Sheds: More than a Wooden Box

Storage space is a precious commodity in any home. When searching for a new house, most buyers are willing to pass on that newer roof in favor of a few extra walk-in closets.

These days, many homeowners are taking the “lack of storage” issue into their own hands by installing outdoor sheds in their backyards.

What is a shed?

A shed is a basic, single-story structure that is often used for storage and work space. A shed is typically located in a home’s backyard or side yard. Sheds are available in various sizes and can be made from materials of varying quality. Less expensive sheds are often made out of plastic, while higher quality sheds are usually made of metal or wood. Simpler sheds will usually come equipped with light shelving and open space, while the more customized, complex sheds might include multiple storage compartments, a workbench area, and windows.

Some stores carry “do it yourself” kits that allow you to assemble your own shed. Sheds are also available in prefabricated form at your local home improvement center. However, for a higher-quality shed and a safer installation, you should enlist the help of a contractor.

A contractor who specializes in the building and installation of sheds will make sure that the design in question fully addresses your storage needs. Although some sheds are custom built onto the property, many sheds are prefabricated or designed prior to their installation. Once you have worked together to determine what type of shed you require, the contractor will deliver your shed and prepare your yard for installation. This includes clearing debris from the desired shed area and, where necessary, leveling out the land to ensure that the shed is upheld in an even and stable way. Your contractor will also examine the shed once the installation is complete to ensure that it is standing and opening properly. A good contractor will also clean up any leftover debris.

Many cities and towns require that you obtain a proper permit before having a shed installed. Your contractor should be able to advise you what paperwork is necessary prior to beginning the project.

Your climate can influence the material used for the shed. Your contractor will evaluate the conditions of your particular area or region to construct a shed that will hold up to the climate-based challenges at hand.

Who needs a shed?

Anyone who owns a fair amount of tools and gardening supplies should consider having a shed installed. A shed can provide easy, reliable storage for larger, bulkier items, thereby freeing up much-needed space throughout the rest of the house. Those with space-snatching sports equipment (such as bikes, weight benches, and kayaks) can also benefit from having a shed.

Some people like to have an area of the home that is considered “their own.” For many – usually men – the shed can serve as a place to escape for a couple of hours. Some men use the shed as a work area so that the noise involved in the project at hand does not disturb the rest of the people in the house. Anyone who tends to get involved in hands-on home projects should consider having a shed installed so that it can be used as a dedicated work space.

Benefits of having a shed

A shed can result in a less-cluttered home, as items that would otherwise get stored in the basement or garage can be tucked away in an outdoor shed. A shed can also serve as an escape from the chaos inside a home.

Downside of having a shed

Some people feel that having a shed in the backyard is unsightly, and that sheds can detract from whatever surrounding landscaping is already in place. Depending on the size of the shed relative to the size of one’s yard, the shed can also take up a considerable chunk of the yard, thereby eliminating the available space for outdoor living and recreation. Some sheds also have the potential to rust over time, though your contractor should take the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen.

The bottom line

If storage space is an issue in your home, then a shed is certainly a wise investment. While you do have the option of constructing and installing a shed on your own, a contractor can work with you to design and properly install a shed that perfectly suits your needs. When it comes to your home, quality counts. So if you’re going to add a shed, then you might as well do it right.