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Site Preparation

Site preparation can be the most important part of your gazebo project. There is no “right” answer, but there are some guidelines to follow.
 
Base
We strongly recommend a hard, compact base for your gazebo. The base both supports the gazebo and allows for proper drainage below. The hard, compact material can be anything from 2B crushed limestone gravel to a concrete pad—and everything in between.
 

 
Once you have selected the foundation material, it must be leveled within 1-2 inches from side to side. Loose stones are easier to level, and provide ample support. Stones are also much less expensive than solid materials such as concrete, flagstone or brick. If you choose a concrete pad, it must be square, level and plum. A sloping pad means a leaning gazebo, which will put extra stress on joints. A benefit of concrete, flagstone or brick pads is the additional functionality, as they can be expanded for other uses and support larger weights.
 
Elevation
If you choose to elevate your gazebo, please consult with our project advisors. We can typically recommend where to place the anchors and posts to support the raised gazebo. Like everything, being off by a few inches can mean a lot! Our project advisors can provide on-posts drawings and advice to properly support your raised gazebo.
 

 
Electrical
The hidden wiring package is one of our most practical and popular options. However, we suggest that a professional run live wiring to the gazebo if you are not comfortable dealing with electricity.
 
Permits
In some areas, HOA’s (home owner associations) and local governments like to be consulted about gazebo, shed, and cabana projects. Very often, the local codes are available on the web, making it easier for you to determine if a permit is necessary. It is our pledge to you that we will provide any necessary information, so that you may obtain a permit in as little time as possible.

Deposits are 100% refundable if you are not able to obtain a permit and we have not yet begun construction of the structure. Please inform your project advisor that you are applying for a permit so that we may delay fabrication until approval is received, otherwise restocking fees must be charged on canceled orders.

Local codes will always take precedence over our footer designs: frost lines, distance from property lines, floodplains, attaching to, or adding to a deck all can present certain issues that may change design plans depending on your location. Local codes also may call for changes to our buildings to withstand required wind loads, snow loads, and seismic ratings. The customer will be responsible for obtaining any necessary permits or engineers' stamps, as well as the cost of any structural changes to adhere to local codes. Unless we are building your foundation ourselves, and are contracted to do so, the cost and engineering of the foundation are also the customer's responsibility.
 
Local codes will always take precedence over our footer designs: frost lines, distance from property lines, floodplains, attaching to, or adding to a deck all can present certain issues that may change design plans depending on your location. Local codes also may call for changes to our buildings to withstand required wind loads, snow loads, and seismic ratings. The customer will be responsible for obtaining any necessary permits or engineers' stamps, as well as the cost of any structural changes to adhere to local codes. Unless we are building your foundation ourselves, and are contracted to do so, the cost and engineering of the foundation are also the customer's responsibility.
 
Have Questions?
If you have any questions for us, we would be happy to answer them.
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Email: contact@fifthroom.com
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