Building a shed will not only give you an ideal storage solution for all your garden tools and outdoor belongings, it will become a feature of your backyard and can also add to your property value. Building your own shed enables you to fully customize the design for your needs, location and personal style. While most homeowners will use a shed for storage, it can also serve as a place for hobbies, a children’s playhouse, a home gym or a remote home office. These freestanding structures are fairly easy to build for an experienced DIY-er and often don’t require building permits. If you are planning the perfect shed for your yard, here are a few things to consider.
1. What can you afford?
Budget is the starting point with just about any construction project. Start by deciding how much you want to spend.
2. What are your needs?
Will you use your shed for storage, living space or an alternate use? Does it need electrical hook-up? Or plumbing? How you plan to use the shed will influence your decisions.
3. Determine the size
An unnecessarily large shed will cut the amount of usable space on your property, while one that is too small will limit its uses. When it comes to size, build as large as possible while still being practical and affordable. This will allow maximum flexibility for the future even if all the space is not used right away. Note that a building permit may be necessary for sheds over a certain size so check your local bylaws.
4. Where to build?
When planning your shed, you should know if you have an easement on your property where you cannot build and how close you can build to your property line. Be sure to check with your local Municipal Office for restrictions and bylaws for your area before you build.
