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There’s much more to consider when putting a garden shed in your backyard. The location is among them. This covers the distance to your garden boundary as well as the level of exposure to hazards.
Although the process may seem demanding at first, it can be pretty easy with careful planning. Get your shed built in the ideal spot, and you’ll get the most out of it. Easy as that! But to ensure you’re well-guided, take note of these points below and get started.
Positioning Your Shed
Shed structures offer the best storage solution for garden tools, but they can be more than that. There are tens, even hundreds, of different uses for these structures. But if placed in an awkward area or distant location, one would not live up to its expectations. This is most likely the case even if it has the perfect amount of storeroom or convenient access points.
The placement can have as much of an impact on its functionality and how it’ll last. That’s why it’s so important to be careful when positioning your shed. This may need consideration of legal requirements, though, such as planning permission. In such a case, go to your local planning authority and see if you have their approval. If it passes the building regulations and doesn’t need a permit, you can proceed to the next step: location.
Here are a few things to consider when finding the optimal spot to place your shed:
1. The size of your garden
This has one of the biggest effects on the proper location of your shed. Your garden space must have room for an easy-to-use path to the entrance of your structure. Keep the room open around the perimeter for add-ons you might like to install in the future.
But what happens if you don’t have a huge garden or only one spot where your shed could go? Consider other factors even more highly to identify the best placement or orientation.
2. Proximity to boundaries
Placing your garden building against fences seems like no trouble, but a few issues may arise. Depending on who’s next door, it could get on your neighbour’s nerves.
If your wall backs onto a neighbour’s house, then this is a no-go. Legally, a shed can’t be placed within two metres of a dwelling (house) boundary. Don’t make trouble for yourself by breaking this rule.
Consider how this might affect its structure if you place it against a fence or wall.
3. Exposure to the elements
Protect your shed from the British weather by not placing it in an open space. Experts recommend placing it within the shadow of another building for protection. Positioning it in the middle of your garden, for instance, will expose it to rain. That also means potential water damage.
But say it’s the only choice you have. Installing guttering will work as a partial safeguard. This technique will collect rainwater away from the structure. A roof overhang also works, giving the windows and the bottom boards more protection.
Thus, don’t leave your outbuilding unattended and totally exposed to wind. Otherwise, expect a solid decline to the point of structural damage in the long run. Consider the danger of overhanging trees, too. That way, you can prevent falling branches from damaging the shed. This also helps avoid sharing the floor with tree roots.
4. Security
Make sure you have a safe and secure place for your garden shed. In essence, on top of concrete or paving stone and no overhanging branches nearby. This is also where a strong foundation comes into play. It’s important because it helps prevent the shed from sinking into soft ground when it rains or in winter.
5. Ground level
Keep the storeroom away from nearby shrubs and spots where water pools. Unless you want to walk through mud or tracking debris each time you gain access.
A level shed base can help you prevent standing pools of water and debris. At the same time, it provides an ideal surface with a secure level base for positioning the shed. In short, avoid areas of the garden that you know to get the wettest – it’s a shed, not a ship!
Also, check the ground around your property to see if the earth has any sloping, holes, or humps and bumps. If you have a sloped plot, this may demand more effort to create a solid understructure.
6. Proximity to the house
Locating your shed too close to bushes is a no-no. The same goes for whacking it up right next to the house. To begin with, it lessens your access points to at least one of the sides. This also affects the accessibility and your ability to perform repairs.
Getting it so close to the house also means you can’t see the building in full view. This makes the shed a more suitable target for potential burglars. Also, consider how the landscape and surrounding foliage may change over time. This way, you’ll know if it can be accessible all year round or if it will create any obstacles along the way.
7. Exposure to the sun
Light exposure can influence how comfortable your shed interior will be and how much you use it. So note how much light reaches where you want to locate the outbuilding.
If direct sunlight hits it for most of the day, the interior will be hot, and the exterior paint and roof may age faster. Suppose you plan to use your shed as a workshop. The sun beating down on it all day might make the interior unpleasantly warm after a while.
Moreover, think of the items stored, whether they’re heat or light-sensitive. See if the sunlight will stream through the windows in each area of your yard. You’ll want a layout that’ll protect your heat-sensitive belongings from it as much as possible. If you don’t have other placement options, add UV ray inhibiting film to the east and west windows.
On the contrary, a place in a shady location may only add to the shed being too cold in winter. Top tip: Install lights and a heating system to maximise the use of your shed even in the wintertime.
8. Consider outdoor activities
Place your shed within a reasonable distance from areas you spend most of your time. For instance, you do lots of gardening. Your best bet is to place it nearby so you can grab supplies quickly and conveniently.
But if your shed is solely for storage, placing it far from your favoured relaxation spots may not be a bother.
9. View and aesthetics
Give some thought to the view your shed will create from all angles. Will it block your view, or will the neighbour get angry about this?
Do you want it to blend in with the surroundings or stand out more? Or would you rather it was tucked away in the corner of the backyard? A shed can increase the value of your home when planned for and installed correctly. If not, it could end up creating an eye sore and a heap of frustration for neighbours and future buyers.
10. Local ordinances
Check with your LPA to determine if there are rules for this certain case. Generally, the Local Planning Authority will want to know the intended use for your shed.
Some local councils mandate how close a shed can be to fences, property lines and other buildings. Speaking of council requirements, below is an overview of exemptions for planning permission.
Shed Planning Permission
Your shed doesn’t need planning permission if it meets the following criteria:
- It’s under 2.5m tall at the eaves
- It doesn’t cover more than 50% of the garden
- It isn’t located within 2 metres of a house or dwelling boundary
- Intended for domestic use and contains no permanent sleeping accommodation
- The floor area does not exceed 15 square metres
- Has no veranda or balcony, and decking (if any) should be no higher than 30cm from ground level
Positioning Your Shed: Round-up
Moving a storage building after it has been installed is a challenge. Before ordering a shed, dedicate time to determine the best position on your property.
With this, you can avoid the hassle and make the best use of your new structure. Get it wrong, and your outbuilding may be more of a headache than a convenience.
Lucky for you, that’s less likely to happen now that you already know what to do! And remember that you can customise your wooden shed to better fit within the confines of your yard. If you haven’t invested in one, click the button below!
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