Are you considering buying an outdoor storage shed for your home? Before you make a decision, it’s a good idea to do some research first. Storage sheds come in a wide variety of prices, materials, and styles! It can be hard to decide which is right for you, your family, and your home. That’s why we’ve listed out the top 5 things to consider before buying your own shed. To learn more about outdoor storage shed options, contact the experts at Dutch Country now!
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What To Consider – An Infographic
Check out our infographic below for quick consideration tips for buying an outdoor storage shed. To learn more about each tip in detail, continue reading.
5 Things To Consider Before Buying An Outdoor Storage Shed
Take note of the following things to consider before buying an outdoor storage shed! These tips will help you throughout the entire shed-hunting process.
#1 – Consider Local Building Codes/Bylaws
A shed is considered a structure; and homeowners cannot typically add any structure they want to their property without a permit. Do you know your local bylaws? Many areas require a building permit to add a new structure to your property. It’s important to note that some areas only require a permit when adding a new structure that is over a specified size, so you may or may not require a permit depending on the size of shed you choose.
It’s important to have a good understanding about local bylaws before you settle on a shed; you wouldn’t want to purchase your dream shed just to find out you need a permit or are actually breaking a bylaw! The good news is that when you purchase and work with a reputable company, they will know all the potential limitations due to building codes and help steer you in the right direction. Still, it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of bylaws. That way, you can decide if a larger shed is worth buying a permit for, or if you are happy with a slightly smaller option.
#2 – Shed Materials
Chart from Classic Buildings’ Shed Buyer’s Guide
Before you even start shopping for a new shed, one of the most important things to decide early on is what material your new shed will be made from. Picking a material before you start shed-hunting will really help you narrow down your search. When shopping for a shed, you can choose from wooden sheds, metal sheds, and plastic sheds.
As with any product, each type of shed comes with its own pros and cons.
Metal sheds are rot and insect resistant, but prone to rust and leaks. They are also not the more secure or strongest option, and cheaper ones especially can be flimsy.
Plastic sheds are low maintenance, resistant to rot, rust, and insects, and easy to move around. However, they are not easily customizable and can also warp due to extreme temperatures.
Wooden sheds are strong and high-quality sheds can even last a lifetime! They are typically the most aesthetically pleasing option and are highly customizable. But, wooden sheds tend to cost more upfront and do require regular maintenance.
Want to know more about your different options? Click here to read the extensive Shed Buyer’s Guide from Classic Buildings, or contact Dutch Country Sheds for help deciding on your perfect shed!
#3 – Budget
Another factor you will want to consider early on in the process is your budget. How much are you comfortable spending? How much are you willing to go over budget, if at all, for the right shed? Are you willing to pay a bit more for additional warranties, options, and features?
Your budget will also help determine the quality of storage building available to you. For example, you may be able to get a very large low-quality wooden shed for the same price as a smaller, high-quality wooden shed. Or you may be able to get a larger metal shed for the same price as a smaller plastic version.
Though the biggest shed for the cheapest price may seem appealing, a poor quality shed can warp, create leaks, and require a lot of maintenance or repairs. That can actually end up costing you more down the road than if you had spent a bit more up front for a smaller, high-quality shed. You should consider these kinds of scenarios before purchasing your shed. It will help you make a more informed decision if you end up facing these choices.
#4 – Shed Size
Once you’ve determined your budget and type of shed, it’s time to decide what size of shed you want and need. One of the best ways to figure out the type of shed you need right now is by looking at all of your items that need to be stored and organized. This will help give you an idea of what shed size you should choose. If you are simply looking for a garden shed to store a few simple tools, seeds, and hoses, or a small outdoor workshop, then you probably don’t need a 14×40 shed! You should also ensure your shed’s doors are large enough for your biggest piece of equipment to fit through (and for any equipment you may not own now but plan on buying).
However, you also need to keep in mind what shed size you will need in the future. Remember, wooden sheds can last a lifetime and both metal and plastic sheds can last a long time too if properly maintained. It can be a hassle to replace your shed, and you definitely won’t be getting the most out of your money if you replace your shed after only a few years. It’s best to buy a size that will work for years to come.
#5 – Shed Customization
One final tip to think about before buying your shed is, do you want to customize your shed? And if so, how much do you want to customize? If you purchase a wooden shed, it’s easy to install shelves, hooks, pegboards, and other organizational additions right onto the walls. This won’t just make your shed look better. It will also maximize your storage area by utilizing wall space – meaning you can actually buy a smaller shed without sacrificing storage!
If you choose a metal or plastic shed, you can still add organizational accessories such as shelving units, but your customization options are limited. Drilling into metal or plastic to add hooks or wall shelves is not ideal. Metal and plastic sheds are also not as strong, and may not be able to hold up significant weight placed on their shelves.
Think about what you may want to customize and how you want to achieve your organizational goals. Consider the items you plan to store, such as lawnmowers or leaf blowers. Think about what things can and cannot be placed on the ground. Thinking about these things will play into what shed size and material you eventually decide on.
All You Need To Know About Dutch Country Sheds
Are you considering purchasing a shed, but want to know more about us first? See below for information about our company, our warranties, our sheds, and more!
About Us
Dutch Country Sheds is a product line of Classic building LLC, located in beautiful Linn, Missouri. We are a family owned and operated business whose wholesome values of trust, integrity, and top quality Amish workmanship have made us the market leader in portable buildings. We strongly believe that quality craftsmanship is priceless and a better-built building will stand the test of time, and cost you less in the long run than a cheaper made one.
To learn more about us, our mission, and our staff, Click Here!
Shop For Sheds Online
At Dutch Country Sheds, you can conveniently shop for your new portable building right from the comfort of your own home. If you aren’t sure how to shop online, you can view this simple step-by-step guide to purchasing your shed, or you can contact us for more information. You can also visit one of our many portable buildings dealers in person, located in Missouri, as well as one location in Illinois. Click Here to view our locations!
Building Features
Our sheds are built to last! Our buildings are built with superior materials and quality Amish craftsmanship. We value providing high-quality buildings for the lowest price possible. All of our buildings come standard with:
- Robust Flooring System: All of the Dutch Country sheds are installed with 5/8″ tongue and groove flooring. This special floor covering will add strength while keeping both moisture and rodents out of your unit. The 4″ x 6″ specially treated skids will never need to be replaced.
- Walls: We use 24″ on center advanced framing in combination with 3/8″ LP Smartside Siding. This high-quality siding offers all the warmth and beauty of natural wood combined with the long-lasting durability of engineered wood.
- Strongest Doors in the Market: Our doors will not warp or sag. That’s guaranteed. They are the strongest and most secure doors available in the market. You can rest assured that your valuables will be safe and securely stored away.
Building Delivery
Dutch Country Sheds provides free delivery within 30 miles of our stores. Our highly trained drivers will deliver and expertly install your newly crafted shed right to your chosen site. All of our delivery trucks are custom designed and completely self-contained for the safe transportation and expert installation of our buildings. We offer:
- Free Delivery (within 30 miles of our stores)
- Free Set-up by highly trained installers
- Free Leveling on your property up to 8″ off level
To learn more about our building delivery options, Click Here!
Rent-To-Own
Why pay for a storage unit when you could own your own beautiful outdoor shed? At Dutch Country Sheds, we offer a rent-to-own option. Our convenient and sensible rent-to-own options can make it possible. Not only will you enjoy the convenience of having your storage items located on your own property without having to drive miles to access them, but you will also be creating equity as you invest in your own portable building.
To learn more about our rent-to-own program, Click Here!
Ready For Your Own Storage Shed?
If you are ready to purchase a premium portable storage building, or have any questions about finding the right building for you, contact Dutch Country Sheds now to learn more! A storage shed can be the solution you’ve been looking for.
We even have a Rent-To-Own option to make it easy for you to own your very own shed today! Dutch Country Sheds is committed to both affordability and high-quality structures.
We take the time to listen to our customers and help them choose the best design for their particular needs and budget. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
We are so confident in the high quality of our product that we offer a 5-year blanket warranty.
Our 5-year blanket warranty covers any defect in workmanship, lumber, and products, including the function of the product. Dutch Country Sheds are made to last – we guarantee it with our 5-year warranty!
“I appreciate being treated as if I were your only customer,
allowing as much time as needed to reach a decision.”
– Russell J. Murrary, a Classic Buildings Customer – More Testimonials Here!
