Whether it’s an outdoor shed for a new home, a storage shed for a large block or a garden shed to suit your existing backyard, choosing the right one can be difficult. That’s why we’ve come up with a checklist of 7 things to consider before buying a shed.

DIY or Professional Installation

If you are confident in installing the shed yourself, purchasing a ready-constructed shed with pre-assembled panels is a cost-effective and relatively simple method.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a professional to install it, the process is as straight-forward as purchasing the shed from the store and organising it to be delivered and installed at a time and day that suit you. However, this is the more expensive option.

Approval

Rarely do garden sheds need council approval, however, it does come down to your local council, the location of the shed, the size of the shed, how close to the house it will be installed and the use of the shed. A quick check with your local council will eliminate any potential issues with the shed’s installation.

Purpose

Outdoor sheds can be used in a wide range of ways, from tool sheds and bike storage to cubbies and studios. Determining how you will use your shed prior to installing it will impact its size, location and the features it will need to have.

Shed Location

The size, access and materials of your shed will depend on the location it will be installed.

Consider if the location makes access easy, try to avoid direct sunlight to reduce heat build-up and check if the size of the shed will comfortably fit in the location you’ve selected. The location can also be impacted by local requirements, so ensure you check with your council.

Design

The design is an important aspect of your shed. A simple design can easily match most home designs, however a pitched roof or a timber shed may be more suitable for a rural block or a traditional home. The look of the outdoor shed can be impacted by how you wish to use the space now and in the future. For example, a shed with ventilation and natural light is useful if you decide to convert it into a studio or kids’ playroom.

Shed Flooring

Your shed can be installed on a wide range of foundations such as concrete, paving slabs, gravel or road base. In most cases, ensure your shed is raised off the ground and installed on a flat surface to avoid moisture damage, instability, pest infestations and rotten timber.

It’s best to wait until you’ve purchased your shed before you build the foundation. Often, the shed manufacturer will include installation instructions.

Security & Safety

Both security and safety are important when deciding on a shed, especially if you have kids or pets. Having the ability to lock the shed and any windows offers security for your belongings and prevents young children from accessing the contents of the shed without supervision. Shelving and lockable toolboxes will ensure poisons, fertilisers, snail baits and power tools are out of the reach of kids and pets.

If you are looking for the perfect garden shed for your home, Bowens Belmont can discuss a range of options to suit your requirements.

Our shed specialists can offer you a comprehensive list of garden sheds, workshops, cubbies, outdoor sheds and custom-made sheds. Don’t live near Belmont? You can order sheds from any of our 18 stores across Victoria.

For more information contact your local Bowens store today or download our shed manufacturer’s guidelines for more information.