Browse the latest listings for Boulder homes for sale at BoulderProperty.com. Easily compare prices for Dakota Ridge Co homes with other surrounding communities.
Is it time to build that shed you've always talked about? Are your backyard toys and paraphernalia multiplying like mushrooms and becoming an eyesore for your neighbors?
Whether you decide to assemble a precut kit or choose a backyard shed plan from any number of sales locations, the addition of this small structure will definitely add value to your home.
One important detail to factor in is the types of items you will be using the shed for. Will it be for large riding lawnmowers (which may need a larger unit with a garage door-style opening and a ramp), or a collection of gear such as weed whackers, rakes, or other lengthy tools?
A shed can also be used by gardening enthusiasts as a place to do planting preparation, and store the variety of tools needed to create a spectacular, colorful yard that is the talk of the neighborhood.
Backyard sheds can also be turned into a getaway room to relax and unwind, or write the next great American novel.
There are a number decisions to make when choosing the style of your storage shed. Here are a few tips before you start:
1. Buy a good set of plans (or a kit) that include both the drawings and step-by-step instructions so the building process is clear.
2. Check with local zoning codes to see if you need a permit to build. Even a small shed could cause major headaches if it breaks the rules.
3. Be absolutely sure where you want the shed, and why you need it there. If it is closer to the house, would the tools be put away more often? Or do you want it out of sight?
4. Ensure the ground is level. This may require laying gravel or using a backhoe to create a flat surface. If this is not done, the entire structure could lean, causing problems in the future.
5. Determine what type of things you will be storing in the shed. Will you need hooks for heavy items? Should the floor be concrete or would wood suffice?
6. What type of foundation will you use? A concrete foundation will ensure a longer life for the building. If you choose a wood post foundation, use concrete for the base around the posts to protect the wood from frost or moisture.
7. If you are using wood for any part of the shed, from foundation to roof trusses, use treated wood to avoid rot and wood-eating insects. If your budget will allow, choose cedar as it is naturally the most durable product. Pressure-treated wood will also protect the shed from drastically changing climates.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Landscaping for Home Improvement
- Landscaping for Home Improvement
- Landscaping for Home Improvement: Reasons Why You Should Have Them
- Home Improvement Tips for First Time Homeowners
- Home Improvement Service
- Top 7 Cost Effective Home Improvement Tips
- Small Home Improvement Projects With Big Impact
- A Home Improvement Project
Tiki Bar, Tiki Bars and Tiki Bar Ideas
By: Ted Doughty | 23/12/2009Tiki Bar, Tiki Bars and Tiki Bar Ideas Tiki Bars are drinking establishments with a distinctive, kitschy South Pacific theme for their decor and drinks menus. They specialize in tropical cocktails and often also serve food with a tropical flavor.
Tiki Thatch, Tiki Thatching, Tiki Roof Thatch
By: Ted Doughty | 23/12/2009Are you looking for an easy and affordable way to make your tiki bar look authentic? Tired of pulling off a tropical appearance that just doesn't make the grade? Roll up those shirt sleeves and get prepared to install a roll or two of tiki thatch. The straw, heather, and palm leaf combination gives your newest outdoor addition a true island appeal. Tiki thatch acts as insulation on hot summer days and traps heat during the winter months.
Bamboo Pole, Bamboo Poles, Bamboo Sticks, Bamboo For Sale
By: Ted Doughty | 23/12/2009Bamboo poles are an attractive addition to your indoor and outdoor entertainment areas. Domestically grown or imported, they can be finished in a kiln and polished to show the natural beauty of the material. A member of the grass family, bamboo grows rapidly which makes it plentiful in areas where climate and soil conditions are ideal.
Grass Umbrellas and Sea Grass Umbrellas
By: Ted Doughty | 23/12/2009Throwing a party in the near future and not sure what type of decor you want to purchase? Why not take the natural beauty from your backyard and combine it with a few store-bought items to create an island affair worth remembering? It won't take your friends or neighbors long to catch onto the fact that you were born to entertain. In fact, purchasing grass umbrellas will help you set the theme in decorating your backyard paradise.
Bamboo Fences, Bamboo Fence and Bamboo Fencing
By: Ted Doughty | 23/12/2009Bamboo fences are as unique in design as they are daring. Created from the shoots of one of the world's fastest growing grasses, these home improvement items are increasingly gaining popularity with people who want to keep their home looking peaceful and up-to-date.
Tropical Umbrellas and Tropical Backyard Umbrellas
By: Ted Doughty | 23/12/2009Almost every resort across the globe uses tropical umbrellas to enhance the appearance of their beach and pool area. Ranging in size and pattern, these colorful accessories are practical because of the shade that they provide and attractive because of their bold and user-friendly design.
Tiki Bar and Tiki Hut Building Supplies - Also Complete Information on Thatch Roofing & Bamboo Poles
By: Ted Doughty | 23/12/2009The image of the care-free tropical island has been with us since long before the 1930's. During most of the early 20th century, American kids actually read books, and grew up on 18th and 19th century adventure stories by the likes of Jules Verne, many of which featured tropical islands as their settings. Even Robinson Crusoe used to be considered a children's book, not fodder for college courses.
Bamboo Wall Slats and Bamboo Slat
By: Ted Doughty | 23/12/2009Bamboo wall slats add style and sophistication to rooms and business spaces. Created from shoots of bamboo, the popular material enhances the appearance of a home or restaurant by giving it a warm, earthy feel. Inexpensive to purchase and easy to install, bamboo wall slats come in several different finishes and can be matched up to the furniture that you already have in your living and dining rooms.
Adding Buyer Appeal to Your Home: Luxury Bathrooms
By: Greg Smith | 11/12/2009 | Real EstateTake a look at how much money that you are willing to invest in renovating your bathroom before you choose what your project is going to entail. Look at your bathroom with a critical eye; is there anything that desperately needs to be fixed or updated?
Biomass Stoves: Clean Heat with a Tax Credit Incentive
By: Greg Smith | 07/12/2009 | Home ImprovementBiomass stoves are more efficient than regular wood stoves because due to their design they can produce more heat from less fuel, they create less ash waste, and need far less ventilation to run properly. They come in a variety of types: some just for one type of fuel and some for a variety of fuels. Check out what type of fuel is most readily available in your area before choosing one for your home.
Building Your Dream Log Home
By: Greg Smith | 24/11/2009 | Real EstateThe cost of building a log home is often virtually the same as a conventional house. However, in some cases, it can be as much as 50 percent more, depending on the style and amenities. This increase can also be attributed to the additional labor costs to construct a log home in your area..
Deer-Proofing Your Garden - Don't serve their favorites
By: Greg Smith | 12/11/2009 | LandscapingWhen deer are hungry, they will eat almost anything, so buying the so-called deer-proof plants may be a waste of money. Even juniper bushes, normally distasteful to deer, will be eaten in a phase of extreme hunger. They may even chew on the bark of trees, using that as roughage.
Stepping Stones to a Short Sale
By: Greg Smith | 10/11/2009 | Real EstateWhen people find themselves in the horrendous position of having to give up their home due to a financial crisis, the thought of foreclosure is extremely stressful. But there is one solution that may take some of the sting out of such a loss – the short sale, or pre-foreclosure sale.
Five Easy Tips for Year-Round Curb Appeal
By: Greg Smith | 10/11/2009 | Real EstateOne of the first things you can do is take an objective look at your house, both your yards - front and back, and assess how your house fits in with the neighborhood in general. Do some sections of your exterior need updating? Are there obvious areas in need of repair, such as fence slats or roof tiles?
Outdoor Fireplaces - Adding Flair with Flame
By: Greg Smith | 10/11/2009 | LandscapingEveryone loves the relaxing glow of a fireplace, whether it is in your living room or at a camping spot in the woods. One trend that has come on strong in recent years is the outdoor fireplace - either stand-alone, portable units (fire pits) or a brick structure that is in itself, a decorative addition to the home.
Finding the Best Realtor for Your Home Purchase
By: Greg Smith | 10/11/2009 | Real EstateHaving a good rapport with you realtor is key. Open and honest communications will help both of you be on the same page when looking through the list of properties available. Additionally, choosing a good realtor will save you a lot of time and frustration.