Is a Garden Shed Worth It?

Whether you're a home owner or not, you've probably heard of garden sheds.

They're those small, often wooden buildings that sit in your backyard and are used for storage. While they can be useful, is a garden shed worth the money? Here's what you need to consider.

Exactly what is a "Garden Shed"?

The garden shed is just a small outbuilding often located in the yard or backyard of a private residence for the express purpose of housing gardening equipment.

Tools, bikes, handyman equipment, gadgets, holiday decorations, and even larger pieces of gardening machinery can all find a home in a garden shed. Investing in a garden shed is a great way to declutter your house, yard, and garage.

However, garden sheds have many more uses besides storage. Sheds for your garden have the potential to enhance the aesthetic value of your yard.

For What Reason Should You Purchase a Garden Shed?

In a word, the garden shed provides a convenient place to keep and quickly retrieve all of your garden supplies and tools.

Having a garden shed allows you to make better use of your yard, which enhances the aesthetic home's value and garden. You won't need any more motivation to come out and tend to your garden when you look at how lovely and functional your place is.

Pros of Investing in Your Own Private Outbuilding

One of the greatest advantages of purchasing a shed is that you can rest easy knowing that the tough stuff has already been taken care of.

Choose the shed you're interested in, and we'll take care of the rest. It's possible that you may even have it brought to your home to be set up for you.

It's indeed possible to cover all of the work that needs to be done.

If you're not the most helpful person and have previously had trouble with building projects, don't have the essential tools on hand, and just don't have the time, this is ideal for you.

After all, building a shed from scratch can consume an entire day (or even two) to complete.

The Benefits of Having a Shed

It may be enough of an incentive to construct the shed oneself if you're the type of person who takes pleasure in construction projects.

You can either purchase a prefabricated shed kit that includes all the necessary materials and detailed instructions, or you can follow a set of online instructions to construct your own shed.

There are, of course, a plethora of other motives to go the DIY shed route.

If you've been debating whether or not to buy a pre-made shed, you'll be happy to know that constructing your own saves money.

Well, assuming you have the materials and equipment to construct the shed.

In most cases, you won't need too many specialised instruments to construct the shed.

The only tools you'll need to put together a shed from a kit are a hammer, a drill, as well as a screwdriver.

Extra equipment, such as circular saws and other electric tools, will likely be required if you plan to follow online instructions.

Reasons Why Building a Shed May Cost More Than Expected

In principle, constructing your own shed rather than purchasing one already is the more cost-effective alternative when comparing the two.

However, there are a few factors to think about that could make it more expensive to construct your own shed.

To begin, the initial cost will increase significantly if you do not already possess the appropriate equipment.

Power tools, such as circular saws, tables saws, and others, can cost a few hundred dollars more than standard basic tools like hammer and screwdrivers.

If you've been seeking for an excuse to acquire these power tools, by all means do so; however, if you're trying to stick to a tight budget, you may find that your choices have been severely limited by the requirement to purchase these items.

DIY shed plans on the internet come with the risk of a sloppy cut or other error. Even if you take the precaution of "measuring twice and cutting once," you may still make a mistake.

Making a mistake while cutting wood may need further trips to the hardware shop and additional travel time and expense when you get back home.

If you're looking to save money on your shed's construction and assembly, keep this information in mind.

Have You Got Some Free Time?

You still need to consider if you possess the time to place aside and putting the shed together, even if you possess the tools (or are willing to spend the money on the tools).

It may take a considerable amount of time to complete this task.

Will you have the time to build the shed if you'd rather relax and enjoy yourself on the weekend, or if you're constantly on the go to things like your kid's soccer game or your favourite sporting event's tailgate?

If you don't know how to assemble a shed, or if you're unsure, it's best to just buy one.

This way, at the absolute least, you can cross another one thing off your checklist, which is always welcome when time is in short supply.

Customisation

The main advantage of constructing your own shed is that you can tailor it to your own requirements, whether you want to use it as a workshop or an additional outdoor space to accommodate your brand-new teak outdoor furniture.

The same holds true if you hire a contractor to construct a shed for you, although doing so will set you back significantly more money.

When compared to the cost of a prefabricated or DIY shed, the services of a shed builder will almost always cost more.

Sheds are a blank slate, ready to be customised by anyone with the right skills and time.

You can turn your shed into a year-round office by installing windows and keeping it warm with insulation.

Adding power would be a great idea for any potential future endeavours. You can put as many or as few personal touches on your shed as you choose.

It will cost more, but then you can get a shed that is tailor-made for your specific requirements rather than a generic one made for the masses.

Establishing Your Own Private Shed

Whether you should purchase a shed or construct one yourself is a matter of personal preference.

When comparing the costs of building a shed yourself with hiring inexpensive shed builders, do-it-yourself sheds nearly always come out on top.

The reason for this is that you are performing all the work by yourself. However, you may not like to construct it on your own, and if you lack the proper tools, constructing the shed could result in you more money than you bargained for.

Adding a new shed on your home is a terrific way to add extra storage space without breaking the bank.

Mistake in the Garden Shed

Some common mistakes are listed here.

Ignoring Municipal Planning Laws

Even though it may seem obvious that every home improvement project, such as constructing a garden shed, must adhere to local zoning and construction codes, a surprising percentage of people actually ignore this one basic requirement.

Ignoring the regulations of the city council when constructing a building? What could possibly go wrong?

If the local government discovers that you have constructed an unauthorised construction on your property, you may be required to pay a fine of up to $30,000.

If they discover more violations, such as shoddy work on the electrical wiring in your shed, you might expect to pay just few thousand dollars extra.

There is wide variation in the strictness of building regulations across the continent of Australia. A garden shed may seem like it won't cause too much of a fuss, but it's best to check with the local government beforehand to make sure it's okay. The regulations of most councils can be found on their websites.

Attempting to Build an Garden Shed for No Good Reason

Garden sheds in Melbourne, or in any other city, serve more purposes than only improving the aesthetics of gardens and backyards.

Taking full advantage of the additional space they provide is a must, as these buildings are multipurpose to say the least.

One can use a garden shed for more than just storing gardening tools and equipment. A shed can save you money on costly storage unit rentals.

As a result, before constructing a garden shed, you should carefully evaluate your needs for extra space. Having a detailed list of the items you intend to store in your shed is essential.

Just because you can afford a large garden shed doesn't mean you should. The shed's placement is important, so plan accordingly. If you want to build a shed, provide yourself enough room to move around inside of it.

Lacking Awareness About the Australian Climate

Even though it's a cliche, not that all gardening shed materials are produced alike.

Some aren't designed to be exposed to the extremes of the Australian environment.

In most cases, a metal garden shed is superior to a wooden or plastic one because of its durability and longevity.

Steel garden sheds are not recommended for use in hot climates unless you want the sensation of being "cooked" in the summer.

Similarly, an apex-roofed gardening shed will look lovely, but putting it in cyclone-prone locations might be devastating because of its susceptibility to just being carried off by heavy winds.

To rephrase, there is no universally applicable rule for deciding which components to use in your garden shed.

The last thing you want to do is put your hard work and resources into something that has little chance of succeeding in the long run.

Before building a garden shed on the garden, find out what materials and layout will work best in your region.

For This Reason, the Cost Is the Primary Consideration When Deciding Whether to Build or Buy a Garden Shed

To put it simply, a good deal is appreciated by all. It would be nave in today's economy to buy something without first checking its pricing.

However, it is a mistake to think only about cost while shopping for materials or deciding on a prefabricated garden shed.

Remember the old saying, "you get what they pay for," whenever you're tempted to save on materials or labour when constructing your garden shed.

Plastic garden buildings are the cheapest option, but most expert builders won't recommend them because they crack easily in Australia's high temperatures.

Choosing moderately priced materials might be a good compromise between quality and cost. Because a garden shed remains an asset that can raise the value of your home, you shouldn't skimp on the quality of the materials you use just to save money.

Failing to Provide Sufficient Funds for Adaptations

Prefabricated garden shelters nevertheless allow you to put your stamp on the structure by customising the roofing, glass, or door.

Making your shed unique ensures that it will fit in perfectly with the rest of the garden or home's decor.

The addition of accessories can boost its overall attractiveness, and some of those accessories may even have practical purposes.

Putting up windows in your garden shed, for instance, can make it more aesthetically pleasing and reduce your heating and cooling costs. The natural light will be let in through the windows.

Barn-style sliding doors are an alternative to conventional garage doors, and are a popular choice among certain homeowners.

That way, you won't have to worry about making room for the door to open. Sliding barn doors are more convenient, and the fact that they also look great is a bonus.

Garden shed add-ons and personalizations demand separate planning and funding.

In addition to garden shed accessories, reputable retailers may also offer prefab sheet customization prior to assembly.

A garden shed can be distinguished from the pack with some well-planned embellishments.

Failing to Establish a Stable Base

Another item that should be evident but often isn't is this.

Your garden shed, whether it's prefabricated or constructed to order, will need a solid base.

Most buyers don't realise that prefab sheds don't include a floor and that concrete anchors are required for the walls to stand.

To ensure adequate water drainage, a solid garden shed foundation should raise the shed off the ground.

Avoid picking a spot where the foundation will have to be placed in low-lying, swampy, or otherwise unfavourable terrain. It's important to pick a spot where you won't have to lug too many big tools to and from the shed.

As a result, you'll be ensuring the convenience and safety of anyone who uses the shed on a regular basis.

Assuming the Process of Construction and Design Would Be Straightforward

It's simply a bunch of walls and a ceiling, right? I mean, really, how difficult could it be?

The common (and incorrect) belief that anyone can construct a garden shed on their own has misled many buyers.

There are a lot of instructional videos on YouTube, so it's easy to convince oneself that this is a simple task.

You should probably engage a professional to construct or instal the garden shed if this is your first time touching a hammer.

In the same vein, you shouldn't hire the first builder whose name you see in the phone book.

When making a decision, it's best to get recommendations from people you know and trust, such as close relatives and friends.

Most reliable suppliers of garden sheds will also instal your new shed if you opt to purchase it from them.

Instead of gambling money on a half-finished do-it-yourself job, it's smarter to employ a professional builder.

Be as efficient as possible with the materials at your disposal if you decide to buy a do-it-yourself shed kit.

Before attempting to assemble your shed, it is recommended that you read the directions and become comfortable with the steps, contact the manufacturer with any questions you may have, and, if possible, view assembly videos.

It will give you the greatest chance of successfully constructing your garden shed.

Conclusion

The primary use of a garden shed is to provide shelter for gardening tools and supplies, hence it is common for such a structure to be found in the yard or backyard of a private home.

If you have a garden shed, you may make greater use of your yard, which boosts the visual value of your home and garden.

You might even have it delivered to your house and put up there.

Keep this advice in mind if you're trying to cut costs on the building and installation of your shed.

If you don't have any of the required machinery, the preliminary investment will climb considerably.

It's possible that you'll need specialised gear like circular saws and other electric tools to carry out the steps outlined in an online tutorial.

If you mess up while sawing wood, you may have to return to the hardware store or take more time off of work.

Sheds are a blank canvas that may be transformed into anything the owner desires with enough time and effort.

By adding windows and insulation, a shed can serve as a year-round workplace. Putting in a shed is a great method to get some inexpensive extra storage space around the house.

Garden sheds in Melbourne, and elsewhere, have many practical uses in addition to their aesthetic value.

When it comes to construction codes, Australia as a whole has a wide range of strictness.

Make sure you have permission from your municipality before constructing a garden shed.

When designing a garden shed, there is no one-size-fits-all rule to follow. It's tempting to place a garden shed with an apex roof in a cyclone-prone area because of how gorgeous it is.

Despite being the least expensive material, plastic garden sheds aren't recommended by most professional constructors since they fracture too fast in Australia's hot temps.

If you put some thought into the details, your garden shed can stand out from the crowd. Most purchasers are unaware that concrete anchors are necessary to secure the walls of a prefab shed to the ground. If you buy a garden shed from a reputable retailer, they should also be able to set it up for you.

Content Summary

• You've probably heard of garden sheds even if you don't own a home.
• They're the little sheds or shedlike structures (typically made of wood) that sit in your backyard and serve as a place to keep your stuff.
• Garden sheds are simple outbuildings often found in the yard or backyard of a private property and are used to store gardening tools and supplies.
• A garden shed is a great place to store your tools, bikes, handyman tools, gadgets, seasonal decorations, and even heavy gardening equipment.
• You may free up valuable storage space in your home, yard, and garage by purchasing a garden shed.
• Garden sheds can be a great way to improve the look of your yard.
• A garden shed, in a nutshell, is a place to store and easily access all of your gardening equipment and supplies.
• If you have a garden shed, you may make greater use of your yard, which boosts the visual value of your home and garden.
• To get started, just select the type of shed you're looking for.
• After all, if you're starting from scratch, building a shed can easily take a full day (or perhaps two).
• Obviously, there are a myriad of additional reasons to build a shed on your own.
• You can save money by building your own shed rather than purchasing one that has already been constructed.
• The first step in building a shed is ensuring you have the resources to do so.
• Shed kits often require simply a hammer, drill, and screwdriver to assemble.
• From a purely financial perspective, building a shed yourself is preferable to buying one already on the market.
• Building your own shed may seem like a good idea, but there are a few considerations that could drive up the cost.
• If you don't already have the necessary equipment, there will be a big price hike right off the bat.
• There is always the chance of making a mistake while using do-it-yourself shed blueprints found online.
• Keep this advice in mind if you're trying to cut costs on the building and installation of your shed.
• Even if you have the necessary tools, you need think about whether or not you have the time to dedicate to building the shed (or are willing to spend the money on the tools).
• If you prefer to spend your weekends relaxing and enjoying yourself, or if you're always on the go to events like your kid's soccer game or your favourite sporting event's tailgate, you might not have time to build the shed.
• Instead of building a shed from scratch if you don't know what you're doing or are unsure, you can buy one prefabricated.
• The primary benefit of building your own shed is that you may modify it to meet your specific needs, such as turning it into a workshop or using it as an outdoor living area to showcase your new teak patio set.
• Having a professional build your shed is an option, but at a much higher price tag.
• The cost of hiring a shed builder is typically more than the price of a prefabricated shed or building one yourself.
• Sheds are a blank canvas that may be transformed into anything the owner desires with enough time and effort.
• You have complete freedom in deciding how much individuality you want to express in the design of your shed.
• You'll have to shell out more money, but in the end, you'll have a shed that perfectly fits your needs rather than one of the many that are mass-produced.
• It's up to you to decide if it's better to buy a shed or build it yourself.
• Do-it-yourself sheds almost usually end up cheaper than employing low-cost shed builders.
• The fact that you are single-handedly carrying out all of the necessary labour is the cause.
• You might not enjoy building it yourself, and if you don't have the right tools, it could end up costing you more to build the shed than you anticipated.
• It may seem clear that in order to complete any home improvement project, like building a garden shed, one must follow all applicable zoning and building regulations; but, a surprising number of people fail to do so.
• A punishment of up to $30,000 may be imposed if the local authority finds out that you built something without permission on your land.
• When it comes to construction codes, Australia as a whole has a wide range of strictness.
• Garden sheds may not seem like a big deal, but it's always smart to double-check with the authorities before constructing one.
• Making an attempt at erecting a garden shed for no apparent reason.
• Garden sheds in Melbourne, and elsewhere, have many practical uses in addition to their aesthetic value.
• A garden shed's functionality is not limited to housing one's gardening tools and supplies.
• Therefore, you should carefully consider your storage requirements before constructing a garden shed.
• It's crucial to make a comprehensive inventory of everything you plan to keep in your shed.
• Think carefully about where you want to put the shed.
• It's important to provide yourself some walking space if you're going to construct a shed.
• Some products aren't made to withstand the harsh conditions seen in Australia.
• To restate, there is no one-size-fits-all guideline for choosing the materials for your garden shed.
• Find out what materials and plan will work best in your area before you start construction on your garden shed.
• When deciding whether to build or buy a garden shed, price is the most important factor.
• A good deal is valued by everyone since it saves time and money.
• It would be unwise, however, to let price be the decisive factor when selecting materials or a prefab shed for your garden.
• When creating your garden shed, resist the need to cut corners on quality by spending as little as possible on supplies and labour.
• It could be a smart balance between quality and cost to go with modestly priced materials.
• You shouldn't sacrifice on quality to save money on a garden shed; it will continue to be an asset that increases the value of your home.
• Making your shed one-of-a-kind is the best way to make sure it blends in with your backyard or house's aesthetic.
• For instance, installing windows in your garden shed can improve its visual appeal and help you save money on energy expenditures.
• Some respectable retailers may also allow you to personalise your prefab sheet before you assemble your garden shed.
• This is something else that should be obvious but often isn't.
• Whether you choose a prefab or custom shed, you'll want to be sure it has a sturdy foundation.
• Most purchasers are unaware that concrete anchors are necessary to secure the walls of a prefab shed to the ground.
• A good garden shed foundation will elevate the shed off the ground, allowing for better water drainage.
• Pick a location where you won't have to transport a lot of heavy equipment to and from the shed.
• Many shoppers have been duped by the widespread (and false) notion that anyone can build a garden shed on their own.
• If this is your first time handling power tools, you should probably hire a pro to build or instal the garden shed.
• If you buy a garden shed from a reputable retailer, they should also be able to set it up for you.
• It's better to hire a professional builder than to risk your money on a half-done do-it-yourself project.

FAQs About Garden Shed

Should I Get a Garden Shed?

Getting a shed will allow you to free up space in your house, garden and garage and store everything neatly and safely out of the way in your new garden building. Tools, electricals, Christmas decorations, bikes, mowers and the kids' old toys that you simply can't bear to throw away will all have a new home!

What Type of Sheds Last the Longest?

What type of shed lasts the longest? Vinyl sheds tend to be more durable than wooden or metal sheds. They don't crack easily and are generally more weatherproof. They can also withstand extreme temperatures better.

Why Are Garden Sheds So Expensive?

Shed prices are set for a huge increase of up to 50 per cent due to a global shortage of timber, according to a leading shed expert and manufacturer.

Is a Wood Shed Worth It?

A quality wood shed can help protect your outdoor supplies, equipment, and other valuables from the wear and tear of sitting in the weather, especially during the harsh winter. This saves you lots of money in the long run, making a wood shed worth the investment.

Do Metal Sheds Get Damp?

If you are using your metal shed for long-term storage, it's important that you check the contents periodically for any signs of damp. In extreme weather, it is possible some moisture may form inside the unit. If a small amount of moisture is present, dry it up as soon as possible.