Storage Sheds

Storage shed dilemma: should you buy a pre-fabricated shed or build your own from the ground up? This is a good question and one that many homeowners face. Let's take a look at some of the issues involved with both.

Size: In many cases, the size of the storage shed will often determine whether or not the homeowner should build or buy. A smaller shed is, of course, easier to build, but even a small shed needs to be constructed correctly and safely. Even a small storage shed can become a hazard to those around it if it is not built according to certain standards. This can be especially important for those who live in areas where the weather can be severe.

Conversely, a larger storage shed will require even more skill in its construction. This does not mean that homeowners should not build storage sheds from the ground up, it only means that the use of a professional contactor may be needed in order to get the best results.

Continuity: Homeowners often wish to keep the style or the look of the storage shed in line with the style of the home. In the past, this could be difficult to achieve without building from the ground up. Today, however, there are hundreds of styles and colors to choose from in pre-fabricated sheds. You will also discover that most pre-fab sheds come in the materials that homeowners want most. These include metal, plastic composite, and woods of various species.

If you plan to build from the ground up you will often find that you are limited to using materials that you can easily work with. For the most part, this means wood. If you do decide to use wood as your storage shed, make sure that you are using pressure treated lumber that will withstand the elements.

Cost: The cost of storage shed will depend in its size, the type of material it is made of, and added features such as the type of foundation (if any) that it is set on and whether or not you wish to have power supplied to the shed.

Homeowners will be pleased to find that many of the quality pre-fabricated sheds available today are very affordable. When shopping for one, always make sure you look into the warranty that comes with it. Many of these models will come with a 15 year (or longer) warranty.

Construction Help: If you decide to purchase storage shed designs and build your own, consider hiring a professional contractor to help you. If you are handy with tools you may not need the assistance of a contractor for every phase of the job, but it is a good idea to bring one in for those areas that you do not have experience in or for advice when you come across something you do not fully understand.

In general, the larger the shed you plan to build, the more helpful a professional will be, especially with issues such as roofing, rafters, and foundations.