One of the best ways to maximize your property is by adding an outbuilding. Barns, gazebos and sheds all add different aspects to your home. Obviously, they're not for everybody. City and suburb dwellers usually don't have room for a full-size barn. However, even the smallest properties can usually accommodate a small shed or gazebo. Here, we'll review these three varieties of outbuildings, as well as some trendy new designs. We'll also provide some tips for determining whether you can tackle these buildings as DIY projects or whether it's best to hire professional help.
If you're like many homeowners today, you're looking for ways to maximize the use and enjoyment you can get out of your home and property. In today's economy, more people than ever are focusing on improving what they have, instead of buying a new property.
Barns
Considering a barn usually means that you're fortunate enough to live in the country, and possibly own horses. Constructing the proper barn is essential to the health and happiness of your animals, and the right barn can serve many other purposes as well.
Animal health should be your primary concern. Professional building companies which specialize in equestrian barns are on the cutting edge of modern design. Ask about features like ventilation and easy-open doors for emergencies. There are many design elements which can be added with no loss of safety, such as panel doors which match the rest of the barn, and attractive mesh and grid inserts.
In addition to basic animal housing, a barn can function as a home office, a “man-cave,†or even as an extra apartment! The hottest barn designs available today feature full apartments on the upper level, complete with every possible amenity. Sleeping in the barn won't sound so bad once your guests see their accommodations! These loft apartments are also a great way to generate extra income if you rent them out.
Positioning your barn is an important consideration. If possible, it's best to have the barn open directly onto a large pasture for recreation. A fenced-in pen is a timeless and popular design element, great for kids learning to ride.
Talk through your project with your contractor before beginning such a large outbuilding. Good communication is key, since the best barns are tailored to your individual household needs.
Gazebos
One of the most romantic outdoor structures available, a gazebo practically begs you to slow down, sit and relax with a cool drink in your hand. These open, breezy structures are extremely versatile. They can be quiet places to relax, fun play areas for children, or even a novel place to sleep during warm months with the addition of a comfortable hammock.
While gazebos are gorgeous no matter where they are on your property, placing them in an out of the way spot is a timeless trend. If the gazebo is tucked away in a wooded corner, the sense of privacy and relaxation is heightened, making your gazebo a true haven. If your property is not wooded, consider landscaping around your new structure with flowering trees and shrubs.
Gazebos can be vinyl, metal or traditional wood. They range from very simple tent-like designs to elaborate structures. Details like gingerbread trim are a very popular. Perhaps the hottest trend right now is creating a gazebo which is literally an outdoor living space. These gazebos are like tiny homes, with solid walls and floor-to-ceiling windows which open in warm months and seal fully in winter. This design allows for three-season use of your gazebo, and year-round use in very warm climates. Since they are fully protected from the elements, you can outfit these gazebos with indoor furniture. Many designs feature fireplaces for that extra level of coziness.
The level of intricacy should determine whether your gazebo is a DIY project or whether it requires a professional touch. Elaborate gazebos should be handled by building professionals. However, smaller, open structures can often be erected in a single day by two or three people.
Regardless of which design you choose, remember that your new structure deserves the same attention to detail as the rest of your property. Landscape around the gazebo and the approaching path. A popular and timeless landscaping theme is to allow a climbing plant, such as roses or ivy, to grow up and over your gazebo. These plants can cover a small structure like a gazebo in just a few years, and you'll love the naturalized look they provide. In addition, sitting inside a rose-covered gazebo is truly a heavenly scent experience!
Sheds
Sheds are easily the most versatile of outbuildings, simply because they have so many potential uses. They can be huge warehouse-style structures for storing multiple large vehicles, or they can be tiny buildings designed to hold a few gardening supplies. The options are limited only by your imagination and budget!
Shed exterior design is one of the hottest trends in outbuildings right now. Forget the ready-made metal sheds you may have seen growing up. While they still exist, they're far from the only option. A popular trend is to match a shed to your home. This provides a harmonious appearance for your property, and is your best bet if the shed will be located close to the main house.
If your shed will be located further away, you have more options. Perhaps you've always loved the ornate appearance of vintage Victorian-era homes, but never had the chance to buy one. Here's your chance to build one! An ornately designed shed is a great way to let your creative side go wild. Since they're smaller structures, design costs are automatically lower. In addition, you don't' have to deal with the expense of interior amenities (unless you want to). Whether you like Victorian, Cape Cod or any other specialized type of home design, you can create a shed to match your taste.
The purpose of your shed will determine its position on your property, as well as its size and shape. If you need to house an RV, for example, you'll need a tall, long, narrow structure. A simple gardening shed might feature rows of shelves and glass or heavy-duty vinyl ceiling panels for a greenhouse effect. Sheds which will be used as workshops should have plenty of space for equipment and tables.
Whether or not your shed will need plumbing and electricity is a big concern. This choice needs to be made very clear to your contractor upfront, since routing pipes and wires can be a very intricate process. Small sheds designed for storage can sometimes get by with only a small window for light, especially if they're used only for seasonal items like snow equipment. However, if you're going to be storing expensive items, you'll want electricity for lights and most likely a security system. Gardening sheds are much more convenient if they feature running water. Workshops need electricity to run power tools, and a sink for cleanup is very convenient. Plan for your needs first, then accommodate your wants, in order to stay within the boundaries of your budget while still ending up with a shed you can truly enjoy.
Hiring the Best Professionals
Your first step in hiring the best professional for your individual outbuilding project is to determine what type of expertise it requires. A great deal of gazebos and sheds which come ready-made and only need to be assembled can be handled by any experienced handyman. However, structures which will be erected from the ground up require the skills of a builder. In some cases, you'll also need a plumber and electrician.
Finding these professionals can seem like an intimidating task. After all, if you live near a large city, there are seemingly endless options in the phone book and online. It can seem impossible to discern who might be best for your project.
Thankfully, websites which connect professional home improvement experts with consumers like yourself can make this process extremely simple. These websites allow you to look over the licensing, qualifications and expertise levels of many different contractors, all in your local area. You can even read consumer reviews, written by former clients just like yourself. These reviews often prove invaluable when making your hiring decision, since they give you an inside look at how a particular contractor really behaves while on a job.
To make the process even simpler, you can also post your project on a website and wait for contractors to contact you with bids!
Once you've used these resources to narrow your search, start making phone calls. Describe your entire project to each contractor, including any small details. Running through the whole project beforehand will help to avoid costly delays once work has begun. Obtain estimates, but always remember that outdoor work is at the mercy of the weather, and so estimates can't always be relied upon.
Once you've found a contractor you're comfortable with, get ready to enjoy your new outdoor structure. Regardless of its purpose, adding an outbuilding brings enjoyment and value to your home, letting you maximize space and get the very most out of home ownership.
Posted by: Diane
