Shedding Some Light on Sheds

 There are a lot of reasons that you might want a shed on your property. Maybe you just want some extra storage space. Maybe you need a place to put your mower and gardening tools to keep them out of the weather. You might even want a shed to create a home office or other workspace that won’t require you to rearrange your entire home. Regardless of the reason you might want a shed, there are several options available for getting one.

How Big of a Shed Do You Need?

The first thing that you need to do is figure out just how much space you need for your shed. This will depend largely on what you plan to do with it, as a storage space for a push mower will obviously be smaller than an external office space or kids’ play area. Sheds are available in a wide range of sizes, so take the time to consider your needs and calculate your space requirements (including taking measurements of furniture, equipment or anything else that will take up a good bit of room) to figure out just how big of a shed you’ll actually need.

Building a Shed

One option that might appeal to DIYers is building your own shed. There are a number of plans available which can guide you through the building process or at least to give you a starting point for your own design. Keep in mind that building a shed isn’t for everyone, though; it’s a more complex build than some other around-the-house DIYs, so be prepared for that.

Shed Kits

Whether you’re looking for a slightly easier shed build or are trying to find a way to save a bit of money, shed kits are available that let you build a small shed from pre-made materials. In most cases these kits are for metal sheds, though some kits for sheds made of wood or other materials may be available from some retailers as well. These sheds tend to be on the smaller side and often use thinner materials, but they can go a long way toward meeting your basic storage needs.

Buying a Shed

Whether you need a bigger and sturdier shed or simply don’t have time to build one yourself, pre-constructed sheds are available from a number of hardware stores and other retailers. These sheds vary in size and design, going from basic square sheds to larger barn-like units that even contain loft space. In most cases these sheds are made of wood, though some other materials may be available as well. The price depends heavily on the materials used and the size of the shed, with some models potentially costing a few thousand dollars, but providing a significant amount of storage space or room to convert into an office space or playhouse.

Shed Delivery

For most shed options, having the shed delivered and set up for you is often possible. Delivery can typically be scheduled within a few days of purchase, or in some cases even on the same day. Any special considerations such as having a level area prepared for the shed should be discussed while arranging the delivery. If you want the shed placed on a concrete foundation, that will need to be in place before delivery. Even if you don’t opt for a full foundation, it may be beneficial to have a gravel bed or some other material spread out and ready for the shed to provide a more solid surface and prevent sinking or settling.