Whether you’re replacing an old garden shed or buying for the first time, there’s a lot to consider that you might not have thought about, from longevity to materials to design. After all, you hardly want something that won’t survive the first stormy night or something that can’t adapt to the style of your house over time.
If you hadn’t thought much beyond “I need somewhere to store the garden furniture set before winter comes”, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with this handy article.
1. Think value over cost
Even if money is tight right now, buying cheap can still mean buying twice and sheds are an investment that will add value to your property. So, when shopping around, don’t go straight for the cheapest option assuming all sheds are basically the same because there really is a big difference in quality.
It’s much better to spend some extra cash to get one made from higher quality materials with better construction and a longer guarantee than it is to have buy a cheap one twice.
2. Choose style and substance
Another upside to plumping for a better-quality shed is more control over the design. Plenty of quality shed companies in the UK will allow you to customise the design to suit your house, in terms of colour and aesthetic. Check out this website for some customisation ideas on steel garden sheds.
Aesthetics are important because, even if you’re just looking for extra storage space, a shed that fits in with your garden will add value to your home, which is great even if you aren’t thinking of selling. And looking at something beautiful will also make you feel better when you’re spending time in the garden.
Make it yours with decorations
Continuing on this point, customisation can go far beyond colour and roof style. Many companies will have a range of accessories from window shutters to flower boxes to roof accents that can make the shed look like it belongs. These can be an inexpensive way to alter your shed if your house decor changes.
Another great way to help the shed blend in is by surrounding it with plants. You’ll need to be careful with wooden sheds because plants growing too close or even overhanging can cause rot, but metal sheds can be entirely surrounded by plants.
3. Hit the right spot
Depending on your garden size and shape, there may be a limited amount of space to put a shed, but if you have options, think about how often you’ll need to use the shed and what for. If it’s for storage, then you pretty much have a free choice, but if you want an extra room or home office, think about whether you’ll be able to easily connect it to the electric or get a good Wi-Fi signal.
4. Size matters
You might be constrained by the amount of space available in your yard, but you should always make sure that your shed is big enough for the items you want to keep in there. Don’t forget to measure the door width to make sure that lawn mower or other piece of equipment fits!
5. Start with a good foundation
All sheds need to be laid on a foundation, which helps prevent the floor from getting damp and also makes it level, which gardens may not always be. Sometimes the company that you buy from will include the foundation, so check what they recommend before purchasing. If a foundation is not provided, depending on the type of shed, a concrete floor will almost always do the trick.
By first deciding what you want exactly from your shed, where you want it and how much of the work that comes with building a shed you can do yourself, you’ll be able to find the perfect match for you.