Part of owning a home is the freedom to do as you please with it. This includes adding home improvements such as additional rooms or room expansions. One different part of a home that the homeowner can install is the shed.
A shed is pretty much additional storage space, except it’s outside of your existing home. Since sheds are installed outdoors, they must be accessible, sturdy, and resistant to the elements. These are all valid factors when placing a shed in a backyard, but one thing homeowners often overlook is the actual site where the shed will be installed. Regardless of the type of shed for storage or a workshop, the location has to be considered.
This article lists down vital things to take into account when placing a shed outdoors. Read on below to learn more.
Why Positioning Is Important
It’s no secret that most of us buy something without worrying about where to put it later. Since positioning is detrimental to sheds, you must set aside this way of thinking to ensure that your shed will be effective and long-lasting.
Here are the essential things to consider when positioning a shed:
#1 – Ground Stability
First and foremost, you must know if the ground you intend to place your shed on must be stable. That means the ground’s condition must be the same even if the rain pours down. Additionally, the shed must be a few inches off the ground to avoid possible flooding or waterlogging.
#2 – Proximity to Boundaries
If your shed is placed right next to a fence, it can cause problems. Placing sheds next to fences, especially bigger ones, is often considered illegal. Worst of all, it can get on your neighbor’s nerves—something you don’t want to happen.
Like any other home improvement, there are rules to follow when positioning a shed in your backyard. Different governing bodies oversee this process, so you should read your local laws for more information. However, the general rule is that your shed can’t be placed within two meters of your property’s boundary if its eaves are over two and a half meters high. It also can’t be put in your front yard.
#3 – Proximity to Your Home
Placing your shed right next to your home is just as bad of an idea as putting it next to your home’s boundaries. The simplest reason is that you won’t have access to at least one of the sides when the situation calls for it. Additionally, it can become the perfect target for burglars because you won’t be able to see it entirely from your second-floor windows.
#4 – Exposure to the Elements
It’s no secret that the weather can be harsh and unforgiving at times. Since a shed is small, it may receive most of the onslaught that extreme weather conditions can give. To help safeguard your shed from weather, it’s recommended that you place it within the vicinity of your home so that your home can block out most of the meteorological assault.
#5 – Accessibility
Finally, you should be able to quickly and safely enter and exit your shed. If you’re using it as a storage space for tools, that means you’ll be going in and out frequently. Try to find a spot in your backyard that’s close to a door. If it’s not possible, calculate how long the distance and time it will take to get from your home to your shed. It’s still worth doing so you won’t be bothered too much by the walk.
Conclusion
A shed is an additional comfort for your home because it’s versatile and can be used for many things, such as a storage spot or a greenhouse. Regardless of how you’ll use it, you need to protect it because it’s a major investment.
Building the foundation is arguably the most critical part of a shed because it supports the entire structure. Thankfully, Shed Mechanics has resources on shed foundation plans to help you build the best possible shed foundation for your use. Simply go to our website to get started!