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Buying a Garden Shed

The garden shed is an essential element in many backyards but how do you know what to look for when buying one?  Read on to find out more.

Look at the Style of the Shed

It is important to remember that the garden shed is not just there to store items.  As well as being a useful storage or work space, garden sheds need to complement the property as a whole.  Therefore, choose a shed that complements your home – if you have a country-style cottage, a rustic shed is perfect.  If your home has arched windows, use similar windows in your shed.  Also remember that the shed needs to become part of the landscape, rather than just looking as though it’s been plonked down at some stage.  Plant flowering annuals or perennials around the storage sheds, or install trellises so that climbing plants can grow up around the shed. Place it somewhere where it is easily accessible but not too visible.

Get the Shed that’s Right for you

The first thing to think about when buying a shed is what you will be storing in it.  If it is just a few tools, a small outdoor storage locker or cabinet will be more than sufficient.  Lawn mowers, sports equipment, outdoor furniture, and even vehicles, will all obviously require a bigger storage space.  Ensure that the space is easily accessible.  If you are storing furniture for example, you don’t want to have to drag the furniture all the way down the length of the garden every time you want to use it and put it away.  Vehicle storage should ensure that the shed is as directly accessible as possible to avoid driving through the garden and ruining the lawn.

Ventilation is also a necessity.  Ensure that there are windows if you only have a small door, or even consider installing vents.  It may be worthwhile getting a shed that has walls that are higher than standard.  It may seem like an unnecessary expense but if you are prone to bumping your head, you’ll soon be glad that you did so.

Choosing the Shed Site

As well as accessibility, there are some other things that you need to consider.  Is the area where the shed will be likely to be affected by poor water drainage or stormwater runoff?  If so, the floor will need to be above ground level.  A concrete floor will require a level, flat site, as an un-level can lead to problems such as water leakage, cracking, and doors that don’t open or shut properly.  Finally, ensure that the doors are located so that you can get the mower and other assorted things into the shed easily.  There is nothing worse than having a shed that is perfect in every aspect apart from the fact that the door opens the wrong way.

Get Permission

You may think that building a garden shed is no big deal but it is vital that you check with your local council before even selecting a shed.  Most councils will have their own rules about how large sheds can be and where they can be placed, and even what colours and materials you can use.  This will affect the shed that you buy so it is best to get as much information from your council as you can so that you don’t end up with a shed you can’t use, or worse, may have to tear down.

How Handy are you?

How proficient are you as a home handyman?  Your skills will determine whether you buy a do it yourself shed that you put together yourself, or if you buy a shed that will be installed for you.  A shed in kit form is usually cheaper to buy as you are saving heaps on labour costs, but you will need to be able to read instructions clearly and have at least an adequate handle on using tools such as drills and screwdrivers.  Also, depending on the size of the shed, you may need help as it could just simply be too large for you to do yourself.  Will you have a friend or neighbour willing to help?  A professional installation costs more but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the shed is erected safely and efficiently.