8 Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Storage Shed

There are plenty of reasons you might be interested in adding a storage shed to your home. A well-constructed, aesthetic shed has the potential to provide plenty of extra storage space while also significantly increasing your home value. The right shed can also serve as a secure spot for certain belongings, such as heavy-duty equipment or gardening tools, finally freeing up that garage for your vehicle instead of being used as storage space. Nowadays, sheds that double as an additional living or office space are becoming more and more common as well due to the extensive design options and versatility. The possibilities for your new shed are only limited by your imagination.

First-time shed buyer? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of 8 important things to consider prior to purchasing your new storage shed. Many of these considerations go hand-in-hand while preparing to purchase and install a storage shed. As such, be sure to look at each of these factors before deciding on the new addition to your property.

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1. Determine the Purpose of Your Storage Shed

First and foremost, determining the purpose of your storage shed will assist in guiding many of your remaining questions about your new shed. Is it going to be mainly used for storage, and if so, what sort of items will you store inside? This will help you determine how large your shed will need to be and whether or not you’ll need to insulate the shed. If you plan on storing expensive equipment inside, you’ll want to factor that into your consideration by ensuring the shed you choose is easy to lock and secure. 

The use of storage sheds for a home office space or an extra bedroom, is rising in popularity and may motivate you to add a new storage shed to your property. If this is the case, insulation will be necessary, as will electricity, heat, and air conditioning, depending on your climate.  

Deciding the use of your new storage shed should be your first consideration and the first decision you make in your shed-buying process.

2. Do It Yourself (DIY) vs. Pro Installation

If your new shed doesn’t need a lot of extra bells and whistles, it may be feasible for you to DIY your shed. In some cases, this can be a much more cost-effective route. If you decide to DIY your shed installation, be prepared to do plenty of research on the front end – you’ll need to find out if there are permits required for a new shed in the area where you’re living, what kind of materials will need to be used to withstand your climate, what sort of foundation you’ll need… the list goes on and on!

This is where a pro may come in handy, as they will typically do all this prep work for you. Most even go as far as obtaining the proper permits and checking zoning restrictions prior to starting a shed installation, saving you the headache of working through the legalities of a shed installation.

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3. Legal Considerations

Most municipalities have zoning laws that dictate whether you can add a structure to your property, so be sure to consider these laws before selecting a storage shed. You’ll need to ensure that the shed you’re considering is up to code per the town inspector, and you’ll also need to obtain approval from your municipality officials on the placement of your shed. Typically, an additional structure cannot be placed directly on your property line or too close to protected areas, such as wetlands. If you live in a community with a homeowner association (HOA), you’ll want to check HOA rules on building, as they tend to be somewhat strict on the additions residents can make to their properties. 

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4. Set a Budget

So many factors that go into the price of a shed, so you’ll want to make this decision alongside the other considerations we’ve listed in this article. The sizing of the shed will have a big impact on pricing, as will the materials used, whether it’s DIY or professionally installed, and how you plan to utilize the interior of the shed. Basic storage sheds are generally the cheapest for a backyard shed addition, ranging from a couple hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. As the cost heavily depends on the type of materials used and how you plan to install (DIY vs. Professional), be sure to factor that into your pricing considerations.

5. Take Your Environment and Weather Patterns into Account

It is especially important to consider the environment and weather patterns when planning to purchase a new shed. If you live in an area that sees bitterly cold temperatures and a fair amount of snow, you’ll want to ensure that the materials you use can withstand this sort of weather. You may want to consider adding insulation and heating, if you plan to use the shed throughout the winter. If your area sees a lot of high winds or heavy rains, a sturdy foundation and water and wind-resistant materials will be a must for your shed. 

6. Preparation of Site

Another consideration you may not have considered is the work you’ll need to put in to prepare the site for your shed. Similar to a house, a shed is only as solid as the foundation it sits on. Building or installing your new shed on a solid foundation will help increase its lifespan. When choosing the placement of your shed, you’ll want to make sure you haven’t chosen a spot with too much sloping (or you’ll have to hire a professional to level out the area). You also want to ensure that your shed isn’t placed in a low-lying area of your yard to prevent potential flooding.

There are multiple foundation options, the most common of which are concrete blocks, a concrete pad, and a gravel pad. Concrete blocks are the most budget-friendly option, but they risk shifting over time, making your shed lopsided. A concrete pad is an excellent choice for those wanting a foundation larger than their shed, allowing a bit of extra space for a shed patio. The foundation of choice is typically a gravel pad because it has a long lifespan and provides a strong foundation. For areas with higher precipitation, a gravel pad is recommended as it allows the water to drain away from the foundation. Determining the kind of foundation your shed will need will depend on the materials you use. It is generally recommended to install some sort of foundation if a shed is over 300 pounds.

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7. Shed Materials

When deciding on the materials you’d like your new shed to be constructed of, ensure that durability is at the top of your considerations. Steel tends to be the most cost-effective option and requires less maintenance but isn’t as aesthetic as other building options. If you’re planning on putting together your own shed, materials such as plastic, resin, or vinyl siding are usually the easiest to assemble, and they come in plenty of color options. These sheds are also relatively easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. Wood siding is typically the most expensive material to construct your shed with and requires steady maintenance, such as repainting and re-staining. Wooden sheds are incredibly sturdy (especially in windy or snowy climates). They can easily be painted to match your home’s exterior. 

Depending on the type of foundation you’ve chosen and how you plan to use your shed, you’ll also want to think about which kind of flooring will be best for the longevity of your new structure. While concrete options are the most durable, especially when storing heavier items, it can be incredibly tough on the body if you plan to spend lots of time on your feet inside the shed. Pressure-treated plywood is one of the most popular options, as it is resistant to insects, water, and wood rot and is much more cost-effective than concrete.

8. Interior Features

Your new shed’s potential interior features heavily depend on how you plan to use your new shed. As mentioned earlier while initially discussing the purpose of your shed, consider insulating it and adding electricity and heat. An in-shed air conditioning unit is less of a necessity if your shed has electricity and windows, as you can easily plug in fans as needed. Good ventilation and air circulation are other potential considerations for your shed interior, depending on how much time you plan to spend there. 

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Final Thoughts: 

Who would have thought there’s so much that goes into choosing and installing a storage shed? As with any substantial home addition, proper research and preparation will pay off in the long run and likely increase the resale value of your house (unless you plan to take your shed with you). Be sure to consider all eight of the above factors before your shed purchase to ensure you get the most out of your new investment.