When you are looking for an outdoor storage shed, there are factors that you should consider before purchase. Some of the common factors that everyone should look at include size, style, color among others. However, to land a durable and quality shed, you must go through these basic factors. A storage shed is an important investment and certainly one that you look forward to using in the next two or three decades. Understanding what you’re buying will help you get what you deserve. You should, therefore, ask questions from the outset in order to make the best choice. This article will look into some of the factors to consider for you to purchase quality and durable shed.
Price vs quality
One of the common mistakes that homeowners commit is to think that the cost should be the sole factor that determines which shed to have. It is common for many shoppers to go for the cheapest available in the market. It is, however, a fact that the lowest price on the market will not offer you the best product. Sheds made of higher quality material lasts longer than the cheapest. It is therefore important to do yourself justice by spending a little bit more for a quality product. If the budget is paramount, then going for a shed made of basic materials will get you a better product than going for one made of premium materials but sold cheaply.
Design
The design of your outdoor shed will have further implications in your home. The appearance of the shed will definitely affect the appearance of your home, and therefore it deserves to be selected carefully. The shed you choose should, therefore, complement the appearance of your home. A rustic design will complement your country-style house. For a formal house style, it is important to select a shed with similar features. The shed also needs to be in line with the surrounding landscape. You do not want a shed that sticks out like a sore thumb in your homestead. You should, therefore, pick something that will blend into your yard. Considering the garden around the shed will bring you closer to having the perfect homestead. If the shed is built of wood siding, considering plants such as vines can be a great addition.
Walls and siding materials
There is no doubt that the quality and durability of a shed will depend significantly with the siding and wall materials. Most commonly used materials are wood, metal, and plastic. For wood sheds, they are mainly made of stud framed walls and plywood sheathing. They also have roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. Metal sheds are made of a metal framework covered with vinyl coated or painted metal for both walls and roof. Plastic sheets are of only made from vinyl. Plastic sheds come with inherent material, and therefore no coating or painting is required. The wooden sheds need maintenance work such as repairs, repainting, fastening loose and replacing rotten parts.
On the other hand, metal and plastic sheds require little maintenance in most cases; only repainting is needed. However, metal sheds have the disadvantage of wearing out if the protective coating is damaged. Plastic shades require the least maintenance in this category.
Space and access
When purchasing sheds, it is important to ensure that it is spacious enough to accommodate large equipment such as loan tractors or gas snowblower. Once these equipment are inside, there should be sufficient space to spare. The danger of having limited space is that this equipment will interfere with the durability of the shed. If your equipment does not fit perfectly in the shed, it means that your shed will be at risk of damage regularly. A perfect outdoor shed should be at least measure 8 feet by 10 feet and have two double doors. Also, if the shed has to be lifted off the ground, it must have the necessary steps or ramp to allow access. When designing the steps, one needs to take care of the equipment that shall be stored inside. For heavy equipment, a shed that sits off the crowd might not be the best option.
Keeping out the rain
One of the common mistakes that many homeowners make is to purchase sheds that fail to keep rainwater out. Wooden sheds are the key culprits in this scenario since they tend to rot and leak. Such problems will affect the durability of your shed by giving it a short lifetime. To deal with this problem, a shed should have an overhang of at least 5cm on the sides and 7.5 cm at the back and front. These dimensions should be measured from the inside edge of the roof.
Location
The quality and durability of your shed will highly depend on the location you intend to install your shed. To determine the location, accessibility is a factor that will have to be determined fast. It should be positioned next to a spacious driveway to make it easy to access items stored. It is also good to know that environmental factors might affect the quality of your shed. Building them close to large trees is not recommended since the roots can break through the floor of your shed or falling branches from trees might damage it. Also, keep the shed away from water pools if you intend to see it serve you for a long time.
The foundation
For a solid foundation of your shed, you will need to use gravel or crushed rocks. A shed needs to be anchored securely on the ground to avoid damage. While making this consideration, one should also ensure that the shed is kept away from the water by building a drainage system that facilitates water flow away from the shed.
The quality and durability of your shed will be highly affected by these factors among others. To install the best shed in your home, it is wise to seek the services of professionals who will ensure that you will enjoy using your shed for many years. Reliable professionals from Bundaberg Sheds Steeline are perfect for this job.
