At ARK Custom Builders, we specialize in creating custom steel buildings built to perform — whether it’s a backyard garage, farm shop, or commercial facility. Our team combines precision engineering, quality materials, and personalized design to bring your vision to life. Explore Our Top Sellers! Steel Structures 24x25x9 3D Visual Get Your Price! 3D Visual Get Your Price! 30x50x12 Build Your Own Steel Building 3D Visual Get Your Price! 40x50x14 30x30x12 Get Your Price! 3D Visual Get Your Price! 3D Visual Get Your Price! 3D Visual 30x40x12 40x40x14 Get Your Price! 3D Visual Get Your Price! 3D Visual 40x50x12 36x35x10/7 Portable Sheds 10x20 12x28 Get Your Price! 3D Visual Get Your Price! 3D Visual Build Your Own Shed 10x16 10x16 Get Your Price! 3D Visual Get Your Price! 3D Visual 10x12 10x16 Get Your Price! 3D Visual Get Your Price! 3D Visual 12x24 10x20 Get Your Price! 3D Visual Get Your Price! 3D Visual Metal Garages Protect your vehicles, tools, and valuables with a durable metal garage. Built from high-quality steel, our garages are low-maintenance, weather-resistant, and fully customizable with doors, windows, colors, and sizes to fit your needs. Quick installation and long-lasting protection make them the perfect storage solution. Regular Garages Boxed Eave Garages Vertical Garages Metal Garages For Sale Steel Garages For Sale Metal Sheds Steel Sheds Garage Shed For Sale Garden Shed Outdoor Shed Steel Outdoor Shed Storage Shed Steel Storage Building Steel Building Wide Span Units Our wide-span metal buildings provide open, column-free space ideal for storage, workshops, agriculture, or commercial use. Built from durable steel and fully customizable in size, layout, and colors, they deliver strength, flexibility, and long-lasting performance. Wide Span Garages Commercial Garages Custom Metal Garages For Sale Pre-Fab Steel Buildings Clear Span Buildings Commercial Steel Sheds Enclosed Garage Steel Garage For Sale Outdoor Shed For Sale Metal Garage Building Storage Shed Building Steel Storage Unit Steel Building For Sale Metal Carports Metal carports offer affordable, reliable protection for your vehicles, boats, or equipment. Built from strong steel, they shield against sun, rain, and snow while requiring little maintenance. Available in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors, each carport can be customized to fit your space and needs. Steel Carport For Equipment Steel Carport For Sale Outdoor Carport For Sale Metal Carport Building Steel Hay Storage Hay Shed Metal Carport For Sale Wide Span Carports Commercial Carports Custom Metal Carports For Sale Pre-Fab Carport Buildings Clear Span Carports Steel Carport Keep your RV protected year-round with a durable steel RV cover. Designed to shield against sun, rain, wind, and snow, these covers prevent weather damage and extend the life of your vehicle. Fully customizable in height, length, and color, they provide dependable, low-maintenance protection for your investment. RV Covers Wide Span RV Covers Commercial RV Covers Custom RV Covers For Sale Pre-Fab RV Buildings Clear Span RV Covers Steel Carport RV Cover Steel RV Cover For Sale Metal RV Cover For Sale Outdoor Carport For Sale Metal RV Building Steel Camper Cover Metal Camper Cover Metal Barns Metal barns combine classic style with modern durability, offering secure shelter for livestock, equipment, and storage. Built from strong steel, they’re resistant to weather, pests, and fire while requiring minimal upkeep. With customizable sizes, doors, and colors, metal barns are a versatile solution for farms, ranches, and rural properties. Steel Barn For Sale Metal Barn For Sale Custom Steel Barn Pre-Fab Steel Barn Custom Metal Barn Agricultural Steel Building Agricultural Building For Sale Metal Barn Steel Barn Metal Farm Building Steel Tractor Storage Metal Hay Storage Modern Escape The Modern Escape is a sleek single-slope building that’s perfect for a backyard office, studio, or retreat. Durable, low-maintenance steel construction pairs with modern design for a versatile space built to last. A-frame Shed Storage Shed Outdoor Shed Backyard Shed Tool Shed Portable Building For Sale Storage Building For Sale Storage Shed For Sale Rent To Own Shed Backyard Building Shed For Sale Portable Building Lofted Barn The Lofted Barn offers classic barn style with added overhead storage. Its tall roof design provides extra space for storing tools, equipment, or seasonal items, while durable steel construction ensures long-lasting protection. A practical, versatile solution for farm, home, or business use. Lofted Barn Shed Lofted Storage Shed Lofted Outdoor Shed Lofted Backyard Shed Lofted Tool Shed Portable Building For Sale Storage Building For Sale Storage Shed For Sale Rent To Own Shed Lofted Backyard Building Lofted Shed For Sale Lofted Portable Building Portable Garage Our Portable Wood Garage offers dependable, weather-resistant storage for vehicles, equipment, and tools. Crafted from durable wood and designed for easy relocation, it combines practicality with a classic look. Perfect for homeowners, hobbyists, or anyone needing flexible, long-lasting storage solutions. Garage Barn Shed Garage Storage Shed Garage Outdoor Shed Garage Backyard Shed Garage Tool Shed Garage Building For Sale Storage Garage For Sale Storage Shed For Sale Rent To Own Garage Garage Backyard Building Garage Shed For Sale Garage Portable Building A-Frame Shed The A-Frame Shed offers a classic, steep-roof design that maximizes interior space while effectively shedding rain and snow. Built from durable materials, it provides reliable, low-maintenance storage for tools, equipment, and outdoor items. A-Frame Shed A-Frame Storage Shed A-Frame Outdoor Shed A-Frame Backyard Shed A-Frame Tool Shed A-Frame Building For Sale Storage Shed For Sale Storage Building For Sale Rent To Own A-Frame Shed A-Frame Backyard Building A-Frame Shed For Sale A-Frame Portable Building Service Areas Portable Sheds Metal Buildings North Carolina North Carolina South Carolina South Carolina Virginia Virginia West Virginia Georgia Tennessee Kentucky Pennsylvania Ohio

Why Land Levelness Matters Before Installing a Metal Building or Portable Shed When you're getting ready to install a new metal building or portable shed, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the fun stuff—picking the style, color, and size. But there’s one not-so-glamorous detail that decides whether installation day goes smoothly or turns into a headache: Your land needs to be level. We know, we know—nobody is out here bragging about their perfectly level dirt pad. But trust us: if the ground isn’t right, nothing else will be either. Here’s why leveling matters for both metal structures and portable buildings. Why Level Ground Matters Whether it’s a steel garage or a wood-framed shed, every structure needs a stable, even surface. If the site is uneven, sloped, or soft, issues start stacking up fast: 1. Structural Stress Uneven ground places uneven pressure on the frame, anchors, or blocks. Over time, this can lead to warping, settling, or damage. It’s like wearing one shoe with a 2-inch sole and one flip-flop. Technically possible … but you’re not going to enjoy it. 2. Door Problems Both metal buildings and sheds rely on square, level installation. When the building is tilted, doors stick, drag, or refuse to close entirely. 3. Poor Drainage A properly leveled and graded site keeps water flowing away from the structure. Without that, you can end up with pooling water, erosion, rot, or rust—none of which is on anyone’s wish list. 4. Faster, Cheaper Installation When the site is level, installers can get right to work. If it’s not, rescheduling or extra labor costs might pop up. What “Level” Means for Metal Buildings vs. Portable Sheds Here’s the part most customers never realize: For Metal Buildings (Carports, Garages, etc.) Your pad should be within 3–4 inches of level across the entire footprint. Metal buildings anchor directly to the ground, slab, or gravel, so too much slope causes alignment issues and anchor failure risks. For Portable Sheds Portable buildings can be installed on sites up to 24 inches out of level using blocks. BUT—let us be clear: Just because they can doesn’t mean they should. A shed that’s significantly out of level: Requires more blocks Sits higher off the ground (not always pretty) Can settle unevenly over time Leaves doors, floors, and walls more prone to shifting The closer you can get to level, the better your shed will perform, and the longer it will last. Site Preparation Options (Good for Both Buildings & Sheds) 1. Dirt Pad A solid, compacted dirt pad is a cost-effective option. Must be leveled with a machine Should extend past the building footprint Works for sheds and metal structures 2. Gravel Pad One of the best all-around options—especially for sheds. Great for drainage Prevents settling Looks clean and professional Recommended for any portable building 3. Concrete Slab The premium foundation. Best for garages, workshops, and enclosed metal units Creates a perfect level surface Also works for sheds if customers want a permanent floor option Why DIY Leveling Sometimes Goes Wrong We’ve seen it all: Pads that look level until the laser comes out Soft dirt that sinks after rain Edges that slope off like a ski jump Pads smaller than the building (oops) Leveling is one of those tasks that seems simple until you start doing it. If you're not confident, hiring a pro is always worth it. How ARK Custom Builders Helps While we don’t typically perform dirt work, we set you up for success by providing: Clear site prep instructions for both sheds and steel buildings Required pad dimensions Recommendations based on soil type, drainage, and building size A pre-install checklist so nothing gets missed We want your installation to go smoothly the first time—no surprises, no delays, no “well… that’s going to cost extra.” Final Thoughts Whether you’re installing a metal building or a portable shed, a level site is one of the most important steps in the entire process. A well-prepped pad means: Faster installation Stronger, longer-lasting buildings Better door function Less settling Fewer future problems If you want a smooth, professional installation and a structure that lasts, getting your land level is step one—and ARK Custom Builders is here to help you every step of the way.

Permits for Metal Buildings: What You Need to Know Before You Build So you’re ready to put up a new carport, garage, or portable building. You’ve picked the size, the style, the color—maybe even bragged to the neighbors. But before the first post goes in the ground, there’s one little thing standing between you and your shiny new structure: permits. We know… nobody wakes up excited to deal with paperwork. But getting the right permits is one of the most important steps in building anything that isn’t a cardboard box. Don’t worry—we’re breaking down the process so it’s simple, painless, and maybe even a little entertaining. Why Permits Matter Permits aren’t just a formality. They exist for a few important reasons: Safety They ensure your structure meets local codes so it doesn’t blow away, collapse, or try to impersonate a kite during the next windstorm. Insurance Many insurance companies require proper permits before they’ll cover the structure. Property Value A permitted building protects you during appraisals, refinancing, or when selling your home. Avoiding Fines Trust us—you don’t want a surprise visit from a zoning officer with a clipboard and “that look.” Do You Always Need a Permit? Short answer: Usually, but not always. Long answer: It depends on your location, the size of the structure, and what you’re using it for. Some cities or counties don’t require permits for smaller buildings. Others want paperwork for anything bigger than a doghouse. And some places—well, they want permits for the doghouse too. What Affects Whether You Need a Permit? 1. Size of the Building Bigger buildings almost always require permits. Smaller portable sheds may or may not. 2. Intended Use Storing lawn equipment is one thing. Turning it into a living space? That’s a whole different level of “we need paperwork.” 3. Foundation Type Anything anchored to the ground—concrete slab, footers, or even ground anchors—often requires approval. 4. Local Zoning Requirements Every city or county has its own rules, setbacks, and funky little quirks. What Permits Typically Cover Zoning approval Ensures your building is allowed in that location. Building permits Checks the structure meets code for wind, snow, and foundation requirements. Electrical or plumbing permits (if you’re adding them) Because nobody wants DIY wiring gone wrong. How the Permitting Process Usually Works While every location is different, the general steps look like this: Check your local rules Visit your county or city’s planning/zoning department website (or just call them—sometimes a real human beats hunting through pages of PDFs). Submit required documents This may include: Site plan Building drawings Wind/snow load info Foundation details Pay the permit fee Sometimes it’s small. Sometimes it feels like you're paying for their breakroom coffee machine. Wait for approval Some offices approve permits fast. Others… well, let’s just say patience is a virtue. Schedule inspections Some areas do one inspection. Others want multiple. (We don’t make the rules.) How ARK Custom Builders Makes Permitting Easier At ARK Custom Builders, we deal with metal buildings and portable sheds every day. We can help you understand what your county requires, provide the drawings or documents you need, and make sure your building is designed to hit the necessary wind and snow loads. In short—you dream it, we’ll help handle the “boring but important” part. Final Thoughts Permits may not be the most exciting part of building a new structure but skipping them can cost you big. With the right prep and the right team on your side, the permitting process is smooth, simple, and stress-free. Ready to start your project the right way? Contact ARK Custom Builders and let’s get your new building rolling—with or without the red tape.

Blog Steel building condensation and how to prevent it! Read More Permitting; do I need to pull one or not? Read More Land levelness and why it's important to have it done prior to install. Read More Vertical siding vs. horizontal siding. Which is best for you? Read More

Horizontal Siding vs. Vertical Siding on Metal Buildings: Which Is Best for You? When you’re customizing a metal building — a garage, workshop, carport, or commercial unit — you’ll eventually hit one of the most common questions in the industry: Horizontal siding or vertical siding — which one should you choose? Both are strong. Both are durable. Both use the exact same quality steel. The difference comes down to appearance, framing requirements, and budget. Let’s break it down so you can pick the siding style that actually fits your needs. ⭐ THE LOOK: STYLE & CURB APPEAL Horizontal Siding Traditional, classic, familiar This option gives your metal building a clean, residential-style appearance. It blends in easily with nearby homes and adds a softer look to the structure. Best for people who want: ✔ A traditional home-style look ✔ A budget-friendly option ✔ A building that blends into its surroundings Vertical Siding Bold, upgraded, premium Vertical siding gives your building a more finished, modern, commercial appearance. Many customers pick it simply because it looks high-end and adds height to the structure visually. Best for people who want: ✔ A modern or professional look ✔ A premium upgrade ✔ A building with strong curb appeal ⭐ THE PERFORMANCE: STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES Here’s the key point: The steel panels used for horizontal and vertical siding are the same quality and thickness. The difference is in how they’re installed: Horizontal Siding Panels run side to side Requires standard framing Works perfectly for most garages, carports, and smaller buildings Vertical Siding Panels run up and down Requires extra framing and support underneath Adds rigidity to larger or taller buildings because of that additional framing Considered a structural upgrade for wide or high units Again, the steel is the same — the support behind it is what changes. ⭐ THE COST: WHAT YOU’RE PAYING FOR Horizontal Siding Most affordable option. It’s included as the standard configuration on almost all metal buildings. Vertical Siding An upgrade, but not because the metal is better. The upcharge exists because: Additional framing is needed More labor is required Installers spend more time securing the panels This added framing is what strengthens the building, not the panels themselves. ⭐ THE MAINTENANCE DIFFERENCES Neither option requires a ton of upkeep — it’s metal, after all. Horizontal Siding May show dust and pollen a little sooner Still very easy to clean Vertical Siding Helps dirt slide off more easily due to its orientation Often looks cleaner for longer for that reason alone ⭐ CHOOSE HORIZONTAL IF YOU WANT: The best price A traditional look A simple design A structure that matches nearby homes or buildings ⭐ CHOOSE VERTICAL IF YOU WANT: A higher-end, modern appearance Additional framing strength A building with a more premium look Taller or wider structures that benefit from extra framing support ⭐ SO… WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? If you want: A classic look and the best price: go horizontal A more premium look with extra framing strength: go vertical No matter which you choose, you’re getting the same quality steel and the same long-lasting durability. At ARK Custom Builders, we build both styles every day and can help you compare pricing, photos, and design options for your exact building.

Condensation in Metal Buildings: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Kick It to the Curb If you own a metal building—whether it’s a carport, garage, workshop, or shed—you’ve probably noticed that sometimes it sweats more than you do after mowing the lawn in July. That mysterious moisture collecting on the ceiling or dripping down the walls? Yep, that’s condensation. And while a little bit here and there might not seem like a big deal, left untreated it can lead to rust, mold, damaged belongings, and a very cranky building owner. Good news: condensation might be annoying, but it can be prevented. Let’s break down what causes it and what you can do to stop it—without needing a science degree or a dehumidifier the size of a refrigerator. What Causes Condensation in Metal Buildings? Metal buildings don’t produce condensation themselves, but the inside of them can create the perfect recipe for it: 1. Temperature Differences Warm, moist air inside the building meets a cold metal surface—boom. Water droplets form. This happens most in fall and winter when nights get chilly. 2. Poor Ventilation If air can’t move around, moisture sticks around. It’s like that one guest at a party who refuses to leave. 3. High Humidity Stored items like lawn equipment, wet vehicles, or even the weather itself can raise moisture levels indoors. 4. Lack of Insulation When metal isn’t insulated, it becomes the perfect cold surface for moisture to cling to. Why You Should Care About Condensation Sure, a little drip seems harmless, but here’s what can happen over time: Rust and corrosion Mold and mildew Damage to tools, equipment, and stored items Warping or staining of wood items A general vibe of “this building is sad” Let’s avoid all that. How to Prevent Condensation in Your Metal Building Here are the most effective—and cost-effective—ways to keep condensation under control: 1. Add Proper Insulation Insulation is your first line of defense. It keeps the inside temperature more stable, preventing the warm-air-meets-cold-metal showdown. Most common options: Bubble insulation (a budget-friendly favorite) Spray foam (best performance) Fiberglass insulation (classic and reliable) If you’re building new, the time to add insulation is NOW—not after everything you own smells like a damp basement. 2. Improve Ventilation Let your building breathe! Ridge vents, gable vents, and turbines move moist air out and bring dry air in. Bonus: ventilation also helps cool the building in summer, so you’re basically giving your structure free air conditioning. 3. Use a Vapor Barrier Vapor barriers go under concrete floors and behind insulation. They stop moisture from rising up or sneaking in. Think of it like putting a raincoat on your building’s bones. 4. Add Gutters and Downspouts Rain dripping around the base of your building raises humidity levels inside. Gutters move water away so your building doesn’t feel like it’s living in a swamp. 5. Keep Doors and Windows Closed on Humid Days This may seem backwards, but opening doors on a humid day lets moisture rush in. Try to avoid ventilating when the air outside feels like soup. 6. Store Moisture-Producing Items Carefully Wet vehicles, freshly cut lumber, damp yard equipment—these all add humidity. Give them time to dry outside when possible. Final Thoughts Condensation in metal buildings is completely manageable with the right setup. A little insulation, proper ventilation, and smart moisture control can save you thousands in damage—and keep your building from sweating like it’s running a marathon. And if you want a metal building that’s already designed to fight condensation from day one? ARK Custom Builders has you covered—literally. From vapor barriers to insulation options to well-designed structures, we help you build something that stays dry, durable, and dependable. Vapor Barrier Good Fiberglass Better Spray Foam Best

ARK Custom Builders delivers top-tier metal buildings, sheds, and portable structures throughout Tennessee — including Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis. We offer Rent-to-Own, financing, and 90-day same-as-cash programs with quick turnaround and expert installation. Service Areas Nashville Smyrna Mt. Juliet Memphis Spring Hill La Vergne Knoxville Kingsport Germantown Chattanooga Bartlett Cookeville Clarksville Gallatin Oak Ridge Murfreesboro Collierville Morristown Franklin Lebanon Maryville Johnson City Cleveland Bristol Jackson Columbia Shelbyville Hendersonville Brentwood Farragut

ARK Custom Builders provides durable metal buildings, sheds, and portable structures across Kentucky — including Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green. We offer Rent-to-Own, financing, and 90-day same-as-cash options with quick delivery and expert installation. Service Areas Louisville Georgetown Frankfort Lexington Richmond Independence Bowling Green Florence Elizabethtown Owensboro Nicholasville Jeffersontown Covington Hopkinsville Henderson

ARK Custom Builders offers top-quality metal buildings, sheds, and portable structures across Georgia — including Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah. Enjoy Rent-to-Own, financing, and 90-day same-as-cash options with quick delivery and professional setup. Service Areas Atlanta Warner Robins Newnan Augusta Albany Peachtree Corner Columbus Alpharetta Mableton Macon Marietta Milton Savannah Stonecrest Peachtree City Athens Brookhaven East Point South Fulton Smyrna Rome Sandy Springs Valdosta Evans Roswell Dunwoody Tucker Johns Creek Gainesville Douglasville

ARK Custom Builders provides quality metal buildings, sheds, and portable structures across West Virginia — including Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown. We offer flexible Rent-to-Own, financing, and 90-day same-as-cash options with quick delivery and expert setup. Service Areas Charleston Martinsburg South Charleston Huntington Weirton Vienna Morgantown Fairmont St. Albans Parkersburg Beckley Charles Town Wheeling Clarksburg Bridgeport

ARK Custom Builders proudly serves customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Texas. We specialize in metal buildings, sheds, and portable structures with Rent-to-Own, financing, and 90-day same-as-cash options, plus fast delivery and expert installation. We currently service the following areas! If you're not in one of these states, please reach out! North Carolina South Carolina Virginia West Virginia Georgia Tennessee Kentucky Pennsylvania Ohio Texas

ARK Custom Builders proudly serves Pennsylvania — from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia — with high-quality metal buildings, sheds, and portable structures. Enjoy flexible Rent-to-Own, financing, and 90-day same-as-cash options, plus fast lead times and professional setup. Service Areas Philadelphia Abington Wilkes‑Barre Pittsburgh Lancaster Altoona Allentown Lower Paxton State College Reading Bristol Norristown Erie Millcreek Penn Hills Upper Darby Haverford Cheltenham Bethlehem Harrisburg Hazleton Scranton Middletown Chester Lower Merion York Lebanon Bensalem Manheim Williamsport