How To Make The Best Shed Investment | Must Read Before Purchase

So you’ve done all the research and are ready for a shed investment and a gorgeous shed in your backyard! That’s great, we’re really happy to see you make it this far. But what now? What comes next, how do you buy a shed, how do you customize it, and how do you choose the right one for your backyard?

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a complete shed buying guide and what you should be doing when you are getting ready to purchase a shed. Read on! 

Why Do People Invest In Sheds?

There are many reasons why someone might want to buy a shed. For some, it may be a simple storage solution for lawn equipment or garden tools. A dedicated place to have outside the house so you can declutter and tidy up your home. Others may see it as a great chance to create a space for their hobbies such as woodworking or painting. In addition to all of this, sheds can also provide valuable extra space for hosting guests or working from home. Finished portable office sheds and finished portable cabins are available for those looking for ready-to-use solutions to meet their workspace or guest accommodation needs.

The beauty of sheds is at this very center point of versatility. You can truly renovate your shed to fit any purpose. Guest house, office space, simple storage, hobby area, and so much more. Whatever the reason, a shed can be a great addition to any property. When choosing a shed, there are some necessary questions to ask yourself so you can get a shed that best fits how you plan on using it. With so many options on the market, there is sure to be a shed that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Step By Step Guide To Prepare For A Shed Purchase

There are so many guides and directions that are given to potential buyers that it can get overwhelming and you don’t know what direction to go in. We’ve compiled a list of the best sources and have created a step-by-step list of what you need to do to ensure your success with your investment. Check it out below! 

Step 1: Decide How Much You Can Spend

When it comes to budgeting for a shed, there are a few things to consider. You’ll need to decide what size shed you need. This can vary depending on how you plan on using your backyard shed. You’ll also need to take into account the cost of materials. If you’re planning on purchasing a prefab shed, you will have to choose between a wooden shed, a vinyl shed, and a metal shed. The cost of materials will be lower depending on the material. For example, a wooden shed will cost more than a metal or a vinyl shed.

The right price for most shed buyers is anywhere around $3000-6000. If you’re not comfortable with making a full purchase, many shed builders offer a rent-to-own plan or financing where you can pay in monthly installments. If at any point you don’t want the shed, or can’t make a payment, your credit won’t be affected. The shed will just be repossessed. 

Step 2: Choosing The Right Shed Size

Choosing the right shed size for your needs can be tricky. If you have too much space, you’ll end up with a lot of unused, wasted space. You can always fill this space but it can be frustrating to figure out what to do with it if you haven’t planned for it. On the other hand, if you don’t have enough space, you’ll be cramped and uncomfortable. The key is to strike a balance between the two extremes.

To do this, first, consider what you’ll be using your shed for. If you’re just looking for a place to store garden tools and lawn equipment, then a small shed like a 10×12 will suffice. However, if you’re planning on using your shed as a workshop or a place to entertain guests, then you’ll need something larger, something like a 12×20. Once you’ve determined how you’ll be using your shed, take measurements of the area in your backyard where it will be located. This will give you a better idea of how much space you have to work with. From here on, it’s pretty straightforward. 

Step 3: Customize Your Shed

Now comes the fun part! Most shed builders let you control a majority of the customization options. You can design your shed in a way that is perfect for your needs and wants. Here at Premier Structures, we offer lots of different styles of sheds and customization options. During your research, you’ve probably developed an idea of what you want. Using our 3D Shed Builder, you can customize the size of your shed, color, roofing, windows, doors, other add-ons like ramps, and more!

You can also choose the materials used in your shed during this process. For example, metal roofing or shingles, paint or stain, wood or metal. The options are endless and the possibilities for mixing and matching are never-ending. Check out our 3D Shed Builder to see for yourself or request a free quote today!

Step 4: Acquiring Permits

This step might not apply to you if you purchase a small enough shed. According to Virginia’s Zoning and Shed Permit Requirement Guidelines, “Any shed over 150 square feet, or that has an even height of 8′ or more, has a 10′ to 20′ foot setback from your property lines. Anything over 256 square feet requires a building permit, and a property survey and the building will need a 10′ to 20′ setback from your property lines.” 

Although this step might seem intimidating, having to deal with the paperwork and other boring things, it’s a pretty simple step. Reach out to your local municipality and get some answers for your permits. 

Step 5: Prepare The Area Of Your New Shed

What does this entail? Shed foundations. This is not a requirement for sheds, but we always recommend to customers that they install a shed foundation either by themselves or through a contractor. Why? Because a shed foundation greatly increases the life of your shed and keeps the base of your shed water-free. On top of this, a shed foundation also increases the stability of your shed. 

We’ve found the best option is a crushed gravel shed foundation. This shed foundation can accommodate uneven surfaces and can last longer than other options. Gravel shed foundations are also the best option for draining under your shed.