Jennifer Sheahan: All you need to know about installing a garden shed

The Home of the Year winner would love a garden shed. Here, she shares everything you need to know about the process

You can use a shed for almost anything but you need planning if you want to use it to live in or for keeping animals, so if you’re planning to use it as an extra bedroom or to store your livestock, then you need to apply for planning permission. File pictures

I want a shed. Got a garden? Want a shed? This is for you. As someone who has a two-by-two square metre postage stamp of a back garden, this is not something that I have done in my own home, but I have just been through the process with a family member. 

Here is everything you need to know.

What size shed can I get?

In Ireland, the maximum size you can install without planning permission is 25 square metres. Interestingly this limit is an aggregated total, meaning you could have two sheds — for example, one that’s 10 square metres and another one that’s 15 square metres. 

The maximum height you can have is four metres as a pitched roof or three metres as a flat roof. 

Plus, you also need to ensure there are 25 square metres of garden space remaining after your shed has been installed. If you want anything bigger than this, you need to apply for planning permission. 

The shed finish also has to be in keeping with the house, meaning you can’t go totally bonkers with the exterior decoration. 

It can’t be lived in or used to keep animals in, so if you’re planning to use it as an extra bedroom or to store your livestock, then you need to apply for planning permission.

Where should I put it?

You can put your shed almost anywhere you want, but there are a few places where you shouldn't put it. One place where you can’t put it is against your front wall — planning regulations are clear on this. Another place you shouldn’t put it is right up against any wall — this is because moisture can accumulate and so it’s recommended that you leave at least a foot between your shed and a wall. 

You also want to make sure that you have a nice flat even surface for your shed and depending on what you’re using it for, you might want access to water and/or electricity.

Next, you need to consider how you’ll be using your shed. It’s tempting to just shove your shed way down in the far corner of your garden, but consider first how often you’ll need to access it. If you’ll be popping in and out regularly, or if it needs to be in the range of your home wifi, consider moving it closer to an entrance to your home. 

Think also about light — do you want your shed to be flooded with daylight, and will its location block any light for you or your neighbours’ homes?

Before installing it

Ireland is wet, and you don’t want your shed to turn into a cold sodden mess, so you need a foundation. What kind of foundation depends on how big and heavy your shed is going to be. For a small, light shed you can just install a shed base, which is very simple to lay down. Another relatively quick foundation for a medium shed is to lay concrete slabs.

If you’re planning to use it as an extra bedroom or to store your livestock, then you need to apply for planning permission. 

However, if you’re installing a large shed, or if you plan on spending quite a lot of time in it, then it is best to install a concrete foundation. You might also need to consider drainage, especially if your shed is at a low point in your garden. 

A good foundation should include this, but if in doubt seek the help of a professional. You are allowed to use your shed for daily activities such as a home office, gym, or music room (provided you don’t sleep in it), in which case you need to make sure that there is adequate insulation, heating and ventilation. 

Finally, you may also need to call in the services of a plumber or an electrician if you need water and electricity.

Types of sheds

Shed materials are similar to window materials — you can get wood, steel, plastic, and even AluClad. Steel is my favourite option. It requires very little upkeep and it is a slim material to build with, meaning you maximise the floor space of your shed. 

I also love the look of a wooden shed, but I am a lazy person and I’m not sure if I’d bother with the upkeep required. I didn’t personally come across any plastic sheds that I liked the look of.

Again, think about what you will be using your shed for and assess your requirements accordingly. 

For example, if it is to store bicycles, make sure that you can easily carry a bike in and out and that there is enough space to store as many as you need. If it is a home office, make sure that you have enough space for a desk, and that you include a window.

What can I use it for?

Within reason, you can use your shed for almost anything that doesn’t involve living in it. Because I can’t personally fit a shed in my own garden, the remainder of this paragraph will be a space for me to dream about what I would do if I could fit one. 

First up I would have it as a laundry room. I’d love loads of space to hang clothes to dry, and somewhere to relegate a noisy washing machine. 

I’d also love to build myself a library — a whole space full of books with a huge comfortable armchair and some lamps where I could hide away and spend my evenings.

Besides a home office and a music room, you could also build yourself a lovely little home gym or a really fun children’s playroom. 

Or get super into craft beer and build yourself a little home brewery.

The choice is yours!