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Whether you are building a storage space or a man cave, a metal shed would be a significant addition to your property. Building a new garden shed involves more than just setting it up. While the process of installation may seem simple in itself, it is always ideal to prepare beforehand to avoid any type of discrepancies.
First and foremost, it is crucial to measure your site accurately before finding the right shed that fits perfectly in your desired location and functions well in your garden.
Let’s find out how to measure a site for your shed.
How To Accurately Measure a Site For a Garden Steel Shed?
To precisely measure a site for a metal garden shed, it is essential to work out a few steps. These are:
- Determine your size requirements
It is essential that you first determine the size of the metal garden shed that will exactly fit your storage needs. It is advisable to measure the dimensions of the items that you plan to fit into the shed — like workbenches and shelves — and understand the length, width, and height of the shed you need. Common sizes of a metal shed include 8 feet by 10 feet or 10 feet by 12 feet. However, this is accustomed to change and should depend on your intended use.
- Measuring the site
To accurately measure the shed site, you should begin by marking the four corners where your outdoor shed will be located, using flags or stakes to mark each point. Next, use a measuring tape between each corner to determine the length and width of the site. These measurements should not only match your desired garden steel shed but also allow for extra clearance.For instance, if your shed is 10 feet by 12 feet, you should allow at least 1-2 feet of space around the structure for ventilation and easy access.
- Level the ground
Use a level to check if the ground is even. A slope or uneven surface can cause structural problems. If the ground isn’t level, you’ll need to make adjustments by grading or using a foundation kit. A level base for metal garden sheds ensures the longevity and stability of the structure.
- Height clearance
Whether you are going for a peaked roof or a skillion roof, it is ideal to measure the height to ensure there is enough vertical clearance. No low-hanging branches, power lines, or other obstructions should be interfering with the shed’s height.
- Ground space for foundation
If your outdoor shed requires a concrete slab or another foundation, you should ensure to measure the site to accommodate the base as well. A solid foundation is absolutely necessary to support your metal garden shed. The base should at least extend slightly beyond the footprint of the shed for extra stability.
- Account for drainage and pipe space
Ensure there’s enough space for proper drainage around the shed. Water should not pool around the base, which would lead to the rusting of the structure. So, you might need to elevate the shed or add effortless gravel for drainage.
Why Should You Measure The Site Before Installing your metal garden shed?
Garden steel sheds are diverse, non-complex structures that can easily be installed and maintained. However, it is ideal to measure your site before installation to avoid squeezing the shed within small spaces with little or no margins.
Moreover, measuring the site will give you a clear picture of any obstructions that might later waste your time and money.
In case you have more space than required in your garden, you can always customize the structure and tailor it to meet your specific requirements — be it storage or recreational.
Also, by accurately measuring the shed, you can ensure that you do not cross boundaries and infringe on the properties of your neighbors. If you carry out the installation without measuring the space you have to work with, it can cross boundary lines, leading to rebuilding, which will be heavy on your pocket.
What Are The Major Considerations To Make Before Installing A Shed?
Accessibility: Your shed should be highly accessible, regardless of its location and purpose. It should be closer to your house and in an open area so you can venture out whenever needed. Moreover, your outdoor shed should also be accessible by car.
Doors: You should also factor in the extra space opening a shed door will take. Are you planning to install sliding doors, roll-up doors, or outside-opening doors? The clearance space you need will depend on the door you choose. For instance, you will need at least a 1-meter extra height clearance for roll-up doors. Whereas, if your door opens on the outside, you will need a few meters of clearance.
Future expansions: A garden steel shed is a significant investment, and you should future-proof it to be cost-effective. Ideally, you should consider and plan ahead in order to make room for new machinery or equipment.
Foundation: Another important factor to consider is the kind of foundation that you wish to build for the outdoor shed. Whether it is a gravel pad or a concrete foundation, it is advisable to choose a strong foundation to enhance the strength of the structure.
Energy efficient: To make your garden steel shed more energy efficient, consider adding solar panels on the roof. You can use them to power your shed and even your house.
Permits: When building a larger metal shed, you need to apply for a variety of local permits and zoning licenses to avoid paying fines or running into the law. You should check with your local authorities and get the required permits. There are other permissions to seek as well; for instance, some areas in the US might only allow sheds to be installed in the backyard. So, it is always better to be prepared than sorry.
Garden steel sheds are a great addition, whether you are looking to store equipment and tools or planning to build a workshop. It is highly recommended that you prepare and accurately measure the site before the installation process takes place. Now that you are well-equipped with all the necessary information call a metal shed dealer near you and make your dreams come true!
