Considerations When Adding a Shed to Your Yard

One of the most common and practical additions you can make to your yard is to create a space to keep the tools that you use for lawn care, gardening, and other outdoor items that generally don’t go into the home. To that end, the traditional shed is one of the best approaches. If you’re an active gardener, it can be an invaluable addition. 

However, not all sheds are built the same and they don’t all fit into all yards the same way. Here are a few considerations worth making before you add the shed that you have been thinking of.

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What Functions will the Shed Serve?

Consider, first, what functions the shed will serve. Those functions will help determine what kind of space you are going to need for the shed, as well as the materials it is made from, the layout you use, and what additions you might need to make inside. You might not need more than a solid boundary and perhaps some interior lighting. If you want to turn that shed into an outdoor office, somewhere to relax, or for it to play any other role, you might want to invest in adding a little more, such as heating and insulation.

What Kind of Shed Should You Build?

There are, largely speaking, two different kinds of sheds. There is the kind that you build yourself by sourcing all of the lumber, the roofing materials, etc., and then either building it yourself or with the help of professionals.

There are also ready-made shed kits as shown at housebeautiful.com that take less work to erect and complete. These kits tend to typically cost a little more than the raw materials, but if you want to keep things simple, they can be much more convenient.

Where Should the Shed Go?

Of course, you need to think about where the shed is going to go, as well. You need to choose a space in the yard that has enough room for it. However, you also need to consider whether or not placing it in a determined location will block off any access or make the area more inconvenient in any way. You typically want to keep the shed to the side of the yard, out of the way of any walkways, flower beds, etc. Sites like thespruce.com can help you find tools to plan your garden layout with those things in mind.

How Much Base Work Needs to be Done?

Every shed needs a foundation to keep it upright. The ground needs to be level, first and foremost, which might require a little excavation. Depending on several factors,  you might need to put in a more steady foundation, like a concrete or wood foundation, to keep it upright. If you have a flat lawn and solid soil, you might not need anything more elaborate than some concrete blocks. Do the research beforehand, to make sure you plan the best foundation for the type of shed you’re planning to install.

What is Your Budget?

Once you have a good idea of what kind of shed you want to add to the yard, what prep work might be necessary, as well as how much space you can allocate to that shed, you should then be thinking about how much it’s going to cost to complete from beginning to end. Of course, the prices can differ depending on who you get to build it for you, but sites like shedcalculator.com can help you input what you know about the shed you are building. At the end of the equation, you will get a cost that you can build your budget around. You might want to set a little extra aside, just in case there are any little added costs that pop up along the way.

Do You Need Planning Permission for It?

In some areas, you might not need planning permits.  However, if your property is part of a homeowner’s association or a managed lot, you are renting it, or your particular community requires it, you might need the proper permits. For rented homes, you need to check with the landlord, first and foremost. Otherwise, check with your local construction laws, to see if you need planning permission  Of course, if you’re in an area that has no planning permissions, you are free to begin.

If you’ve decided you need a shed for your yard, the questions above can help you determime that you’re adding the right kind of shed to meet your needs and hopefully, do it without too much hassle.

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