The Top Five Things to Consider When Buying a Storage Shed

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The Top Five Things to Consider When Buying a Storage Shed
By Craig Rowe

If you’ve just made the decision to invest in a storage building, congratulations! There is, however, one important point you should know before you lock yourself in to a specific model or brand: Not all storage sheds are created equal.

How do you know if you’re getting the most storage shed bang for your buck? By evaluating whether the storage building you have your eye on meets or exceeds the following specifications.

* Does the storage shed’s entryway allow for easy and accommodating access? Even the highest quality storage building is useless if it doesn’t accommodate your storage needs. Double-wide doors that measure 64 inches across will afford ease of entry for most ride-on lawn mowers and other oversized storage equipment.

* Does your storage shed of choice come with a warranty? If the storage building you’re considering doesn’t come with at least a 2-year warranty, you could very well be throwing money down the drain. Protect your storage shed investment with a manufacturer’s written guarantee.

* Are the storage building’s structural framing and roof built to last? A durable, weather-proof roof will protect your storage shed (and its storage contents) for years to come. Similarly, a storage building with heavy-duty 2x4 double top plating will withstand even the harshest wind and snow elements…both extremely important if you reside in a area that’s exposed to harsh weather conditions.

* What type of flooring comes standard on the storage shed? If you’re evaluating the cosmetic exterior of your storage building only, you’re making a big mistake. That’s because a poor foundation sets you up for not only moisture problems (which can wreak havoc on your expensive storage equipment) but also invites insects (which can damage the entire framework of your storage shed). A sturdy, OSB floor with 40-year pressure-treated floor joists and 4x4 runners is optimal in any storage building.

* How well is the storage building’s door hinges reinforced? This storage shed specification is also often overlooked as inconsequential, but if you want to keep your storage building’s door straight and properly aligned for years to come, you’ll want to look for continuous full-length galvanized steel hinges and engineered wood door stiffeners.

Heartland Industries is America's #1 Backyard Builder, featuring a wide range of high quality storage sheds. Learn more about Heartland's line of Storage Sheds at http://www.heartlandind.com/storage-buildings.cfm
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shefra · Hawthorn Tree Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 50

GPI
I badly need a shed, having checked out the various types available, I have come to the conclusion based on other peoples experiences, which was mainly condensation in timber as well as steel sheds, that a concrete shed if one could afford would be the best investment in the long run. Any ideas?

BlackBird · Silver Birch Tree Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 165

I think a concrete shed would be the best investment in the long run, provided you do not wish to move it at any stage. Your metal and wood sheds offer you option of moving if need be.

shefra · Hawthorn Tree Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 50

Thanks Blackbird, any idea of the cost of a standard size concrete shed? As long as we can pay the mortgage, we will be rooted here dv.

scotty · Hazel Tree Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 8

We are also looking at a concrete shed for our needs and are considering this crowd[url] http://www.finnishsheds.com[/url]. Anyone have any experience of precast concrete sheds, as opposed to specially built ones?