DIY Builds
Photo by Craig Adderley Pexels Logo Photo: Craig Adderley

How far away from a house does a shed need to be?

If there is any question, review your permit, check with your HOA, or contact your municipality office. How close can a shed be to a house? In one instance, it was noted that a storage building that does not have power or water hooked up to it must be a minimum of 40 feet from any other structure.

dakotastorage.com - Storage Shed Placement Ideas & Tips
How high should the walls on a shed be?
How high should the walls on a shed be?

The best shed wall height is 8'-1 1/8”. It is an easy construct using readily available precut dimension lumber and sheathing. Minimal cuts, cost,...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 7, 2021
How much would it cost to build a 12x24 shed?
How much would it cost to build a 12x24 shed?

Shed Cost by Size Size Average Cost (Labor Included) 10' x 20' (200 sq.ft.) $10,000 12' x 16' (192 sq.ft.) $9,600 12' x 24' (288 sq.ft.) $14,400...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 23, 2021

Purchasing a new shed involves a seemingly endless array of choices. What size shed do you need? What color will your shed be? Will your shed be made of metal, or wood? Will your shed have windows? Will you add a loft?

With all of these choices to make it can be easy to overlook one of the most important decisions: Where are you going to put your new shed? The location that you choose for your new shed is an important factor that is with careful consideration. Shed placement will impact more than just the overall look of your property. The location you choose will determine how you are able to use your shed, how secure your shed is, how easy (or challenging) your installation will be, and even how long your shed will last. In this post we will take a look at some of the most important factors to consider when determining the perfect location for your new shed.

Shed Placement Tip #1: How Will You Use Your New Shed?

One of the most important factors to take into account when determining shed placement.

Will You Use Your Shed to Store Tools and Equipment?

Depending on the type of tools and equipment you will be storing, you may want to consider how far you will need to walk when you need to retrieve, or replace a tool in the shed during use. For example, if you plan on storing landscaping, or home improvement tools in the shed you may want to place the shed as near to the area where you will be using the tools as possible. This is especially true if you plan to store and use particularly heavy, or unwieldy tools.

Will You Need Drive-up Access to Your Shed?

If you will be loading, or loading heavy equipment you may want to place your shed at the end of a driveway, or gravel path so that you can easily drive vehicles up to, or away from your shed. You will also want to consider the distance of shed placement from property line to ensure that you have enough room to easily access your shed without needing to cross onto neighboring properties.

Shed Placement Tip #2: Do You Need To Obtain A Permit?

Depending on where you reside, you will likely need to acquire a building permit before placing your shed. Your local regulatory authority will be able to provide you with all of the information that you will need to determine the proper permitting process for installing, or building a shed on your property. While some locations require building permits to be obtained for larger sheds (more than 100sf) only, many require permits regardless of the structure size. Contact your local authorities to determine the exact requirements for your location.

How do I keep rats out of my shed?
How do I keep rats out of my shed?

Walk the perimeter of your shed and look for any holes or cracks. You want to seal any that are larger than the size of a dime, as most mice will...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 25, 2021
Can you put decking on a rubber roof?
Can you put decking on a rubber roof?

EPDM rubber roofing can be installed to a few different surfaces, but it works best when it adheres to timber deckings such as roofing grade...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 16, 2019

To avoid frustration, and costly errors, make sure that you have the final stamp of approval BEFORE finalizing the purchase of your shed.

Shed Placement #3: What Limitations Will You Need To Work Around?

After speaking with the regulatory agency for your location, and obtaining the necessary permits, you will need to take some time to read through the restrictions and limitations stipulated by the various agencies involved. Let’s take a look at some of the most common restrictions that you will need to work around when planning your shed placement.

Shed Placement From Property Line

Shed placement from property line is one of the most common restrictions included on every building permit. Your local regulatory agency will generally place restrictions on shed placement that dictate how close your shed can be placed to the existing property line, as well as how close it can be to any other existing structures. When determining shed placement from property line you will often need to take into account the height of your shed as well as the basic footprint. Sheds that extend a certain distance above the fence line often face more restrictive shed placement restrictions, than smaller sheds.

Shed Aesthetics

In certain locations, your shed placement may also be restricted by the look of your shed. Again, this will often depend on shed placement from property line, and how much of your shed will be visible from neighboring properties, or from the public way. The more visible that your shed will be, the more likely that you will be limited in the colors, and design of the shed that you choose.

Shed Use

Shed placement from property line may also be restricted by how you intend to use the shed. If you plan on using your shed as a workshop, “man cave”, or “she shed” you will likely be required to locate your shed further from any neighboring structures. Running electricity, or plumbing to your shed will also be a factor in determining shed placement from the property line.

Shed Placement #4: How Easy (Or Challenging) Will Your Installation Be?

Now that you have all of your permits in place, you will need to think about the actual installation, or construction process of your new shed.

Will you have your shed built on site by a contractor?

What is 401k Rule 72?
What is 401k Rule 72?

What Is Rule 72(t)? Rule 72(t) allows penalty-free withdrawals from IRA accounts and other tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k) and...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 15, 2022
What is the most low-maintenance driveway?
What is the most low-maintenance driveway?

Low-Maintenance Driveway Options Paving Stones. Paving stones are known to last up to a full century if properly laid. ... Concrete Grass Pavers....

Read More »
Last updated Sep 20, 2019

Will you be constructing the shed yourself from a DIY kit?

Will your shed be pre-assembled and delivered, and installed on your property intact?

The construction, or installation option that you choose will impact shed placement from property line, as you will need to ensure that you have ample room to construct your shed without disturbing your neighbors, or causing a hazard on a public way. If you are having your shed delivered and installed intact, you will need to ensure that the delivery vehicle has access to your shed placement location without needing to cross onto a neighboring property.

Shed Placement #5: How Will Your Shed Fit-In To The Existing Landscape?

Last, but not least, you will need to take some time to consider how your final shed placement will fit in with your existing landscaping and topography. This is more than just a cosmetic consideration. Of course, you want your shed to look great in your yard, but you will also want to consider how any trees, or shrubs may impact, or be impacted by your shed placement. Large trees with overhanging limbs may need to be cut back, or you may need to consider shed placement further away from trees, or shrubs that could damage the roof of your shed. You will also need to consider how drainage from the roof of your shed may impact landscaping surrounding the structure.

Final Thoughts

Determining your proper shed placement can seem daunting at first glance, but following these simple tips will help ensure that you are happy with your final shed placement, and there are no unpleasant surprises down the road. When you are ready to select your next shed make sure you head on over to shop our pre-built sheds available in a wide array of other gorgeous wood tones. We are here to help you find your perfect shed!

dakotastorage.com - Storage Shed Placement Ideas & Tips
Do plastic shed bases work?
Do plastic shed bases work?

Good advantages to using a plastic shed base A plastic shed base has a lot going for it. Firstly, it's never going to rot – no matter how long it's...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 26, 2021
What dogs are burglars most afraid of?
What dogs are burglars most afraid of?

5 of the best guard dogs to protect your home from burglars Akita. Bullmastiff. Doberman Pinscher. German Shepherd. Great Dane. May 12, 2019

Read More »
Last updated Sep 14, 2019
How much will it cost to build a 8x12 shed?
How much will it cost to build a 8x12 shed?

The average cost of a wooden storage shed is around $1,680, or $17.50 per square foot, for an 8×12 storage building you build yourself. $2,880 if...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 8, 2022
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 »
Promotion
How much weight can t hinges hold?
How much weight can t hinges hold?

Let's start with the basics: a residential duty hinge can hold between 200 and 400 pounds. A commercial duty hinge can carry between 400 and 600...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 27, 2021