For many homeowners, a backyard shed provides additional storage space, room to work, and even an outlying room for entertainment or rest.
Are you thinking about building a shed in your own backyard? Make sure to read this article first because we will be talking about 6 important things you must consider before building a shed on your property.
Check Your Local Building Codes
Before you make any purchases, you need to consider local ordinances regarding adding an outlying structure to your property. That includes any inspections or permits.
What requires a permit? Examples include:
- Shed size – In some areas, small 8 x 8 foot sheds may not require a permit. In other locations, building any outlying structure requires a permit.
- Foundation – Paperwork could be unnecessary if the shed does not use a foundation. Most foundations require a building permit before you can begin, however.
- Electricity – You might be able to build without a permit if the shed is unwired, but any outlets or lighting will need proper paperwork and inspections.
- Use – You might not need a permit for a storage shed. If the structure is a business, living, or work area, you will likely need a building permit.
Decide If You Need A Foundation
A foundation is a must for most backyard sheds. Installing a foundation helps to prevent your floor from making contact with the ground. That can extend the life of the flooring and help prevent corrosion or rot from moisture.
Ordinances and landscape will help to determine the location of your foundation.
Several materials are useful as a foundation. Compact gravel might be fine in dry climates for a storage shed. Concrete blocks, timber, or a combination of both work for most locations and structures.
Adding elevation is needed to provide drainage away from the shed. Leveling the ground will allow you to keep your foundation flat, especially if you are using blocks or other materials sitting on the surface instead of penetrating it.
Foundations that sit on the ground are referred to as “on-grade,” while foundations that penetrate below the frost line are called “frost-proof.”
What Exactly Do You Need A Shed For?
You probably have an idea of why you need an outlying building in your backyard. Still, you should take an extra moment to consider all the details relating to the function of your backyard shed.
A shed may not require that much room if you intend to use it purely for storage purposes. But let’s say you wanted to set up a small woodworking shop in your shed. Keep in mind that some tools, such as a large table saw, will require extra space around it to operate it safely and efficiently. You will also need dedicated space for the storage of lumber.
Space is not the only consideration. A shed used as a living or recreation area will need cooling and heating, lighting, outlets, and insulation in some applications. Storage space for outdoor furniture and garden tools during the winter may need none of these things.
Windows, interior walls, plumbing, security, and fire systems are just a few things that may become part of a backyard shed, depending on its function.
Determine The Design Of The Shed
Now that you have determined the function, space, and building requirements, it is time for you to select what materials to use and how the shed will look.
Most backyard sheds are built using one of two materials, with pros and cons for each:
- Metal sheds – A durable material that is easy to repair but not as pleasing to look at
- Wood sheds – These are visually appealing but are easier to damage and will wear out faster.
You will also want to consider how the exterior will appear. Are you planning to use it as a simple storage area, or will the outlying building serve as a structure for a home-run business?
It is at this stage that you want to consider the interior. A wide-open space with no interior walls works for storing tools, but you want interior walls for a “granny cottage.”
Where Should You Place Your Shed?
There are several things that you must consider before determining the final location of your backyard shed.
To begin with, you need to research local ordinances and regulations regarding outlying buildings, including sheds. Laws may determine the only place you are allowed to build on your property.
The function of the shed can help you when selecting a spot. A shed storing yard tools can go anywhere, while a shop or business may need access to a driveway.
Lighting can play a factor. If your backyard shed requires natural light, it will need unobstructed access to direct sunlight for several hours. You will want to avoid trees or buildings that block the sun most of the day.
Finally, your yard can determine the location. Foilage, including trees, may block access to parts of your yard. Low lying portions of your property may be prone to standing water.
Lighting Inside The Shed
Another consideration that is important for your backyard shed is lighting. Storage sheds may need no lighting or can function with natural lighting most of the year.
Most backyard sheds will require some lighting. In locations with lots of natural lighting, large windows may be all that you need. Those locations with four seasons and indirect light due to trees or other buildings will require supplemented lighting.
The supplemented lighting you use will depend on the interior design and function of your shed. A woodshop will need fixtures that diffuse light throughout the entire shed. Your mancave will likely use lamps or fixtures that focus light in particular areas.
The lights may need to be selected based on if they run on solar panels, wind power, or grid electricity in the form of 110 or 220-volts.
Bringing It All Together
Building a backyard shed provides you with options for storage, hobbies, and home-ran businesses. Researching local laws makes sure that your shed is up to code.
Building materials, foundations, lighting, and overall appearance will dictate the money you spend, but it will also allow you to create a shed that meets your needs!