A shed can be added to your backyard to expand your storage space. It can also be used as a place for hobbies such as gardening and woodworking. Custom built small sheds may seem easy, but there are important points to remember.
Benefits of building a custom shed for your home
These are the three main benefits of building your shed:
Conceptualized to fit your needs
You can make the space your own. You could create an entire outbuilding with an air-conditioned shop or storage for specific tools.
Made for the space
Prefabricated sheds are not available. Architects can design sheds that fit your specific site. You can maximize your storage space while making sure that your shed is appropriately sized for your backyard.
Built to last
Prefabricated sheds can last between five and 25 years depending on their materials and manufacturing quality. A custom shed, on the other hand, will last as long as your main residence.
10 Things to Consider When Building a Custom Shed
Are you ready to transform your backyard? These are 11 things to consider when building a shed.
1. Location
You must first decide where you want to build your shed. The location of your shed will depend on many factors, such as the site orientation and pool positioning of your house, trees, patios, fence lines, and other landscaping elements.
2. Access
When choosing a shed location, consider accessibility. The shed should be near yard essentials. Pool chemicals and floats should be stored in a shed near the patio. Boat sheds need driveway access. Consider building and location accessibility.
3. Visibility
Your shed’s location will impact visibility from your main house as well as outdoor gathering places like patios and decks. Your shed can blend in with the landscape, or stand out as a distinct feature.
4. Style
You should match the style of your main house when designing your shed’s architectural style. It’s a good idea to stick with the same color scheme by using exterior paint colors already on the property. It can be confusing to mix styles.
5. Size
You must balance your storage requirements, budget, and available yard space to determine the size of your shed. A taller shed with loft space can be built for smaller yards.
6. Use
Use determines shed design. A small garden shed may have a potting bench. A woodworking shed needs room and multiple workstations. A shed can be enlarged for various uses. Finish your storage shed by adding air conditioning. This can be a pet area, office, or fitness room. Converting these spaces into an outbuilding will free up space in the main house.
7. Storage
Consider what items you will be using the custom outbuilding to store. A shed for your boat, dirt bikes, or tools will require different specifications.
8. Foundation
You can build sheds with a variety of foundations including concrete slabs, timber frames or posts, and beam foundations. The foundation required for your shed will depend on its purpose, size, and location.
9. Materials
Choose durable materials that match your home, yard, and landscape when building your shed. Matching the existing stucco or masonry on the property will help maintain a consistent appearance.
10. Regulations
Before building on your property, make sure you check the local regulations and zoning. Even small structures, such as sheds, may need to be approved. Without proper approval, the building can result in costly corrections and even total tear down.