Is Building a Shed a Good Investment?

If you own a house with a yard and garden, you probably have a lawn mower, rakes, hedge trimmers and other tools that take up a lot of space. They can become rusted and damaged if left outdoors and can also be stolen. In addition, gardening tools can be safety hazards, particularly if you have young children or pets who play in the yard.

Reasons to Add a Shed to Your Property
If you don’t have enough room to store these items in your garage, the simplest alternative is to build or buy a shed. A shed can provide the extra storage space you need to keep your gardening and landscaping tools organized and protected.

A shed can also increase your home’s value. If you decide to sell your house in the future, and it comes with a shed already on the property, that will be an attractive feature that prospective buyers will appreciate.

Should You Build or Buy a Shed?
You can choose to build a shed yourself, have one built for you or buy one pre-made. If you build your own shed, you can save a significant amount of money by avoiding labor charges. You might also save time by building on your own schedule, rather than waiting for a contractor to finish bigger projects. Another benefit? You can design the shed exactly the way you want it, rather than choosing from a limited number of options.

If you decide to build a shed yourself, make sure you know what you’re doing. Design it carefully and use quality materials. If you’re not confident you have the knowledge and skills needed for the job, get help from someone with the right training and experience, or hire a contractor.

If you don’t have the skills to build a shed yourself, or the time to search for a contractor, you can buy a shed. If you do, make sure it comes from a reputable company and is made with quality materials. Before you build or buy a shed, obtain any necessary permits.

How to Maintain Your Shed’s Value
To recoup some of the money you spent to buy or build your shed, it needs to be well constructed and well maintained. Make sure it’s built with quality materials and check it regularly for signs of damage caused by weather, mold, rot, insects or animals. If you spot any problems, address them as soon as possible to prevent major damage to the shed.

A Smart Investment
A shed can provide valuable storage space for both you and the future owners of your house. Buy a quality shed, have one built by a professional or build one yourself if you’re confident that you know how. A shed that is well built and well maintained can retain its value and help you get a higher price if you sell your house down the road.