All shed owners can agree on one thing:
Adding a shed to the yard is not a quick process. Sheds can be great additions to backyards, offering a wide range of new possibilities from storage closet to guest room. However, the choice to install a new shed is accompanied by a few essential steps homeowners must take before successfully implementing the new structure.
One of the first questions homeowners should ask themselves before choosing to own a shed is: “Why am I purchasing this shed?”
Is it to house all your in-laws when they show up for a surprise visit? Or does creating a separated office space from the rest of the house sound like just the serenity you’ve been searching for? Perhaps it’s simply to contain all the extra equipment that keeps the pool running smoothly throughout the summer.
Deciding why the shed needs to be added helps homeowners make the best decision to fit their desire. No one wants to end up with a shed too small for its intended purpose. Think carefully about everything that needs to fit into the shed and then choose the most appropriate size to invest in. Cumberland Buildings offers buildings as small as 8×10 or as large as 12×32 to fit any size needs.
Once a size has been chosen, the next important thing is to figure out an appropriate budget. Setting a budget can help as you begin looking into potential sheds so you can find a high quality addition to your backyard. Don’t forget to keep in mind that costs may go beyond the purchase of the storage unit itself. For example, those looking to turn their new shed into a mancave may need to put additional budget into furniture and electric wiring. Those that wish for a more customized shed will likely spend more than typical layouts.
It is also important to start looking for different payment options. Though many companies will make you pay for the shed and delivery outright, Cumberland Buildings offers rent-to-own programs to allow for more monetary flexibility when selecting your ideal floor plan.
Before officially purchasing a storage shed, it is crucial to check in with local city ordinances and the H.O.A. for your area. Certain towns may place rules or regulations on the ownership or placement of these backyard additions. Some owners may need to obtain a permit before purchasing a storage shed.
Though it may seem like unnecessary work, it is important to take this step yourself. Storage shed sellers are not responsible to know the unique zoning ordinances and covenants of every city they may possibly sell to. Knowing the legal obligations may affect how you choose to use your shed and what size would be most appropriate.
The next step is critical to preparing your yard for storage shed delivery. Search for an area large enough to accommodate the preferred shed size that is level and even. Finding level, or near level, ground is necessary for safe setup. If level yard is not possible, homeowners will often have to notify the delivery team or create the level area themselves. This can increase the time it takes to officially install the shed, but it is critical for durability and safety.
Removing grass or shrubs is also a necessary step for yard preparation. Even little patches of weeds have the ability to affect the way the shed rests on the ground. Clearing the whole area and leaving patted down dirt or evenly laid gravel will help speed up the process.
Choose the foundation you would like beneath your new shed. Different sellers may require different foundations; however, at Cumberland Buildings, we think it is important that homeowners choose the right foundation for them. Our team offers to level slightly unlevel areas with ground contact rated treated wood blocks. However, if owners would prefer, they can place concrete or gravel below the shed.
Gravel, concrete, and wood can all offer solid and reliable foundations for each shed. It is up to the owner to decide which foundation would be the best according to their purpose for the shed. But do not fear: if choosing a foundation material seems stressful, the experts at Cumberland Buildings can help owners choose the best foundation.
After selecting a level area in the yard and the best foundation to use, the next important step is to clear out the area. Though storage sheds are durable and strong, it is best to be able to access all four sides of the building. This will help prevent damage and fix minor maintenance issues before they become more severe.
Important yard obstacles to avoid are trees, shrubs, ponds, and fences. Trees with large branches have the potential to fall and damage the structure. Even small but low hanging branches can rub the roof and cause unnecessary wear and tear to the top. Meanwhile, shrubs and fences placed right up against the shed can cause more bugs to get into the shed. Finally, sheds placed too near ponds or wet areas can cause the shed to slowly sink into the ground over time.
The final step is perhaps the most fun. Now that all the technical decisions have been made, it is time to choose the look of your shed. Cumberland Buildings offers a wide array of different styles and layouts so homeowners can pick the right option for them that satisfies both their needs and their aesthetic preferences.
Customization options at Cumberland Buildings range from the number of windows to natural or painted wood exteriors. Porches, door size, and roof materials are all available choices for those looking to install a shed in their backyard. Our team understands that purpose may be the primary priority, but looks are important too.
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