Common Shed Buying and Building Mistakes (How to Avoid Them)

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Whether it’s your first shed or an upgrade, you’ll want to get the most out of your investment. Avoiding these common pitfalls can help you with that. Our experience shows that most problems start before the shed is even purchased, but some good planning can easily prevent such issues.

Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Shed Location

A common mistake is pushing a shed right into a tight corner or hard up against a fence to save space. If you place it directly against a boundary, you lose the ability to maintain it. Without at least a 12 to 18-inch gap around the perimeter, it can be a bit tricky to apply wood treatment or clear debris.

Putting a shed under large trees also causes problems. Overhanging branches drop sap and leaves that trap moisture on the roof, which can shorten the lifespan of your roof felt.

Always look for a clear, accessible spot that allows for airflow.

Mistake 2: Assuming Shed Planning Permission Doesn’t Apply

Many shed owners assume garden buildings are automatically “exempt” from planning permission rules. While most small sheds fall under Permitted Development, there are strict limits you must follow. Go beyond these limits, and a planning permission application is required.

The 2m rule: If the shed is within 2 metres of your boundary, the maximum height can’t go over 2.5 metres.
Front of the property: You can’t put a shed in the area between your house and the road.
Total coverage: All outbuildings, plus house extensions, can’t take up more than 50% of your outdoor space combined.
Special requirements for certain land: Article 4 directives could apply to your property. There are also different rules for listed buildings, conservation areas, and more.

If you ignore these rules, your local council can issue an enforcement notice. In some cases, that can mean you have to take the structure down. Not to mention that your neighbours can also object to your shed on planning grounds.

[Planning Permission for Garden Sheds]

Mistake 3: Building Your Shed on an Uneven or Soft Base

You should never build a shed directly on grass or soil. Without a solid, level foundation, the ground will eventually shift. Even a slight tilt causes the frame to rack. Also, avoid the temptation to use shims or bits of wood to level a building on a bad surface.

Instead, invest in a concrete base, paving slabs, or a timber base kit. The right shed base will protect the floor joists from the damp ground and ensure the structural integrity overall.

Mistake 4: Storing Items the Shed Can’t Protect

While sheds are a great storage solution, not everything can be kept inside, including:

Electronics: Moisture and condensation can damage TVs, laptops, and power tool batteries.
Paperwork and photos: Damp air can cause paper to warp, curl, or go mouldy over time.
Food: Even sealed bags of birdseed or pet food can attract rodents, which can chew through wooden floors overnight.

These are just a few things you should never store in your shed. And here’s another list for what you can store in a shed.

Mistake 5: Buying a Shed at the Wrong Time

Buying a shed when demand is at its highest isn’t always a good idea. Summer, in particular, is the worst time for this, as prices are often higher and delivery slots take longer.

The best time to buy a shed in the UK is autumn and winter, when demand is lowest — Black Friday in particular tends to bring the deepest discounts on garden buildings. Spring is also a strong window if you’d rather have it ready for summer: stock is fresher and you’ll have a warmer time to spend a day off installing it, though prices typically aren’t as low as in winter.