11 Considerations for Building a Custom Shed
Our Austin Architects Share Everything You Need to Keep in Mind When Designing a Custom Shed for Your Backyard
Adding a shed to your backyard allows you to increase your storage space and even designate a zone for hobbies like gardening or woodworking. While building a shed may initially seem like a small job, there are actually many important considerations to keep in mind. For example, should you go prefabricated or custom? How much space do you need? And, how will your shed look aesthetically? Our Austin architects share 11 important considerations for building a custom shed plus the benefits of opting for a custom shed over a prefabricated model.
Custom Sheds vs. Prefabricated Sheds
First, you need to decide if you will build a custom shed or purchase a prefabricated shed. While prefabricated sheds may initially have a cheaper price tag, they may not meet all of your requirements and wear out faster than a custom build. Over time, you could be spending more to replace the shed or add to it as your needs expand. However, with a custom shed, you can design anything you want. Custom sheds will be more durable, beautiful, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Benefits of Building a Custom Shed for Your Home
Our Austin architects believe these are the top three benefits of building a custom shed in your backyard.
Designed Around Your Needs
Going custom allows you to meet all of your needs for the space. For example, you could add specific storage built-ins for your tool collection or even create a complete outbuilding with an air-conditioned workshop.
Made for the Space
Unlike prefabricated sheds, architects can design custom sheds to fit your unique site. Maximize your storage capacity while ensuring your shed is appropriately sized for your backyard.
Built to Last
Depending on the materials and manufacturing quality, prefabricated sheds can last anywhere from five to 25 years. However, a custom shed will stand the test of time alongside your main home.
11 Factors to Consider When Building a Custom Shed
Ready to upgrade your backyard? Here are 11 factors to keep in mind when designing a custom shed.
1. Location
First, you need to determine where to build your custom shed. Location will be dictated by multiple factors in your backyard, including the site orientation of your home, pool placement, trees, patios, and fence lines.
2. Access
When considering location, think about access. Your custom shed should offer proximity to necessary features in the yard. For example, a pool storage shed should be placed near the pool patio for easy access to chemicals and pool floats. While a shed for your boat should have access to a driveway. Consider the accessibility of the location and the building itself. Many storage sheds include double doors to store larger equipment, like a riding lawnmower.
3. Visibility
The location of your shed will affect visibility from the main house and outdoor gathering areas like patios, decks, and pools. You can design your shed to blend into the landscape or stand out as its own feature.
4. Style
When choosing an architectural style for your shed, consider matching the look of the main house or complementing the landscape. It is a good idea to keep a consistent color palette, choosing exterior paint colors already present on the property. Mixing styles can feel jarring. For example, a Victorian-style shed would look out of place in the backyard of a contemporary home.
5. Size
To determine the size of your shed, you need to balance your storage needs, budget, and available yard space. For smaller yards, consider building a taller shed with elevated loft space for additional storage.
6. Use
The use of your shed will determine the design. For example, a gardening shed may include a small footprint and simple potting bench, while a woodworking shed will need ample space and multiple work tables. When going custom, you can expand a simple shed into an outbuilding to accommodate various uses. Why not add air conditioning and finishing details to turn your storage shed into a pet room, home office, or gym? Taking these spaces to an outbuilding will help free up room inside the main home.
7. Storage
If you are primarily using your custom outbuilding for storage, consider the items you need to store before developing the design. For example, a tool shed will need different specifications than a shed for your boat or dirt bikes.
8. Foundation
Sheds can be built with various foundations, including concrete slab, timber frame, post and beam, or even dirt foundations. Your shed's purpose, size, and location will determine the necessary foundation. Concrete slabs are one of the most durable options, especially if you want to use your shed as an outbuilding for additional living and work space.
9. Materials
When choosing materials for your shed, select options that are durable and coordinate with your yard, landscape, or home. For example, matching the existing stucco, masonry, or siding on the property helps maintain a consistent look. Bringing in vastly different materials can create a disconnected feel between the shed and the main house.
10. Regulations
Always look up local zoning and HOA regulations before building anything on your property. Even small structures like sheds may require proper permitting. Building without approval can lead to costly corrections or even complete tear downs.
11. Longevity
When investing in your property, always consider longevity. While purchasing a prefabricated shed may offer a quick solution, the structure won’t withstand years of wear or grow with your expanding demands. Building a custom shed or outbuilding allows you to select durable materials and design around your needs — saving money, time, and frustration down the line.