Before adding a shed to your home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
A shed is a good place for extra storage space for your tools, lawn equipment, and bikes or be used as an outdoor office or studio.
Here are seven critical factors to consider before installing a shed at home.
Think about the space you have
Take a look at the space you have in your yard first. How much room do you have for a shed? On average, the size of sheds ranges from eight feet to ten by sixteen feet.
You may opt for a smaller shed if you have a small yard. Also, consider the shape of your yard when deciding on the size and location of your shed.
If your shed will be used as an office or studio, you’ll need to ensure it has enough space for your needs.
In this case, allow for about one hundred square feet of space per person.
You’ll also need to consider easements, utility lines, and property boundaries.
Easements are areas on your property reserved for utility companies or other entities.
You’ll need to ensure enough space around the shed so that utility workers can access anything they need. Utility lines are another critical consideration.
Make sure you know where your water, gas, and electricity lines are before you start digging for your shed foundation. Let your utility companies know you’ll be digging.
This way, they can mark their lines’ location and avoid accidents. Property boundaries are another vital factor to consider.
You’ll need to make sure the shed is located within your property boundaries so that you don’t encounter legal issues.
Check with your homeowner’s association
For neighborhoods with a homeowners association, you’ll need to check with them before installing a shed. Some HOAs restrict the size, style, and location of a shed.
Others may require you to get approval from the association before proceeding. It’s a good idea to check with your HOA before you start shopping for a shed to ensure you comply with their rules.
For instance, many HOAs have rules about the height of a shed. They may also require a shed to be located a certain distance from the property line or road.
Get a permit
A permit may be necessary before installing a shed, depending on your city or county.
Permits usually aren’t required for a small hut, but if you’re planning to build a large shed, you’ll need to check with your local building department.
They’ll be able to tell you if a permit is required and, if so, what the requirements are.
These permits are necessary because they help ensure the shed is built to code.
For example, the shed must be a certain distance from property lines and roads and meet particular wind and snow load requirements. Getting a permit also helps prevent any legal issues in the future.
Choose the right location
When you’re ready to install your shed, choose a level spot in your yard that’s out of the way of foot traffic.
You’ll also want to ensure the shed is close to an existing water source, such as a hose bib or spigot.
This will make it easier to water your plants or wash your tools.
If you’re planning to use your shed as an office or studio, you’ll want to choose a location with plenty of natural light.
You may also consider adding a skylight or windows to the shed to let in even more light. A skylight will also help ventilate the shed and keep it from getting too stuffy.
Sketch out a few potential designs
Next, start sketching out some potential designs once you know how much space you have to work with.
This is where you’ll decide things like the size and shape of your shed and what type of doors and windows you want.
You can find plenty of shed plans online or in magazines to give you some inspiration. Once you’ve settled on a design, it’s time to start shopping for materials.
Use the appropriate material
When choosing a suitable shed material, there are a few things to consider. Wood is the most popular for a shed but is also the most expensive.
A metal shed is more affordable, but it’s not as attractive as wood. To build a shed that will blend in with your landscaping, choose a material that matches the style of your home.
For example, for a house made of brick, you might want to select a brick or stone shed.
For a shed that will last for many years, select a material that’s durable and easy to maintain.
The key is to use the appropriate foundation and fasteners. This will help ensure your shed is structurally sound and will stand up to the elements.
Your budget
Of course, you’ll need to factor in the cost of materials and labor when deciding whether or not to install a shed. If you’re handy with tools and have some experience building, you may be able to save money by doing it yourself.
However, if you’re not confident in your ability to build a shed, it’s probably best to hire a professional.
This will ensure the job is done right and that the shed meets all local building codes.
Finally, thinking about the future when you’re planning to install a shed is crucial. For instance, will you need to move the shed in the future?
If so, make sure the shed is built on skids so it can be easily moved.
You should also consider how you’ll use the shed in the long run and whether or not you’ll need to add to it.
If you think you might need to expand the shed, build it with that in mind. This will help save time and money down the road.
Installing a shed can be a big project, but it’s also a great way to add extra storage or living space to your home.
By following these tips, you can be sure your shed installation goes smoothly and that your shed will last for years. Rest assured that your shed will be the perfect addition to your home with careful planning.