You’ve decided to add a shed to your property. But before you order one, make sure that you devote some time to determining the ideal spot on your property for the shed. This step requires you to consider the purpose of the shed, your property and any legal requirements.
Let’s say you “just” need the shed to add a storage space and cut down on clutter. Depending on the size of your shed, the structure may be deemed more than a simple outbuilding. Contact your local planning office to obtain details for your particular municipality. On the other end of the spectrum, if you’ll use your garden sheds as an office or garden summer house, you’ll not only require a permit, you’ll also have to consider placement based on the need to run electricity and heating to the shed.
Here are a few things to consider to find the optimal spot to place your shed.
First, many customers are tempted to use their shed to complete a fence. The first problem with this tactic is that placing the shed against the existing fence prevents breathing room for the shed materials, which promotes dampness. The second problem is that while initially your shed should not require maintenance, over time it will be difficult to access all sides of the shed to perform repairs. The final issue is that perhaps your current neighbours have no issue with the shed acting as a fence. However, future neighbours might, which leave the door open for territory disputes, and the current neighbours might take issue if the shed causes water or debris to run onto their property.
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Next, select an area that is level and away from both overhanging branches or shrubs and spots where water tends to pool. Not only will you avoid sharing your shed’s floor with tree roots down the road, you’ll prevent falling branches from damaging the shed. As for water, you’ll want to walk to the shed without having to worry about walking through mud or tracking debris each time you gain access. Level ground helps you prevent standing pools of water and debris, while providing an ideal surface for erecting the shed so that the shed’s elements are installed evenly and easily.
Also consider how much natural sunlight the elected spot gets, and determine if that degree meets the shed’s purpose. Place a storage shed in a shady area, but a greenhouse in direct sun. A workshop or office should receive lots of natural light without being in the sun’s direct path.
Speaking of path, placing the shed by an existing pathway enables easy access to and from the shed. Similarly, by choosing a spot where you will have a two feet perimeter away from fencing or other structures, you will be able to perform maintenance, bring construction materials to and from the shed and otherwise access the entire shed easily.
For insurance purposes, consider putting your shed within the field of a motion sensor light to deter intruders. Check with your insurance company to determine whether your home insurance covers the contents of the shed, as well as the structure itself.