When you want to construct an additional structure on your property, two of the things you may be considering are a garage or a shed. While both a garage and a shed might be useful, the problem is that you might only have one space on your property for one of those additional structures. So, between a garage or a shed, which should you choose for your property?
A garage is the better choice if you need a large place to store a vehicle and some tools if you have the budget for it. On the other hand, sheds are the best choice for those on a tight budget, but who need extra space for their tools and equipment to be stored safely.
It really is true that a garage or a shed can be an amazing addition to your property because of the fact that these structures are quite useful and can instantly improve the value of the entire property. However, it is important that you know more about the different advantages and disadvantages of these structures so that you can make a more informed decision when deciding between the two.
What are the differences between a garage and a shed?
When contemplating the best choice between a garage and a shed, it is imperative to understand the main differences that exist between these two structures. For instance, if you’re adding a garage to your house, it will increase the value of the property and these differences can potentially impact the value of your property in the future.
Primarily, a garage is seen as a “part of the principal building or an additional structure, that is purposely constructed and used primarily for the storage of vehicles.” Garages are generally isolated from the main building and are intended for storing vehicles, whether powered by fuel or electricity.
On the other hand, a shed is designated by the International Building Code as “a subordinate building or framework of an additional structure.” While also a secondary structure that is detached from the principal building, we do not intend sheds to be used for the storage of motor vehicles.
It is crucial to recognize that sheds do not come with the same structural specifications as garages, such as a triple-tier wall specification and a concrete plinth. Frequently, sheds are equipped with timber floors, particularly if they are constructed from wood. On the other hand, garages are usually spacious enough to accommodate a single vehicle in addition to tools and other valuables but are not equipped with timber floors.
When making a choice between a garage or a shed, it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on your specific needs and priorities.
What are the pros and cons of a garage?
Pros
Increase property value. The biggest advantage of garages over other structures is that they can increase the property’s value. And the increase in the property value is usually impressive enough that you can get more than a 60% increase in the value of the entire home by putting up a garage.
Can get attached to the house. Even though garages are accessories in nature, the good thing about them is that we can build them attached to the house instead of completely detached.
Sturdier and heavier. Garages, because they come with triple-tier walls and get built on concrete plinths, will strengthen them and make them sturdier than sheds. This means that a garage will offer more protection than a shed.
Automatic doors. Finally, automatic doors, which are not present in sheds but can get added depending on the size of the shed.
Cons
Lack of versatility. The problem with garages is that they are usually supposed to be big enough for one car and lack the versatility that sheds have in terms of functionality if the garage can only store the vehicle and a few things here and there it does not have much use for anything else.
Very expensive. Of course, because of the garage’s overall construction, it is a lot more expensive than a shed. At the minimum, you could spend more than $7,000 for an entire garage. And you can’t even DIY your way out of a garage because it requires the expertise of a construction company.
Requires more maintenance. The garage is a large enough structure that will require a lot of maintenance and cleaning on your part to make sure that it stands the test of time and that it won’t end up getting too dirty.
An additional entry point for robbers. While garages get made to be sturdier than sheds, they are most likely attached to the home, adding another point of entry and exit for unwanted people. This means that robbers and thieves can use your garage as an entry and exit point into your home.
What are the pros and cons of a shed?
Pros
Can be used for storage. The major selling point of a shed is that it is actually a storage space that you use for storing different tools and equipment without even taking a ton of space in your home. That’s why sheds often get used for storing bikes, lawnmowers, and different tools and equipment that are used regularly.
Versatile. Sheds are very versatile in terms of their size and design. What this means is that you can build a shed based almost entirely on your own specifications, as you can use different shapes and sizes to build the shed of your dreams. So, if you have limited space on your property, you can still build a shed that fits the size of the space you provided for it without taking a ton of room in your yard.
Easy to organize. Sheds are smaller and can store plenty of tools. This means that it is easier to organize them compared to garages. While garages might be more spacious, the car and other vehicles usually take up a chunk of the room of a garage. This isn’t the same for a shed because there aren’t any big objects that take up a big space. You basically have full control over how you organize the shed and the different things stored in it.
Friendly to your budget. Sheds are actually pretty friendly to your budget because of how they aren’t so expensive and demanding in terms of their construction needs and material prices. You can build a shed for a couple of thousand dollars. And you can even build your own shed, hiring no one to do it for you as long as you have the skills, knowledge, and tools.
Cons
Can’t fit a car. Unlike a garage, a shed isn’t large enough to fit a car or any other vehicle. You might store a bike in a shed, but that’s it. You can’t store your car due to how small a shed is and because how shed entrances won’t be built for vehicles. Sheds don’t even provide the protection that you need for your car.
Comes with hidden costs. Even though sheds are actually quite affordable, it still includes hidden costs you need to consider when constructing a shed. This includes waterproofing, installing gutters, and building a base. All of those are necessary if you want your shed to last very long. They can also easily cost another extra $1,000 depending on the size of the shed and the cost of the materials you will be using.
Bad weather. The biggest enemy of a shed has always been bad weather. You need to actually make sure that you weatherproof your shed by installing a drainage system and by sealing the walls and floors. If you don’t weatherproof your shed, expect it to last for only a few years, especially if you live in an area that is prone to typhoons and bad weather.
Conclusion
When considering whether to construct a garage or a shed on your property, it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
While garages may increase property value, provide automatic doors, and offer sturdier protection, they can be expensive, require more maintenance, and provide an additional entry point for robbers. In contrast, sheds are versatile, easy to organize, and more affordable, but lack the same structural specifications as garages and cannot store vehicles.
Ultimately, the decision between a garage or a shed will depend on your specific needs and priorities, and a thorough evaluation of the benefits and drawbacks of each option can help you make an informed decision.
