The start of a new year is a fantastic time to make changes to your home and garden. After all, the busy Christmas period has ended, and you’re likely to be ready to take a fresh look at both your property and your lifestyle. So, we think this is the perfect point in the year to invest in a new shed.
Why?
New year is a time when many of us decide to make changes in our lives, such as revamping your house, spending more time on your hobbies or working from home. Purchasing a new shed can actually help you reach a lot of these goals.
Of course, doing so won’t directly achieve your desired results, but it can be a good stepping stone. Sheds can act as excellent home offices, for example, which will give you peace and quiet to work in, while they can also be fantastic hobby rooms, or simply help add value to your property.
As an added bonus, you might also get some great deals in the January sales.
What will you use your shed for?
The first step in picking a new shed is knowing exactly what you will use it for, as its purpose will largely dictate the size, style and type of building you buy. For example, if you plan to use it solely for storing equipment such as lawnmowers, a sturdy, windowless metal shed is likely to suffice.
If, however, you are hoping to spend a lot of time in your shed – for instance, if it will act as somewhere for you to work or enjoy some quality time with the family – you are more likely to want a larger space with plenty of windows for natural light.
Among the key things you should consider are the size and height of the shed, what you can actually fit through the door (double doors are necessary if you need to take large equipment in and out), and how much natural light is available. It is a good idea to look at lots of different sheds – companies like Waltons offer a wide range of options – and think about how each will suit you.
What material should you choose?
The next crucial decision you will need to make is whether to buy a wooden or a metal shed. This will depend on several elements, including which you find the most aesthetically pleasing, what you plan to use your shed for, the level of security you require, how versatile you want your shed to be and the level of maintenance you are prepared to carry out.
Metal is best for:
• High security
• Keeping out rodents (which is especially useful if you plan to store seeds)
• Low maintenance
Wood is best for:
• Versatility, as it is simpler to switch from storage to a more liveable space by making some small changes
• Aesthetics
• Using as a home office, gym, family room or a place to practice hobbies
Are sheds suitable for small gardens?
Lastly, if space in your garden is limited, you may be wondering whether sheds are suitable. In fact, outbuildings like this can actually end up saving you space. For example, they can act as a storage facility for fold-up outdoor furniture and garden equipment, as well as children’s toys. This means they can free up room in both the garden and the home.
If you are short of space, you will, of course, need to select a compact shed design. Corner sheds are particularly well-suited to small gardens, since they fit in neatly, are generally less obtrusive and help you make the most of the room available.