If you’re a Generation X-er, or older, quickly think back to the days you spent playing outside in the garden. What do you remember? Joyful laughter, the smell of freshly cut grass, checking your bug hotels for new visitors, or all the above?
How many of you remember the storage space where your parents stored the pruning shears and the lawnmower? We’d wager that only a small percentage of you will. Simply because back in the day, storage sheds were often unsightly buildings banished to the furthest corner of the yard. Not anymore! Nowadays, it is trendy to own one or more garden sheds, and not simply to keep sharp objects and dangerous chemicals safely out of the hands of uninformed persons.
There are endless possibilities as to how you can utilise one of these outbuildings: it can be anything you want it to be: a home office, a life-sized doll’s house for your daughter, an Airbnb, or even a yoga studio to which you can escape to regroup and rebalance.
So, what differentiates a reasonable shed from a good one? Below are a few key points to keep in mind when looking to purchase your own garden addition.
Placement and Purpose
Many gardens in the UK are not large. Don’t let this deter you because there are sheds that are specially designed to fit into a corner, optimising as much space as possible. It’s also prudent to know what the final purpose of your shed will be. For example, if you’re going to be using it as a gaming space, you can have smaller windows, than someone who wants to use it as a guest bedroom.
Structurally Sound
Inspect the framework and the floorboards. They must be sturdy, with no visible signs of stress, such as gaps between the slats. The floor should be level, without a feeling of ‘sponginess’ when walking on it. Check the windows as well. They should close easily and seal properly to keep the cold out.
Discuss different off-the-ground platform options with the supplier. Having something between the base of your shed’s floor and the damp grass or soil will contribute to the longevity of your building.
Look at the entrance. In levels of comparison, the most affordable kind of door would be one that is at least ledged, to the next level of ledged and braced, with the sturdiest type of door being one that is framed, ledged, and braced.
Well-manufactured timber buildings usually come with a warranty. Ask your supplier about their policy regarding guaranteed workmanship.
Required Maintenance
There are certain maintenance aspects that you will need to do regularly, such as checking the roof for leaks, tears in the roof felt, and damage to the cladding. Some sheds may need to be retreated, so ask the supplier how often this will need to be done so that you can budget accordingly.
Lockable Outbuilding
Even if you are going to use the outbuilding as a kid’s play space, make sure that it is locked when not in use. This prevents exposure to the elements, and quite possibly, stray animals that may be seeking shelter.
Our recommendation is that you do extensive research on the different kinds of garden sheds available because there are many different ones from which to choose, but trust us – there is one that will be the perfect fit for you!
