Whether you are in the market to add a new shed to your property or looking to upgrade an old one, you are in luck!

I have pulled together our Top 10 Best Selling Garden Sheds from 2024. The list below is the sheds and workshops that hundreds of Australians have invested in in the last 6 months.

We understand everyone has different needs and backyards, and there are hundreds of different sheds to choose from. So hopefully our list of the best-selling garden sheds will help to point you in the right direction.

#1 Cheap Sheds Garden Shed | 2.8m x 1.07m

The Cheap Sheds Garden Shed may not look impressive but it’s a very popular size and

So what makes this shed so popular?

A lot of people are looking for extra storage but do not want to lose any space in their yards. This Cheap Sheds design is narrow but wide which means it can be fitted neatly up against a wall or be tucked under the eaves of your home. It is also big enough to fit all those essential outdoor tools and bikes. And with its low price, it meets not only many different needs but also budgets.

Features:

• Double doors
• Flat Roof
• 5 popular colour options
• 15 years warranty
• Easy to assemble with the Fasttrak system,

Reviews:

#2 Yardsaver Medium Shed | 2.1m x 2.8m

The Yardsaver G68 is a great medium size, freestanding Garden Sheds.

Review:

#3 Cheap Sheds Bike Shed |1.76m x 1.07m x 1.48m

At number 4 of our “Best Sellers” list is a Cheap Sheds Bike Sheds. This is also often at the top of our list and it’s easy to see why!

It has a versatile design where it opens from the front and the top. It’s not very tall so won’t be overwhelming and is great to store bins, bikes and more.

The roof access makes it easy to get things in and out and gives you easy access.

Features:

• Sloped Roof
• Hinged door
• 5 popular colour options
• 15 years warranty
• Easy to assemble with the Fasttrak system

Review:

#4 Yardsaver Small Shed| 1.41m x 0.72m

A solid storage unit, the Yardsaver 1.4m x 0.72m x 1.8m  is designed to provide Slim line storage in a small space and easy access with single door entry.

These sheds will provide your family with a neat little storage solution to tuck it all away without taking over your yard. By adding some tool hooks, shelving and even a small bench you can maximise the storage capacity -for tips visit >> How to Maximise Storage in Your Shed

Features

• Double door access
• The flat roof can fit under most homes eaves and double up as a shelf for long items storage
• Comes with 15 years warranty
• 5 popular colour options
• Assembles using the Fasttrak assembly system

Review:

#5 Cheap Sheds Large Shed | 2.8m x 2.8m  

This Cheap Sheds Large Shed 2.8 x 2.8  is considered to be the typical backyard Aussie Garden Shed.

It is a freestanding large garden shed which is large enough to fit your gardening equipment and tool. You could even use it to store your outdoor entertainment accessories, bikes or camping gear! It gives you all the storage space you need plus fits comfortably in most backyards.

The wide door provides easy access and the gable roof gives you a little more headspace, which is highly sought after in the market today.

Features:

• Large double doors for easy access
• Gable Roof
• Comes in 3 great colours
• 15 years warranty
• Easy to assemble with the Fasttrak system

Review:

#6 Slimline F36 | 1.07m x 2.105m Side Entry

The Slimline F36 YardSaver.

It has single-side door access to so you can tuck it away down narrow areas. The flat roof gives you extra storage on top and helpful to fit under eaves. It provides ample storage space with its length. You can store your gardening tools, whipper snipper or even your lawnmower all in this unit!

Features:

• Slim Fit
• Flat Roof
• 4 great colours, including budget-friendly Zinc!
• 15 years warranty
• Easy to assemble with the Fasttrak system

#7 Yardsaver G66 | 2.1m x 2.1m 

Thehe Yardsaver g66 is a popular 2.1 x 2.1 square shape and a gable roof for a little more head height.

What’s more, is it comes with a floor kit and you can change its location/or take it when you move!

It features:

• Measures 2.105m (wide) x 2.105mm (deep)
• Height 1.80m (wall) / 2.025m (gable)
• Gable Roof
• Wide single hinged door (980mm)
• Assemble with Spanbilt Fasttrak assembly system
• 15 years warranty
• 5 popular colour options

Review:

#8 Cheap Sheds 2010 Workshop | 5.9m x 2.8m

This Cheap Shed 2010 Workshop 5.9m x 2.8m is a great workshop at a competitive price. This is our best selling workshop so the customers have spoken!

It is a freestanding large workshop with both a double-door and single-door access. It comes in 3 popular colours is made right here in Brisbane at our headquarters.

Features:

• Large double doors & PA door
• Gable Roof
• 5 popular colour options
• 15 years warranty
• Easy to assemble with the Fasttrak system

Review:

#10 Absco Spacesaver Garden Shed 2.26m x 0.78m 

New to our top 10 is the Absco Spacesaver. This shed has been a solid good seller since we launched the range over 10 years ago. Although a bit more in price than other brands the brand is a popular go-to storage solution and this narrow shed has a sloping forward roof which is often a feature some folks need.

Features:

• Braced single hinged door for easy access
• Skillion roof
• SNAP-TiTE easy assembly system
• Pre-punched holes and safety edges for easier and safer assembly
• Superior wall rigidity to prevent dents and damage
• 30 Years warranty!

That’s our top 10 Bestselling garden sheds of 2022 so far!

Before I leave you, do you want another hot tip? The best-selling colours are Slate Grey followed by Rivergum.

So clear out your house of unwanted items and clean up your yard by adding our Yardsaver

That’s it! We hope one of these models will suit your needs but if not, we have 200 + models online to choose from and you can see our top 20 best sellers from last month here >

The post Top 10 Best Selling Garden Sheds of 2024 appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

With some thought, you can select common shed accessories offered by retailers like Cheap Sheds.

You can see below what kind of accessories are available:

Add Some Light

For most sheds and garages you can add additional skylight sheets. By adding a skylight you will be allowing natural light into the shed so you can see your things clearly without having to reach for a flashlight.

When adding this accessory to a steel shed it will replace either a full or a half roof panel depending on the brand you choose. However, some of our resin sheds include a skylight ridge cap which runs the length of the roof.

Another good way of letting in some light is by adding windows. You have a few options regarding the types of windows but it really depends on the type of shed you purchase. It is also best to add windows to your garden shed kit when buying one, so the correct parts are included in your shed kit saving you money and the hassle of adding it to your shed later.

Types of windows you are looking at include:

• Perspex sliding window comes with our Absco, Cheap Sheds, and Spanbilt range
• Our plastic sheds come with fixed windows.

More on >> Lighting options for sheds 

Storage Solutions

Shelving and tool hooks are available for different shed models.

Spanbilt has a variety of storage solutions for inside your shed. For shelving, they have the following options,

• Corner Shelving  so you can utilize the corners in your shed
• 3 Tier Shelf  which you attached to the wall brackets

As for Hanging tools and equipment, they have the following items,

• Multi-Purpose Hooks – To create perfect order in your shed
• Tool Hanging Rack – To organize your tools

Anchoring & Security

Most models come with anchor kits or fixing kits to help secure your shed to the concrete slab.

It’s important to always check if your product includes an anchoring solution and if not, add them to your kit from the accessory options. You need to also make sure you buy the right amount for the size o your shed.

Why is this important? Anchoring your shed ensures your safety. If there is a storm or high winds it will keep your shed ground and keep it from turning into a deadly missile.

More on>> Wind ratings & Sheds for storms

Flooring Options

It is always recommended to lay a concrete slab for your new shed as it provides a solid and level surface for your shed. However, it’s not always an option for all people so some types of sheds come with alternative options.

For example with some Absco sheds, you can add a timber flooring kit to substitute for a concrete slab.

Resin sheds, generally come with a durable resin floor or you can add an option to your kit from the accessories. Depending on the model it could be a timber floor. Be sure to also consider a concrete foundation for more stability.

Guttering

You don’t often have guttering available for sheds but on some models, we do have this feature on offer. Two of our manufacturers have some shed options in their ranges for guttering.

Spanbilt has developed the Smartlocker storage shed which comes with guttering.

Our Cheap Sheds garages come with guttering systems.

More on>> Guttering for garden sheds

At the end of the day shed accessories are there to improve your shed storage and get the maximum out of your investment. So take your time in deciding which ones will be best for your needs and make sure to add them to our order BEFORE you check out. You will be kicking yourself if you leave it till after you have built and packed your shed!

There is a range of shed accessories and they change per supplier and per model so the best is to check what is on offer for the shed you like. Also, be aware that the options can change depending on what is in stock or what the manufacturers are offering with their sheds.

The post Shed Accessories – How to Maximise Storage in Your Shed appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

Shopping online has hit an all-time high this year with Covid keeping us at home so we dug around and made a list of our favourite gift ideas for the Home and Garden.

Pop into your local bunnings or BBQ shop for a range to choose from!

The post 10 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Patio & Garden appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

Australia’s weather can be unpredictable and we tend to experience some extreme conditions. As global temperature rises, we are seeing some very hot weather and experiencing heat waves in many areas, and if we combined this with our love for the outdoors we may be facing some major health problems in the future.

We as a nation, spend a lot of time outdoors, from swimming at the beach, hiking in the mountains and even just spending time in our own backyards gardening, BBQ-ing or playing with the kids.

With all this activity outdoors and extreme heat, it may shock you to know that there are ‘2 silent killers’ waiting for you in your backyard and at the beach etc. These two killers are taking lives all around the country…

Skin Cancer and Heat Stroke.

Killer #1 SKIN CANCER

Skin Cancer is one of the worst serial killers. It sits in your backyard waiting for you. It doesn’t wait for night time, no, it chooses the bright sunny days when it knows you will be outside. It attacks you in the daylight and the scary thing is you won’t know it until years down the track.

Melanoma

It certainly is a scary thought and with Melanoma being the biggest of the skin cancers causing death, we must take it seriously. It has become an epidemic in our country and according to the Melanoma Institute of Australia:

• More than 1,500 Australians die from melanoma each year.
• Melanoma makes up only 2.3% of all skin cancers but is responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths.
• Melanoma was responsible for 3.4% of all cancer deaths in Australia in 2010.

Warning signs of Melanoma:

Often Melanoma has no symptoms, however, it can be linked with changes that relate to the growth rate of a spot or raised bump, the shape or colour or a combination of them. It’s hard to tell hence many go undetected.

Other Skin Cancers

There are other kinds of skin cancers you should be aware of as well because they too greatly impact your life. Two of the major types are:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Over 434,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia each year.

They may not be big killers but they can mutilate your skin and body. I would show you some images but they are too graphic and shocking.

Warning signs of non-melanoma skin cancers:

• Any crusty, non-healing sores
• Small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
• New spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (especially those dark brown to black, red or blue-black in colour).

Killer #2 HEAT STROKE

The second killer, Heat Stroke, attacks much quicker than Skin Cancer and tends to be more deadly for young children and the elderly. However, it does not mean you are safe if you don’t fall into those categories. In the right circumstances, it can take anyone’s life.

Heat Strokes can often be confused with “Heat Exhaustion’ and ‘Sun Stroke”. Neither of them is usually taken seriously even though the symptoms are similar to a ‘Heat Stroke” which is deadly. The first aid manual defines a Heat Stroke as “a condition where the body’s temperature regulation centre, in the brain, has been rendered inoperable and the body temperature continually rises causing eventually..” a Coma. From Coma, a person can suffer Brain damage or potentially Death.

Dr Cope told the SMH Newspaper “We know that we currently have about a thousand deaths a year in Australia due to heat stress and related illnesses,” and with our country experiencing more and more hot days over 40 Degrees we will see an increase in deaths.

Warning Signs:

• Very high body temperature
• Red, hot, dry skin (no sweating)
• Dry swollen tongue
• Rapid pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness, confusion, nausea
• Collapse
• Eventual unconsciousness

At the end of the day, you can beat these two ‘Silent killers’ by ‘Prevention and Protection’

1. Don’t overexpose your skin to the sun
2. On hot days remain indoors and avoid heavy strenuous work
3. Drink plenty of cool liquids- specifically water when you are out in the sun
4. Take regular breaks from the heat
5. If you have to work outdoors, choose the mornings or later afternoon to do so and keep to shady areas where possible
6. Follow the “Slip Slop Slap” rule- slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat. Don’t forget your sunglasses too!
7. Once you are in your mid-twenties it is beneficial to start seeing a skin doctor once a year for a regular skin checkup to catch any nasties

Follow the guidelines above and it will give you the best chance of beating them but for more information or if you are concerned you may be suffering from either it’s best to go directly to a doctor for medical advice and attention.

So next time you are out in the garden or working on your shed, make sure to…

Cover up

Drink lots of fluids 

Be wary of the sun and heat

** The above article is advice only and you must seek professional help for assistance if you think you are suffering from either condition.

The post How to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer and Heat Stroke When Working in Your Backyard appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

For over 10 years we have used the power of business to give back to the world through our transaction-based giving.

The video we prepared explains how it works.

We have received a mountain of support from or clients over the years with about 30% of our customers saying the fact their purchase was part of our giving activities made their experience very fulfilling.

During the purchasing process, we send our customers some information on our giving and how we choose to use our business to make a difference in less fortunate people’s lives. It makes our job more enjoyable as we get to share the joy of giving.

What’s more! Our whole team is involved. Each member gets to choose a charity to give to every month and we can see how many lives we impact after each month. It’s very exciting and rewarding.

We are able to make a difference to many lives thanks to
Buy 1 Give 1 whom we have a Lifetime Partnership with.

To date, we have provided the following:

Total Impacts

456,110

Aside from transaction giving, we also donate to other causes and charities closer to home.

We provided relief to the:

• Queensland Flood Relief in  2010-2011   2017
• Earthquake Victims in Japan 2013
• RSPCA donations
• Cancer Council
• Soldier On – Vets Charity  2017 – 2019
• Smilling for Smiddy – Cancer Ride    2015- 2018
• Hurricane and flood relief to communities in the Philippines  2020
• Australian Bushfire Victims in 2020

We look forward to continuing to give back and make a difference to the communities of the world in 2021 and the foreseeable future.

To find out more about our giving activities over the years please visit:

Our Giving

The post Giving After Every Shed – To People In Need appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

Fence wars are such a common issue in Australia that it is always expected when discussions of a fence replacement come up. Michael Yardney covered the topic perfectly in “Know your rights when you have a fence war with your neighbours”, but below we have summed up the basics on how to begin and avoid a fence war.

Today, I’m going to provide an overview of the responsibilities of each party when a fence is being replaced.

The Homeowner

As the homeowner, you’re really involved in a directorial sense. You will need to,

• Decide the fence type you want and ensure it meets council recommendations.
• Set a timeline that you’d prefer to stay in.
• Discuss the project with the neighbours. You may share the fence with them so it may impact their privacy during the project.
• You’ll need your neighbours to sign-off on the project if the fence aligns with their property so you may need to sweet talk them or discuss cost share ( this is where a lot of issues begin to go in prepared with a WIN-WIN scenario).

The above steps are very important to ensure the project runs smoothly and avoid any legal issues.

The Neighbour

As noted above, the neighbour needs to be on board with any fence installations, especially if it crosses the property line.

As long as you stay within your property, the fence design isn’t dangerous and doesn’t lower property values, they should get on board.

The Contractor

The contractor is really where the bulk of the responsibility lies. Your contractor should,

• Own the relationship with all Government and Building Council groups.
• Be well-educated in all the paperwork that needs to be filled out, and they should fill it out for the most part.

The only thing you will need to do is sign on the dotted line. It’s up to you as the homeowner to pull the trigger on your fencing installation.

The Building Council Group

We’re very fortunate that we have a hub of both local and national groups, dedicated to ensuring building codes are adhered to, workers experience safe environments, and that the final product of each Australian’s fencing installation is without flaw.

The responsibility of these groups is to lay the groundwork, the best practices, the parameters and the rules. With these in place, it’s up to your contractor to ensure that they’re following these practices, but you shouldn’t worry about that.

The infrastructure is designed to slap heavy fines when builders and contractors don’t follow the rules. The priority of the council is the safety of everyone involved.

Everyone Wins

At the end of the day, a new fence is a win for everyone.

1. The homeowner can add value to your property especially when selling it.
2. Your neighbours are essentially getting a new fence as well, so what’s there to complain about?
3. The fence Contractor, we are getting to work on your project and bring it to life. That’s what we are here for and we take pride in our work.
4. Council appreciates when homeowners update and keep their properties in good condition. Updates improve community appearance.

We are dedicated to the readers at Cheap Sheds so if YOU have any questions or need any advice regarding your fence replacement project, let us know!

The post Adding or Replacing a Fence- What is your Responsibility? appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

Using these upright structures is a perfect solution for small spaces or a great way to draw attention to a certain part of the house or disguise an eyesore. They not only save space but can be appealing for disabled or elderly gardeners as they create easy access and care living walls of fresh greenery and texture. They soothe the soul and help filter out indoor air pollutants.

Read more about how plants are good for your health> Why Being a Crazy Plant Lady is Good for Your Health

With the right plants, vertical gardens can grow beautifully both indoors and outdoors. Here is a brief overview of the new trend and some ideas to get your vertical started. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out your green thumb.

The Basics of Vertical Gardening

Starting can seem a little daunting but once things are up and running vertical gardens are one of the more flexible and forgiving systems. You want to begin by either picking the plants you want to use and tailor your structure to suit them. On the other hand, if you’re more focused on aesthetics the appeal does the opposite and start with the perfect structure.

In vertical gardening, you can approach the structure from a DIY standpoint or opt for a pre-built structure such as trellises, or hanging walls of greenery.

Bringing plants into and around the home provides extra food and housing to potential bugs and pests. Be sure to use organic pest control before they cause any damage to your plants or your home. ‘Growing up’ doesn’t mean you can cut corners. You will still want to provide high-quality soil and nutrition as well as closely monitoring sun exposure, as this can change depending on the location of your garden, especially indoors.

Picking the Right Plants

Although they may look fancy, vertical gardens don’t always require excess garden tools or specialty plants. Once you know what you want you can even buy plants online year round.

When choosing your plants, put a little thought into whether you want all sun or all shade plants. You want to do a bit of research so that plants get the right amount of sun/shade ratio. If they are in the same container as well, pair them together with ones with similar growth rates. In general, herbaceous varieties have a bit more flexibility and allow gravity and produce the desired trailing effect. In addition to succulents, you can try growing your own herbs and vegetables for harvesting.

Good trailing varieties include Philodendron, native perennial vines like Ivy and Clematis hybrids, or flowering annuals like the Black-Eyed Susan, Cardinal Climber, Moonflower, and Cypress. They are all light enough to climb nicely or drape with the help of gravity.

Prep and Care

If you’re using wooden pallets or panels, you should start your garden horizontally. This will allow the roots to establish and hold soil in place. With gravity acting to pull the water downward, vertical gardens will dry out slightly quicker than other potted plants. Using potting soil is especially helpful in retaining water and moisture, be careful about over-watering as many structures won’t have much drainage.

Even though vertical gardens might need to be watered a bit more frequently, you can count on them contributing to good air circulation and helping filter out indoor pollutants. As with any garden, there’s a fair chance some greens won’t make it, keep some extras so you can fill the slightly more obvious holes.

There are so many trendy vertical garden structures that look more intricate and impressive than they actually are. From novice to the pro planter, almost anyone can bring a vertical garden home and create something special.

For a dramatic effect, a full wall provides a beautifully textured tapestry in any living space. On a smaller scale, grow your own art in vintage picture frames, or stack/string together pots for plants to cascade down. For a more structured look, affix containers vertically on the walls. Even just a little greenery indoors can go a long way.

Hopefully, these tips will help you start your vertical gardening adventure and bring greenery-to your walls.

The post Vertical Gardening and the Best Plants to Use appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

Below are 17 smart storage solutions for a home and hopefully, you will get some neat ideas on how to de-clutter and make your home livable again! Now before you go forth… I must add that most of these ideas are DIY but depending on your building skills you may need some assistance.

1. Corner Shelving

Situated in an alcove where people hardly ever step, or a corner than never gets used or is awkward you should consider a corner bookcase! It is a common dining room or living room storage idea. Places like Ikea have GREAT billy bookcase combos to provide this storage option and give you greater use of those awkward corners.

2. Staircase storage

With properties getting smaller in metro Australian our houses are becoming more compact and require careful planning. So when planning to build or renovate think of those empty awkward spots under the stairs which can be used in clever ways to increase storage space.

We have seen people add drawers under the stairs, and shelving on the side. You can even build a storage bench alongside the wall in this empty area for putting on shoes on your way out!

3. Wardrobe study

Turn an unused wardrobe into a study in your room. If it’s built-in or not they make great alcoves for a personalized study nook. You can even leave the doors on and close them when it’s not in use.

4. Bunk beds

Do you have two kids or more and running out of rooms? Create sleeping spots for two kids with built-in bunk beds. These can easily be DIY and to make it safer why not create a flight of steps instead of a ladder. You can use the steps as drawers and why not throw in extra storage under the bottom bunk as well!

5. Wall-to-wall storage

Custom make a wall to wall storage bench on a wall which is unused in your home. It can provide you with ample storage as well as a place to sit or place things on. Options are endless and you can make it as long as the walls allow it!

6. Split living areas

Do you have a large landing area in your home and want to split use it? Why not build deep bookshelves or cupboards from floor to ceiling around a desk to make a cubicle. You can create a home office inside a room, which can also be used for another purpose.

7. Built-in wardrobes

Need more space to move around in your room? Perhaps dig out a wall and sculpt out a floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobe. You may need some plans or an expert for this, but you will be surprised how much it can change your room.

8. Fold-away baby change table

In a little baby nursery, a fold-up changing table that vanishes in the wall saves room and produces storage recesses for diapers, wipes, and additional baby items. These can be easily done by yourself at little cost.

9. Under bed storage

Opting for a platform bed is common these days as it can provide you with built-in drawers and ledges for stowing areas for books, toys, and clothing. Great for smaller bedrooms with little built-in storage space.

10. Storage bike shed

Hate the family bringing their bikes inside or leaving them around the house, did you say tripping hazard? Today, Bike Sheds are very popular and a great storage solution for bicycles. You can DIY it and put it on the porch or garage or at the front door.

11. Split Garage

Sometimes a garage functions both as a home office, a leisure room storage, and or workshop. A loft or shelves by the roof can provide that much-needed space for storage you need. It just about doubles the area and creates boundaries between the spaces.

12. Toilet Shelf

A shelf or cupboard built-in behind the toilet can not only look attractive but provide you with that tiny bit of space to keep the necessities in.

13. Underneath the decking

If you have a raised front or backyard porch or decking you could clean out underneath this structure and make arrangements to use it as storage. Easy pull out durable boxes for tools or equipment could easily be stored safe and snug under the porch. We found some awesome options from  Aussie Deck Drawers.

14. Foldable Desk

In a kid’s room or maybe the spare room you can mount a work table that folds away. Chop wood to suit the area and utilize wall brackets to suspend it. You can build it yourself but it’s just as easy to purchase one from a place like Ikea which is ready to install and still affordable.

15. Cube storage

What’s been handy in kids’ bedrooms is arranging cubbyholes alongside the wall to put away toys, books, etc. Make them at their eye level so that they can clean up their rooms by themselves and also arrange their things how they want.

16. Corner desk

A corner desk is great for saving space in your rooms or study plus by mounting stacking shelves and adding a magnetic message board, you will be able to keep your desk from getting cluttered.

Extra storage space not only keeps the rest of your house from appearing cluttered, but it also keeps your home organized. By utilizing the empty space around your home, you are making more room to breathe in.

The post 16 Smart DIY Storage Solutions for the Home appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

Evaluate Your Roof Structure

Before you are able to move forward with the process of installing solar panels for your house, you need to make sure your roofing is adequate to support a panel system. For instance, if your rooftop does not receive enough sunlight then solar panels might not be a good option.

Check to see if your roofing is up to date or needs repairs, as well. Another factor is whether or not your roofing can sustain the weight of a solar panel system. Checking with several solar panel installation companies beforehand is beneficial in determining whether it is feasible to install solar panels for your rooftop. 

Assess the Amount of Coverage You Need

The cost of installing and operating solar panels can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. For instance, to determine how many solar panels to power a house, you will need to determine the amount of electricity that you use, as well as the amount of sun exposure your home receives. If your family utilizes more electricity or you live in an area with less sunny weather, you may need more solar panels to adequately power your home. The amount of roof space you have can also affect how many solar panels are feasible to install. 

Calculate the Cost of Installment 

The cost of converting your home to solar power has gotten significantly cheaper as the technology has developed rapidly. Although the installation of solar panels can be a hefty initial investment, it should pay for itself within a relatively short amount of time, most likely a few years. Doing some online research on the average cost of solar installation in your area and the price range and tax credits according to your state can help you figure out how much you will need upfront for your solar panel system. Additionally, pricing can vary by the brand of the panel you choose, as well as how many you will need. 

Think About Extreme Weather

If you reside in an area that is prone to natural disasters that are likely to damage your roof, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or hail storms, it may be pertinent to look into sturdier solar panels that are able to resist destruction from these types of events. Even if panels appear to be unharmed in the aftermath of a natural disaster, it is important to look for smaller issues, such as microcracks, that could affect the functionality of your solar panel system. Microcracks lead to a decrease in power output from the panels. Glass covers are helpful in protecting your solar panel system against many types of hazardous weather.

Compare Potential Contractors

Like any major home renovation, solar panel installation comes with a large price tag. Therefore, it is beneficial to find the best contractor or company to assist you with the process. Consulting online reviews is the fastest and easiest way to find solar companies in your area, and research factors like pricing estimates, time frames, warranty policies and more. Financially, it is vital to find out the warranty policy for each solar company or provider. Read and review any potential contracts thoroughly to avoid problems in the future. Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important steps when changing your home energy system to solar. 

Making the decision to install a solar energy system for your home or residence is a big step, and it can be overwhelming to decide how to begin. Using these tips will help you to determine the best system to fit your budget and electricity needs. 

The post What You Need to Consider When Buying Solar Panels appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.

However, there’s more to home improvement than updating our indoor areas. Your house really is made up of a foundation, walls, and roof. When last did you take a walk around the outside of your house and inspect the walls, the bricks, and the foundation? Are they still structurally sound?

The exterior of your house has an important job, keeping your home a safe place to live. It also doesn’t need to look drab and boring, it can also be new and exciting!

So here in this article, we will address these often neglected areas and suggest how you can update them to bring some dazzle into your home exterior renovations.

The Foundation & Walls

While we get excited about our interior renovation projects don’t neglect what holds your house up. So we recommend you take a walk and assess the outside of your home.

You want to ensure there are no signs of deterioration, cracks in the foundation, bricks that have moved, termite or ant infestations or broken pipes, or exposed wires. Make a note of anything which may lead to a bigger issue down the line and ensure you get someone to come and inspect it.

Next, if you are free of any threats you can address the appeal. Could your home do with a new look?

You can render or choose to paint directly over bricks which is very popular! It’s all about getting organized and choosing the right colours and exterior that will make your home look and feel exciting to you.

Picking the right colour may take some time. You need to consider the following;

• The size of your home
• Other accents colours like the roof and gutters
• Your house perimeter walls/fence
• Your Driveway colour
• Your neighbors home designs & colours

If you live in an apartment or a smaller home, you could consider and enjoy choosing a bolder colour that might make it pop and stand out. On the flip side, if you own a large house, you can opt for more earthy subtle tones like grey, sandstone, or white.

If your house has vinyl siding it is important to maintain it and clean it every once in a while. Luckily, you can do this on your own, using a garden hose and a powerful cleaning solution. Alternatively, you could get in touch with professionals and make sure your vinyl siding is always in the best shape possible and replace any panels which are worse for wear.

At the end of the day a lick of paint, clean and regular maintenance checks will keep your house feeling new and avoid any unexpected disasters.

Check Your Roof

Often the roof is an afterthought, not something people pay too much attention to unless there is a disaster, and you want to avoid that.

Sometimes, roofs are damaged due to harsh weather conditions, so they need to be repaired or replaced which is very costly. Other times, the damage can happen over time, such as leaks…this is particularly common for people living in older houses with tiles.

You can do spot checks like climbing your ladder to see the condition of the roof, and when it rains check your ceiling for any signs of leaking. However, it is recommended to hire an experienced roofing contractor to come and inspect your roof and make necessary improvements.

If your roof is structurally stable but looking a bit weathered there are ways to improve its appeal,

• Hire a pressure hose or a contractor to come and clean the mold off your tiles. You will be surprised how clean it will come out!
• Repaint the tiles! Yes, it’s very possible and you can hire someone to come out to do this job.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

Attending your front yard, driveway and entry not only gives your guests and neighbors a great first impression but it gives you an entry to be proud of.

From a practical approach, cleaning up an overgrown, unattended front yard and fixing a broken, uneven driveway, it will make it a safer place for you and lift the value of your home.

Uneven driveways are a tripping hazard and an eyesore.

An overgrown yard leads to pests infestations, bitter neighbors, and council warnings.

Giving your front yard and home a facelift will ensure your guests, your family, and random passers-by notice your home.

Ideas for lifting your frontage appeal:

• Clear and add a simple native garden or mulch to your front yard, it does not need to be a landscaping utopia, just a clean and easy care garden
• Replacing the front door and repainting the windows for pops of colour or a modern touch
• Fix cracks and shifted bricks in your driveway. Constant Maintenance is better than a complete overhaul
• A new post box from a hardware shop is inexpensive and can make your home feel new and modern

Of course, there’s more to home exterior renovations than these four areas. However, if you start by checking and updating these, you will have made a valuable investment into your future for not only your safety but for its appeal to the market.

The post Home Exterior Renovations You Should Consider for Your Safety appeared first on Cheap Sheds Blog.