Frequently Asked Questions When Planning a Shed

Garden sheds are designed to complement your garden providing much needed additional space. While it may appear simple, building a shed can be difficult if the necessary measures are not put in place. In this article, we have selected the top seven questions asked by garden shed builders and have provided detailed answers to them.

It is best that you determine what or why you want the shed for before you start making plans at all. This helps you to estimate how much you are going to spend and how long the project will take. Highlighting the primary purpose of your intended garden shed will also help you to plan adequately while considering other important factors.

#1    Is planning permission required for a garden shed?

As an outbuilding, planning permission is not a prerequisite for a garden shed, although certain restrictions may exist.  According to these restrictions, your shed must be a single storey and must not be taller than 4m. You must also leave a space of not less than 2.5m between your shed and the main house while ensuring that the size adopted must not be more than half of the entire garden.

Your local council planning office will always be there to help you out if you have any doubts.

#2    Which one is better – Self-Build Shed or Buying a Shed Kit

When you choose to start your shed project from scratch, you get to choose your preferred design and go for the materials that match your preference. However, when you work with a kit-build, all important choices and decisions are made by the suppliers and the contractors and in the end, your shed may look like a random project. Perhaps, the only advantage of using the kit-build option is that you only have to “sit and watch” while your suppliers and contractors do all the hard work for you.

A self-build shed may require some extras, which are mostly never cheap. Take timber as an example; building a custom-made shed may require more timber. Once you have drawn up your design, stick to it. It is advised that you cost all your materials and tools, and have them ready before you start the project. If there is a possibility that you will need extra labour, get them prepared. Lastly, make adequate plans concerning your time also.

#3    What is the best position to erect my garden shed?

Your shed must be, at least, 2.5m away from the main house. The best positioning would be such that you can walk around the four sides of the shed, as this makes it easy for you to decorate, paint, and repair the shed if there is the need to. When you position your shed close to the garden fence, the shed room may seem dark and dank, and therefore allowing damp to set in.

The shed should not be a replacement for a side fence. While your current neighbour may find it normal, your future neighbour may have one or two issues with such an arrangement.  Likewise, if there is a future territory dispute, you may be forced to have the whole shed moved instead of one or two fence panels.  A water butt would be an ideal addition to your shed, especially if your neighbour frowns against having his flower beds flooded by water from the guttering or off the roof.

Position your shed away from an area where there is an accumulation of water; else you will be trampling  in leaves and mud whenever you enter your shed. A paved path would be the ideal or you could add stepping stones to the grass leading up to your shed.

Do not be tempted to build your shed near trees, except if you have no problems with sharing floor space with the roots of such trees. And if such happens, it’s only a matter of time before your shed floor starts buckling.

#4    What should the base of the shed be made of?

After levelling the ground, ensure that all old buildings and structures on the land are removed. These tasks can be performed by you or if have some spare cash, your shed-kit suppliers will probably remove it for you. Ground levelling sometimes may require the use of an excavator, and in this case, you will need to hire one from somewhere like HSS. Once the ground is levelled an underlay material is highly recommended.

The foundation is next – use solid concrete blocks or wooden skids for the best results. Avoid decorative garden wall blocks that usually come with holes – they do not last once under the weight of the shed.  A gap of about 15cms off the ground on which you want to lay your wooden floor base is also recommended.

For the floor of the shed, avoid using any old square of plywood.  Instead, settle for pressure-treated woods, and before laying them down, have them painted in two coats of damp proof paint on either sides.

#5    What is the best way to light the shed?

If you are working with shed-kits, you will most likely use windows that can be assembled and fixed on the spot.  However, if you are building from scratch, the number of windows and where to fix them is your decision to make.  A skylight would be ideal if you want the window spaces to be taken up with shelving, although you need to be careful with felting the roof.

You can light the shed with an electric light and also add heating, however you will need a qualified electrician for this job. If you are working with shed-kits, your supplier will most likely come with their own electricians.  However, it is best that you compare their costs with that of a local independent electrician and see which fits your budget.

Motion-sensitive security light would also be a great addition; apart from preventing intruders from trespassing on your property, it also offers you easy access in the dark.

#6    What are the best roofing ideas?

The best option is roof felt. However, it must be carefully fitted so that it doesn’t tear off after fitting. If you decide to overlap the sheets, ensure that you apply a lot of duct tape that will keep the two edges together, so that water doesn’t enter easily.  A sloping roof is the best, and you must ensure that the guttering at the lowest side drains away freely, instead of your neighbour’s garden,

#7    Is my garden shed covered by insurance?

Normally, your home insurance covers the shed as well as its contents.  Your insurance company may not consider you worthy of compensation if you keep valuable tools in the shed without locking it properly.  Ensure that you install a fire cover as well, and only work with licensed electricians.

If there is a tree close to your shed, ensure that you find out the owner of such trees. This is to ensure that you know who to approach if the trees fall during a storm and damage your shed.