4 Reasons Why You Need a Garden Shed

If your home has an outdoor space, then you may have wondered “do I need a shed?”. If your property doesn’t already have a shed, then there are a few reasons why you should consider investing in one.

What are the benefits of having a garden shed?

1. Gives you more storage

If you are wondering whether you need a shed, it’s probably because you don't have enough storage in your house or for your garden tools. A garden shed provides an abundance of extra storage for whatever you like without taking up room in your house. Without a shed or garage, there isn’t a good place to store muddy outdoor items such as rakes, trowels, a strimmer, a lawnmower, or even your bicycles.

2. Provides another aesthetic feature in the garden

Sheds aren’t just practical. They can also provide another visual feature in your garden to give it more variety. You can decorate your shed with outdoor lights or decorations and you can even paint your shed to tie together a garden colour scheme.

3. It can be doubled up as a workshop/workspace

Sheds don’t need to be used purely for storage. You can install a bench or worktop inside that will allow you to complete DIY work or home projects without making a mess inside your house. You can even run electricity to your shed to provide extra power outlets to run any power tools or garden accessories without running cables from inside the house.

4. Quicker access to garden accessories

If you have to store your garden tools or accessories in the house or garage, then it can take a while to get them out when you need them. Having a shed will allow you quick access to these items in the location you will need to use them.

Common questions about garden sheds

1. Do you need planning permission to build a garden shed?

You do not usually need planning permission to build a shed in your back garden, as it is covered by permitted development rights as long as the structure adheres to the rules. You also don’t usually need Building Regulations Consent for a shed or outbuilding, as long as it is less than 15 square metres in size and is not to be used as a self-contained living space, bedroom, bathroom or kitchen.

2. How big a shed can you build?

An outbuilding such as a garage or shed can only be constructed without planning permission if they cover less than 50% of the total area occupied by your property. The total floor area of the shed must also not be more than 15 square metres, the maximum eaves height is 2.5 metres and the building must be single-storey.

3. Do sheds need to be anchored?

It is always a good idea to anchor a shed and, sometimes, the manufacturer’s warranty will only be valid if the shed has been anchored. Anchoring your shed into solid concrete will prevent the building from moving even in strong winds.

A garden shed is a great addition to the home, with both practical and aesthetic benefits. If you want to build a shed on your property, then please get in touch, or come and visit our Crediton yard to see the great range of building supplies we have available.