Shed Buying Do's & Don'ts From a Shed Dealer

Ready to buy a shed? We have tips from a pro to help you narrow down your options and find the right shed for your specific situation.

Do Some Math Before You Buy

Before heading out to a shed lot, it's imperative to consider the shed size that you need. Think about how you plan to use your shed. Is it solely for storage? Will it be used as a workshop? Consider how much time you will spend inside and how easily you'll want to move around while in it.

Anthony Crisi, sales manager at G & B Sheds in Royersford, Penn., recommends adding one to two feet to the size you think you need. “You can never go wrong with going larger than you initially wanted,” says Crisi. “Over my 20 years in the industry, I've heard many customers say they wished they had gone bigger when they purchased their shed. Many customers focus on paint color choices initially, and don't think enough about the storage space they will need long-term. I always advise customers to think about storage space first.”

Do Listen to Your Shed Dealer

Consider the confidence your shed dealer has in the products a shed is built of, and the warranty included with the materials. Ask about the weatherability and durability of flooring, roofing and siding – the components that will protect your valuables and determine how long the shed lasts. “In terms of what qualities to look for in purchasing a long-lasting shed, ask your dealer about the products used to build the shed and their durability and weather resistance,” advises Crisi. “For instance, many LP shed products feature the SmartGuard^® process to help resist fungal decay and termites.”

Don't Buy Cheap Materials

Most homeowners barely have enough time to keep their homes in shape, never mind their sheds! That's why it's smart to choose a shed built of high-quality, easy-maintenance materials from LP. Sheds made with LP^® SmartSide^® products offer exceptional durability because they are engineered with the SmartGuard process that helps to resist damage from fungal decay and termites.

Don't Try to Keep Up With the Joneses

Every homeowner's storage needs are different, so be sure to purchase a shed that will meet your specific situation rather than trying to imitate a shed someone else has. "I have customers who want to match a neighbor's shed they've seen, but do not realize that their neighbor has fewer items to store than they do," says Crisi. "For example, I've seen a family with three children buy a shed based off their retired neighbor's shed. They didn't think about that fact that they had far more equipment and items to store than could fit within the quaint size of their neighbor's shed."

Be Confident in Your Shed Purchase

Feel confident in your purchase when you buy a shed made of products from LP^® Outdoor Building Solutions^®. Find a shed dealer in your area.