How to Pick a Location for Your Shed Site

After you've determined how big your shed needs to be, you now have to decide where to locate it. When you're considering your shed site you'll want to evaluate all the pros and cons of each loaction. Don't make the mistake of placing your shed just anywhere as this could cause you problems in the long run. Your local building regulations will have the greatest impact on the site but after that you'll want to make sure that your shed's location will be free of the affects of weather.

What Places to Avoid

Your first consideration should be on whether water pools in the proposed location. Water damage will cause faster wood rot and the steel parts such as hinges will rust quicker. If there is too much moisture in the shed due to the lack of ventilation this can cause the growth of mold and mildew. In addition, you'll find it difficult to gain access to the shed if it is surrounded by water. Placing your shed site in a wooded area is not a good idea because of the lack of sunshine and air. Sheds placed in the woods will require more maintenance due to the growth of vegetation in the area. Of course there's always a chance that a tree may fall on it causing serious damage.

Then there is always material such as acorns, leaves, pine cones, and other debris which will need to be swept off periodocally. In addition to the other hazards of locating your shed in the woods, you may also find it necessary to do some ground preparation work to make the area suitable for the shed. This may require removing some trees and large rocks.

If you still like the idea of placing your shed in the woods, you could build it on the edge where it might receive some partial sun and breeze.

Sloping Land

If you're thinking about locating your shed site on ground with a slight slope just make sure that the door to the shed is on the uphill end. This means that the ground will slope downwards towards the back end of the shed making the pitch not quite as obvious. Furthermore, placing the shed's door on the higher end will facilitate access.

Setback Distances

Your local zoning board determines setback distances which is the minimum distance that a building must be from neighboring roads, property lines, septic fields, and wetlands. The building inspector in your town will be able to provide you all the information on regulations that apply. If you discover that you are prevented from locating the shed where you would like due to the building restrictions you have the option of applying for a variance where you can go before the zoning board to explain your case. You should know that most zoning boards only meet monthly, however, you can avoid a lengthy delay by filing your application as soon as possible.

Easy Access

How often do you expect you'll want to go out to your shed? If you're planning to build a shed to store garden tools, for example, you won't need to have it close to the house. But if you plan to keep children's toys and bicycles in the shed you may want to build it closer as it will be more accessible.

If you locate your shed so that the largest window faces south you gain the maximum benefit from the available sunshine. If you're planning to use your shed for garden activities like potting plants then you'll want to take advantage of as much sunlight as you can.

Summary

Taking your time up front to carefully plan your shed project will mean you'll have a functional shed that is a real asset to your property.


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