5 Tips For Building a Shed That Lasts a Lifetime

Sheds are the eighth most popular outdoor structure, according to a 2017 Residential Landscape survey. Storage sheds are a great project for the do it yourself enthusiasts, and for those in need of storage buildings for their properties.

There is a lot that goes into building on of these, however, much like constructing decks or porches. Shed builders need to account for a lot of factors, especially if they want it to last for years to come.

The Right Spot
You need to pick the right spot when you’re building your shed, and that’s even more important than keeping it accessible. It needs to be in a place that allows it to hold up against weather and other conditions. It needs to be level and with good drainage.

And, depending on the materials, you need to make sure it gets good sunlight daily. This is more geared towards sheds made of wood, as moisture will cause it to rot and warp.

Top Quality Materials
You don’t want to skimp on the materials for your shed, that will cost you in the long run. For instance, choice of metal siding and roofing is important especially near the coastline where saltwater corrosion could be a factor over the long term. A metal siding shed can cost less than a wood or fiber cement siding shed to construct, but there may be additional advantages in having a hard surface exterior. These factors all depend on your location and intended use of the shed.

If you’re using a paintable wood or fiber cement siding product, you want to use all-weather paint, and to prime the wood before painting so that it has a good base to adhere to. The point is that spending a little more on your storage buildings can save a lot in terms of future costs.

Have a Solid Foundation
An unsteady ground can lead to the entire structure being unstable, no matter how sturdy your shed may be. You should use either adequate concrete blocks, wood post piers or even a solid concrete slab to lay a solid base when you start building, all depending on your site and ground conditions, as well as your intended use. A proper foundation means that you won’t have to worry about your shed shifting apart in the future.

Taking a bit of extra time and money to build your shed can give you the best possible results. You want to have the best materials and the best structural integrity. This is supposed to last a lifetime, after all.

If you have any questions about shed building, or what materials you should build your shed with, please contact us. We’re experts in the field.

Need a Custom Storage Shed? Here Are 4 Unexpected Features To Consider

According to the 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey, storage sheds ranked number eight in the most popular outdoor structures list of 2017. The humble shed has been a staple of American backyards for centuries, and there are many reasons to have a storage shed in your yard: to protect equipment and tools from the elements, store gardening supplies, and free up more room in your home.

However, in recent years, homeowners have started demanding more from their backyard storage sheds, and these structures are evolving with the times. That means you can hire custom shed builders to raise a structure that exactly suits your needs.

And if you’re looking for a custom backyard shed, here are some unexpected features to consider:

    1. Raised Floors: Here in Panama City, Florida, homeowners always have to build with floodwaters in mind. For this reason, custom sheds built with raised floors are particularly popular. However, you don’t need to live in a coastal region to benefit from raised floors, which can help keep away pests as well as water.

 

    1. Insulation and Ventilation: Whether you want a “man cave,” “she-shed,” or think those are silly names altogether, many homeowners now look to garden sheds as places to spend time alone. If you enjoy gardening, crafting, woodworking, or just puttering around in the backyard, then an insulated and ventilated shed is a great investment. Remember: a shed doesn’t have to be as hot as your attic; it can be a comforting place to spend time.

 

    1. A Covered Carport: When you don’t want to build a full garage but still want a carport, then custom shed builders can help you add a covered carport to the side of your new storage shed. This is a great way to protect your car from the sun and rain without making a major addition to your home.

 

  1. Windows: If you don’t plan on insulating or ventilating your new storage shed, then consider adding windows instead. Not only do these add aesthetic value to your new garden shed, but they allow a breeze to flow through while you’re hard at work.

There are many benefits to getting storage buildings for your home, and these are just a handful of the modern features for you to choose from. If you’re looking to add storage or recreation space to your home, then contact a local custom shed builder to see about getting one for your home today.

New Homeowner? Make Sure You Get These Aspects Regularly Inspected

Being a first-time homeowner is an exciting time! You probably have so much on your plate right now but before you get started, you should at least keep in mind that you’ll need to consider every aspect of your property. Far too many homeowners only focus on interior design, landscaping, or the layout of their homes and ignore other important property features. Here are a few important aspects of your new land that you should consider taking care of to avoid costly repairs.

Your roof

Work with roofers to ensure a protected home and strong roof. Homeowners expect a great looking roof but seldom put the money and effort into actually obtaining one. The roof is perhaps the most important aspect of the entire home’s structure because it provides immediate protection from the outside world and gives you and your family shelter. Your roof should be inspected, at the very least, once or twice a year by professional roofers, but you should probably plan for a few more inspections to ensure safety.

Your garage

Homeowners often forget about garages and spend too much time worrying about other aspects of their property. You don’t want to have a poor quality garage, however, because that can result in some serious structural damage to both your home and your vehicles. If your garage’s roof, for instance, isn’t as secure as your actual home’s roof, it could potentially break down even more and eventually crash onto your vehicles or harm someone. Avoid these costly repairs and get your garage inspected every few months.

Your fences

Obviously the fences on your property aren’t as important as the roof directly above your head, but it should still be noted that they shouldn’t be completely forgotten. If only for the aesthetic purposes, fences can make or break a property in the visually appealing department. If you ever wish to sell your property, whether it’s in a few years or a few decades from now, even if your home is absolutely astonishing, if you have a broken, rickety fence, the value is going to significantly decrease.

If you want to learn more about what parts of your home need your attention, or to speak with experienced roofers, contact Tool Time Building and Roofing today!