Homeowners build sheds for all sort of reasons. Storage, gardening work and raising small animals are a few of the benefits that sheds can deliver. Preparing for the correct size requires planning. The first two items to consider are shed location and the size of your yard. You don’t want to build a shed that takes up the majority of your yard. On the other hand, if you have space and are thinking of starting a small business, larger is your best bet. Here are some tips on what you should consider when taking on the task of putting up a shed in your yard.
Sharing Your Shed
While you may have a good idea of how the interior of your shed will be organized, do not fail to remember other members of your family. They may be secretly thinking of how their personal storage items can fit nicely inside of your new shed. Sit down with the family and get their thoughts on what a new shed means to them. This would be a good time to put a plan on paper and draw up different sizes that can accommodate all. Even if you try and limit space per person, you will find your shed filling up quickly. If you have the yard space, go for the largest model possible.
Equipment Storage
That riding lawn mower may only be 4-foot wide but having access on all sides could be a plus. Changing oil, checking belts and cleaning blades requires space. Make sure that there is ample room for servicing your mower as well as storing. Other items, like weed trimmers and push mowers, may also need a space in your shed. Make a list of equipment and tools that will need to fit in the space. A large 16×24 shed will be appreciated with equipment inside.
Work Bench and Tools
A back yard shed is a perfect spot to set up a workbench, shelving, and cabinets for those projects. If cabinets are going to be installed, remember that they will take up a portion of the interior square footage. If the bench is going to serve as a place for hobbies, like woodworking, or experiments such as analyzing mushroom spores from SporesMD, additional surfaces may be needed. Use one end for cabinets or shelves. Use one side as a long workbench or to set up cutting areas. Leave one long side open for moving about. 12×20 or 16×20 will become filled in no time.
Gardening
Gardening can be as simple or as complex as you make it. If you are just needing a place to store rakes, hand tools, and containers, a small shed will suffice. However, it can be pleasant to have a table for re-potting, seeding or separating plants. Think of the possibilities before deciding on a small shed. A medium-sized model may be better suited for your needs. One long-board can act as a counter for preparing plants. 12×12 is the size of a medium bedroom. There will be plenty of wall space for hanging hooks to hold tools.
Raising Small Animals
More and more homeowners are investing in a few chickens, a family of rabbits or a couple of goats. Animals need to have shelter when the weather turns cold and a small shed can work out quite well. Make sure that you read up on the amount of space that your chosen animals require when housed. Lean-to storage sheds are spacious and attractive for keeping animals happy and protected. A 12×18 shed may sound like a lot of room but remember the bags of feed, nesting, and tools that you will also want to place in a dry environment.
Office Space
Start-up home businesses are quite common. But finding one room in your home can be a chore. It seems that everything has a spot. It’s time to make the room and dedicate it to your passion. An outdoor shed can provide the space and privacy for getting your company off to a good start. A 12×20 room is double the size of any area that you could hope to have in a house. Add a couch and chair, TV or stereo. When being creative, prop up your feet and turn it into she shed or man cave.
Play House
You won’t need to ask where the kids are with a 12×10 playhouse in the back yard. A place to call their own with dolls, pets, and friends will keep them occupied for hours. Watch this little house grow up with them and let this be their quiet spot with their dreams and imagination.
Fun and Festive Shed Uses
Not all sheds have to have a set purpose. Turn your new shed into an entertaining back yard bar or a functional kitchen. Line one side of the roof with solar panels or fiberglass panels and grow your favorite foods. The sky is the limit when you have a shed that gives you extra room. Adding a pool? Use your shed as a cabana to escape the hot sun. Hip roofs are perfect for transforming one side to open space and closing up at the end of the day.
You will be surprised at the number of ideas that come to you once you decide on building a back yard shed. If you are still unsure of how much room you will need, lean toward a larger size if your yard allows the size.
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