DIY Builds
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Can a shed be used as a boundary fence?

You should ensure that you do not use the shed as a replacement for a section of fencing, this can cause problems with current or future neighbours so is best to avoid.

What size garage do I need without planning permission?
What size garage do I need without planning permission?

There are a set of rules you can abide to, typically this lets you bypass the need for any garage planning permission. You can avoid garage...

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How is plumbing run in a slab home?
How is plumbing run in a slab home?

During the plumbing slab construction, the pipes are buried in gravel or sand beneath the slab and are (obviously) difficult to access. The...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Garden sheds are a useful addition to any garden, but there are a few things you need to consider when choosing your shed and where to place it. First you need to decide on the purpose of the shed, how you intend to use it and how this is going to affect where it will be placed and how you will access it. It is important to consider your neighbours, planning regulations and shed security concerns when choosing the placement.

Planning Permission

A common question or concern when adding a shed to your garden is whether they require planning permission for their garden building. As a shed is deemed an outbuilding it does not need planning permission, but this does mean it has restrictions. The restrictions are largely based on location and size, one of which being it cannot take up more than 50% of the garden space.

Fencing

A common concern is whether it matters how close you place a shed to a fence. In terms of regulations there are no requirements for how close a shed can be too a fence; however, there are advisory rules which you can follow. The problem when placing a shed too close to a fence is the potential build up of damp. This happens as the shed cannot breathe when placed too close to the fence, and vice versa. In general, it is best to leave a gap to allow both to breathe. If this is not an option, then it may be wise to choose a pressure treated shed that suffers less from the effects of damp

Access

The best place for a garden room or shed is next to a paved path; this makes it easier to access and prevents it from being too close to areas that collect water as this can also cause future problems such as rot and damp. Remember to keep it away from large trees, although it may look nice it can cause problems with the shed floor. The roots from the tree could be underneath the shed and cause the floor to buckle. Ideally you need to be able to walk around all four sides of the building, however this is not a requirement, it will make it easier should you need to paint it or do any work to it in the future.

Neighbours

You should always consider how your new addition will affect your neighbours. Your current neighbours may be happy with you building a shed, but future neighbours may not. When deciding how close to place to a fence, this will probably be one of the most influential factors as they may not be happy if you place it close to their property; so, it is best to check and if possible, avoid placing it too close to any boundary lines. You should ensure that you do not use the shed as a replacement for a section of fencing, this can cause problems with current or future neighbours so is best to avoid. If you require more information about the rules and regulations of garden buildings, get in touch with our friendly and experience team at GBC Group today. * Please note this is correct for England and Wales whereas Scotland have separate regulations

Posted by Matt Jordan

What is the longest lasting roofing material?
What is the longest lasting roofing material?

slate tiles Roofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural...

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Can Neighbours complain about a shed?
Can Neighbours complain about a shed?

Legal experts claim that a homeowner could make a nuisance claim if a shed is built too close to a fence. Mar 24, 2022

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

How long do hidden gutters last?

Another advantage of hidden gutters is longevity. Because they are typically lined with a durable metal like copper or stainless steel, built-in gutters can have a long life span, up to 50 years or more, depending upon how well they have been cared for.

Hidden gutters or built-in gutters are often found on historic buildings and heritage homes. But in the past decade, they have been making a comeback. Advantages of built-in gutters include heightened esthetics and longevity. This type of gutter system is appealing to many homeowners because it’s not “added on” as an afterthought. Hidden gutters make the house, especially the front of the home, more esthetically pleasing. Standard gutters attached to the eaves tend to stick out; built-in gutters give the exterior a streamlined, uncluttered appearance. Instead, the eye is drawn to architectural details, such as a glass block section of wall or intricate woodwork. Hidden gutters don’t just look good; they are also extremely functional. They are wide enough to handle the high volumes of water that a roof can be subjected to. Since they are somewhat enclosed, built-in gutters are less prone to clogs caused by the accumulation of leaves, twigs and bits of nests. Another advantage of hidden gutters is longevity. Because they are typically lined with a durable metal like copper or stainless steel, built-in gutters can have a long life span, up to 50 years or more, depending upon how well they have been cared for.

What's the difference between Type A and Type B door handles?
What's the difference between Type A and Type B door handles?

A Type A uPVC door handle has screw fixings at the bottom of the backplate and just below the handle itself. A Type B uPVC door handle has fixing...

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What plants can survive in a garage?
What plants can survive in a garage?

For dry soil, plant juniper, lilac, or rosemary on the side of a garage. For wet soil, plant winterberry, primrose, or violet on the side of a...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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What is the heaviest wood in America?
What is the heaviest wood in America?

Of locally available woods, Black Ironwood is typically the strongest type of wood you can find in America. It's found in Florida and has a 3,660...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What is the price of a pallet?
What is the price of a pallet?

Pallet Prices: Lower price range Upper price range New wooden pallets $19 $24 Used or reclaimed wooden pallets $10 $18 Export pallets $10 $28...

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