So, you’re planning to get a shed? You know you want it. You cannot hide your excitement anytime someone mentions the word “shed.” A commercial TV ad on garden sheds is enough to make your eyes pop out.
You have these vivid thoughts and pictures crossing your mind when you think about the perfect outdoor space. Heck, even your family knows you have something cooking up and are eagerly waiting for a surprise.
But, WAIT! Do you know how much a shed costs? Have you thought about the different colors and styles available? Do you have any short-term and long-term goals set for your shed?
Buying a custom shed is a huge investment and one that requires careful planning. You want to be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Here’s what home improvement experts want you to know about custom sheds.
Contents
The Big Dilemma: To DIY or Go the Custom Way?
Building from scratch is one of two ways of acquiring a backyard or garden shed. The second way is buying a custom (pre-fabricated) shed from a home improvement store. So, which do you go for? Generally, both ways have their drawbacks and benefits. The DIY route is more time-consuming and challenging. What’s more, you need to have mid-level woodwork skills to design the perfect shed.
On the other hand, going for custom-made Designer Sheds can save you time and trouble. Generally, a prefab shed will be delivered to you fully assembled. Installation is also easy as it takes about an hour or two to set up the shed in your backyard. So, yes, going the custom way is your best bet.
Cost vs. Quality
This is where you want to stick to the common cliché: you get what you pay for. You want to avoid making price your only determining factor when buying a shed. Sometimes, homeowners fall head over heels for a low-priced shed and ignore some critical considerations.
Remember, an outdoor shed made from high-quality materials lasts longer than its cheaper counterpart. In most cases, adding an extra hundred dollars to your initial amount is a great investment decision. But if you’re on a budget, go for simple and well-built sheds with basic materials. Also, avoid sheds made from premium materials or with fancy details.
Consider the Design
An outdoor shed acts as a storage unit for your other household belongings. An outdoor shed’s exterior appearance is as important as its usefulness since it impacts your house’s appearance. If your property follows a particular style, choose a shed that blends well with style.
For instance, if your house takes a traditional wood exterior style, try and design your shed with a rustic design, or even add batten and board siding. The general rule is always to choose a shed that compliments your house’s style – whether formal, classic, or the good old contemporary vintage style. You can also borrow some house features, such as an arched door or window, and use the same theme with your shed.
Size
When it comes to size, choose what works for you. If you want a big shed, ask yourself how big it needs to be. Do you want a shed that fits the entire length of your yard? Do you want more or less depth?
What about height? The answers to these questions will give you a rough idea of what you want. Mark the space you want your shed to cover. If you cannot DIY, have a professional carpenter take the measurements for you.
With the measurements and markings in mind, you already know the space the shed will cover.
Budget
The budget you set affects other factors such as shed materials and shed size. You want to decide on a budget before you begin shopping for sheds.
This ensures you don’t overspend or find yourself in the middle of a financial storm, or even worse, in debt. Also, your budget determines what storage space will be available once you erect your shed.
Most home improvement experts warn against going for large sheds. Even though it seems attractive, it can warp and create leaks if constructed improperly. Over time, this can end up costing you more in repairs and maintenance costs.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you make a well-informed decision before getting a custom shed. Think about the style and size of the garden or backyard shed you want. Next, contact a home improvement center that can deliver your specifications. If you choose the DIY route, ensure experts handle the process. Say hello to a new outdoor experience!
