subject: Shed Planning Considerations for Building an Attractive and Functional Shed [print this page] Thinking about building your own shed? That's great, because you'll find it a worthwhile activity as well as ending up with a functional backyard shed you can use for many years. Taking time to adequately plan your shed will reap huge benefits if you do it properly. I'm going to discuss a few items you should keep in mind as you do your shed planning.
First of all, do you know how you will be using your shed? Don't just think about your current needs, but also consider your needs 5 - 10 years in the future. You want to do this so that you adequately plan the size of your shed as well as the size and quantity of doors and windows. For example, if you think you will be obtaining larger lawn equipment in the future, you'll certainly want to make sure your shed will be large enough.
Once you have a firm grasp of how you'll be using your shed, you need to consider where to place it in your backyard. There are a number of considerations you need to go over in terms of location. First and foremost will be any requirements placed on you by your local government building authority. Will you need a building permit? What building codes will you have to meet? Hand-in-hand with these requirements will be those of any utilities, easements, or home owners' association rules.
Pretty much all of these issues will dictate to you what you cannot do when building your shed. After that, you can consider what you can do when building your shed. You will want to plan how your shed can compliment the existing landscaping in your backyard. You may even want to make your shed the centerpiece of your backyard landscape. Choosing an appropriate design for your shed will be key in this regard.
You want to carefully check the drainage in your proposed location. Sheds, like any other type of structure, do not last long in moist conditions. You want to insure there is plenty of air and light getting to your shed so that wet surfaces will dry.
Finally, you will want to plan the type of materials to use when building your shed. If you've decided to make your shed the highlight of your backyard, you will want to use materials for the siding, doors, windows, and roof that are attractive. Likewise, if cost is the primary concern and you intend to use inexpensive materials, you may want to hide your shed behind any existing vegetation.
All in all, you will find planning and building a backyard shed to be a truly rewarding experience.
Shed Planning Considerations for Building an Attractive and Functional Shed
