When you invest in a storage shed, you are solving a current need for space. But what about your needs five or ten years from now? One of the most common pieces of feedback we hear from shed owners is that they wish they had planned for more space. While buying the biggest shed you can afford is one solution, another is strategic planning for future expansion.
Thinking ahead can save you significant time and money, allowing your building to grow with you. This guide will provide practical tips for planning your shed purchase with future add-ons and expansions in mind, ensuring your investment serves you well for years to come.
1. Start with "Bigger Than You Think"
The simplest way to plan for the future is to give yourself a head start. Before you even consider expansion, carefully evaluate your immediate and short-term needs.
- List Your Current Items: Make a detailed inventory of everything you plan to store right now.
- Consider Future Purchases: What new equipment, tools, or recreational gear might you acquire in the next few years? Think about new hobbies, a growing family, or a larger lawnmower.
- Factor in Workspace: Don't just plan for storage. Will you need room for a workbench, a potting station, or space to move around comfortably?
Often, choosing the next size up from what you think you need provides the most cost-effective "expansion" you can get from day one. It is always cheaper to buy a little extra space now than to add it later.
2. Choose a Location with Expansion in Mind
Where you place your shed is as crucial as the shed itself. A poorly chosen spot can make future expansion impossible.
- Allow for Ample Clearance: When selecting a site on your property, don't just think about the shed's current footprint. Leave plenty of open space on at least one or two sides of the building. This "buffer zone" is where a future lean-to, extension, or second shed could be placed.
- Avoid Property Lines and Easements: Be sure to place your shed well clear of any property lines, utility easements, or septic systems. Building too close can legally prevent you from expanding in that direction. Check with your local city or county office in Alabama or Georgia for setback requirements.
- Think About Access: Ensure the area you designate for future expansion remains accessible. Avoid planting large trees or building permanent structures that would block future construction or delivery.
3. Design an Adaptable Interior Layout
How you organize the inside of your shed can make a significant difference in its long-term functionality. A flexible layout can help you adapt the space as your needs change, even without structural additions.
- Use Freestanding Shelving: Instead of building permanent, fixed shelves, opt for heavy-duty freestanding shelving units. This allows you to reconfigure your storage layout easily, accommodating larger items or creating open floor space whenever needed.
- Incorporate Wall-Mounted Organizers: Utilize wall-mounted pegboards, track systems, and hooks. These systems are modular by nature, allowing you to change the arrangement of tools and equipment without altering the shed's structure. This keeps your floor clear and your space adaptable.
4. Plan for Potential Add-Ons
While Action Buildings are delivered as complete, engineered units, you can still plan for simple, non-structural additions that expand your usable space.
- Consider a Lean-To: A lean-to is a simple roofed structure built against the side of your shed. It’s perfect for protecting things like firewood, lawnmowers, or grills from the rain and sun. By ensuring you have a clear, accessible wall during initial placement, you make adding a lean-to in the future a simple project.
- Plan Door and Window Placement: Think about how you might use an expanded space. Placing a door on the side you plan to expand from can create a seamless connection to a future addition. Likewise, avoiding placing a window on that wall can simplify the process of adding on later.