There are plenty of good reasons to buy and install an outdoor shed on your property. There are just as many things to consider – from county and neighborhood restrictions, to choice of material, to preparing the area for installation, and more! This post will help you decide where to turn once you’ve decided to take the leap and add some storage space to your yard.

There are a lot of retailers out there. They range from home improvement giants like The Home Depot, to companies that specialize in shed construction and customization. While similar across many aspects of the buying and installation process, both options offer their own advantages. The best way of deciding which option is best for you is to understand the benefits of each.

Working with big retailers

The convenience of big-box retailers can be very attractive to some. Many locations offer many of the same installation services as the smaller vendors. For wooden sheds, they have a brief wait for delivery and installation – usually 2–4 weeks.

The big guys are also able to offer their customers choices among multiple brands. Although some of the best-reviewed manufacturers are not available at major chains like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Costco, they do carry models from many nationally known companies. However, even among those options, it’s still worth noting that many of their partners sell only certain models through these partnerships – often their base models, and/or models that offer fewer options for customization.

The shed price may be cheaper, but it’s up to you whether the tradeoff in value is worthwhile. One thing to keep in mind is the same tradeoff you make anytime you choose to spend at a big box. You’re trading price for service and quality – you may save a few dollars today, but at the expense of having to replace your shed years sooner, and being less and less satisfied with its appearance and performance over time.

Benefits of buying a shed from a smaller company

Let’s leave aside for now the more general benefits of supporting local companies that have a real presence in your community. Purchasing your shed through a small retailer will also provide you with value that you may not get at a big-box store. For one, small retailers are more likely to stand by their products. At New England Outdoor, we stand by every product we sell with our lifetime warranty.

Another big benefit to buying through a small retailer is the opportunity for customization. Although the big chains do offer customers some opportunity for personal customization, smaller retailers are more accustomed to working with each customer as an individual.

Maybe you have a unique mix of interests in mind for your shed – say, you want some space for your gardening equipment and a potting table, but you also need a workspace for your craft hobby. And, oh yeah, you also need storage for your snow shovels. And don’t forget about the exterior, which must match your backyard décor for those summer barbecues you love to host!

Working closely with a trained shed installer from the start – the proverbial expert that will know more about sheds and out-buildings than most – means you’ll get a personalized solution that fits your budget and your tastes.

Before you make your decision

One of the best ways to get a feel for all of the options and all of the things to consider ahead of installing your new shed is to check out New England Outdoor’s FAQ page. No matter where you purchase your shed, reading through our FAQ and blog will help you feel confident that you’re making an informed decision. Have more questions? Feel free to chat with us or send us an email!

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