Hello friends,

With sound construction, almost any small building not affixed to a permanent foundation can be transported. Portable buildings can rest on a permanent foundation, such as a concrete slab base, without being affixed to it. But they should be constructed extremely well in case they ever need to be lifted and moved. Taking extra time to properly design the portable building and secure all framework and sheathing should enable it to stay intact over time. It's usually wise to build a portable building out of recycled or inexpensive materials, but the use of the building will determine how much to invest in it.

Use a construction design book to review ideas for a portable building. Look for roof shapes that will be adequate to shed rain, such as a 30-degree pitch at minimum. Keep in mind that a highly pitched roof may pose difficulties during transport, since the roof adds height to the building, and added height increases the likelihood of hitting tree branches and electrical wires. Select a more artistic or visually appealing roof line if the building will be used for a public event or trade show.

Sketch your building, such as a square shed with an A-frame roof. Avoid wings or additions, since it will be difficult to keep the structure intact when moved. Keep in mind that windows should be kept to a minimum due to the possibility of glass breakage during transport.

Thanks and Regards

Dabney Walker