Every day, the words shed, garage, building, and dwelling are used interchangeably when describing structures. Yet, when you think about it deeply, you can discern that these structures differ remarkably. So, what are these individual structures? Let’s find out.
A shed is a simple roofed structure used as a storage space or as a workshop. A garage refers to a roofed structure used for storing vehicles. A building is a permanent structure with walls and a roof. While a dwelling, as we know, is a unit with electricity installed for accommodation.
You and I have always known that these structures differ, but how different are they from each other? First, let us look at what these structures offer and what they get used for individually.
Before you decide which one is the structure that will meet your needs.
What Do They Mean?
To make proper comparisons and differentiate the differences between these structures, we ought to know what they represent exactly. Therefore, I will now explain the meaning of each of these structures below.
Garage
Also called a residential garage, this structure is walled and roofed, and used mainly for storing vehicles. Garages typically get designed to house one or two vehicles and to store vehicle parts and other equipment such as pressure sprayers, etc. A garage could also get attached or detached from a residential building, whichever you would prefer.
An attached garage is built with the main building, which shares the same walls and roof. It’s usually designed to enable you to do an indoor auto repair with ample space for major maintenance on vehicles. The attached garage usually has a door that leads into the house, making the garage part of the main building.
The detached garage is a separate structure, classed as an outbuilding. The sole purpose of this structure is vehicle storage as well, and it is located beside the main building. Detached garages have one door for the entrance and exit of vehicles and if you choose, you can get a small door installed facing the main building for easy access.
Both attached and detached garages serve the same functions. They protect vehicles from severe weather, intense sunlight, vandalization, and security for theft. They are also convenient sites to keep clean and perform personal maintenance on your vehicle and do other projects.
Shed
A shed generally identifies different outdoor structures. As a result, different types of sheds exist, such as garden sheds, farm sheds, bicycle sheds, and many others. However, no matter the type, the primary function of all sheds remains storage.
The word shed is considered a variant of the word shade. This decision remains acceptable today because all sheds refer to simple structures that give shade or cover to stored items. Hence, there are many varieties of sheds in use today.
Sheds vary in size and complexity, with some having complete walls and roofs while others only have a roof. In our differentiation and comparison, I only refer to sheds found in a back garden. So, the sheds referred to here are garden sheds, which can be used as a workshop for household or construction.
Building
Earlier, we established that a building is a permanent construction comprising walls and a roof. These structures come in different sizes and serve various functions to cater to the requirements of their occupants.
Buildings offer protection for individuals and their belongings, function as commercial premises, and secure properties.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all structures qualify as buildings, since non-building structures exist too. A building is a construction designed for uninterrupted human habitation. It’s an expansive term, as we’ll explore in this article.
Dwelling
A dwelling is a unit of accommodation used by single or multiple people as a home. The dwelling may be a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a houseboat, or any substantial structure. And as a substantial structure, the law recognizes it as an abode or place of residence.
According to US laws, a dwelling refers to a residential structure that contains one to four units attached to real property or not. From this, you can classify a manufactured home or even a trailer as a dwelling. As long as it is a substantial structure that an individual returns to each day, it is a dwelling!
By exploring the individual meanings of a garage, shed, building, and dwelling, you must have noticed some hierarchy. Some refer to a particular type of structure, while others encompass various types, as we’ll soon discuss. For now, let us see what category a shed falls under.
How Is a Shed Classed?
In terms of residential buildings, sheds are classified as outbuildings. But what exactly is an outbuilding? It refers to any structure that is not connected to the main building but serves as a supplementary structure within a property.
Sheds are categorized as outbuildings because they supplement the main building but are not connected to it. They help keep the residence buildings tidy, organized, and appealing.
Like all outbuildings, sheds are considered permitted development, meaning they do not require planning permission before construction.
However, local laws may impose certain conditions, such as the shed’s height and its distance from the main building. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with the local planning department to get the necessary guidelines.
Differences Between a Garage, Shed, Building, and Dwelling
This section will compare the characteristics of different individual structures, such as garages, sheds, buildings, and dwellings. Although the slight distinctions between these structures may not appear significant, they are crucial.
Therefore, pay close attention to the differences in the following features, as in the end, it will aid you in deciding which structure is best suited for your needs.
Size
The shed is the smallest structure in this comparison, followed by the garage, whether it is located indoors or outdoors. However, classifying buildings and dwellings by size is not always straightforward.
The reason is, their functionality defines buildings and dwellings rather than their size. Dwellings typically occupy smaller spaces than buildings, since we design them to fulfill specific functions. They are usually part of a building and are rated smaller than an entire building.
A garage’s ideal size is around 18 to 20 feet in length and 9 to 10 feet in width per car. Thus, a standard two-car garage should be approximately 45 by 20 feet, providing sufficient room for storing equipment. In contrast, even a large yard can only accommodate a shed with dimensions of 12 by 12 feet.
Location
The owner of private property has the freedom to locate any structure at their convenience and preference. However, some structures are ideally located in specific areas of the property to fulfill their intended function. In this regard, the ideal locations of structures will be used to differentiate them.
A residential building is an independent structure on a parcel of land and can be located anywhere on the property. Once situated, the location of other structures on the property becomes dependent on the building.
Apartments or groups of apartments are located within residential buildings, whereas outdoor dwellings can be located anywhere without the need for a residential building. Houseboats can be situated at a dock, and trailers can be placed in any open space that is legally permitted.
An indoor garage is fused with a residential building and is considered a single-building structure. A detached garage should be placed adjacent to a residential building and requires a smooth driveway leading to the property’s entrance. Outdoor garages should be located within earshot of the main building, a few centimeters away.
Sheds are typically located at the back of residential buildings and never in front. This is because the things stored in a shed are usually used in the house, gardens, and lawns. Back gardens provide an ideal location for sheds, ensuring accessibility and security.
Function
The main difference between these structures lies in their functions. Even if a structure is oddly located or sized, it remains what it is. However, if it takes on a different function, it can be mistakenly identified as another structure.
A shed is primarily built for storing items around the house or garden. This makes it an effective tool for decluttering. The size of a shed typically depends on the available space and the intended storage capacity.
A small shed is suitable for storing garden and household tools, while a larger one is necessary for storing gasoline tanks, mowers, ATVs, and bikes. In some cases, a shed can function as a temporary workshop for home projects.
However, it’s essential to note that not everything can be stored in an outdoor shed. Check out our other article for practical suggestions on what to store in a shed.
Garages are intended for housing vehicles and related equipment, primarily to protect them from theft, environmental conditions, and vandalism. Modern garages come equipped with alarm systems to enhance security. They also serve as a storage unit for vehicle spare parts and maintenance equipment.
Dwellings have a single function – to provide shelter for individuals and their belongings. A tent is not considered a dwelling because it’s not a sustainable structure, but a trailer is.
Buildings have diverse functions, which determine their size and shape. Residential buildings provide shelter and comfort, while commercial buildings promote businesses. Industrial buildings serve as sites for production and processing.
Structures are named based on their primary function. For instance, if a shed is adapted for storing vehicles, it can be referred to as a garage. Similarly, a dwelling used for industrial purposes can be classified as an industrial building if it meets the building criteria.
Legal Recognition
- Structures must be legally recognized as sheds, garages, or dwellings in order to be designated as such.
- According to English law, a shed is a slight or temporary structure or shade. For example, a small wooden structure is used for storage in the backyard.
- They legally recognized any building or enclosure where vehicles are parked other than a public way as a garage. For example, a metal carport or a brick building with an up-and-over door is used to store cars.
- When a garage is detached from a residential building, it can be classed as an outbuilding, just like a shed. For example, a detached garage is used to store tools or lawn equipment.
- Legal planning permits aren’t required for sheds and garages unless the structure becomes bigger than ideal. For example, building a large shed or garage that requires planning permission from the local government.
- English law recognizes any substantial unit of accommodation, whether a building, part of a building, or otherwise as a dwelling. For example, a single-family home, an apartment, or even a houseboat.
- The Government imposes taxes on dwellings as with buildings but not on outbuildings like sheds and garages. This means that homeowners must pay property taxes on their main residence, but not on their sheds or garages.
Conclusion
While it’s common to use the terms shed, garage, building, and dwelling interchangeably, it’s important to understand that these structures differ in significant ways.
A shed is a simple roofed structure used for storage or as a workshop, while a garage is a roofed structure used for storing vehicles. A building is a permanent structure with walls and a roof, while a dwelling is a unit with electricity installed for accommodation.
Garages can be attached or detached, while sheds are typically outbuildings and permitted development. Understanding the differences in size, function, construction materials, and permitted usage is crucial to selecting the best structure for your needs.
It’s important to consult with local authorities to ensure compliance with any regulations or requirements before constructing any of these structures.
