new shed checklist

Check with your local council or planning body, as your garden shed may need a planning permit, depending on its size and location on the property.

In tropical or cyclone areas, select sheds and construction methods rated for cyclones.

Select a dry, level site with access for construction.

Look above the spot where you plan to locate your shed. Building under trees may provide shade, but falling branches could damage the shed. Also, building over the top of a tree’s root system can be detrimental to the tree.

Consider whether you need access to water inside your shed, and if you would like power for lights, or to operate tools.

What sort of flooring is best? A concrete slab provides a solid weight-bearing surface and will keep the interior dry.

If you would like doors that open outwards, make sure there’s plenty of room for them to open. Sliding doors provide wide, easy access and take up little space.

Do you need a window? As well as letting in more light, a window increases ventilation and keeps the shed cooler in summer. Some sheds have skylights for natural illumination.

Orient the shed for easy access into the shed for wheelbarrows and other large or wheeled items.

Which type of roof would you like on your shed – flat, skillion (sloping) or pitched (gable) roof? Is the shed high enough to stand in? Basic DIY sheds start at 1.8m high but, for ease of access, look for a height of 2.1m.

Do you want to catch rainwater from the roof? If so, select a pitched roof with guttering that you can connect to a tank or water butt.

What colour would you like?

Metal and plastic sheds come in a range of colours, while timber sheds can be left to weather or painted to match the house.

Storage solutions inside the shed, including wall-mounted storage or shelves, are extra, so factor the cost of these into your overall purchase decision.

Tools can be stolen, so make sure you can lock the shed door.