The simple backyard shed is no longer just a storage place for tools and lawnmowers.
Sheds now also fall under the category of workshop, fitness gym, cubby house, home office and of course, the man cave.
While size can limit where your dreams can take you, the bigger the shed the greater the possibilities for turning it into a functional and fun environment.
When building or revamping a shed you need to focus on what you use it for now and what its use will be in the future – you don’t want to be constantly throwing money at it.
It’s often easier and cheaper to pull down an old existing shed and replace it with a new one that you can build to your specifications, but remember to get council approval before you start.
Sheds range from small metal storage units to grand garages and sanctuaries. A simple garden shed to store equipment and tools costs about $ 500, while custom-built sheds can vary from $ 2500 to $ 20,000 depending on the materials used, along with the size and design of the building.
NEAT: Use any empty space to secure hooks to hang items. Photos: Shutterstock
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A shed needs to withstand the elements, so use strong weather resistant materials on a solid concrete base.
Plan your layout carefully so you aren’t having to compromise later – this includes where access points will be and how large they are.
Make sure you organise power points throughout for tools and battery chargers, and if you’re lucky enough a television and fridge.
If you’re turning your shed into an office or entertaining area you should also think about heating and cooling, given most sheds are made from metal where temperatures inside can vary greatly.
You should also consider ventilation such as windows or a roofing fan, as fumes can quickly build up in small spaces.
Organisation and storage within your shed is key. While shelving is handy it can also be messy, so try using trays and drawers with labels to ensure everything stays neat and easy to find.
Make use of empty space such as walls with racks and hooks for hanging items, and in ceiling frames which are great for storing longer items such as rakes, shovels or camping equipment.