds. And, Liberty customers are doing just that.
In leu of costly home additions, sheds are being used for home offices, dedicated homeschool spaces, workout rooms, arts and crafts studios, and even guest homes, to name just a few. Whether working with a contractor to finish them out to meet local code requirements or putting in a little elbow grease of their own, customers are thrilled at how quickly they can bring their ideas to life in a surprisingly stylish way.
There is no need for boring when considering backyard shed options. Liberty offers some stunning extras. From porch packages that create an inviting entrance to transom dormers that light up the interior, customers can design the building to match their homes or to stand out in a unique way. People are extremely engaged in this process.
Of course, this shed popularity combined with the COVID DIY boom and surging housing market, has led to a national shortage of lumber and building materials. This impact has definitely been felt across the entire industry. Because of this, shed shoppers should be aware of a few changes in the industry, including:
Many shed companies are now using inferior lumber just to get orders out the door. Liberty Storage Solutions will continue to use only the best Grade A lumber for all units. Be sure to question materials used.
Shed orders are backed up and lead times to receive sheds are longer than usual. Our recommendation is simply to anticipate a slightly longer lead time in the delivery process.
You will likely see Covid-related surcharges to your orders. This is becoming typical in the shed industry, as well as many other industries, as demand for raw materials and scarcity collide. Liberty has also had to implement such a surcharge. The only way to continue providing top-quality products in this volatile market, is by adding a slight surcharge. This surcharge has NOT been included in any pricing on the website or catalogs as we anticipate it will be a temporary surcharge.
As we all navigate these extraordinary times, it is important to still consider your immediate or future needs and ensure you buy products that will stand the test of time. So, take the time to plan and order early. Take some extra time to prepare the area where the shed will be placed. Utilizing a prepared gavel pad is best for any shed in the long run. And before you know it, you’ll have your shed delivered.