Studio or storage: tips for building a shed in your backyard

Need a place to store your gardening supplies? Or perhaps you’d like to create a studio or office that’s separate from the rest of your home? In either case, building a shed in your backyard could be the solution. Here’s what you should do before you begin.

Evaluate your needs
If you intend to use your shed for storage, start by figuring out how big it should be. Place all the items you want to store in it on the ground and then measure the amount of space they take up. Be sure to add a few extra feet to give yourself room to move.

Will you need to store large items like a riding lawn mower or snowblower? Then choose a design with double doors. Also, be sure to include a strong floor and to install shelves and racks to help keep the space tidy.

If you’re planning to use your shed as a home office, studio or playhouse, there are other considerations to take into account. You’ll probably want windows to let in natural light and you’ll need insulation to seal the space off from the elements. An electrician will be required to safely connect your shed to a power supply.

Decide where you’ll put it
How you intend to use your shed should dictate where you place it. If you’ll use it to store gardening supplies, place it at the back of your yard close to your garden. But if you intend to use it every day, make sure the entrance is easy to access in all seasons.

In all cases, make sure you position your shed on flat ground and in an area that won’t flood.

Get the necessary permits
Before you start building your shed, check your municipal bylaws. You may need a permit to build one on your property. Additionally, there may be stipulations regarding where you can place it.