Choosing and preparing a site for your new storage shed.

It is important to choose the location you want for yourOnce you have chosen the type of shed that you
shed and assess what size of shed will be best forwant, the size, and the best location for your shed, it is
your property and your needs before ordering. Thenecessary to prepare the location. Start by staking out
first step you need to take is to consider how you willthe exact location using stakes in each corner and
be using your shed. You will want a different locationconnecting them with a string to fully visualize how the
or style of shed depending on whether you will use itshed will look once installed. This will also allow you to
for garden tools, bicycles and other toys, or simplycheck for any obstructions such as trees, shrubs,
extra storage. Pay attention to the surroundingfences, large rocks, etc. Consult your shed installation
structures and foliage and choose a location that willmanual for recommendation on proper sizing of the
add to a more balanced look.foundation. We recommend that you prepare an area
Decide on the size of outdoor shed that will best fitone foot larger than the size of your chosen shed to
your needs. Again, consider how your shed will beensure proper fit and avoid any obstructions.
used and what you intend to store inside the shed andWhen choosing a location you may want to consider
how much room is needed for those items. Studyproximity to water. You might need to be able to run a
traffic patterns in your backyard and how often youhose to it or, if more convenient, add plumbing. This is
will use the shed. Create a site plan of your propertyespecially the case if the shed will be used for growing
to visualize the basic movements to and from yourplants. Consider natural light, ventilation, and electricity.
home.Electric fans and vents are available as well as artificial
When considering shed placement, it is also importantlighting. One major thing to remember as you consider
to look at it from a practical standpoint. For instance, ityour shed's location is the different seasons that it will
is wise to position a storage shed close to where it'sgo through. In cold climates you may need to winterize
going to be needed most. Kids in particular will be moreit, or maybe you'll use it to store the snow plow and
likely to put bicycles and other toys away if themight want to locate it close to the house and street. In
access to the shed is convenient. If you are planningthe summer you might use it as a greenhouseor for
on purchasing a potting shed, you may want to positiongardening and therefore might want it close to the
it next to your garden where it can receive as muchgarden. All of these considerations may have some
sunlight as possible. Aesthetics are also important. Youimpact on where you decide to place your shed.
may choose to highlight your structure by making it theOnce you know exactly where your shedwill be, clear
center of attention or blend it into your landscape andthe area of any debris, foliage, tree stumps, or old
make it less obvious or distracting.footings that may cause problems. Once you have
Be aware of permits or zoning restrictions that mightdone this use a board to pack down the ground and
apply. Check local laws and ordinances since thereuse a level to make sure the ground is as flat as
may be regulations governing how close the shed canpossible with a very slight pitch towards the rear of
be built near any structure or property line. Choose ayour property to facilitate water drainage. We also
flat, clear, and easily accessible location, but also lookrecommend filling the pad with two to four inches of
for opportunities for the surrounding foliage orcrushed stone which aids in adequate drainage. This
structures to add to the aesthetic appeal of yourwill keep your shed dry and increase the life of your
property. Consider what direction you want the doorsshed. If you are building a concrete floor, make sure
of your shed to face in order for it to be asyou consult the installation instructions of your shed for
convenient and attractive as possible.recommendations on how thick to pour the concrete.
One last thing to consider is to look for a location thatYou should also check with you community building
will be easily accessible for the delivery driver. This willcommission since there may be zoning regulations
avoid any difficulties in delivery with possible addeddetailing how the shed foundation should be
charges for having to bring the shed back to our shop,constructed.
and to make the setup process more convenient.