Maximum Value Outdoor Structure Projects: Shed

By FrontDoor.com | Published: 6/22/2010

Sheds are making a comeback, with new options in design and materials that can often mimic the look of the house.

Sheds are a practical way to house all your home and garden tools without taking up space in other parts of the home. Versatile and multi-functional, sheds are now becoming an extension of the home's storage space while also taking on the features and style of the home's exterior. Depending on your needs, there are many different types of sheds available to suit your desired purpose.

CURRENT TRENDS

• Higher-end materials. Sheds are beginning to veer away from outdated steel structures and toward higher-end construction that mirrors the style of the home. Homeowners will often choose a roofing material and color that mimics the home so the shed easily blends in with the property.

• Sizing up. Sheds are becoming larger in scale to allow for more space in other parts of the home, like the garage, which might be cluttered with home and garden tools as well as miscellaneous belongings.

BIGGEST MISTAKE

According to appraisal expert, Leslie Sellers, president of the Appraisal Institute, the biggest mistake you can make when starting a shed project is forgetting to check for a building permit. Depending on its size and method of installation, a permit might be required, so be sure to check with the local building department before purchasing materials. Also, remember to check with your homeowner's association, because sometimes there are restrictions on shed installation in certain neighborhoods. Sellers warns that these often forgot-about, but crucial steps, must be taken before a shed installation can begin, or else you could find yourself regretting spending money on materials you will never be able to use.

EXPERT TIPS

• On a Budget: Do-it-yourself shed kits are popular because they come in materials such as vinyl, steel and wood. By purchasing a DIY kit, the shed can be built in a weekend and takes the material and labor cost out of building from scratch.

• Mid-Range: Wood sheds, especially cedar, are extremely durable and flexible in design. Ranging in many different styles and sizes, you can choose from a pre-fab shed or build one from the ground up. Wood can also be painted or stained to your personal taste which creates an easy and sometimes less expensive custom look.

• High-End: For a streamline look, hire a contractor to custom create a shed design that matches the architecture of your home. Choose shingles and exterior materials that blend seamlessly with the main house. Decorative features like a small porch or windows can also add character and charm to the shed's design.

Slideshow Inspiration: A Look at Sheds >>

Do-It-Yourself Inspiration: Design a Garden Storage Shed >>

Back to: Maximum Value Home Improvement Projects

Back to: Top Outdoor Structure Projects

• #1 Fence
• #2 Shed
• #3 Pergola
• #4 Barn
• #5 Workshop

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