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