Sheds And Storage

The first question to consider when choosing a shed or storage building is:

Step 1: What is the PRIMARY USE?

What are you going to store in the shed? Is it only going to be a bicycle, or will it be industrial tools? This is the most important question to get clear about. Are you going to be using your shed or storage building daily, weekly or only monthly?

When considering what you will be using your shed for, think about the dimensions of the shed doors as well as the actual shed itself. For example if you are buying/building a shed to house your lawnmower, make sure that it can easily pass through the shed doors!!

Also consider any lighting and ventilation requirements. Even if you are only using your storage building for storage, you will still need to easily find items inside the building. If however you will be using your shed as a workshop shed then you might want to consider skylights as well as electrical lighting. If you plan on spending considerable blocks of time in your shed, then you will need to ensure that you have some sort of power supply inside the shed.

How big does you shed need to be? When estimating your sizing, remember to accommodate room to move inside the shed. There will need to be empty space, without any items blocking access so you can easily do what you need to inside.

One of the great things about storage buildings is that items don’t necessarily have to be stored on the ground. There are plenty of storage solutions to optimize the vertical space inside your shed. So don’t forget to take height into consideration.

Don’t make the mistake of buying a shed intended for gardening and tools when all you really need is a small bicycle shed. You want to maximize your value for money by only buying what you will actually use.

The flip side of this of course is not to underestimate the size needed. Why not take the time to actually write a list of all the uses that you can think of for your new shed. If you have any unusually shaped tools or industrial machines then make sure you measure them to ensure you get the best fit.

This brings up:

Step 2: Where are you going to put the shed?

If you are limited for space then you really need to do your research. Measure the area, ensuring you take into account actually constructing/erecting the shed (you’d be surprised how often this isn’t considered!!!). Don’t forget to look at the space from a 3D perspective – look at the skyline and the ground. If you can’t accommodate a tall shed then don’t worry you can buy horizontal sheds.

The ground that you are going to locate the shed is very important. Are you going to lay a foundation? Is the ground level? If you can’t afford to lay a foundation you can still put a metal shed or vinyl shed down – just make sure the ground is high and not low and wet. It is always recommended that approximately 6 inches of topsoil is removed and replaced with gravel in any areas affected by poor drainage or frosts.

The ground must also be level, but if the elevation changes 6 inches or less over the site, you might be able to get away with laying foundation pavers.

Step 3: What is the surrounding environment?

Do you live near the water? Do you live in a hot climate? Are you in a known termite area? These are all important factors when choosing the material that the shed or storage building is constructed from.

Step 4: How much can you afford?
Often the first question that people ask, without really considering the other factors. Be careful when buying cheap sheds. Don’t forget you almost always get what you pay for. A high quality, well constructed shed should last you many years, if not a lifetime. So it is wise to think of it as an investment. There’s nothing worse than paying cheaply only to find that in 2 years you have to do it all over again.

Step 5: External Appearances

Do you care if the shed blends in with your house? Or more importantly what will neighboring owners feel about your new storage building? These are very important questions to consider – unless of course you are constructing a metal building on an industrial site. It is no good choosing a plain metal shed as the landmark of your backyard if the rest of your house has been tastefully designed by an architect. You definitely want to avoid annoying any neighbours by planting a large eyesore to block their view.