Survival Guide

1. Welcome — Let’s Make This Easy

2. Why People Buy Portable Buildings (And Why You Might, Too)

3. Seven Smart Questions to Ask Before You Buy

4. Understanding Building Types & Options

5. Custom vs. In-Stock — Which One’s Right for You?

6. Built Right from the Ground Up

7. Smart Upgrades That Add Real Value

8. How Delivery Works (And What You Need to Know Beforehand)

9. Warranties, Maintenance & Long-Term Ownership

10. Your Buying Options — Clear, Flexible, and Straightforward

11. Let’s Build Something That Works for You

1. Welcome! Let’s Make This Easy

If you’ve been thinking about buying a portable building—a shed, cabin, garage, or even a custom structure—you’ve probably already realized there’s a lot to consider. And if you’ve found yourself feeling a little overwhelmed trying to make the right decision… you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I put this guide together.

My name is Thomas Downey, and my wife Alissa and I run T-Square Portable Structures right here in Lucedale, Mississippi. Since 2021, we’ve helped hundreds of families and businesses across the Gulf Coast find buildings that actually fit their lives—not just their lots.

Whether you’re looking for a little extra storage, a weekend getaway space, a workshop, or a cabin or tiny home shell, this guide will walk you through what matters most—without the fluff, pressure, or sales talk. It’s the kind of straight-up advice I’d give to my own family.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll know:

What type of building fits your needs
What features to look for (and what you can skip)
How the buying process actually works
What to expect with delivery
And how to get the best value for your investment

I believe buying a building should be simple, stress-free, and built around you. So let’s dig in—and get you one step closer to a building that works as hard as you do.

2. Why People Buy Portable Buildings (And Why You Might, Too

Let’s be honest—nobody wakes up excited about buying a shed just for the fun of it.

Most people come to us because something’s not working the way it is. Maybe the garage is overflowing. Maybe they need a quiet space to work from home. Maybe the house is feeling a little too crowded… or they’ve just got a dream in the back of their mind they’re finally ready to make happen.

Here are some of the most common (and very real) reasons folks across the Gulf Coast choose a portable building:

1. You’re Running Out Of Space

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

Whether it’s tools, seasonal decorations, lawn equipment, or a growing hobby, you need somewhere to put it all that’s not your spare bedroom or kitchen.

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

Month after month of rent adds up fast—and you still have to drive across town just to get to your stuff. A building on your property saves time, money, and hassle.

3. You Need Your Own Personal Space

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

Man cave. She-shed. Craft studio. Workout room. Home office. Whatever you call it—it’s time to carve out a little square footage just for you.

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

Whether it’s for a getaway, a guest space, or future living plans, a well-built shell gives you the flexibility to create something long-term without starting from scratch.

5. You’ve Got Vehicles Or Equipment To Protect

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

5. You’ve Got Vehicles Or Equipment To Protect

Boats, side-by-sides, lawn mowers, ATVs… They’re not cheap, and they’re not made to sit in the weather. A portable garage or metal building keeps them covered and safe.

6. You Want To Be More Self Sufficient

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

5. You’ve Got Vehicles Or Equipment To Protect

With options like greenhouses, animal shelters, and storage barns, we’ve helped plenty of folks take the next step toward a more independent lifestyle.

3. Seven Smart Questions to Ask Before You Buy

1. What’s the main purpose of the building?

Storage? Workspace? A future cabin or office? Knowing your primary goal keeps you from over- or under-buying.

2. How much space do I really need?

Think beyond what you’re storing today. Will you be adding more equipment, growing your hobby, or expanding your use later? If so, bigger might be better upfront.
It’s almost always cheaper to go a little bigger now than to add on or buy a second building down the road.

3. Will I want to finish it out later?

If you’re thinking long-term—like adding insulation, electrical, or converting it into livable space—be sure you start with the right structure, layout, and framing.

4. What will make it easier to use day-to-day?

Little upgrades can make a big difference. Electrical packages, built-in shelving, and sturdy workbenches turn a basic shed into a fully functional space that works for you—not against you.

5. Where will it go on my property?

Check for level ground, access for delivery, and how close it is to other buildings or utilities. This helps you choose the right size, roof style, and door placement.

6. What’s my budget — not just for today, but long-term?

Some folks choose to purchase outright. Others go with rent-to-own or credit-based financing—we offer both. Choose the path that keeps your project moving without straining your budget.

7. Do I want something off the lot or custom built?

We’ve got a wide selection in stock and ready to deliver—but if you have something specific in mind, we’ll custom-build it your way.
And the best part? Whether it’s off the lot or made to order, you only pay for what you get. No upcharges. No customization fees. Just straightforward pricing for the exact building you want.

A quick note:

You don’t need to have every answer figured out right now. That’s what we’re here for. But thinking through these basics before you buy will help you feel confident, avoid costly regrets, and get the most out of your building for years to come.

Utility Sheds

Straightforward, versatile, and built to last — these are your everyday workhorses.

Available from 8x12 up to 16x60
Classic A-frame roof with straight walls (ideal for finishing out)
Customizable with doors, windows, shelving, electrical, and more
Built with LP Smart Siding (metal exteriors available in select sizes)

Lofted Barns

Utility Sheds

Need more storage without expanding your footprint? Every lofted barn includes built-in overhead lofts — ready for totes, bins, boxes, and everything you don’t want underfoot.

Sizes from 8x12 up to 16x60
Iconic barn-style roof for maximum headroom
Excellent for general storage, tools, and hobby projects

Cabin Shells

Utility Sheds

Portable Garages

These are built to become something more — a backyard office, a weekend escape, or a fully finished tiny home shell. You bring the vision, we’ll build the base.

Available from 8x16 to 16x60
Multiple porch styles and layouts to choose from
Can be built basic, or include full interior framing, electrical, and insulation
Options for partition walls, multiple rooms, and finish-out ready shells

Portable Garages

Need vehicle-ready performance in a portable structure? These are purpose-built to carry the load.

Heavy-duty flooring: joists 12” on center with ¾" LP Legacy subfloor
Designed for vehicles, equipment, and heavy storage
Sizes from 12x20 to 16x60
Custom layout options for doors, electrical, and workspace

Greenhouses

Portable Garages

Greenhouses

Not a “shed with windows” — these are designed for growers. Whether you’re homesteading, gardening, or just feeding your plant addiction, this is your space.

Sizes: 8x10, 8x12, and 10x12
Composite decking floors and built-in workbenches
Clear polycarbonate roof panels for maximum sunlight
Landscape screen flooring system for drainage and air

Not a “shed with windows” — these are designed for growers. Whether you’re homesteading, gardening, or just feeding your plant addiction, this is your space.

Sizes: 8x10, 8x12, and 10x12
Composite decking floors and built-in workbenches
Clear polycarbonate roof panels for maximum sunlight
Landscape screen flooring system for drainage and air flow
Available by inventory or as custom builds
Choose your siding and trim colors

Show Less

Metro Sheds

Portable Garages

Greenhouses

When space is tight, these compact sheds still deliver quality and function.

Sizes: 6x8, 6x10, 6x12
Perfect for lawn tools, bikes, pool gear, or small utility needs
Designed to fit tight spaces while keeping your yard clean and organized

Whatever you’re needing — whether that’s storage, workspace, or a future cabin — we’ll help you match the

When space is tight, these compact sheds still deliver quality and function.

Sizes: 6x8, 6x10, 6x12
Perfect for lawn tools, bikes, pool gear, or small utility needs
Designed to fit tight spaces while keeping your yard clean and organized

Whatever you’re needing — whether that’s storage, workspace, or a future cabin — we’ll help you match the right style, size, and options to your property and your plans.

Show Less

The Studio

Carports And Metal Buildings

One of our newest models, with lots of natural lighting, perfect for she-shed, art studio, and so much more!

Sizes from 8x12 to 12x32
Monoslope Roof with 8ft Eaves
12x48 Transom Windows across the top
3x4 Thermal Windows

Carports And Metal Buildings

When strength, scale, and durability matter — our engineered steel structures are built to perform.

Widths from 12’ to 60’ clear span, plus lean-tos up to 24’
Lengths exceeding 100’ available
Fully enclosed or open carports available
Customize placement of roll-up doors, walk-in doors, and windows
Designed to meet 140 MPH wind loads and upgrade to 170mph for southern coastal specs

5. Custom vs. In-Stock— Which One’s Right For You?

In-Stock Buildings

Fast. Convenient. Ready to go.

If you’re looking for something available now and ready to deliver, our in-stock lineup is hard to beat.

Fast delivery – Most units are delivered in 5–10 business days (often as fast as 2–5 days), weather permitting
On-site viewing – See and walk through the exact building before you commit
Plenty of variety – We typically stock 40–50 portable buildings in various sizes, styles, and layouts

Perfect for folks who want a hassle-free experience and quick turnaround.

Custom Builds

Tailored to your needs. Built just for you.

Need something specific? Want more control over the layout, color, size, or features like interior framing or electrical? Custom is the way to go.

Endless flexibility – Choose the exact size, color, layout, and add-ons that fit your needs
Straightforward pricing – No extra fees for going custom — you only pay for what you choose
Quick turnaround – Most portable buildings deliver in 21–28 days; metal buildings typically deliver in 2–5 weeks depending on location
Cabin-ready – Custom options are ideal for those planning to finish out their building for personal use
Metal buildings and carports are always custom – These structures are manufactured to order and built on-site. Each one is made specifically for your space and needs.

So whether it’s a custom shed, cabin shell, or full-size steel garage — you can get exactly what you want without paying for what you don’t.

6. Built Right From The Ground Up

Not all sheds are created equal — and we don’t cut corners.

Every building we sell is constructed with materials and methods we stand behind. Here’s what comes standard when you purchase from us:

Our wood sided portable buildings come standard with industry-leading features that make our buildings a step above the rest!

160 MPH Wind Loads
4x6 Treated Skids
2x6 Treated Floor Joists
LP SmartSiding with Smart Guard
OSB on Roofs
Double Top Plate Construction
Tongue & Groove Flooring
All Wood Building Interior Walls Are Constructed with:
Premium 2x4 Wood Studs Spaced 16" on Center
Double Wood Stud Every 4'
Double Studded Corners
Trusses
8', 10', 12' Wide Buildings = 24" on Center
14' & 16' Wide Buildings = 16'' on Center
Hurricane Truss Screws on the Bottom Side of Each Truss

Our portable buildings are uniquely built to service all of your storage shed needs. We are honored to have served thousands of happy customers with top-quality buildings at the lowest possible prices. Our portable buildings are sold from our authorized dealer locations who can answer all your questions. We are proud to have the opportunity to partner with like-minded business professionals, to better serve you with top-quality customer service.

Contents

1. Welcome! Let’s Make This Easy

2. Why People Buy Portable Buildings (And Why You Might, Too

1. You’re Running Out Of Space

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

3. You Need Your Own Personal Space

2. You’re Tired Of Paying For A Storage Unit

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

5. You’ve Got Vehicles Or Equipment To Protect

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

5. You’ve Got Vehicles Or Equipment To Protect

6. You Want To Be More Self Sufficient

4. You’re Ready To Build Out A Cabin Or Tiny Home

5. You’ve Got Vehicles Or Equipment To Protect

3. Seven Smart Questions to Ask Before You Buy

4. Understanding Building Types And Styles

Utility Sheds

Utility Sheds

Utility Sheds

Lofted Barns

Utility Sheds

Utility Sheds

Cabin Shells

Utility Sheds

Portable Garages

Portable Garages

Portable Garages

Portable Garages

Greenhouses

Portable Garages

Greenhouses

Metro Sheds

Portable Garages

Greenhouses

The Studio

Carports And Metal Buildings

Carports And Metal Buildings

Carports And Metal Buildings

Carports And Metal Buildings

Carports And Metal Buildings

5. Custom vs. In-Stock— Which One’s Right For You?

In-Stock Buildings

Custom Builds

6. Built Right From The Ground Up

Rent-to-Own Application

This website uses cookies.