That said, there are some things you’d need to consider before building a shed on your property, regardless of whether it’s for storage or to live in. In this article, we’ll give you some tips that are helpful to know before you build your shed. 

Why build a shed?

Looking to add some storage for all the things that just don’t have a space in your house? Build a shed. Do you want that extra bit of space for an at-home gym or office? Build a shed! Sheds are an extremely useful addition to your property. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they’re relatively quick to construct with the help of professionals. And with all the customisations that can be made, they can really add to the aesthetic of your home. 

10 tips for building the best residential shed

You don’t deserve some sub-par shed, but only the best quality possible. To get it right, you need to keep a few things in mind when designing and constructing your shed. Here are 10 tips to help you build the best residential shed:

Be intentional with your design

You could just get a standard-sized shed, but with all the options to tailor your shed to your specific needs, why would you want to? Always envision the end product before you begin the building process. This includes everything from determining the dimensions of your shed and what it’ll look like to the finishing touches. 

Think about where the best place is to put a shed in your yard, how big it’s going to be, and what its purpose will be. This should help you get a good idea of the shed you want and a decent foundation to start your planning. 

Make your shed as big as possible 

No one ever complained about their shed having too much space. Most of the time, when building a shed, people regret not making it big enough and end up rebuilding it a few years later. So, if you’re second-guessing whether it’s going to have enough space and there is still enough room in the designated area for a bigger shed – do it! Remember that size doesn’t strictly mean the surface area of your shed; think about if it’s got enough height to it, too. 

Choose the right materials

Next, choosing the materials for your shed is an important decision. For those of you who are going the DIY route, we’d suggest choosing materials that you’re comfortable working with. Common materials that are used for sheds are steel, plastic and wood. Wood tends to be easier to work with than other materials, and it is also more affordable. However, if you’re hiring a professional to do the job, they’ll walk you through what materials are best for your shed. 

Choose the right site

You need to be smart about where you position your shed. Most people only have one or two areas suitable for their shed, while others have large properties that give you tons of options. Making this decision should also depend on what you’re using the shed for. For instance, if your shed is designed as a garage, then it would need a larger area closer to your driveway. 

Build on a solid foundation

Building a strong shed doesn’t just rely on the materials you’re using to construct the actual structure, but it also depends on what you’re building it on. Regardless of how sturdy the materials are, if you build on unsteady ground, your entire shed will be unstable. Your best bet is to always check the quality of the ground (which is generally done during a site check), prepare the ground for the shed and lay a solid foundation. Some of your best options for building a solid foundation include using solid concrete slabs and concrete blocks.

Get professional advice

Smaller sheds are perfect for the seasoned DIYers. In fact, these days, you can just buy a shed kit that has simple instructions to follow to help you assemble it. On the other hand, when it comes to bigger sheds, we’d suggest getting a professional to help. 

‍

Companies like Fair Dinkum Builds have been in the industry for a long time and have built up the necessary experience to advise and help you build your ideal shed. We’d suggest getting in touch with professionals like them to ensure you’re on the right track. 

Invest in quality

Building a shed is an investment. Whether you’re storing tools or a car, you’d want it to last, right? That’s why we always say you need to invest in quality. Sure, the initial investment might be more, but in terms of longevity, you’ll get a lot more out of it. You don’t have to go for the most expensive materials, but purchasing materials that are above-average quality is suggested. 

Consider the climate

We all know Australia’s climate can be wild. In light of that, your shed needs to be built according to the specific needs of your region’s climate.  

For example, areas that experience a lot of rainfall will need sheds built with materials that need to be sealed properly, and proper drainage systems will need to be in place. Likewise, in areas with more arid conditions, the shed would need to have better UV protection and materials that handle the heat. 

Make sure it has sufficient accessibility points

A residential shed is supposed to be a convenient space, and not having enough access points or easy access points will deter you from using it. Ensure you install doors that don’t take up too much space or are located in positions that make it hard to get in and out of the shed. Depending on what you’ll be utilising the shed for, sliding doors almost always make the perfect access point. 

Have enough ventilation

Ventilation is one of the most important factors that you need to include in your initial design, especially if you are going to be using your shed to work on cars, woodwork or hazardous substances. Having sufficient ventilation not only allows any fumes or debris to disperse properly but it also ensures you’re getting enough airflow to keep you cool when the hot weather strikes. With adequate ventilation, you’ll be safe and comfortable when using your shed. 

‍

Here are some ways you can ensure you have sufficient ventilation:

• Install vents 
• Add enough windows
• Add a cupola
• Add a turbine

Final Thoughts

Your residential shed has the potential to be more than just a storage space. So, you need to be intentional with the design in order to make it a place you will love and add value to your property. Consider the above tips and do some of your own research so that your shed is built correctly. And hey, Fair Dinkum Builds is just a call away, so if you get stuck, get in touch with them, and they’d be happy to help you out.