After you’ve determined how big your shed needs to be, you now have to decide where to locate it. When you’re considering your shed site you’ll want to evaluate all the positives and negatives of each spot. Don’t make the mistake of placing your shed just anywhere as this could cause you problems in the long run. Your local building regulations will have the greatest impact on the site but after that you’ll want to make sure that your shed’s location won’t be adversly impacted by weather conditions.

What Places to Avoid

Your first concern should be whether water tends to collect in the area. Water damage will cause faster wood rot and the steel parts such as hinges will rust quicker. Lack of ventilation can result in too much moisture in the shed which can promote the growth of mold. Furthermore, you don’t want to have to put your boots on when you go out to the shed. Placing your shed site in a wooded area is not a good idea because of the lack of sunshine and air. Sheds placed in the woods will require more maintenance due to the growth of vegetation in the area. If a shed is located in the woods there is always the possibility that a tree may fall on it causing serious damage.

Then there is always material such as acorns, leaves, pine cones, and other debris which will need to be swept off periodocally. In addition to the other hazards of locating your shed in the woods, you may also find it necessary to do some ground preparation work to make the spot suitable for the shed. This may require removing some trees and large rocks.

If the idea of locating your shed in the woods still appeals, you could build it on the edge where it might receive some partial sun and breeze.

Sloping Land

If you’re thinking about locating your shed site in an area with a slight slope just make sure that the entrance is on the uphill end of the shed. This means that the ground will incline down towards the back end of the shed making the pitch not quite as obvious. Furthermore, placing the shed’s door on the higher end will facilitate access.

Setback Distances

Your local zoning board determines setback distances which is the minimum distance that a building must be from adjacent property lines, roads,wetlands, septic fields, and so forth. The building inspector in your town will be able to provide you all the information on regulations that apply. If you discover that you are unable to locate your shed site where you would prefer due to the building regulations you have the right to apply for a variance where you can go before the zoning board to explain your case. Be aware that most zoning boards only meet once a month, however, you can avoid a lengthy delay by filing your application as soon as possible.

Easy Access

How frequently do you think you’ll want to access your shed? If you’re planning to build a shed to store garden tools, for example, you won’t need to have it close to the house. On the other hand if the shed’s function is to keep kid’s bikes and toys you may want to position it closer as it will be more convenient.

Locating your shed so the largest window faces southward allows you to make use of the maximum amount of sun. If you’re planning to use your shed for garden activities like potting plants then you’ll want to take advantage of as much sunlight as you can.

Summary

Good planning with the right decisions will result in a functional shed that is a real asset to your property.