It’s easy just to chuck in your spades, mowers and brooms, shut the shed door and have done with it. Over time, our little outhouses can become so messy that it becomes impossible to find anything we’re looking for. Searching for a small pair of clippers? No chance!
Why not breathe new life into your shed and turn it into an outdoor haven? Give it a new purpose and a welcome dose of TLC. After months of neglect, it probably deserves it.
Why have a garden shed to begin with?
The unassuming garden shed might not be the Belle of the ball, but there are plenty of benefits to having one. Most people will use them as a storehouse for gardening equipment. Fitted with a range of hooks and shelves and with enough space to house your most basic equipment, they are an easy and convenient place to store your gardening assistants.
They’re also a great spot to store your tools and hazardous materials. Think expertly made Dewalt nail guns, electric saw, and weed killers – items that you don’t want the kids to get their hands on.
And if you have one dusty armchair too many, there’s only one place it’s going to go. Set it up next to the BBQ or mountain bikes and you can forget all about it! Out of sight, out of mind; it’s something a shed does brilliantly so it’s remarkably easy for them to become unruly and disorganised.
How to give your shed a new purpose
If your shed is looking a bit old and tired, give it a much-needed makeover and think about new ways it can be used. With so many of us working from home for at least a section of the week, sheds are now portals to escape the comings and goings of the main house.
But before you transform it into your own personalised pad, there are bound to be repairs that need to be done. Exposed to all kinds of weathers throughout the year, it’s a good idea to check the roof for any leaks, look for any cases of wood rot and fix broken windows or uneven floorboards.
Make it a home (a little bit) away from home
Next, you want to make sure the shed is a comfortable spot to spend time, so consider installing some thermal installation which regulates the shed’s temperature in summer and winter. Make it extra cosy with some PVC-U windows and doors that also keep the shed a pleasant temperature throughout the year. They also add extra layers of security for your peace of mind.
Finally, make it really functional by installing electricity. Whatever your plans for it, whether it’s space to use for an extra fridge, as an office or even a hang-out spot, electricity will make it even more comfy and cosy. Unless you are a qualified electrician, do not try doing this yourself! Then go wild with furniture, paint, cushions and décor and let your personality shine through.
