Once the snow stops and spring arrives, I plan to add a storage shed to my backyard. I don’t need anything huge, just something to put yard and gardening equipment in. What advice can you give me?
Thanks, Jody
Dear Jody,
There are a variety questions you can ask yourself when thinking about a storage shed. You have already identified the easy part of planning — size. Check with your local code enforcement officer for setback details and then determine your long-term plans: a concrete slab for a permanent structure or placing it on skids (typically 4 x 4 pressure-treated pieces of lumber), which could validate the structure as temporary. An advantage to having skids is that the structure can be moved as your needs change.
If you plan to build it yourself from scratch, you should have above average carpenter skills. Otherwise, there are a number of options available to you. You can purchase a kit, available at most home centers and normally requiring basic carpentry tools and at least a dedicated weekend. Kits come in a variety of materials: wood with some type of wood siding; wood with vinyl siding; metal or sheet metal; plastic with interlocking panels. Wood kits are a popular alternative to “stick built” sheds because everything is usually there except for paint or stain and roofing shingles. Although they can be a bit more expensive than stick built, they save planning and cutting time and shopping for materials.
Placing the shed in a cleared area, accessible by the seasons (away from probable snow banks caused by prevailing winds and snow drifts, leafy or leaning trees, etc.) can make a significant difference when retrieving the snow blower from it or having pine needles or leaves causing early decay in roofing materials. Also, consider the surrounding area and water runoff into the shed.
Once you have decided on the location, consider those items you will be placing in the shed, such as paints and flammable items. It may be a good idea to purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher and place it inside. If you have decided to situate the shed above ground level, consider placing skirting around the base to keep out unwanted critters. Depending on the size of the unwelcome guests, fasten stiff mesh around the base, attaching molding to the upper part of the mesh, reducing scratching hazards to unprotected skin.
Of course, the alternative to building it yourself is to have a completely built shed delivered to your house by a reputable builder. You can have the builder set the slab or have a nationally recognized handyman franchise company do it for you! The builder will probably have the skids attached to the bottom of the shed upon delivery. If you prepare the site of the shed prior to calling the builder, consider obstacles that may prevent the delivery truck from making an unimpeded entry to the proposed location.
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine and appears locally on WCSH’s 207. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.