Choosing the right storage shed - 5 tips to consider

Storage sheds are a great solution when you need a place to store things that are not used often or for storing away patio and garden furniture in the winter. Building your own shed or buying a shed kit can solve your storage needs. Here are five tips you might find helpful before purchasing or building a shed.

1: Choosing a Shed within your budget - Metal storage sheds kits are popular because they are economical. If you need something that is not to hard to assemble, and don't want to spend allot, this can be a good choice. Vinyl shed kits can cost more than metal sheds but the maintenance will be very low. Always compare and do some research when shopping for a shed. By knowing what is available you can probably get a better shed for just a couple dollars more.

2: Choosing the Size - The storage shed size can be determined by how you will be using this space. Will the main usage be for storage, or will it be used as a workspace? Maybe you will want a combination of workspace and storage. Plan and measure everything you will be storing inside, it is always wise to build a little bigger than estimated. If you will be building a shed to be used as a workplace, make sure you build big enough so you will not have a problem moving around.

3: Choosing a Design - Some of the most common styles for storage sheds are the gable, gambrel, lean-to, salt-box, and hip. The gable shed is the most common found in most homes. A gable has two even roof pitches that join together to form a triangle. A gambrel shed resembles a barn, it has a roof with two sloped pitches on each side. A lean-to shed has a single sloping roof. This type of shed is an excellent choice for narrow places, it usually placed against houses and fences. A salt-box storage shed looks very much like a gable, the difference is the uneven roof pitches. A hip roof shed has a roof that slopes down in four directions from the top.

4: Building it yourself vs Buying a Prefabricated Shed - In most cases you can save money buying lumber and building your own storage shed. But most people don't have the time or skills to build their own. Prefabricated shed kits are more common because they are easy and quick to build. If you have the time and skill you can build an attractive shed within your budget.

5: Building Codes and Restrictions - Before deciding on a storage shed make sure it will be allowed by the zoning department. Style, size, type, and location can be regulated by the building department. There might be setback requirements from property lines, fences, buildings, or the house. Before you start building, visit or call your zoning department.