A shed can be a fantastic option for your yard. You can use it for so many reasons. We often think of sheds as extra storage for things like lawn equipment, but they can offer a lot more versatility than just that.
The following is a guide to what you should know before you design and build a shed and some inspirational shed ideas for how you might use one.
Things to Know Before You Build a Shed
- If you’re going to build a shed, make sure you get the proper permits no matter the reason. A lot of places don’t require you to get a permit for a shed that’s under a certain size, but for larger-sized buildings, you might.
- There are zoning restrictions that affect building a shed, and if you don’t follow all the requirements and get permits when they’re needed, you might have to pay fines. You could even have to tear it down after you build it.
- The best place to start finding out what you need to do is go through your local or county zoning department. They’ll provide you with information on the codes you need to meet and the restrictions.
- If you’re going to add electricity to your shed to make it into something like a home office, you’re very likely to need permits.
- If you’re going to use your shed as a living or business area, the zoning department may need to do inspections.
- You also have to be mindful of placing a shed close to trees, a property line, or anything else.
- After you’ve figured out the zoning requirements, you can start planning to actually build a shed.
- There are pre-made kits, or you can follow a plan and build it from the ground up.
- You want a style and size that will suit your ultimate use for the shed. You can follow a plan that might adhere to the function you hope the building will have.
- High-quality materials may initially cost more, but it’s something you can find is well worth it.
- You’ll also have to prepare the site properlyaccording to your shed design. You shouldn’t put or build a shed somewhere with a downward slope or a wet or low-lying area. Additionally, if your shed has a weak base, it will never hold up the structure, even when it’s otherwise well-built. You’ll need a foundation that sets your shed slightly off the ground to help with water damage and reduce moisture transfer.
Creative Shed Ideas
So, now the question arises with those things in your mind, what are the possible uses for a shed? Then, here are some amazing shed ideas for you that will increase your outdoor space’s utility.
- Home office
- Gym
- Additional Living Space
- Kids’ Play Area
- Crafting or Workshop Area
- Potting Shed
- Chicken Coops
Let’s have a look.
01. Home Office
During the pandemic, the world quickly shifted to one where everyone worked remotely whenever possible. That may not change any time soon, even though the pandemic isn’t considered an emergency situation anymore. Employers have found their employees appreciate flexibility in their work environment.
If you work from home, a shed is a great way to get privacy and separate your workspace from your living space. If you own your own business, you can make your shade design in a way that will allow you to meet with clients and conduct business in this standalone structure.
02. Gym
Having a home gym has become an increasing request for homebuyers. There’s an extensive amount of online workout content and apps that people can use to feel like they’re receiving personal trainers in their homes. You might not want to dedicate space to it inside your home, though, particularly if you’re already limited in square footage.
This type of shed design can make a great home gym.
03. Additional Living Space
Whether you want a mother-in-law suite, or maybe you’d like to add another bedroom to your home, sheds can work well for this purpose. You’ll have to make sure it’s climate-controlled, but you have a separate living space from your home once you do.
Depending on the size of the shed, you can add a kitchenette to it and a sleeping and perhaps a small living area.
04. Kids’ Play Area
Playrooms are a good way to separate toys and other similar clutter from the rest of your home. You might not have enough room in your current layout for a dedicated play area, so you can turn a shed into one.
This can also be a place where your kids host playdates.
05. Crafting or Workshop Area
Maybe your garage doesn’t have space for a crafting or workshop space, so why not add one in a shed?
You’ll have more space to store needed tools and materials. Workshop shedwill also give you a quiet place to go when you feel like creating something.
When all of your tools or materials are consolidated in one small space, it’s easier to organize them and find them as you need to.
06. Potting Shed
A potting shed is one of the best garden shed ideas if you’re a gardener or want to become one. With a potting shed, you can start new plants in the spring. When the temperatures are cooler, you can store bulbs in the fall.
You can store all of the items you regularly use to garden, like your tools and water cans. You can also store things like fertilizer and plant food, and you might have a potting table or bench that you keep in the shed.
Depending on how you set it up, you might be able to grow some plants that need to be indoors or more protected from the elements.
07. Chicken Coops
The chicken coops are another backyard shed idea that many people are increasingly using.A lot of people are increasingly interested in homesteading, and part of that often includes having chickens.
Your chickens need a place where they can be protected from predators. You can add roosting bars and nesting boxes to a shed, so they’ll have this. Some people also add a chicken door to a shed and then a fenced-in area surrounding it so the chickens can come and go as they please.
Then, you can visit your shed each morning to get fresh eggs.
I hope these fantastic shed ideas impressed you and tempted you to roll your sleeves up and create your own space as you love.