5 Tips For Building a Shed on your Property

Are you one of the homeowners are plagued by not having enough space to store their things. This usually results in a garage filled with clutter or rooms re-purposed for storage. Getting a shed in one’s yard has become a solution for most, so how do you get started with building one?

A shed is basically an outdoor roofed structure that’s typically installed in the backyard. It’s mainly used for storage purposes. If you’re looking into building one on your space, consider the following tips to help you out:

• Identify the purpose of your shed

A shed can be built for multiple reasons. For the most part, it’s used as storage space for garden tools and lawn equipment. Others use it as a workshop. Some build it as a hobby house. It can also be used as a garden shed and greenhouse. Assess your needs beforehand and consider how you plan to use your shed.

• DIY or hire a contractor

Building a shed is no easy job, and sometimes hiring a professional is best. For others who are familiar with woodworking, DIY is a workable option. Most sheds can be bought pre-made. So you just need to hire people to install it for you. Otherwise, you can do it yourself. Sites like shedsfirst.co.uk lists out a couple of shed options you can order online and have installed on your yard.

• Determine the size of your shed

In selecting the right size of shed for your yard, there are a couple of considerations to take. First is to make sure you have enough room to put up a shed.  As a benchmark, 20x20ft is the largest shed size you can build. That’s not including allowances and ramp space. Across the industry, common storage sizes range from 8x6ft, 10x8ft to as large as 32x14ft. It’s ideal to build on a terrain that’s mostly flat and has no steep incline. Also, make sure you’re not going to hit any trees or wires.

• Secure a building permit if necessary

Whether you need a building permit depends on the size of the structure you want to build. Check your state or city regulations on getting permission. Normally, a permit isn’t required if the dimension of the shed measures less than 200 square feet. In other areas, as long as it isn’t going to cover more than half of the yard space and does not contain any sleeping accommodations, you’re free to build your shed. Still, there are areas that have more specific requirements. It’s best to consult your local community about building restrictions and regulations. Some HOAs have specific policies regarding outbuildings.

• Get quality materials

Storage sheds can be made using a variety of materials. The most commonly used is wood, vinyl resin, or metal. If you’re shopping for a prefab shed, get help from the store crew on which material to use best. For small sheds that are going to be mainly used for storage, vinyl resin sheds are a popular choice. They’re lightweight, cheap, and come in a variety of styles and finishes. Wood sheds need a bit more maintenance, but it’s durable, and gives your yard a rustic feel. Metal sheds may not look that pretty, but like plastic sheds they’re lightweight and easy to assemble.

Getting a shed doesn’t have to be so hard. If you’re well informed about your options, you’re up for a great home improvement project.