backyard shed FAQ

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BaseBox FAQ

BaseBox is a steel modular backyard structure designed for offices, studios, workshops, and off-grid use. Below you'll find answers to the most common questions about permits, power options, setup, HVAC, shipping, and warranty.

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SIZE & SPECS

What sizes does BaseBox come in? BaseBox comes in two sizes. BaseBox 72: 66.44 sq ft interior / 8×9 ft exterior. BaseBox 152: 143.11 sq ft interior / 8×19 ft exterior. Both have an 8-foot interior ceiling height.

What is the insulation type and R-value? All walls, floor, and ceiling are insulated with 2 inches of mineral wool, providing an R-16 rating. Mineral wool is non-combustible, moisture-resistant, and performs well across a wide temperature range.

What are the windows like? Double-pane glass with aluminum frames, 930mm × 930mm (approximately 36.6" × 36.6"), casement style. This qualifies as an egress-size window. Frame color is available in black or white.

What is the door size? Standard height with a 34-inch wide door — wider than a typical residential door, making it easier to move furniture or equipment in and out.

What is the flooring made of? The floor has a cement board base layer topped with SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) flooring — waterproof, highly durable, and available in 4 wood-look color options.

What is the floor load capacity? Approximately 40 lbs per square foot of uniformly distributed load.

What is the roof like? 1:12 Pitch 2 foot front overhang. Rain Gutters Easy to install to catch or divert water if desired.

What are the interior walls like? Interior walls are steel, painted white. They can be re-painted if desired.

How much does a BaseBox weigh? BaseBox 72: approximately 2,000 lbs. BaseBox 152: approximately 3,000 lbs.

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SITE PREP & FOUNDATION

What kind of surface does a BaseBox need? Any flat, stable surface works — existing concrete pad, gravel, compacted ground, or a poured foundation. We do not recommend placing it directly on bare dirt. If needed, pressure-treated lumber can be used to raise the unit slightly and maintain clearance between the floor and the ground.

Do I need a permanent foundation? No. A BaseBox does not require a permanent foundation, which also means it can be relocated if your needs change.

How much clearance do I need around the unit? Allow enough space for the door to open fully (34" swing) and adequate ventilation clearance on all sides. If adding a mini split, the outdoor condenser unit will need its own clear space nearby.

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POWER

What are my power options? Option 1 — Shore Power: Connect to your existing home or building using a 30-amp plug, similar to an RV hookup. You will likely need a licensed electrician to install a 30-amp circuit and outlet. This may or may not require a permit depending on your local jurisdiction — many do not require one for this type of work. Once installed, the BaseBox connects via a standard cord from the unit to the outlet.

Option 2 — Solar ($2,175 add-on): We offer an optional solar array and battery/generator package. Rated Power: 3,600W. Peak Power: 4,500W. Capacity: 3,072Wh. Battery Type: LiFePO4 lithium — long cycle life and stable chemistry. Output: 100V–120V Pure Sine Wave. Connection is simple — plug the solar array into the battery unit, then plug the battery into the BaseBox.

Does it have plumbing or running water? No. BaseBox does not include plumbing or water hookups. It is designed as an electrical-only structure.

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HVAC

Does the BaseBox come with heating and cooling? HVAC is optional. We offer a mini split system sized specifically for the BaseBox for $941, providing both heating and cooling. Cooling ambient range: 5°F–122°F. Heating ambient range: 5°F–86°F. SEER: 21.5. COP: 2.93. Outdoor noise: 54 dB(A). Indoor noise on Hi/Mi/Lo: 36/31/22 dB(A). Minimum circuit ampacity: 20A. Max fuse: 30A.

What if my climate gets colder than 5°F? Our mini split is rated down to 5°F. If you're in a region that regularly drops below that, we recommend sourcing a cold-climate mini split rated for lower temperatures — some units are rated to -22°F. Your local HVAC dealer can advise.

Can I use my own HVAC system instead? Yes. The BaseBox is pre-wired for a mini split on a 20-amp max circuit. Any licensed HVAC technician can install a compatible third-party unit.

How long will the battery/generator power the HVAC? On a full charge, the battery will power the HVAC system for 4–10 hours depending on outside temperature, how hard the system is working, and other factors. During daylight hours, the solar panels recharge the battery as it runs — so in normal daytime conditions you won't run out of power. The system essentially sustains itself while the sun is up.

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CUSTOMIZATION

Can I choose the color? Yes. Frame color is available in black or white. Exterior steel panels come in over 20 color options. Window frames are available in black or white. Interior SPC flooring comes in 4 wood-look color options. Interior walls are white steel and can be painted.

Can I paint the exterior or interior after delivery? Yes. Both interior and exterior surfaces can be painted. Use an appropriate metal primer and paint for best results on exterior steel surfaces.

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SHIPPING & LEAD TIME

How long does shipping take? In-stock configurations ship immediately. Custom orders (custom color or specific configurations) take 2.5–3 months to delivery.

How does it ship? The BaseBox ships flat — just 12 inches tall — which significantly reduces freight costs compared to shipping a fully assembled structure.

Is there a pre-assembled shipping option? Yes. We can assemble the unit before shipping so that on-site setup is minimal — just make your electrical connection or connect the solar array/battery and you're done. This increases shipping costs but eliminates on-site assembly time and labor. Contact us for a quote.

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SETUP & INSTALLATION

How does setup work? Think of it like unfolding a cardboard box into shape. The BaseBox ships flat on hinges — just 12 inches tall — with the walls folded down. There are no loose panels to keep track of. Setup involves unfolding the walls up into position and securing them, then lifting the roof frame on top and screwing in the roof panels. A drill is required for roof panel installation.

What equipment do I need for setup? You have several options: 2 material lifts (450–600 lb panel lifts, one at each end), 2 farm jacks, a rental forklift or telehandler (fastest method, approximately 30 minutes total), or crane service. Regardless of assembly method, a forklift or telehandler is needed to place the unit in its final location on site.

How long does setup take? With a forklift or telehandler: approximately 30 minutes. By hand: requires 4–6 people. Plan for a few hours. Farm jacks are not included — available at most farm and hardware stores.

What is included in the install kit? Every BaseBox ships with a spreader bar for standing up the unit, a security bit for the carriage bolt nuts, touch-up spray paint matching your frame color, all outlets, switches, and overhead lights, and auger-style ground anchors to secure the unit to the site.

Do I need to do any electrical work? The BaseBox is pre-wired. You will need to connect the included wiring to the outlets, switches, and overhead lights. If you are comfortable with basic electrical connections, you can do it yourself. If you prefer to have a professional handle it, an electrician can complete the work in approximately 1–2 hours.

Is professional installation available? Yes, for customers in New Mexico, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri, we can arrange installation for an additional fee. Contact us for a quote.

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PERMITS

Do I need a permit? Permit requirements vary by state, county, and city. Use the permit lookup tool on this page to get a starting point based on your location. Requirements can differ even within the same city, so we strongly recommend contacting your local building or zoning department to confirm before purchasing.

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PAYMENT & ORDERS

When is payment due? Payment in full is due at the time of order.

What is your cancellation and refund policy? In-stock orders: you may cancel and receive a full refund within 48 hours of placing your order. Custom or special orders: all sales are final. No refunds on custom or special orders.

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WARRANTY

What is the warranty? BaseBox units carry a 1-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. At our discretion, we will repair or replace any unit or component that qualifies under the warranty. We cover shipping costs if the item needs to be returned or replaced. If you purchase the optional HVAC mini split or solar package, those carry their own separate manufacturer warranties.