Everything You Need To Know About Sheds

• What are Sheds Used For?
• What are the Different Types and Styles of Sheds
• Different Sizes of Sheds
• Do You need a Permit to Build or Own a Shed?
• Pros and Cons of Owning a Shed
• What to Consider Before Buying or Building a Shed
• How do you maintain a Shed?
• Conclusion

What is a Shed?

A shed is a small, unsophisticated structure typically located in a backyard or garden for storage, recreation, or as a workspace. Sheds are mostly made of wood, metal, or plastic and come in various sizes and styles depending on the intended purpose. The word “shed” originates from an Anglo-Saxon term with various spellings: Shad, Shedde, or Shadde, which means division or separation. It is thought that the shed, as it’s known today in America, borrows a lot from British heritage. Around the middle of the 20th century, sheds became more common in the backyards of the average American home. 

Homeowners customized sheds to match their homes’ architecture and style. The shed became more than an additional storage space, featuring artistic windows, painted patterns, and novel roofing techniques. Despite their prevalence, sheds are rarely used for residential purposes due to their lack of utility connections and regulations in some areas. Due to their simple and often rugged construction, sheds are usually challenging to insulate and weatherproof. These versatile structures are easily customizable to fit various needs, from simple storage solutions to specialized workspaces.

What are Sheds Used For?

The most attractive feature of sheds is their versatility. Their simplistic design and construction make them easy to customize and fit for a new purpose long after construction. Even though they are primarily used to provide extra storage in homes, people have found endless ways to personalize their sheds. The only limiting factor to how you can use a shed is local regulations; otherwise, you can go wild with your creativity. The shed’s construction materials can be a limiting factor, but you can always make it work with enough modifications. However, safety should always come first when deciding on the next use for your shed. The simple nature of sheds often means they come with few safety features you would find in a residential building, for example. Fire safety is a big concern in sheds, especially those made of flammable materials such as wood or plastic. Ventilation is another major concern, as sheds usually have small windows and no dedicated ventilation systems. If you plan to spend extended amounts of time in your shed, it’s advisable to have fire protection systems such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. For sheds with utility connections such as electricity, ensure certified professionals do installations to minimize the risk of accidents.

Sheds serve various practical purposes, depending on their size, design, and location. Some of the common uses of sheds include:

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• Storage: This is the most common use of sheds. Storage sheds are primarily used to store tools, lawn equipment, gardening supplies, bicycles, and outdoor furniture. They are an ideal solution for home organization and protecting things protected from the elements. 
• Workshops: Many people use sheds as small workshops for hobbies like art, woodworking, metalworking, or crafting. Sheds are a cost-effective way of creating a dedicated workspace for projects.
• Potting Sheds: These are usually designed to allow sunlight to grow plants year-round. Some may include potting benches and areas to plant seedlings. Gardeners may use sheds to store potting soil, fertilizers, seeds, and other gardening tools that require controlled environments.
• Home Office: Sheds can be converted into home offices, offering a quiet, secluded place to focus away from distractions. With the rise of remote work, this option is becoming more attractive for homeowners without extra rooms for a home office.
• Recreational Space: Sheds can be turned into man caves or hobby spaces for painting, reading, or exercising.
• Animal Shelter: Sheds can shelter livestock, chickens, or pets, providing a safe and dry environment. During the winter, they can be converted to offer a temporary indoor living space for domestic animals.
• Playhouses: Families use sheds as playhouses for children, offering a fun, separate area for kids to play and store toys.

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What are the Different Types and Styles of Sheds

There are many different types and styles of sheds, with versatile designs to suit your needs and preferences. Construction materials, architecture, and intended use can influence these. Each has its pros and cons, and it usually comes down to what best suits your needs.

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Sheds by Roof Style

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Different Sizes of Sheds

Sheds come in different sizes and dimensions depending on their purpose. Size is always an important consideration when buying or constructing a shed. Other factors include what you will use it for, your budget, available space, and maintenance requirements. Depending on your location, regulations may be a determinant. Larger sheds are more costly to maintain and repair over the years.

There are three main shed sizes:

• Small: Smaller sheds, which are a maximum of about 80 square feet in size, are mainly used for storing tools and gardening equipment.
• Medium sheds, which are approximately 120 square feet, are used to store larger items like bikes and lawn furniture.
• Large: Large sheds are versatile and can measure 288 square feet or more. They can be converted into a fitness room, playhouse, or home office.

Do You need a Permit to Build or Own a Shed?

Yes, you might need a permit to build or own a shed, depending on your location.

Whether you need a permit when building a shed depends on various factors, including local building codes, shed size, and intended use. Small sheds below specific square footage, typically 100-200 square feet, may not require a permit in many regions. Local building authorities will generally have specific regulations depending on your location. These regulations ensure the shed is built to standard and doesn’t pose property or personal safety risks. Zoning regulations may dictate where on your property the shed can be placed. Setback rules often apply, meaning the shed must be far from property lines, neighboring structures, or utilities. 

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) can also have rules governing shed construction. Sheds used for storage usually have fewer restrictions than sheds intended as living spaces, offices, or workshops involving electrical wiring or plumbing. Failing to get the required permits could lead to legal complications, fines, or being forced to remove or modify the shed. Obtaining a permit involves submitting plans or drawings of the proposed shed, including details about its size, location, and intended use. State building inspectors may visit the property to ensure that the structure is up to standard and meets local codes. The cost of permits mainly depends on your location and shed size. There might be additional fees involved for things like site inspections.

Tip: Always consult with your local building department before starting construction to avoid complications.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Shed

Owning a shed offers a range of benefits, but it also has certain drawbacks that homeowners should consider before investing. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of owning a shed.

The pros of owning a shed

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The Cons of Owning a Shed

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What to Consider Before Buying or Building a Shed

A shed can be a substantial investment to many individuals; hence, it is advisable to conduct due diligence to ensure it is worthwhile. You should make several considerations to ensure your shed choice suits your needs. These include;

• The price of a shed can be a significant determinant, depending on your budget constraints. You should ensure that what you spend building or buying a shed is worth what you get in return and does not strain your finances unnecessarily.
• The weather and climatic conditions of your location highly influence this. For example, wood may be unsuitable in areas with high humidity or termites. A shed made of high-quality materials will last longer and have lower maintenance costs.
• The shed’s design affects its usefulness and how it integrates with the surrounding landscape.
• Zoning laws and HOA rules should be among the first things you consider. Breaking local regulations can result in penalties and other unforeseen expenses. Before starting the project, always determine the local rules for sheds.
• Sheds require solid foundations to make them safe and sturdy and to increase their lifetime. Local building authorities may also have specific regulations for shed foundations.
• A shed must have sufficient access to ensure its usefulness is maintained. The doorway must be broad enough to accommodate large items like garden tools.

How do you maintain a Shed?

Maintaining a shed is essential for prolonging its lifespan and ensuring it stays functional. No matter your shed’s design or material choice, substantial maintenance work is required to keep it safe. Always check for scratches, leaks, and cracks and fix them immediately to prevent further deterioration. Metal and wooden sheds may degrade when their protective paint and coatings are compromised. Wood is sensitive to humidity; hence, wooden sheds should be regularly checked for mold and termites. 

Climate control systems might be necessary in extreme cases. Shed roofs should be free of leaves, dirt, and snow to prevent accumulation resulting in cracks or structural damage. If your shed has gutters, clean them regularly to ensure proper drainage. The interior of sheds should always be clean and well-organized to make it easier to spot potential issues early and reduce clutter that might attract pests. Regular checks and maintenance are the best way to ensure your shed remains durable and functional for years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, owning a shed provides various benefits, from added storage and versatility to increased property value and better organization. However, before settling on one, weigh the costs, maintenance requirements, potential need for permits or pilot cars, and the loss of outdoor space. For many, the convenience and utility of a shed outweigh these drawbacks, making it a worthwhile investment. However, careful planning and consideration are a must to ascertain whether it suits your specific needs and circumstances. When you purchase a shed or want to relocate one, don’t hesitate to ask our team for transport services. 

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