Home Storage Sheds: The Ideal Way to Keep Clutter at Bay
Are you one of the many Aussies who are hoarding and keeping clutter in their home? No one likes living in a home where there are too many unnecessary things lying around and where nothing is in its place. In order to maintain their homes a bit more organized, a lot of people use their garage to store things that they don’t have space for and don’t want to throw away yet. However, problems arise when their garages become full of all the “necessities” they have stored in them so they end up leaving their vehicles outside.
The solution? Buying home storage sheds. These units can be the perfect solution for this kind of problems as they have plenty of space for you to store a variety of items. For instance, you can keep your bike or outdoor activity equipment there, your surfing board, gardening equipment, and even your gym cardio machine. By storing these items in a shed, you can free up valuable space from your home and garage.
How to Choose a Storage Shed
Nowadays, you can find home storage sheds in various sizes and styles. Considering that everyone has a different lifestyle and needs, it’s important to know your options to choose the proper model. When shopping for sheds for sale, some of the most popular options you will come across are panel sheds, shed kits and custom sheds.
- Panel sheds are a good option for people who don’t have much time for DIY projects. They are ready-made and delivered straight to your preferred location. Many manufacturers design this type of sheds. Besides being bulky, panel sheds also aren’t cheap, so keep this in mind when you are choosing your unit.
- Kit sheds are the most popular and cost-effective option. They’re made from the same quality steel as panel sheds and are designed to be assembled by the buyer. You can buy shed kits online and have them delivered right at your doorstep. They come with detailed instructions on how to set them up.
- Custom sheds are a costly option but if you need a specific shed design, have a challenging backyard to navigate, or simply want something more than the standard shed, this option might be best for you. Since these sheds are custom made, different companies will have different prices, customer support and assembly options.
How to Prepare Base for Garden Shed
Getting the foundation right for your shed is very important. There are different ways to prepare it but the most common ones are with gravel or crushed rock, pavers and concrete.
- Gravel or crushed rock – This is a simple and cost-effective foundation. For a solid base, you will need about 8 centimetres of gravel or crushed rock. And when your shed is in place, you’ll have to anchor it down to secure it. If you decide to go with this type of foundation, it’s important to make sure that your drainage is properly functioning, otherwise, everything in the shed may get wet.
- Pavers – For small sheds that won’t be carrying too much weight, pavers on a bed of brickies sand makes a good base. You can also consider adding a layer of crushed rocks underneath the sand to improve stability and prevent the shed from sinking over time.
- Concrete – A layer of a concrete slab is the most durable foundation to secure a shed to the ground and prevent any structural movements. It is also the best foundation to prevent moisture from getting to the inside of the shed. However, it’s also the most expensive option and takes longer to lay. Still, in the long run, it will provide you with the best results.
Do I Need Permit for Storage Shed?
While a shed is a relatively informal structure, it must follow the minimum Building Code of Australia (BCA) standards. Permit requirements for sheds vary in different locations but are often necessary for structures that are more than 2.4m tall, larger than 10m2, or closer than 1m to a boundary or attached to another building or structure. Ask for more information from your local council.
How to Assemble a Storage Shed?
Assembling a storage shed is easier than you think. Detailed instructions are provided with the shed kit you buy (it’s essential to closely follow the supplied instructions for best results). Piece by piece, the components will fit together, creating a durable and appealing shed. There are tons of videos online that you can watch to get an idea of how easy the entire process can be.