How to Buy a Garden Shed?

When it comes to buying a garden shed, there are many things to consider. What size do you need? What style is right for you? Where should you put it? 

This blog post will help make the process a little less daunting by outlining key factors to consider when making your purchase. GarageSmart® offers a wide range of garage remodelling solutions to help you get the most out of your space.

So whether you’re in the market for your first garden shed or just looking to upgrade, read on for some helpful tips!

Advice on Purchasing a Garden Shed

The variety of styles, sizes, and uses available for today’s sheds might make it hard to zero in on the perfect one for your home’s needs.

Your requirements for a garden shed will evolve to meet your changing needs. For example, a work shed may seem like a good idea, but by the time you’ve acquired all the necessary equipment for your pastime, you may realise you need a much larger space. 

Maybe you’ll buy a garden shed to turn it into a playhouse for your kids, but instead, fast-forward five years.

Trying to figure out what kind of shed to purchase when your demands are always changing can be difficult. After all, no one knows what the future holds. 

Luckily, you may acquire a shed that will meet your needs now and in the future without resorting to tarot card readings. The following advice is sure to simplify your search for an outdoor storage shed.

Think About the Style of the Rest of Your House When Shopping for Sheds

It may seem obvious, but you’d be shocked at how few homeowners think about whether the outdoor shed they’re considering would match the style of their home. 

For instance, you may choose the cheapest option, an apex-roof outdoor shed with plastic walls & steel sidings, without considering how much it will stand out in contrast to your country-style garden and home.

For the time being, it’s more important to prioritise form over function when shopping for a shed. If you want to raise your home’s market price, this is a crucial step. The converse is true if you purchase a garden shed that doesn’t match the style of your house.

Think About Both the Cost and the Quality

You shouldn’t bankrupt yourself by spending a fortune on a stylish garden shed just because you need one. While a bespoke shed is ideal, building one may be somewhat pricey, depending on the materials and labour you use. Prefabricated sheds are the next best option.

Prefabricated sheds have gone a long way since their humble beginnings, and now you can get one in any size, colour, or shape to suit your needs and your budget. 

You can construct a shed from the start, but this is not recommended if you lack previous experience with building structures. It makes more sense to engage a specialist to complete this task. Inquire about installation services from the company selling your outdoor shed.

Shed Material

Wood, metal, and plastic are available options while shopping for a shed. To assist you in selecting the optimal material for your shed, we have compiled a list of options and included brief descriptions of their advantages and disadvantages.

• Sheds made of wood, with their classic look that allows them to fit into the garden, have long been a fixture in Irish backyards. Wooden sheds are the best option for keeping moisture-sensitive products like seeds because they don’t condense like plastic or metal sheds. A wooden varnish or preservation will have to be applied to the wood annually.
• Metal sheds can withstand harsh conditions and won’t expand or contract in extreme temperatures. After being built, these structures will require almost no upkeep. A metal shed’s pristine appearance may be maintained with little more than an occasional hosing down.
• Sheds made of plastic have only been available for a short time, but they have quickly become the shed of choice for many homeowners due to their low cost and low maintenance requirements. Plastic shelters can’t be painted to change their colour, and they don’t have the same rustic appeal as timber sheds. To preserve plastic in pristine shape, relatively little care is required.

It’s Important to Get the Right Accessories

Garden sheds are no longer only useful outbuildings for stowing away seasonal items. Homeowners investing in aesthetic touches are seldom out of the ordinary. 

Some people set up flower boxes around their shed to boost their aesthetic value. Some opt for unique doors instead of the standard hinged or sliding variety, while others instal skylights or windows to let in more light. Looking for a reliable and affordable garage storage solution? Look no further than GarageSmart®!

Accessories may be frivolous (or costly at worst), but they’re crucial when renovating a shed into a living space. Including accessories in your newly acquired garden shed can give it that certain something extra and make it stand out from the crowd.

Try to Avoid Overcomplicating Things

However, one of the most common reasons people purchase a shed is the desire to finally have their homes organised. 

It would be counterproductive to spend more time and energy decorating your shed than you would cleaning and maintaining your actual home. Instead, maintain a minimal, functional, and well-organised setup.

You shouldn’t invest in a fancy garden shed if you don’t know what you’re doing concerning upkeep and maintenance. Avoid purchasing a wooden shed if you want a low-maintenance structure, as this requires regular upkeep to retain its rustic look and repel pests. You should select a simple roofing design for your sheds if you don’t already have a drainage and sewage system to handle all snow or water that will accumulate on its roof (i.e. skillion roof).

You won’t have to make as many adjustments to the shed’s layout if you don’t overdo the decorations, which is why minimalism is ideal for shed conversion.

Don’t Leave Home Without Paint or Dye

Pick garden sheds with paint colours that go well with the surroundings and your home. Steel sheds, commonly used for storage, have a wide range of available colour coatings. 

Don’t stress if the brand and model of the outdoor shed you want don’t come in the colour you want. You can always start over with a fresh coat of paint and a new design scheme.

It’s not hard to change the colour of a wall made of wood or metal; there are plenty of colours to select from. 

On the other side, plastic partitions present some unique challenges. Removing the “shine” from the surface requires scouring it with sandpaper and then cleaning it with rubbing alcohol. However, you shouldn’t expect to perform with more effort than you have planned.

Since steel and wood are more adaptable than the more affordable plastic shelters, they are the best products for outdoor sheds.

Think About the Weather and Environment in Your Area

Condensation is an issue that many consumers confront when shopping. This is consistent regardless of whether it is chilly or hot outside. 

When the weather causes condensation, the shed’s construction traps the wetness and moisture within, creating an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, bugs, or moulds that are dangerous to the shed’s occupants. That implies the contents of your shed, which are likely to be made of metal, will inevitably rust.

This is why buying a shed that can be easily aired and has good insulation is important. Condensation forms when moisture is allowed to accumulate. Hence its removal is a top priority. 

The roofs of steel sheds are typically waterproof since they have side coverings. When it rains or is cold outside, this comes in handy.

Can You Build a Shed Without a Building Permit?

Likely, you will not require a building permit to construct a small or medium-sized shed on your property. Still, you should always check with the relevant authorities before making any major changes to the inside or outside of your home.

The following are examples of circumstances in which you might need to apply for a planning permit:

• Outside of the home, the shed serves a variety of functions.
• You are fortunate to be a resident in a historically significant structure.
• The shed takes up more than half of the property’s full size.
• Sheds are typically placed in front of, or even on, the side of the home visible from the street.
• To put it another way, the shed is at least 4 metres tall.
• Between 2 m of a property line, the eaves are at least 2.5 metres high.
• Behind the house, the shed is within 3.5 metres of a property line connecting to the road.
• If your home is located in a national park, wilderness region, or another protected area,
• Birds of prey are housed in the structure.

Accessories and Fixtures for Sheds

GarageSmart® offers the most versatile and customisable storage system on the market. You can adjust our shelves, hooks, and baskets to fit your needs, making it easy to store anything and everything you need in your garage.

• Colour or stain your shed to spruce it up and make it look better. Choose a paint specifically formulated for sheds that ensure durability, protection, and weather resistance.
• Some sheds will have installed flooring, while others will come with a base sufficient for your needs. Or else, you can use any alternative flooring options, including rubber, wood, and plastic.
• Adding insulation to your shed will make it more comfortable year-round.
• The rainfall that falls on the shed can be diverted with a gutter system and collected in a water butt for later use.
• There are many storage choices, including shelves, hooks, and boxes.
• Add a loft shelf if you need more storage but are pressed for a room elsewhere.
• The ramp will facilitate the movement of large vehicles and other heavy equipment to and from the storage building.
• A tool rack is a handy way to store and organise your tools.
• You can select from rims locks, pad bolts, doorway bars, and hasp and staples to create a secure locking system for your shed.
• Bars on the shed’s door add an added layer of protection. They prevent the door from being forced inwards by running the length of the door.
• For added safety, instal an alarm system or security lights.
• Easy-to-use lighting options include those that run on solar energy or batteries. However, if you spend a lot of time in the shed or are planning to turn it into an office, you should hire a professional electrician to hook it up to the power grid.

Conclusion

There are a lot of factors to think about when shopping for a garden shed. I’m curious, what size are you looking for? Can you please advise me on the best fashion for me? Which spot would be best? This piece can assist ease your mind by detailing important considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.

A custom garden shed is the best option, but it can get expensive to build one from scratch due to the time and effort involved. Since its infancy, prefabricated shelters have come a long way, with a wide variety of options in terms of size, colour, and shape. You can get sheds made of wood, metal, or plastic. Wooden huts don’t condense like plastic or metal sheds, making them ideal for storing moisture-sensitive products like seeds. Metal sheds are impervious to weather and temperature extremes, making them ideal for storage.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance shed, wooden sheds aren’t the way to go. They need frequent maintenance to keep its rustic appearance and keep pests at bay. The minimalist aesthetic is best for converting a shed because it will require less structural changes. Don’t freak out if the outdoor shed model and brand you want isn’t available in the colour you want. New paint and a reimagined layout are simple ways to begin again. A shed’s normal location is in the front yard or on the street-facing side of the house.

The floor may already be in place, or the shed may come with a foundation that is adequate for your purposes. A gutter system can collect the water that falls on the shed and channel it into a water butt.

Content Summary

• There are a lot of factors to think about when shopping for a garden shed.
• This piece can assist ease your mind by detailing important considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.
• If you’re seeking to buy a garden shed for the first time or just want to improve your current one, keep reading for some useful advice!
• Finding the appropriate shed for your home’s needs can be challenging due to the wide range of sheds currently on the market in terms of appearance, size, and function.
• Your needs will change over time, and so must your garden shed specifications.
• Perhaps you’re thinking of purchasing a garden shed with the intention of converting it into a playhouse for your children. However, skip ahead five years.
• It might be challenging to decide on a shed style when your needs are in a constant state of flux.
• Fortunately, you may avoid tarot card readings and still choose a shed that works for your needs today and tomorrow.
• The following tips will make it easier for you to find the perfect garden shed.
• When looking for sheds, take the rest of your home’s aesthetic into consideration. Although it may seem like a no-brainer, very few homeowners actually examine whether or not the outdoor shed they are considering would complement the existing architecture of their property.
• As of right now, shed aesthetics are more important than practicality.
• This is an essential action to take if you want to increase your home’s selling price.
• Inversely, if you buy a garden shed that doesn’t complement your home’s design, you’ll end up dissatisfied with it.
• You should give equal consideration to price and quality.
• The necessity for a garden shed is not a good enough reason to go into debt over a swanky outbuilding.
• A custom shed is the best option, but it can get expensive to construct one from scratch because of the time and effort involved.
• Sheds that have already been prefabricated are the next best thing.
• Since their early days, prefabricated sheds have come a long way, and you can now get one in any size, colour, or shape to meet your demands and your budget.
• Building a shed from scratch is possible, but it’s not advised if you have no experience with construction.
• The best course of action is to hire a professional to handle this.
• Before purchasing a shed for your yard, be sure the supplier also offers installation services.
• In the market for a shed, you can choose between models made of wood, metal, or plastic.
• We’ve gathered a list of materials and provided brief descriptions of their benefits and drawbacks to help you pick the best one for your shed.
• Wooden sheds have been common in Irish gardens for a long time because of their traditional style.
• Wooden huts don’t condense like plastic or metal sheds, making them ideal for storing moisture-sensitive products like seeds.
• Although plastic sheds have been on the market for only a short while, many homeowners have made the switch to them due to their inexpensive initial cost and minimal upkeep.
• Plastic requires little maintenance to stay in immaculate condition.
• Finding the right add-ons is crucial.
• Homeowners who spend money on cosmetic improvements are not unusual.
• Some folks choose to increase the shed’s kerb appeal by installing flower boxes around its perimeter.
• Even though they can be a bit of a luxury, accessories are a must when transforming a shed into a home.
• You may make your freshly purchased garden shed stand out from the crowd by adding accessories to it.
• Nonetheless, the desire to finally have one’s home in order is a popular motivation for purchasing a shed.
• To decorate your shed with more care and attention than you do your own home is unproductive.
• Instead, keep things simple while still meeting your needs.
• If you aren’t prepared to put in the time and effort into maintaining it, a sophisticated garden shed is overkill.
• The minimalist aesthetic is best for converting a shed because it will require less structural changes.
• It’s important to choose a garden shed that complements both your home and its natural surroundings.
• Storage shelters made of steel can be purchased in a rainbow of colours.
• Don’t freak out if the outdoor shed model and brand you want isn’t available in the colour you want.
• New paint and a reimagined layout are simple ways to begin again.
• Metal and wood walls can be painted any colour you like with little effort and a wide variety of options.
• Steel and wood are superior than plastic shelters in terms of versatility, making them ideal for outdoor sheds.
• Bear in mind the local climate and environment.
• The condensation that forms on the inside of a shed due to weather conditions provides the perfect breeding ground for any number of potentially harmful germs, bugs, or moulds.
• That means the metal tools and equipment stored in your shed are doomed to corrode.
• This is why it’s crucial to invest in a well-insulated shed with plenty of ventilation options.
• Most sheds, no matter how big or little, can be built on private land without a construction permission.
• When one might need a planning permit is when one encounters the following situations: The shed has multiple uses outside the house.
• You are privileged to call such a historic home your own.
• The shed occupies more than fifty percent of the whole lot area.
• Birds of prey are hosted in your home if you live in a wilderness area, national park, or other type of protected area.
• The appearance of your shed can be improved by painting or staining it.
• Pick a paint that offers protection, longevity, and resistance to the elements, and it will last for years in a shed.
• The floor may already be in place, or the shed may come with a foundation that is adequate for your purposes.
• Putting insulation in your shed will make spending time there more bearable throughout the seasons.
• In case you require extra storage but are short on space elsewhere, consider installing a loft shelf.
• The ramp will make it easier to drive big rigs and other heavy machinery in and out of the storage facility.
• An effective method of keeping your equipment neat and accessible is with a tool rack.
• Locking options for your shed include ring locks, pad bolts, doorway bars, and hasp and staples.
• For increased safety, the door to the shed is reinforced with bars.
• Putting in a security system or lighting up the outside will help you feel safer.
• Lighting powered by the sun or batteries is a practical alternative because of its convenience.

FAQs About Garden Shed

How Do I Choose a Garden Shed?

You’ll need to consider security, double doors and floor strength. A workshop shed will need to be bigger to allow you to work comfortably. You’ll need to consider windows or skylights, headroom and space for staging such as work tables or shelves.

What Is the Best Material for a Garden Shed?

Metal: Metal sheds tend to be the most secure, so they’re a good option if you need to store valuable items. They’re also weatherproof and long lasting. Plastic: Plastic sheds won’t rot, they require almost no maintenance, and they tend to be lightweight, making them easy to assemble.

What Foundation Is Best for a Shed?

What is the best shed foundation? A gravel pad (crushed stone) with a lumber perimeter is the best shed foundation option in most cases. We recommend gravel shed foundations because they provide a stable base for your shed to rest on and do a great job of draining water away from the bottom of your shed.

Is It Cheaper to Buy a Shed or Build a Shed?

If you’ve been wondering is it cheaper to build your own shed, you’ll discover that yes, it is less expensive to build your own shed than to purchase a pre-built shed. That is at least if you have all the tools required to build the shed. Typically, it won’t take many specialty tools to build the shed.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Shed?

As long as your shed is under 2.5m tall at the eaves, situated in your back garden away from property boundaries, and intended for a use that’s incidental to the enjoyment of your house, you probably don’t need planning permission to build it.