It looks pretty straightforward and simple to buy a custom storage shed. But in reality, it can lead to many costly missteps, if you fail to make an informed decision.
The thing is, you've to avoid going for a mere box with walls—but you need to invest in a long-lasting asset that works for you, not against you. You'll end up regretting it if you keep skipping the vital planning steps.
So, save yourself from future frustration and take the little details seriously. It will result in both; saving your money and mental peace. Know the 10 common pitfalls, and never entertain them while buying a custom storage shed.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Custom Storage Shed
No one wants to invest in a custom storage shed that comes with infinite stress. So, in order to get one of the custom built storage sheds that feel like an extension of your home, you must consider avoiding the mentioned common mistakes. Who really wants their dream storage to turn into a nightmare? No one!
So, jump in.
1. Buying a Shed Without a Floor
It might look like a smart decision not to invest in a custom storage shed that comes without a floor, as it can save money. But how can we overlook the potential problems here:
Moisture Seepage
Pest Attack
Unstable Structure
Wouldn't let you store heavy equipment even
These problems are very common among the floorless sheds. Your belongings and stored material will get damaged in no time, as water from the ground will seep into the shed. Here only rodents, insects, and other critters will be happy about this situation.
Coming to the instability part, thanks to the uneven ground, the shed will deteriorate shortly leaving the longevity promise behind.
Solution
Consider a custom storage shed, with a well-installed weather-resistant floor. Floor framing must be treated lumber of exterior grade. And don't compromise on the heavy-duty 23/32 tongue and groove flooring—as no one wants their first line of defense against chaos to be weak or completely absent.
2. Buying a Stolen Shed on Facebook Marketplace
If everything looks too good to be true, get ready for a surprise that no one wants.
You must find Facebook Marketplace as a place where bargaining really works, but if you've found a perfect custom storage shed there with an extremely low price, save yourself from it—as it can be stolen.
You'll get into unwanted legal trouble. Also, there'll be no warranty given as the descriptions of stolen sheds are really vague. Plus, you'll harm your reputation in your neighborhood by buying a stolen shed.
Solution
Always buy sheds from reputable and trusted custom storage shed builders. Don't rush your decision while choosing the first search result after typing the ‘best storage shed near me’ on Google or any search engine.
3. Buying a Shed That Doesn’t Meet Code Requirements
No doubt sheds are tiny structures compared to big buildings and houses, but following the building codes is crucial. If not, it won't take a minute for officials to fine you a hefty amount or forcefully remove the structure from your space.
Solution
While it's highly recommended to spend time understanding building codes to avoid legal staff tearing your shed down—the better solution is to work with Professional custom storage shed builders.
Professionals know the legal consequences and do the whole research on your behalf so that you won't get stuck in a legal nightmare.
4. Going for the Cheapest Storage Sheds
The cost of the cheapest custom built storage sheds can be sky-high in the long run. The initial price can be tempting for you to click the ‘buy button’, but hidden costs will be a headache for you in the future.
Solution
Investing in quality upfront can save you from all the future costs that will arise from rusting, rotting, poor insulation, leakage, and instability.
So instead of taking a shortcut, take the long route and save yourself from leading towards the dead end.
Traits of high-quality custom built storage sheds include:
Eave overhangs ➡ Rain Water won't touch the walls.
Heavy Duty 2×4 framed doors ➡ No more instability issues.
LP Panel siding & LP trim ➡ Longevity Confirmed.
5. Buying a Shed Without a Warranty
Repairing bills can shock anyone. Especially in a state like TX, where the weather is always ready to give a surprise, you can expect multiple damages to your shed. So when you'll have a solid warranty, you'll be at peace. Otherwise, long repairing bills will not just cost you money but peace of mind too.
Hiring a contractor to fix a roof panel leaking issue or a door warp issue can cost you way more than you have expected. This is what happens when your builder leaves you to face the problems alone while giving no warranty at all.
Solution
Out of all custom storage shed builders, choose the one that gives a complete warranty for not just a few months but for an extended period.
This way, never mind if you experience any problem with the custom storage shed’s frame, or roof, or suspect any foundational error, it'll be taken care of by the builders, without charging any fee.
6. Buying a poorly built storage shed
There's no better way to waste money than to invest in a poorly built custom storage shed. Sheds with a weak structure, ensuring poor durability shouldn't be on your buying list.
A poorly built shed can't even promise protection from burglars—as from walls to doors and locks, everything is fragile and flimsy, breaking them won't be an issue at all.
As poorly constructed custom built storage sheds are just like a weak umbrella that can't stand a storm, investing in them makes any sense? Nope!
Solution
Don't settle for the mere looks. A bigger shed is no doubt better than a smaller one, but this shouldn't be the first consideration. Ensure the material is of top quality. How? If it's Metal or LP SmartSide, don't entertain a second thought.
But this isn't just it. As the rope head is in the builder's hands, you need to focus on choosing the one that is reliable for construction.
7. Not creating a stable foundation
If you want to see your custom storage shed crumble after one TX storm, avoid creating a stable foundation.
It's always the bedrock that has a direct connection with the durability and longevity promise.
Professional custom storage shed builders can't overlook the foundation, as they don't want you to have a shed that settles or shifts unevenly.
The worst can be that your shed walls will start warping, while doors will misalign. Rotting, rusting, and storage damage are the most expected issues of not having a solid foundation.
Solution
You should only get your hands on custom built storage sheds with a strong backbone aka a stable foundation. Advantage: Long life expectancy.
Don't rush your decision during the storage shed near me search—only choose those custom storage shed builders that build pressure-treated runners into the floor for all the sheds under 150 sq. feet.
As for the custom built storage sheds above 150 sq. feet, you must see your shed builder prepping your site with a gravel or crushed concrete base.
8. Not customizing your storage shed to fit your needs
A custom storage shed is worth buying only if it serves the purpose. You cannot get everything in a single prefab storage shed, but you can definitely get everything in a custom shed.
You know how you're going to use the shed, and how you're organizing your belongings in it, so no other person can design the layout better than you.
Depending on the builder or contractor solely can cause frustration in the later hand when you'll end up having high shelves and doors that don't even fit properly.
Solution
Use the 3D technology offered by reliable custom storage shed builders and virtually design and customize your shed to see if everything goes smoothly and meets your needs.
Whether it's shelving or you want workbenches in your shed, let your shed builder know.
9. Failing to Plan Ahead
If you really want to turn the purchase into a success, don't underestimate your future needs. If the 8’×8’ size looks perfect for now, it doesn't mean it will suit your needs next year too. So, make sure the size of your custom storage shed is flexible enough to meet future needs.
Also, a proper plan will help you make use of all the space in the shed and no cramped corners will be left wasting the space.
Solution
Plan serves exactly the same purpose as the foundation in building a house. So, envision 5-10 years before customizing and buying your shed.
Consider all the sizes one by one and choose the one that looks resilient and efficient enough to serve you for the next decades.
10. Overlooking Aesthetic Integration
Dull things—never mind, if fulfill the purpose, don't make you feel happy. It isn't just about happiness but your property value.
Shed Type | Property Value | Charm & Ambiance |
Dull Custom storage shed | Decreases | Decreases |
Aesthetic Custom storage shed | Increases | Increases |
Solution
Don't compromise on the aesthetics. Choose the color that pleases your heart. It isn't just about paint, but about Metal and Shingle designs, colors and patterns.
Conclusion
When you're choosing a custom storage shed, every single decision counts. What size you choose, the color, pattern, custom add-ons, and everything. Hasty decisions always result in losing money, so it's crucial to take your time and buy the shed that meets the code—avoiding the common mistakes that most people make.
Do a little research and consult it with your builder. Trustable and experienced custom storage shed builders know how to build a one-size-fits-all solution for you with a minimum investment of time and money.
A perfect shed doesn't mean a structure that is out of reach. SE Yard Solutions wants you to have a custom storage shed that doesn't just store your stuff but stores your mental peace.
Contact Us now if you want a listening ear for your special customization needs. We are more than eager to lay the foundation of your shed—just waiting for your call (682-730-2238).
FAQS
Q1: What is a mistake when building a shed?
A: No matter how efficient your custom storage shed is, if it doesn't have a solid and stable foundation, it is not going to stand for long. So, the most common mistake is not paying attention to the foundation.
Q2: How do I choose a good shed?
A: Keep your needs at first and choose the shed builder who's willing to build the shed per your requirements. This way, you'll ultimately get a perfect shed that's good in all ways.
Q3: What shouldn't you store in a shed?
A: Though some people turn their storage shed into a home office, which is totally fine, but you can only do that if your shed has a proper ventilation system and doesn't leak. Because electronics e.g computer or your setup can get damaged.
Q4: Does a 10x12 shed need a foundation?
A: Of course it does. Pressure treated runners will work for smaller sheds, but sheds of size 10×12 definitely need a solid gravel or crushed concrete base.
Q5: Can a shed sit directly on concrete?
A: Yes, a shed can definitely sit on crushed concrete. It ensures your shed doesn't get contact with groundwater or any kind of moisture.
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