You want an enjoyable hobby workspace but don’t want to spend a fortune?
Building an extension seems like an attractive option. More room. Greater functionality. A real workshop or hobby space you can call your own.
There’s just one issue…
Home extensions cost homeowners around $51,000. That’s a huge investment for most people. One most won’t even consider.
That price rises when things go wrong or take longer than expected.
Thankfully there’s another option that gives you all the benefits without half the price. Stress.
Don’t extend your home. Build a garden shed.
What You’ll Learn…
- Garden Sheds Are Better Than Home Additions
- Why The 12×8 Size Is Ideal
- Setting Up Your Workshop Shed
- Enjoying Your Shed All Year Long
Garden Sheds Are Better Than Home Additions
Increasingly garden sheds are becoming the answer for those who want extra space, which companies like 1st Choice Leisure Buildings can help with. 1st Choice Leisure Buildings is a UK-based design & build specialist, specialising in premium garden rooms, studios, and bespoke outdoor structures for style-conscious homeowners. A quality 12ft x 8ft shed provides you with 96 sq ft of usable space free from the headache of property extensions.
Ok, so what about the costs?
Garden sheds can range from $1,500 to $15,000 depending on materials, decor, and utilities. Meanwhile the average home addition won’t start you at $21,000 and quickly climbs to $80,000+ for even modest builds.
You read that right. You can pay five times less for a shed than you would for an extension.
Yet that’s not all. Approval, contractors, and the construction process turn a home addition into a months-long project.
With most sheds you simply order online and have it delivered within days. The entire structure can go up in a single day. That’s not to mention avoiding demolition costs and having strangers roam through your home.
Why The 12×8 Size Is Ideal
Too big and it’s wasting space. Too small and you’ll never feel comfortable.
It took us a while but eventually, we landed on the dimensions that seemed to offer the best compromise. And we’re sticking with them.
12 foot by 8 foot.
Here’s why the 12×8 shed size works so well:
- Enough space to setup multiple workbenches
- Ample wall space to hang tools and store materials
- Room to move around once everything is setup
- Provides plenty of space without monopolizing your garden.
Almost any hobby can benefit from having a dedicated spot. Woodworking, crafts, model making, ceramics, painting. They’re all easier when you don’t need to pack up after every session.
And a 12×8 garden shed provides that space.
Setting Up Your Workshop Shed
Having the shed is only half the battle. How you configure it makes all the difference.
First up consider lighting. You’ll want natural sunlight during the day so position your workbench near the window. At night time or on cloudy days having electrical lights means you don’t have to strain yourself either.
Make sure any electric lights are bright enough. Garages often become catch-all spaces so chances are it won’t be well lit naturally.
Sheds need to have benches at the correct height. If a workbench is too tall or too low looking at it for long periods will give you back pain. Aim for somewhere between 34 and 36 inches for the best results.
Storage will keep your space feeling tidy. Shelving around the edges gives room to neatly organise materials. Pegboards keep tools visible and in reach. Clear storage containers help you find what your looking for fast.
Don’t forget about electricity. Lots of hobbies require electric tools or appliances. Lights, heaters, charging equipment. Having electrical outlets means you’ll never have to worry about battery power dying on you.
Positioning is everything too. Your workbench should go by the window. Tools should be hung within arms reach. Store supplies near where you’ll use them.
Enjoying Your Shed All Year Long
If your shed is only usable during the warmer months then it’s not much use. Here in the UK we run on unpredictable weather that varies from hot to cold… and everywhere damp.
Insulation is the secret to year-round usage. Weatherproofing walls and roof keeps warmth in and cold out during winter. It’ll keep your shed cool during summer too. Plus it reduces condensation that could damage tools.
Electric heaters, oil-filled radiators, and wood-burning stoves keep sheds warm when it matters. There are lots of options should you wish to keep your activities frost-free.
Ventilation is equally important. Paints, glues, and other substances give off fumes you don’t want lingering. Windows help when the weather’s mild but extra ventilation is ideal.
Damp is the enemy. A shed full of moisture will rust tools and ruin materials. Don’t let it become a problem. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Store metal tools with a coating of light machine oil.
Benefits Beyond DIY Projects
Hobbies aren’t just about passing time. Having space to enjoy your interests has benefits beyond the activities themselves.
Mental health and well-being benefit when you have the space to indulge hobbies. Around 26% of Americans participate in some form of DIY or arts & crafts. Making things with your hands is fun. And when you have the space to do it, you’ll enjoy it more.
Property values could increase too. A well constructed, quality shed adds appealing functionality to your property. Something that might appeal to future buyers should you choose to sell.
There’s the separation factor to think about as well.
Doing hobby work inside the home spreads the mess everywhere. You don’t want to be sanding a piece of wood only to find the living room filled with sawdust. Nor do you want to paint in the kitchen then spend ages cleaning your workspace.
Put everything in the shed instead. Keep DIY projects and the mess they create away from your home. The middle of a project never needs to interfere with your daily routine.
Selecting The Perfect Shed
When you start browsing garden sheds it won’t take you long to realise that not all sheds are the same.
Storage sheds might not need every feature below. Workshop sheds do.
Look for:
- Heavy-duty construction. It needs to withstand heavy use
- Headroom. Being able to stand up tall keeps the shed comfy
- Window(s). Light is important when spending time in your shed
- Flooring. Keep it solid to support benches and materials
- Wide doors. You’ll struggle to move larger items through small ones.
You’ll find cheap sheds for low prices. That often means cheaply built. Thin walls, poor roofs, little to no insulation.
Don’t fall for the temptation. You get what you pay for with sheds. A well built model from a reputable supplier will last you decades with minimal maintenance. Go cheap and you might find yourself buying another one in just a few years.
Wrapping Up
Home extensions are costly and stressful.
Used correctly garden sheds allow you to create the dedicated hobby and workshop space you crave. Without spending thousands of dollars.
12 foot by 8 foot sheds are perfect for workshop hobbies. Providing all the space you need without overpowering your garden.
Quality sheds are cheap to run. Install some insulation and you can even use them year-round.
Investing in a quality shed costs far less than rebuilding half your house.