A storage shed is a convenient, one-story structure that stores tools, equipment, and other possessions. Some storage sheds are for specialized uses, such as bicycles or gardening equipment. Storage sheds are often situated in the backyard but can also be positioned elsewhere, beside a driveway or lawn corner.
The sheds can also store lawn equipment, tools, and outdoor furniture, offering additional room for hobbies or business pursuits. Storage sheds can be bought ready-made or erected on-site. Some people prefer to build a storage shed from scratch using blueprints and supplies purchased from a home improvement store. Others prefer to have one made by a contractor.
It's essential to thoroughly investigate your alternatives and consider all the factors before purchasing a storage shed since it is a huge investment. In this blog post, you will be well-informed about buying a storage shed that will fulfill your needs and last for many years.
1. Your Budget
Your budget will determine the storage shade you have access to. To begin, consider your financial situation, spending limit, and what percentage of financial plan excesses you are willing to accept.
2. Storage Sheds Material
One of the important choices you'll have to make when picking a storage shed is what material to use. Wood, metal, and plastic are most frequently used to construct storage sheds. The best material depends on your needs, budget, and personal tastes. Each material has its distinct combination of advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden Sheds
A wooden storage shed is the most classic and well-liked option, available in various types and patterns. Typically, they are constructed from premium wood that is noted for its durability and resistance to rot and decay, such as redwood, pine, or cedar.
Wooden shelters can be easily customized, painted, or shaded to fit the exterior of your property. The drawback is that they need routine upkeep and could rot or deform over time.
Steel Sheds
Steel, aluminum, or tin are used to construct metal storage sheds. They are renowned for their dependability, resistance to decay and fire, and minimal upkeep needs. Also, they are available in various types and sizes and can be painted to suit the color of your house. On the downside, they can get hot during the summer, rust, and dent with time, and are less aesthetically pleasing than wood.
Plastic Sheds
Typically, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a form of plastic, is used to construct plastic sheds. They are renowned for their resilience against rotting insects and for requiring little upkeep.
Additionally, plastic sheds are lightweight and easy to move or transfer. The drawbacks are they have a different aesthetic appeal than wood, may not keep up well in adverse weather, and frequently have lower durability than other materials.
A Comparison of Storage Sheds Materials
It's key to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each material when selecting the best storage shed. Although the sheds can be made to match your home and have a traditional appearance, wooden sheds need to be maintained regularly.
Metal sheds are demanding and require little upkeep, but they lack aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, plastic sheds are lightweight and require little maintenance, but they might only last for a short time compared to sheds made of other materials.
It's also necessary to consider your financial situation and the intended shed's lifespan. While normally requiring more upkeep than metal and plastic shelters, wooden sheds typically survive longer. Although plastic sheds are affordable and durable, they might not fare as well in harsh weather. In addition, metal sheds are more expensive than wooden and plastic ones but last longer and require less upkeep.
3. The Purpose
Choosing the purpose of your shed is the fundamental and first step in the shed-buying process. Even if a shed can cover multiple tasks, deciding on its main purpose before considering additional applications may have an impact on important decisions like building size and foundation type
4. Its Design
The aesthetic of your home and property should be reflected in the shed's design. Choose a shed that goes well with the design of your house. The shed should also have amenities like windows, skylights, and shelves for extra storage and be useful and accessible.
5. Size and Volume
Size is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a storage shed. Ensure the shed is big enough to meet your storage requirements while occupying only a little space on your land.
Choose the Appropriate Size for Your Requirements
It's important to consider what you'll be storing there when choosing the size of your storage shed. Think about the size, quantity, and frequency of access to the objects you'll be holding. This will enable you to decide on the bare minimum shed size required. It may be simpler to store and arrange your belongings if your shed has built-in shelving or racks.
Organization and Capacity Considerations
Consider how you'll use the space when determining the storage shed's capacity. To avoid moving objects around or digging through the clutter, you'll want to ensure you have adequate space to move around and reach your belongings easily. Maintaining your items' organization may be simpler if your shed has built-in shelving or racks.
For every square foot of storage space, it's a good idea to have 6 to 8 square feet of floor space. You'll have ample space. This way, you can move about and reach your items without difficulty. It is also important to consider the shed's height to ensure it can house tall objects like ladders, lawnmowers, and bicycles.
6. Location and Permit
The location of your storage shed is key for both practical and legal reasons. Generally, the best site for your shed should be chosen by taking the following elements into account when deciding where to put your shed:
- Pick a spot close to your house for convenience but not so close that it creates a visual nuisance.
- The ground must be level to avoid water collecting around the shed and to make assembly simpler.
- To avoid water seeping into the shed and causing damage, pick a location with good drainage.
- Avoid situating the shed where it will receive excessive direct sunlight, making the interior uncomfortable and heated.
- Consider the future and your long-term requirements, and be adaptable to potential changes.
7. Local Regulations and Codes
Before you purchase a storage shed, you should check with the local authorities and obtain all necessary permits to ensure that it complies with zoning and building regulations. Before you start building, you should also get a building permit.
Speak with your local government to learn about the zoning and permit policies that apply to your circumstances. You may be subject to fines or penalties for breaking these rules, and you might even be forced to take the shed down.
8. Method of Assembly
One important consideration when purchasing a storage shed is how it will be assembled. Self-assembly and expert assembly are the two basic options.
Making a Shed on Your Own
With self-assembly, you can easily customize your shed to meet your unique needs while keeping costs low. Many sheds come with all the required hardware and tools and comprehensive instructions.
Building a shed can also be an excellent solution if you have the knowledge and experience to do it yourself. But it may also be a complex process that takes a lot of time if you need the right equipment or knowledge. The guarantee can also be nullified if the shed is put up improperly.
Hiring a Professional to Make a Shed
You can save time and worry by having a contractor assemble your shed, and they'll make sure it's done right. Professionals may also make necessary changes to ensure the shed is level and secure and troubleshoot any issues that may develop during assembly. However, hiring an expert could be more expensive than putting the shed together.
Maintenance Tips to Make Your Shed Last Longer
- Routinely clean your shed's walls and floor to eliminate cobwebs, filth, and other messes that could attract pests.
- Safeguard against water to avoid water damage and to keep the roof and walls in good shape.
- Regularly paint to protect your wooden shed from weathering, and repaint every few years.
- Examine the foundation to ensure the shed's foundation is solid and level.
- Inspect for pests and take precautions against pests like termites by keeping an eye out for them.
A Storage Shed is a Great Investment
A storage shed is a terrific way to organize your property and provide more storage space. To guarantee that you purchase the most significant storage shed that will fulfill your needs and last for years to come, it is advised that you think carefully and plan. Spend some time investigating your possibilities before making a choice.
References:
https://www.dakotastorage.com/blog/6-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-shed-shed-buying-workbook
https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/storage-shed-buying-guide/
https://dutchcountrysheds.com/5-things-to-consider-before-buying-an-outdoor-storage-shed/
https://www.qualitystoragebuildings.com/what-to-check-for-when-buying-a-shed/