A shed provides an ideal space to store your personal belongings—whether they’re power tools, unwanted household items, or even garden equipment. It’s the perfect way to ensure their safety and increase their lifespan. Having a storage shed also helps increase your home’s appraisal value since you can use it to negotiate a higher price if you ever decide to sell in the future.
As a property owner, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the many benefits a storage shed can bring. But before you build one, here are five essential things to consider:
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1. The Costs Of Building
Like any other project, building a storage shed comes with different costs. Essentially, the cost to build mini storage buildings like a shed is influenced by specific factors such as the size, the type of materials, and the design. For instance, a custom-built brick shed is generally more expensive than a prefabricated one that you can install on your own.
Therefore, as part of your building plan, you need to first come up with a budget that suits your building requirements. This budget will act as a guide throughout the project’s duration, allowing you to allocate your finances in the right places.
Below are the basic costs to factor in:
- Hiring expenses if you plan on employing professionals to handle the project
- The costs of building materials. Special wood posts and high-quality brick generally cost more than other materials like metal or resin. However, even though they’re more expensive, they also tend to last longer.
- The costs of installing security features like electrical wiring if you’re going to store valuable equipment
- The costs of adding extra features for aesthetical appeal such as interior furnishings
Also, even if you plan to stay within your budget, be sure not to sacrifice quality. Remember the better the quality, the longer the useful life, and the higher the returns on investment.
2. The Size And Style
Before building your storage shed, it’s also wise to think about the size, height, and style that suits your purpose. For instance, you may want a style that complements the pre-existing design of your home or landscape.
Here are some other variables to evaluate when deciding on the appropriate size of the shed:
- The quantity of tools to store: The volume of equipment you’re planning to safely keep in your storage shed determines its outbuilding size. For example, if you have many work supplies, you might require more shelving options.
- Retrieval of items: You should have adequate space to easily remove and return your tools without cramping. This also allows easy movement within the shed and prevents the chances of accidents, especially when dealing with risky machinery or items.
- Your future needs: Go for the size and style that can accommodate your long-term plans. For example, if you plan to transform your shed into a workspace in the near future, consider building a big storage shed with enough room for additional supplies.
- The size of your yard: You can install a bigger shed if you have ample outdoor space. However, a smaller yard may restrict you to a smaller storage shed.
Aside from that, note that the height of your shed also matters especially if you’re going to store above and perform your tasks below. A barn shed with a gambrel roof and extended rafters are the best pick in this case.
3. The Location
Selecting the correct placement for your shed is important before you proceed with building. Below are some aspects to consider:
- The purpose: Depending on the intended use, you’d want a storage shed near the work area. For instance, if you intend to build a storage place for garden equipment, it’d be best to have it near your lawn for ease of access.
- Ground conditions: Harsh weather conditions like heavy rains can cause a puddle, especially if your shed is installed on a low spot. Therefore, consider choosing sloped ground that can allow water runoff.
- Aesthetics: If you want an attractive shed that you can show off, then you can have it at the front or center of your property.
4. The Building Requirements
Your local government may provide specific regulations regarding the building standards of residential structures. Usually, there are restrictions on height, size, and the location to build your shed. For that reason, you may want to check your local area shed building codes and get your permit if required. For deeper insight, consider consulting a licensed professional builder and researching online on building codes.
Conclusion
Building a storage shed helps you protect all your valuables from damage or exposure to adverse conditions such as corrosion or rust. Before you start your construction project, first evaluate the costs, select the appropriate materials, and choose the perfect size, style, and location for your shed. Strive to construct a quality shed that can provide you with a permanent solution for your storage needs.
