Tips for Buying the Right Backyard Storage Shed

Photo by Future Buildings

A backyard storage shed is a perfect solution for anyone that has items that need to be kept safe and secure, including gardening tools and equipment. In fact, a backyard storage building can be used for many things. However, choosing the right shed for your needs can be challenging. The last thing you want is to build a shed that’s too small, too big, or doesn’t suit your property. The following guide will help you figure out what kind of backyard storage building will best suit your needs.

Things To Consider When Buying a Backyard Storage Building

If you’ve decided that your property can benefit from a backyard storage shed, be sure to consider the following:

• Know your budget: Calculate your budget before you begin making decisions about your storage shed. The bigger the building, the more it will cost, especially if you customize it to include various features. There will be other costs to consider as well, such as permit fees, utility connections, foundation costs, lot grading, and more.
• Choose the best building material: There are many materials to choose from, but metal provides the best long-term durability and resistance against damage caused by the elements. It also tends to be more affordable because it can be prefabricated, making assembly easy and less time-consuming.
• Check your local building codes: Building codes vary based on location, so be sure to check the codes in your area. You may need a permit to build on your property — and you may need to meet certain standards when it comes to the quality of your building and its resistance to local weather conditions.
• Decide the installation method: You can have a professional build your shed or do it yourself. If you choose a prefabricated metal building, the assembly will be much easier. You can often complete it with the help of a few friends.
• Purpose and function: Think about what you’ll be using the shed for. If you’re going to use it to store your gardening tools, you’ll want to build it near your outdoor garden. If you’re using it to store bikes and sports equipment, you may want it closer to the front of your house to make access easier.
• Accessibility: If you build your shed on the outskirts of your property behind a handful of trees, it becomes less accessible, which means you’ll probably use it less. The more accessible your shed is, the more likely you are to use it.
• The appearance: How it looks is important. After all, if it doesn’t look goFod, it will hurt your property’s curb appeal, thereby hurting its value. Make sure that the style you choose matches or complements the style of your home.
• Lighting inside the shed: Consider adding windows to let in natural light. Additionally, you’ll want some lighting inside to make it easy to find what you’re looking for. This becomes even more important if you plan to use your backyard storage building as a workshop.
• Additional storage: The space available on your property may limit how big your backyard storage building can be. However, if you need additional storage space, one way you can solve this is by building a second, smaller shed.
• Long-term investment: Whatever your budget may be, it’s crucial that you invest in a backyard storage building that will last. A poor-quality shed is more likely to require repairs and even replacement at some point. At Future Buildings, we use Galvalume Plus™ steel, which comes with a 40-year warranty against rust perforation.

Landscape Requirements for Backyard Storage Sheds

Besides the shed itself, you’ll also need to consider the land that’s available for use. Not only do you need enough space to build your backyard storage building but you’ll also need to consider the following landscape requirements:

• Level ground: You’ll want to install your shed on level ground. If it’s on a slope, you’re going to have issues with water drainage when it rains, and your shed may flood much more easily. If you don’t have a level patch of ground on your property, it may require grading.
• Water: In addition to avoiding building on sloping ground, avoid installing your shed in a low-lying area where water tends to collect. Doing so will result in water collecting around your shed, which can lead to water leaks, water damage, mold growth, and more.
• Branches: It’s best to avoid building your shed close to a tree that has low-hanging branches. This helps prevent any large branches from breaking off and falling onto your shed. A fallen branch can cause massive damage and be dangerous if anyone’s inside.
• Security: You’ll want to make sure that your shed is secure against theft, especially if you’re keeping valuable equipment inside. With that in mind, a steel shed is much more difficult to break into than a wood one.

Originally published at https://www.futurebuildings.com on May 17, 2022.