If you want to get the most out of your shed then you need
to take the time to plan ahead. You also need to determine what your shed will
be used for.
Many people will use their shed in order to minimize the
amount of clutter in and around their homes. Most sheds are used in order to
store belongings that are used infrequently.
Regardless of the reason, there are many things that you
need to think about before you choose a shed for your backyard. Here, we will
break down everything you should consider before you make your decision.
Types of Sheds
Sheds are usually categorized according to the type of
material that they're made from. Below, we will discuss the most popular types
of sheds on the market, analyzing their pros and cons so that you will be able
to make an informed decision.
Wooden sheds are known for their adaptability. You can make
several additions to them if you are not satisfied with their current state. In
other words, they are highly customizable, so you can make numerous changes to
them if you want to upgrade them over time.
Also, in the event that they break down in the future, you
can make repairs to them with minimal effort and only a few tools. However,
they have one notable weakness: Wooden sheds are easier to break into compared
to other shed types.
As such, if security is a top priority for you, and you are
thinking of housing many valuable garden tools and appliances in your shed,
then perhaps a wooden shed is not the best choice for you.
Next, we have metal sheds. One of the reasons why metal
sheds are so popular is because they require no maintenance. Wooden sheds are,
well, made of wood, which means they are vulnerable to rot, moisture and other
elemental and time-based hazards.
If you don't want to worry about maintenance at-all, then
metal sheds may be the best choice for you. Metal sheds are very durable, so
you don't have to worry about them being damaged by heavy rains, strong winds
or freezing cold temperatures.
You don't have to worry about them decaying or eroding over
the years either, nor do you have to worry about them being destroyed by
insects, such as termites.
However, one caveat to be aware of is that metal sheds may
rust over time, so performing routine inspections of the material is
recommended. Metal sheds also tend to cost more than wooden sheds due to the
higher quality materials that are used, so if you are on a tight budget then a
wooden shed may be the most economical choice.
As for plastic sheds, you don't have to worry about
corrosion or rot, making plastic sheds a very durable choice for your
gardening, storage or repair needs. However, they are not a good choice for the
environment, as they are not made with biodegradable materials.
They tend to come in fewer shapes and sizes, and they are
also harder to customize, so if versatility and customizability are very
important to you then plastic sheds are probably not your best option.
Conduct a Regular Check
You should perform a thorough inspection of your shed at
least once every 12 months. Rotting wood, peeling paint and protruding nails
are just some of the telltale signs that you should be on the lookout for
during a top to bottom inspection of your shed.
You should also thoroughly inspect the interior of your
shed. Many homeowners make the mistake of ignoring the interior of their shed
for damage, so make sure that you assess the condition of the entire shed. This
includes the roof of your shed. The roof of a shed is particularly vulnerable
to weather-based damage, so make sure that there are no gaps in the ceiling.
Any gaps in the walls and the floor should be repaired
before they become serious problems.
Choose a Perfect Location
Location, location, location. If you choose a location that
is too far from your home then it defeats the purpose of owning a shed in the
first place.
Make sure that your shed is situated close to home so that
you can get to it without much difficulty, especially during the winter. You
should always place your backyard shed
close to your property so that you can access it without any issues.
Another reason why proximity is important is to make it easy
for you to keep a close eye on your shed. Rodents, thieves and other threats
may try to damage your shed, rummage for food or steal your belongings.
You may want to consider installing a security camera for
additional protection. The very presence of a camera may deter thieves from
targeting your shed. Motion and glass break sensors can offer increased shed
protection, as can fixing deadbolt locks.
Protect What Matters Most
A shed is a serious investment. Picking the right shed
matters. The materials that are used need to be of the highest quality. A beautiful
shed that is well maintained will also increase the curb appeal and real estate
value of your home when you are ready to sell it.
Don't forget to verify the building codes in your town and
city before you begin building your shed, as you may need a permit to construct
a shed in your backyard.
You should also check with your insurance provider in order
to determine if you can add your shed to your coverage plan. And make sure that
your contractor is licensed and bonded to ensure that your investment will be
well protected.
Stephanie Alexander is a blogger. She is currently a blog manager, predominantly based in the Greater Toronto Area, managing content for a few different blogs for different clients with wildly varying information needs or topics of interest. She likes to research topics mainly related to home improvement. Most recently she graduated from the University of British Columbia with her Bachelor's in Business Administration and Creative Writing with Honours.
