2021

There is more to the modern day garden shed than about storing gardening equipment and supplies. There is a greater emphasis on repurposing these structures for various purposes. Many homeowners are building new sheds or turning their existing garden sheds into extensions of their home or living areas for multiple purposes.

Explore the garden shed trends you can expect to see in 2021.

Garden Sheds as Gathering Places

Many homeowners are creating backyard gathering sheds. These sheds are mostly rectangular in shape and have more windows than normal. Seating is added for all the family members and guests.

There are no limitations to what you can add. It can also be modified to allow serving refreshments. Some of the functional and décor additions can include:

• Mini-fridge
• Chairs
• Lighting
• Picnic tables
• Wall decorations
• Glassware

Kids’ Playrooms

You never thought of turning your garden shed into a space for your kids to spend some entertaining time. Many parents are increasingly coming up with this thought. A garden shed playroom allows your children to be outdoors and you will always know about their whereabouts.

Some of the key features of this trend include:

• Well-placed windows
• A portico with rails
• Use of bright colors
• Built-in storage including drawers for keeping toys, games, and puppets

Such an outdoor playhouse can last for decades, serving as the playhouse for even your children’s children.

Garden Sheds as Home Offices

A garden shed home office is seen as a great addition to set the perfect work-life balance. Many homeowners now see such backyard mini-offices as perfect for engaging in undisturbed work time while maintaining privacy. These sheds can both be stylish and comfortable.

Craft Rooms

Any amount of time that is spent on hobbies is now being transformed into part-time or full-time home-based business. With new avenues being created by YouTube and social media platforms, transformed garden sheds are serving as great space to power a wide range of hobbies.

Besides engaging in traditional hobbies such as sculpting, painting, knitting, and crafts, podcasts, singing, and other activities are being enabled by the uninterrupted space of garden sheds.

People are customizing their sheds to their taste. As more and more people like to share their hobbies and activities online, their sheds provide them greater creative freedom. Besides, an arts and crafts shed makes it easier to store all the tools, equipment, and digital devices.

Garden Sheds as Workout Rooms

Well-ventilated garden sheds are also being used as workout rooms. Homeowners are modifying or extending their sheds to fit the type of exercise equipment they use. Again, sheds provide a space for engaging in physical activities without any interruption from anyone.

Garden Sheds as Bike Sheds

There is a surge in the bike riding trend, as more and more people are becoming conscious about their health and the environment. Everyone in the family is riding bikes. And storing all these bikes has become a growing challenge for people.

Most homeowners have their garage already stocked to the full. Transforming and extending garden sheds to accommodate bikes is the new trend. Many people are buying or building larger sheds for the purpose.

Since bikes can get scratched when stored in smaller sheds with lawn equipment and other items, there is a surge in demand for larger sheds. These larger garden sheds also make it easier to move the bikes in and out of them.

There are many such new garden shed trends that are reshaping the purpose and aesthetics of these yard structures. You can also have a custom shed designed to your specifications and needs if you can find the right garden shed company.

Adding a deck to the house is a creative way to include extra living space outdoors that comes in handy when entertaining guests for brunch. It makes the house exterior more beautiful with a lounging or eating area. Not to mention it can also be a perfect place to add a small herb or container garden. For this reason, when planning to deck the home, it’s essential to find a deck builder that is right for the project.

This guide provides useful tips and pointers that homeowners can use to find, screen, and hire pro deck builders.

First things first, before finding a professional decker to start work, it’s useful to gather all the information relating to the project. It involves identifying the design, approximate size, and the building materials to use.

Preparation and Collecting Project Information

Gathering all information before meeting the decking contractor helps smooth out the process and gives him a rough idea of the project scope. Why is that important? For drawing up a budget, time frame, and other necessary logistics.

Research Deck Types and Designs

Especially for those constructing a deck for the first time, they should research to understand the designs available. The design and type will determine how big or small the deck is going to be.

Location and Levels

Next, decide beforehand where the deck will go. The landscape will determine some aspects that go into building the right deck. Consider if it will be adjacent to any other features such as pool, garden, etc. Determine how many levels it will comprise and whether it will connect to a stairway.

Building Materials

Finally, an important one is the building materials. The common decking materials are; aluminum boards, wood, and composite panels. Settle on the material and type of finish. If deciding on one is hard, hardware stores allow ordering samples to get the exact feel.

Why Hire a Professional Deck Builder

In this era of DIY, anybody can easily replicate crafts and simple construction projects from youtube tutorials. But, the result can never outdo the work of a pro. Not to mention there are technical and legal construction requirements that only qualified deckers can deliver. He will additionally ensure safe and sturdy foundations and rails for the deck that pass inspection.

Hiring a Decking Contractor: What to Consider

Recommendations

The best starting point when looking for a local area service provider is from personal endorsements. Find two to three recommendations for deck builders and assess them. Ask friends, family, and even neighbors for suggestions.

Visiting Their Website

Once there are options to work with, it’s time to research who they are. Visit their websites to review the type of work they do. Look at before and after project photos, the designs they work with, service locations, etc. While at it, make a point to check out what some of the former clients are saying.

Contacting Them

After the quick background check, it’s time to contact them for an inquiry. Ask questions that help to know if they are qualified for the project. For instance, if they can handle the type of project in question, about permits, insurance, and licenses.

Meeting in Person

The next step is to schedule and meet in person. Remember to be sure the person getting the job is the right one vetting is necessary. The meeting builds confidence and trust. At this point, ask about their work schedule, payment, logistics, like who will coordinate with utility companies. Lastly, the other purpose of an in-person meeting is to request proof of professional documents such as licenses and insurance.

Discussing the Price Estimates

The final factor is to request a quote for the entire project. Compare the quotes from different candidates. From the assessment, it is possible to pick one that is most suitable.

In an ideal world, the service providers would be straightforward and honest but, this isn’t one.

Below are some red flags to watch out for when hiring a deck builder.

• Asking large upfront amounts
• A contractor has no proof of insurance or license.
• Too attractive prices
• Unclear contract

Conclusion

Hiring a professional deck builder is a worthwhile investment. That’s because the difference between professional and regular deck is quality, durability, and safety. These are not worth compromising.