Are you looking into buying outdoor storage for your property?
Excellent! Garden sheds are one of the most useful purchases homeowners can make. Not only do they offer solutions to storage problems, but they add value to your property and allow you some space to breathe.
Before you go running to the store though…
Not all sheds are made equal. Purchasing a shed without doing your homework could end up costing you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.
These days it seems like there is a new shed popping up everywhere. Industry analysts forecast the outdoor storage shed market will grow 5.8% yearly to $2.7 billion by 2029. While that means more options for homeowners, it also means more ways for you to get burned.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Below we’ve put together a giant guide to show you what to look for when choosing the perfect outdoor storage shed. If you want to know
- Why 12×10 garden sheds are the perfect size
- How to properly navigate planning permission and permits
- The best materials for longevity
- Foundation options that work
- Smart features to look for
…and more. Keep reading!
Why Are 12×10 Sheds THE Best Option?
First off, let’s talk about size.
When selecting the size of your shed, it’s important not to go too small. After awhile you’ll fill it up and then you’ve wasted your money. On the flip side, getting a shed that’s too big is just…well…too big.
A company like 1st Choice Leisure Buildings would agree that a 12ft x 10ft shed is plenty of space for most homeowners. 1st Choice Leisure Buildings is a UK-based design & build specialist, specialising in premium garden rooms, studios, and bespoke outdoor structures for style-conscious homeowners.
Why?
12ft x 10ft sheds offer 120 square feet of space. That’s enough room to store lawn mower equipment, gardening supplies, bikes, holiday decorations, and still have room to move around. Driving around in your backyard.
They aren’t oversized for most yards. Although they can be large, these garden sheds won’t overwhelm your property.
They are extremely versatile. We’ve seen a trend among homeowners using their sheds for everything other than storage. Home offices, hobby rooms, workshop spaces, you name it. Having that extra space can allow you to convert your shed into whatever you need.
Don’t just take our word for it. Research shows residential applications make up nearly 60% of the outdoor storage market. Homeowners want sheds that can be used for more than just storage. They want office space, studio space, recreational space. And 12×10 garden sheds are the perfect size to allow for that.
What You Should Know About Planning Permission And Permits
Alright. Here’s where a lot of homeowners run into trouble.
Building something on your property without the proper permits is illegal. Not only that, but if you ever decide to sell your home, failing to pull permits can cause some major issues come inspection time.
Yikes.
So how do you avoid this?
Depending on where you live, there are different rules governing whether you need to pull a permit or not.
Let’s review some basic guidelines:
- Most areas do not require building permits for sheds up 120-200 square feet
- Many places have a maximum height limit of 10-15 feet before you need a permit
- Sheds usually must be set back from property lines and other structures by a few feet
- If you live in an HOA, they may have additional restrictions too
Note: Just because your shed doesn’t require a permit, that doesn’t mean local zoning codes don’t apply. You must follow the rules either way.
But it’s not just us telling you this. The penalties for failing to pull building permits are well documented. Fines, forced removal, etc.
As we said before, the best course of action is to contact your local city or county building department. They can tell you what’s allowed in your area.
Material Options That’ll Last
What your shed is made out of is pretty important.
Wood – Wood is traditionally what most people think of with sheds. They’re cheap to build and give you a classic, home-y look. However, they do require regular maintenance.
Metal – Metal storage sheds are great. They’re low maintenance and can withstand all types of punishment. However, they don’t always breathe very well which can lead to condensation on the inside.
Resin – Another popular material choice these days are resin and vinyl sheds. They don’t rot, insect damage, or require much maintenance.
Like with size, material usually comes down to preference.
Foundations: What You Should And Shouldn’t Do
This goes hand in hand with material.
You would not believe how many people we talk to that don’t get their shed(s) properly supported.
Guess what happens when you don’t…
Your shed falls apart.
Don’t worry, we’re not talking about in a decade. And definitely not years. A proper foundation can keep your shed looking new in just a couple years.
Here are the foundation options.
Concrete Slab
The best option. Period. Sure they’re more costly. But concrete slabs allow you to have a level floor and really support heavy equipment. Don’t cheap out here.
Gravel Pad
Another great option. These guys also provide fantastic drainage and can easily support most sheds. They aren’t quite as durable as a concrete foundation, but still solid.
Wood Frame
Typically used for wood skid foundations. This is where they’re framed on top of wooden skids. The benefits are that it allows air to flow underneath your shed. Which reduces a lot of moisture problems.
Concrete Blocks
These are simple concrete block foundations. They work well for smaller sheds. Plus they’re cheap and easy to work with.
Ultimately, you want something that’ll last. If you have terrible drainage, we recommend against laying your shed directly on the ground. Get a foundation that’ll lift it off the ground.
Areas with good drainage can get away with just a concrete slab.
Smart Storage Features To Consider
Gone are the days of boring old garden sheds. Nowadays there are tons of cool features that help you maximise your storage space.
Should you buy them? That depends.
Windows / Skylights
Don’t underestimate natural lighting. Adding windows to your shed really opens up the space. If you’re able, we recommend adding skylights instead of windows. Why? Because windows take up valuable wall space.
Built-In Shelving
Taking advantage of vertical space is key when it comes to storage. Sure you can add shelves after the fact. But why waste that wall space? Most sheds come standard with built-in shelves now.
Locking Systems
If you plan on storing expensive equipment or keeping valuables in your shed, don’t cheap out on locks. Get a shed that comes with quality locking systems and reinforce the doors.
You don’t need to go crazy, but make sure there’s a lock better than your typical school locker.
Ventilation
Speaking of moisture, proper ventilation is key to keeping your storage shed from turning into a sauna or greenhouse. Make sure it has ventilation systems, like ridge vents. Louvre vents are another great option.
Outlets / Lighting
The last thing we want to mention are electricity features. Most sheds should come pre-wired these days to make adding electricity easier. If you’re going to use your shed as a workspace, this is pretty much required.
Conclusion
Purchasing outdoor storage is a great investment. Just like with any investment though, you want to do your due diligence.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Size does matter. 12×10 offers the most bang for your buck.
- Make sure you know your permits. Always check with your local building departments FIRST.
- Get a quality material that fits your climate and budget.
- Don’t cheap out on the foundation.
- Smart storage features come in handy
By doing your research ahead of time, you not only save yourself money. You prevent any legal issues and build a shed that will last you a lifetime.
The shed industry is growing every year because homeowners understand the value they provide. When done correctly, a storage shed should become one of the most useful buildings on your property.
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