If you are just getting into farming, or just looking for a handy safe and dry space to store some things, then a farm shed may be just what you need. They can provide a safe, dry, and secure space to store equipment and even vehicles such as tractors.
Once you begin looking for a farm shed, you will find that there are many different options available. It is not always clear at first glance which will best suit your needs. This means that you need a system to whittle down the options, which is what this article will provide.
Here are the most important things you need to consider in order to choose the best farm shed for your needs.
Current and future requirements
Obviously, you will want any farm shed you buy to be able to store some of your current equipment. However, it is unwise to simply pick the first one you see that is the right size and call in the farm shed builders. Think carefully about what your plans are for the future. If you plan to expand your farming activities, you will likely require more equipment and a bigger shed.
Size
This is related to the above, but it is mentioned here separately to remind you that when the measurements say that a particular farm shed is large enough to house a large piece of equipment you have, you also need to look at the door height and width. The overall height and width means little if you cannot get what you need inside.
Style
While farm sheds are primarily practical, style should not be overlooked. Nice ones can actually add value to your property, and the design of the shed will actually have some impact on how you use it. For example, the type and location of the doors and windows will have an effect on how bright it is inside and how secure the shed is.
Even in Australia, traditional barn in the American style are very popular, but there are also mono-pitch sheds which are more modern, minimalist, and boxy.
Functionality
Farm sheds can come with a whole load of helpful functions that you can agree with the builders in advance or add on later. These include things such as automatic doors, lights, and even a toilet. Generally, it is better to add these things early if you want them. That is because many farm shed builders offer some degree of customisation for new builds. Also, adding them later can cause disruptions.
Permission from the authorities
Outbuildings in some areas need approval before they can be built or renovated. In other places, there are exemptions for farm buildings, although farm sheds may not always fall under these. Remember to check with your local authority what permissions are required before you start any work on your shed. This can help prevent you from incurring additional costs later in the case that your shed is not approved.
Conclusion
Farm sheds can be an expensive decision, and one that has a big impact on the efficiency of your farming operations. To prevent problems later, it is worth taking the time to consider these factors and make the right choice the first time.
