By building a storage shed, you can achieve total organization for your lawn equipment, tools, holiday decorations, and the extra items you want to keep but just don't have the space for in your home. The most difficult part about building a shed is figuring out what size you need. Determining the perfect size should be one of the first steps in the planning process. The following paragraphs detail things for you to consider when deciding on the size of your backyard shed.
Homeowner Association Rules
If you live in a subdivision with a homeowners association, start there when first making your plan for building a storage shed. Many subdivisions require board approval and have special rules you must follow when constructing a backyard shed. Don't go any further in your planning until you know the rules, including size limits, height restrictions, property line issues, setbacks, design limitations, roofing and siding choices allowed, deed restrictions, the process for having plans approved, and anything else you need to know.
Local Zoning Regulations
After checking with your homeowners association, contact your local zoning and building inspection department. Inquire about regulations for building a storage shed, including size limits, setbacks, and the need for permits or special building ordinances.
Finally! It's Time To Determine The Perfect Size
Taking your homeowner association rules and local zoning regulations into consideration, answer the following questions that will help you decide what size storage shed will best fit your needs.
How Much Backyard Space Do You Have To Build Your Shed?
Measure how much building space you have to work with in your yard. Keep aesthetics in mind when placing your shed, as you want it to look nice and complement your yard since a well-placed shed can actually add to the value of your property. In addition, consider the traffic flow of your yard and whether you want your shed taking up a good amount of your backyard space. This lets you know the maximum room you have available.
What Do You Plan To Store In Your Shed?
Many times, the items you plan to store will automatically set the size of shed you need. Consider the small items that can hang on a hook or pegboard, medium sized items that will store nicely on shelves or from ceiling hooks, and the large items that can only be stored on the floor. In addition, keep easy accessibility in mind for items that will be used often, like lawn equipment, and less accessible storage for lesser-used items, like holiday decorations.
Will You Use Your Shed For More Than Storage?
If you plan to use your storage shed for other things than just storage, keep these activities in mind when determining the best size. If you plan to do woodworking and need a workbench, plan where it will go, how big it should be, and add enough room to move before building a storage shed. If you plan to park bicycles in your storage shed, make sure you allow for safe parking and easy accessibility.
Draw The Interior Of Your Shed
After defining the purpose, the items to be stored in your shed, and any restrictions you must work around, you should draw out a plan for the interior of your shed, including shelves, pegboard, cabinets, floor storage space, a workbench, and anything else that will go inside your shed.
Move In Before It's Built
Once you have a drawing, spray paint or tape off the dimensions of your storage shed in the area of your backyard where you plan to build it. Mark off the door and any windows so you have a real visual look at the amount of usable space you will have.
Move the actual items you will store in the shed into the marked perimeter, especially large items. After moving items in, stand in the center and take a look around. Visualize where you will hang shelves, hooks, and pegboard. Walk through the perimeter, establishing an acceptable traffic pattern from the door to every area of your shed to ensure it is easy and makes sense. If it seems cramped, consider enlarging the perimeter, changing the location of the door, or increasing the height of your shed to take advantage of vertical storage space if you can't enlarge the perimeter when building a storage shed.
By keeping these questions in mind, you will be able to determine the perfect size that will fit all of your storage shed needs. Keep the future in mind when building a storage shed. A tiny shed may work today, but you may need a larger one tomorrow as you collect more equipment, tools, and stuff to store.
Stephanie Quinn is an author for Build A Shed Plans. If you want more tips for building a storage shed, check out their free resources and learn about backyard sheds, tool sheds, and more.
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