Matching a New Steel Building to Existing Structures

How to Buy the Right Backyard Storage Shed

Published On: May 17th, 2022Categories: DIY steel buildings, Metal Building Kits, Metal Storage Buildings, sheds, Storage Buildings

A backyard storage shed is a perfect solution for anyone that has items that need to be kept safe and secure, including gardening tools and equipment. In fact, a backyard storage building can be used for many things. However, choosing the right shed for your needs can be challenging. The last thing you want is to build a shed that’s too small, too big, or doesn’t suit your property. The following guide will help you figure out what kind of backyard storage building will best suit your needs.

How to Buy the Right Backyard Storage Shed

Things To Consider When Buying a Backyard Storage Shed or Building

If you’ve decided that your property can benefit from a backyard storage shed, be sure to consider the following:

Know your budget: Calculate your budget before you begin making decisions about your backyard storage shed. The bigger the building, the more it will cost, especially if you customize it to include various features. There will be other costs to consider as well, such as permit fees, utility connections, foundation costs, lot grading, and more.
Choose the best building material: There are many materials to choose from, but metal provides the best long-term durability and resistance against damage caused by the elements. It also tends to be more affordable because it can be prefabricated, making assembly easy and less time-consuming.
Check your local building codes: Building codes vary based on location, so be sure to check the codes in your area. You may need a permit to build a backyard storage shed on your property — and you may need to meet certain standards when it comes to the quality of your building and its resistance to local weather conditions.
Decide the installation method: You can have a professional build your backyard storage shed or do it yourself. If you choose a prefabricated metal building, the assembly will be much easier. You can often complete it with the help of a few friends.
Purpose and function: Think about what you’ll be using the shed for. If you’re going to use it to store your gardening tools, you’ll want to build it near your outdoor garden. If you’re using it to store bikes and sports equipment, you may want it closer to the front of your house to make access easier.
Accessibility: If you build your shed on the outskirts of your property behind a handful of trees, it becomes less accessible, which means you’ll probably use it less. The more accessible your backyard storage shed is, the more likely you are to use it.
The appearance: How it looks is important. After all, if it doesn’t look good, it will hurt your property’s curb appeal, thereby hurting its value. Make sure that the style you choose matches or complements the style of your home.
Lighting inside the shed: Consider adding windows to let in natural light. Additionally, you’ll want some lighting inside to make it easy to find what you’re looking for. This becomes even more important if you plan to use your backyard storage shed as a workshop.
Additional storage: The space available on your property may limit how big your backyard storage shed can be. However, if you need additional storage space, one way you can solve this is by building a second, smaller shed.
Long-term investment: Whatever your budget may be, it’s crucial that you invest in a backyard storage shed that will last. A poor-quality shed is more likely to require repairs and even replacement at some point.

Landscape Requirements for Your Backyard Storage Shed

Besides the shed itself, you’ll also need to consider the land that’s available for use. Not only do you need enough space to build your backyard storage building but you’ll also need to consider the following landscape requirements:

Level ground: You’ll want to install your shed on level ground. If it’s on a slope, you’re going to have issues with water drainage when it rains, and your shed may flood much more easily. If you don’t have a level patch of ground on your property, it may require grading.
Water: In addition to avoiding building on sloping ground, avoid installing your shed in a low-lying area where water tends to collect. Doing so will result in water collecting around your shed, which can lead to water leaks, water damage, mold growth, and more.
Branches: It’s best to avoid building your shed close to a tree that has low-hanging branches. This helps prevent any large branches from breaking off and falling onto your shed. A fallen branch can cause massive damage and be dangerous if anyone’s inside.
Security: You’ll want to make sure that your shed is secure against theft, especially if you’re keeping valuable equipment inside. With that in mind, a steel shed is much more difficult to break into than a wood one.

Backyard Storage Building

Let Us Help You Customize Your Backyard Storage Shed

At Future Buildings, we offer a wide range of prefabricated steel backyard storage and garden sheds. Choose from a variety of innovative styles for your backyard storage shed or building:

At Future Buildings, each steel building produced is made from GalvalumeTM Plus Steel and comes with a 50-year rust perforation warranty. All our steel is purchased directly from ArcelorMittal Dofasco to ensure consistency of quality grade steel and optimal pricing. Learn more about GalvalumeTM Plus Steel from their website here.

These sheds can be customized to your specific dimensions and can be used to store everything from your lawnmower and snow blower to your outdoor recreational toys and more. For information about our easy to install, durable, and low maintenance steel sheds, call us at 1-800-668-5111 to speak with one of our specialists or request a quote by filling out our online form.

If a straight wall style is your preference, you can also visit our sister company, Toro Steel Buildings.