Building a Shed – 5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Building a new shed can appear a little daunting in the beginning. There is so much to consider, and sometimes the information you get given is heavy on opinion and light on fact.



Add to that a bewildering array of different shed designs, options, and product data, and you really need to do your homework when it comes to deciding what shed to build and out of what materials. Do you have enough knowledge to ensure that you are comparing similar shed specifications?



You will find that regardless of what shed you build, some forward planning and clever design is needed to ensure you get maximum value for money, as well as a functional and practical building which will meet your needs for decades to come.



While the following 5 points may seem obvious, it is surprising how often they are overlooked when in a hurry or simply confused by all the options on the table.



1. Not future-proofing your shed:

While none of us have a crystal ball to see what the future holds, its often wise to build a little larger than what your current needs are. For example, if you build a shed which just fits the boat in, what happens if you get a new one and its 150mm higher than the old one (and doesn’t fit in!)



2. Unknowingly using inferior materials:

While building specifications and materials used often appear similar not all sheds are created equal. One shed company may use 0.3 gauge cladding on their sheds, while another uses 0.4 gauge. That’s 25% less steel used in the cladding alone. Sometimes the steel thickness is misrepresented by including the thickness of the paint – this is not normal accepted practice.



Consider how that affects the durability and strength of your new shed. Check carefully exactly what you are getting for your money. If it’s not stated clearly in the specifications, ask before making any commitment.



3. Laying the concrete slab before deciding which shed to buy:

Shed designs do differ between suppliers. When the shed is designed an engineer will specify the footings required. If the slab doesn’t have the correct thickenings you may not get a building permit.





4. Confusion over what is included in the price:

Sometimes what initially appears to be a cheaper quote doesn’t include some items that it is reasonable to expect should be part of the building. Under closer inspection you may find the cheaper one does not include items such as foil and netting in the roof (which every enclosed shed should have), or fixed pane windows when you really want opening windows.



Or in the case of kit sets, components such as gutters, downpipes, or screws haven’t been included. Check the quote thoroughly and if you have any doubts regarding what is and is not included then ask.



5. Confusion over opening sizes:

Check all openings are big enough. Door sizes should state the daylight opening size (DLO). Bay widths are measured from the centre of the columns in a steel shed (or poles in a timber shed). Make sure bays are as wide as you need them.



In summary

To get a great shed, take your time, think carefully about what you need now (and in the future) and find a kitset shed supplier or shed building company you feel comfortable working with. And don’t forget to inspect some of their sheds before making a final decision.





For great sheds contact Waikato Shed Company NZ