Working out whether your shed is a fixer-upper or if you should buy a new one is always a challenge. You want to use the wood that’s already there, but you aren’t sure whether it’s worth the effort.
So, what should you do in this situation?
That’s where this post can help. We look at some of the ways you can determine whether your shed is worth investing in, or whether you should just bite the bullet, scrap it, and get a new one.
Assess The Structure’s Condition
You’ll want to start by assessing the structure’s condition. Usually, you can rescue a shed, even if it has rot, but it depends on how bad it is.
Warping and sagging isn’t necessarily as dangerous, but if wood is pulling away from the structure in your hands because the termites have gotten to it, you could be looking at a replacement scenario.
Pay particular attention to the amount of wood left in the flooring. Usually, this is the first part critters eat through, usually because they can access it from below.
Also, check the doors and windows for functionality. If they are still working well, you can usually keep them.
Assess The Material
Next, look at the materials in more detail. Metal sheds are at risk of rust, including on screws, so check these.
Also, look at vinyl sheds as these are prone to UV damage (even though critters and water will usually leave them alone).
Evaluate The Costs
Once you have a good idea of the condition, you’ll want to check out the costs for repair. Totalling it up tells you whether the restoration is economical (don’t assume that it is).
Small repairs include things like fixing the odd bit of rotten wood here and there, patching up the door, and replacing the roof felt.
More significant repairs are things like structural reinforcement or replacing the floor. These jobs can become significantly more expensive and prevent you from actually using the shed for a while because it can’t keep items dry.
Think About The Shed’s Age
You also want to consider the shed’s age. Those that are over 20 years old are often reaching the end of their lives and need replacing quickly before they start failing on you.
You might want to repair an old shed, but will it be worth it if it only extends its life by a couple of years? Usually, not.
You also want to consider whether you need a larger space to accommodate your growing lifestyle requirements. Sometimes, you need something that’s going to stay with you in the long term and do what you want it to do, like storing bikes.
Consider The Aesthetics
Lastly, you’ll want to think about the aesthetics when determining whether your shed is a fixer-upper. Sometimes it will be because it still looks good. But if it is really run down or has become an eyesore, then getting rid of it and replacing it with something better could be the optimal way to go.
