Keeping it close to garden action
Do you really need a garden shed if you already have a garage? For many homeowners, the answer is a big yes. Once you’ve stored your car, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, gardening supplies, mowers — and not to mention all your toys and tools — you’ll find yourself running out of space.
Another benefit to your garden shed is that you can store all your gardening gear closer to where the action is. If you’ve got a big lot — storing your soil and seeds near the garden can keep you from making long treks back and forth to the garage to grab that last tool you need.
Building a shed could be a project you manage on your own — but that depends on the scope of the project, as well as your own DIY capabilities. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re building your new shed:
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT?
You might not think about it, but even a small addition like a garden shed can be against city ordinance. Generally, if your shed is under 10 square metres in area, you usually won’t need one — but you should always check to be safe. Why? Your municipality may have rules about having too much of your property covered with structure, or you may have built it just a hair too close to the property line. If a building inspector stops by during a different renovation project and spots it, you may be forced to tear it down.
ON STABLE GROUND
What does your shed need to stand strong? First, you’ll need to choose a flat section of your yard, unless you plan on doing some heavy landscaping to get your chosen spot ready.
You’ll also need to create some kind of base to protect the shed from the ground’s moisture. When organic material touches soil, it will suck up all that moisture, eventually succumbing to mould and rot — so you’ ll want to avoid that.
What should you l ay down? For smaller sheds, a poured concrete slab will likely do, but in some cases you could even get away with concrete paver stones. You will also need to spread a layer of gravel below the concrete, compacting it down flat. This will help with water drainage.
For bigger sheds, you may need a base that’s frost-proof and includes footings, and anchors to keep the shed from blowing over in heavy winds.
KEEPING IT STRONG
I’ve found that when it comes to outdoor structures like sheds, fences, and decks, homeowners often have a “set it and forget it” philosophy, meaning once it’s up, they leave it as it.
But the truth is, these structures need to be maintained to stay strong. A shed that gets attacked by moisture can ruin the structure, and whatever it’s storing inside. And all those tools and toys won’t be cheap to replace.
Check every year for leaks and cracks. You may see some instances of discolouration on the interior walls or ceiling. That’s a sign that moisture has found a way in. Does your shed have any windows? Look around to see if the caulking needs to be replaced. Anything that’s cracked or missing should be replaced immediately.
Keep the grass trimmed around the perimeter, and don’t stack organic material ( like firewood) next to the shed. If you keep soil or seeds in the shed, keep them in tightly sealed containers to keep the bugs at bay.
Give the exterior a good clean, no matter what kind of material it’s made out of. You want to prevent the growth of mildew, as well as keep any ugly stains at bay. Generally, you could do this with soap, water, and a little elbow grease. If you pull out the power washer, keep it on a low setting.
Finally, make sure you give the interior a vacuum at least once per year. Don’t simply leave your shed to fend for itself. Build it right the first time, and take care of it so it’ll last in the long run. And before you break ground — make a call to your local building department.