Things to Consider When Building a Storage Shed

Posted By Cathy Scholes On 04-09-2019

If you are thinking of building a storage shed in Toronto, then there are many things you will need to consider. For instance, the very fact that we have four seasons in Toronto will have an impact on the type of shed that you will build as well as the materials you will use to do so. Here, we will discuss some of the things that you should, ideally, consider, before you begin building your storage shed in Toronto. Doing so will help your shed last longer and work as intended.

Design Choices

The size of your shed should be determined by what you plan on storing in your shed. However, the general rule of thumb is to build a shed slightly bigger than you think, to be on the safe side and to anticipate future storage needs. We would also suggest that you consider adding a lean-to on the back or on the side of the shed so that you can store certain items, such as firewood, in winter. In the end, the goal is to have sufficient space to house all of the things that you wish to keep nice and dry.

Roofing, siding, and other items will also determine the shed materials that you will use. You will need to have that information on hand, as doing so will allow you to get an accurate estimate from the manufacturer or contractor. You may also opt for skylights or may be satisfied with windows.

Again, the choice is yours, based on your unique needs, but these are still things you will need to give some thought to well ahead of time. Whether or not you are planning on running electricity through the unit will also influence the materials that you will use. For instance, if you do not plan on running electricity through your shed, then windows can allow natural light to illuminate your shed, or you can opt for skylights instead of lighting.

However, windows may cause issues down the line, as thieves can break them to gain access to the shed. They also limit the amount of wall storage in your shed as well.

Another very important thing to think about is how big you want your shed’s doors to be. Again, think about what items you will be bringing in and out of your shed. For instance, if you plan on rolling a quad or a lawnmower through the unit from time to time, then the door will need to be sufficiently wide enough to accommodate such appliances.

Then there is the aspect of the law. That is, you may need to get in contact with your city council to determine if there are any fire protocols, height and size limits, and property line requirements. You will need to adhere to these in order to avoid hefty fines. Some jurisdictions may even require a permit. You may need to modify the design of your shed based on the guidelines and policies enforced by your city’s officials.

Where to Set Your Shed

You should build your shed in an area that makes access to your yard easy and convenient. Also, while easy access is a big asset, the shed should also be erected in an area that is safe from potential burglars. Even how wet the terrain is is something you should consider. The last thing you want is to have to traverse sloshy terrain to gain access to your essentials.

In regards to electricity, if you do decide that you want to run electricity through the shed, then you will need to pull permits in the city. Adding receptacles and electrical lighting is no joke either, and the most effective way to wire the system is to use a specialized conduit that is found underground.

Furthermore, you should inspect the perimeter in order to determine if there are any obstacles, such as trees or concrete patios that can cause problems during the wire-work. You should also look for other utilities that may cause problems before you begin running the wires underground.

We would also recommend that you call in a locating crew to help you, as they will tell you exactly where things are underground. This will make it easy for you to power up your shed in the safest and most efficient manner possible.

Foundation Considerations

In terms of the foundation of your shed, we would suggest that you go with slab pouring, as it will help foster a much stronger foundation. The size of your shed will matter, as you may be required to provide an engineering plan, as well as secure permits to erect the shed if the proportions are large.

If you’re planning to build a secondary or auxiliary garage, then you can frame a floor that is joisted on footings and use plywood to deck it. This method is more cost-effective and is fairly easy to construct by yourself or with a small team.

You can also build off the ground in a very easy fashion via some pier pads, which also have the added benefit of being very affordable. We would also recommend that you consider pouring footings, as they can help prevent the shed from sinking into the terrain, which is something you will want to avoid at all costs.

You can also create a stable and clean footing for your shed by digging below the frost line and adding some cardboard foam tubes. In addition, if you are thinking of a pole style shed in Toronto, then you may want to consider adding a floor made of gravel.

To learn more about our custom storage shed designs, materials, and craftsmanship, call In the Back Yard at 1-844-208-8425 or contact us here.

2 Comments