If you still have a snow shovel to put away in June because there's no place to put it, you know you have a storage problem.
For most people, the first instinct is to start selling or giving away excess items in their overstuffed homes. However, sometimes the item is just too valuable to send on its way. One of my closets holds family pictures and my late mother's horde of costume jewelry that I wear from time to time.
Storing a lawn mower, garden implements, and other tools can be a problem. Even if you have a basement, you might not have an exit door on that level to take them outside to work. If you have the room for one, a storage shed might be right fix.
According to Alan J. Heavens, writing in the March 29, 2008 issue of The Washington Post, here are some important things to consider before buying a shed.
1. Stuff to check out: Does you town have any zoning rules about sheds? How about your homeowner's association? If you rent, you'll have to run the idea by the landlord as well.
2. Avoid shabby: The line between attractive and outrageously ugly is marked by just a few hundred dollars. The most expensive sheds are manufactured using cedar siding. In the middle is a shed made of vinyl. If the dcor of your neighborhood is contemporary, plunking a shed that looks like something out of the Victorian era is a no-no.
3. Forego cute: A shed is a utility structure. It's not a Hansel and Gretel cottage. Nor do you need one with a (useless) porch. What you do need is a place to store your stuff.
4. Research cost: Before heading to the home improvement store, get an idea of local prices. Be prepared to part with at least $350. You could spend up to $2,000, depending on your preference and your budget.
5. Know materials: It might not be the prettiest structure on the block, but an aluminum shed normally lasts a long time. Although a steel unit looks more on the heavy-duty side, it could be prone to rust unless coated to reduce but not completely avoid corrosion. Wood sheds are often more attractive and plentiful as far choices. However, they're not fireproof and need regular maintenance to avoid mold and rot. If you buy cedar, you'll need to have the structure recoated with a special sealant to preserve the material in alternating years and to protect against ultraviolet solar radiation. Vinyl is a good bet for most people because it lasts a long time and needs little attention except for a power wash now and then to remove any mildew from shaded areas.
6. Know sizes: You have to know how much room in the yard you have for your shed, taking into consideration any rules about areas where you can't put it. You also need to make sure you can fit all your equipment into it. Take into consideration any mowers or flowers that you'll want to store with baggers attached.
7. Consider foundations: Most storage sheds rest on cinder blocks, concrete slabs, or beds of crushed stone. The supports are normally constructed from pressure-treated wood. Check with the manufacturer for recommendations before whipping out your credit card.
8. Ask about add-ons: Almost nobody will tell you that he has enough space at home. As your family grows or you just accumulate more stuff, you might want to buy a plastic add-on for a few hundred dollars. Make sure any architectural or zoning rules allow this and take a look at a few at the home improvement store to see how they would fit with the storage shed you plan to buy.
An attractive storage shed in good condition is always a plus when you list your home for sale.
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