Quick answer
The easiest way to choose a garden building near Lichfield is to see real ones first. Our Display Site at Buzzards Valley, between Lichfield and Tamworth (B78 3EQ), has a changing selection of sheds, summerhouses, greenhouses and steel storage you can walk round 7 days a week. Bring your garden measurements, ring ahead to check what's on show, and sort your base, access and planning before you order.
By Craig Davison, Director, Lichfield Garden Buildings · 14 years selling garden buildings and involved in more than 1,000 sales
This guide is about how to get the most from a visit and how to turn it into the right building for your garden. For where we are and the areas we cover, see our Lichfield, Tamworth and Staffordshire page.
Why it's worth seeing a building first
Photos can't show you headroom, how solid a floor feels or how thick the cladding is. In my experience, five minutes stood inside a 6ft x 4ft shed settles the "is it big enough?" question faster than an hour with a tape measure at home. It also shows you the difference between ranges at different prices, so you can judge what the extra money gets you.
Before you visit
Measure the space
Measure the spot in your garden, then take off room to walk round the building and reach the walls for treatment. Note where the sun falls and which way you want the door to face. Our guide what size shed do I need? helps.
Photograph the route
Take photos of the road outside, the drive, any side gate and the path to the base. Measure the narrowest point. Many older streets near Lichfield city centre and many newer estates have narrow passages or no side access at all, and that can change which building is right for you.
Write down what it's for
List what you'll store or do in it: bikes, mower, workbench, potting, an office, a gym. Think five years ahead, not just this summer.
Check what's on show
We can't display every model, and what's on site changes as buildings sell. Ring 01543 398778 or WhatsApp us and we'll tell you whether the building you want is there, or show you something similar.
Decide whether you want a chat
You can view the buildings 7 days a week. We're not always on site, so if you'd like someone to show you round and answer questions, book a time before you come.
What to check on the day
| Building type | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Sheds | Door width for your mower or bike, headroom at the eaves, floor stiffness, cladding thickness, window and lock quality |
| Summerhouses | How much glass, which way it would face in your garden, door style, space for furniture |
| Steel storage | Door and lock, floor, roof finish, colour options |
| Greenhouses | Glazing, vents, door, staging space, how much room you'd have to work |
Take photos of anything you like, including labels and sizes, so you can find the same building online later.
Compare the ranges
Stand in two similar sheds from different ranges and compare the cladding, the frame and the hardware. Ask how each one is treated, as that affects your upkeep for years. Our guide to pressure-treated vs dip-treated timber explains the difference. If you're torn between timber and steel, see metal vs wooden vs concrete sheds.
Ask the practical questions
- Is installation included on this range, or is it a kit?
- Is delivery free to my postcode?
- What base does it need?
- What's the lead time right now?
- Can I change the door or window positions?
Local points to sort before you order
Planning and conservation areas
Most garden buildings don't need planning permission, but Lichfield District has many conservation areas and listed buildings, and some estates have had permitted development rights removed. Check before you buy. See do I need planning permission? and our Lichfield page for links to the council.
Your base and the ground
Much of the area sits on heavy clay that holds water in winter and cracks in dry summers. A firm, level, well-drained base matters even more here. See what base do I need for a shed?
Delivery and installation
Every building is made to order and delivered direct from its maker, and the terms differ by range. Some include installation, some come as a kit to your kerbside, and log cabins from Power Sheds are craned off on a pallet at the kerb for self-assembly. Each product page shows what's included, and our delivery day guide explains what to expect.
Timing
Lead times vary by range and season, and each product page shows the current estimate. If you want a building up by a certain date, order early and get your base ready while you wait.
After your visit
- Check the ex-display list. Some buildings on site are sold at a discount, with free delivery and installation within 40 miles of the Display Site. See our ex-display clearance.
- Price your own spec with Build Your Quote.
- Send us a photo. WhatsApp a picture of your garden and we'll suggest sizes and styles.
- Browse what's on show in our on display collection.
For more on buying locally, including soils and access, read our Staffordshire and West Midlands buyer's guide.
See them in person: our Display Site is at Buzzards Valley, 37 Shirrall Drive, Drayton Bassett, Tamworth B78 3EQ, about 8 miles from Lichfield city centre. Ring 01543 398778 before you come. Garden buildings in Lichfield, Tamworth and Staffordshire.
FAQs
Where can I see garden buildings near Lichfield?
At our Display Site at Buzzards Valley, Drayton Bassett, between Lichfield and Tamworth (B78 3EQ). It's about 8 miles from Lichfield city centre, usually a 15 to 20 minute drive.
Do I need to book a visit?
No, you can view the buildings 7 days a week. We're not always on site, so book a time or ring 01543 398778 first if you'd like someone to show you round.
Can I see every building you sell?
No. We have a selection on show, and it changes as buildings sell and new ones arrive. Ring or WhatsApp us before you come and we'll tell you what's there, or show you something similar.
What should I bring to the Display Site?
Your garden measurements, a few photos of the space and the route from the road, and a list of what you want to store or do in the building.
Can I buy an ex-display building?
Yes, when they're available. Some buildings on site are sold at a discount, with free delivery and installation within 40 miles of the Display Site. See our ex-display clearance list.