Sunday, February 20, 2011






Thursday, February 17, 2011

Don’t let the price of outdoor storage sheds be the determining factor for you. Some shoppers, once drawn to the cheapest price, immediately thereafter put blinders on and ignore alternatives. Of the outdoor storage sheds I priced recently, those sided with cedar and vinyl (the highest quality sidings) were only a few hundred dollars more than outbuildings sided with lower-quality materials. Consider how much those few hundred dollars are buying before rejecting the cedar or vinyl.
2. Design of Outdoor Storage Sheds and House Design
Remember that outdoor storage sheds are not merely utilitarian items. In addition to their utility, the appearance of outdoor storage sheds affects the overall appearance of the property on which they are installed. As such, the unit you choose should be of a design that complements your home. Select one with a rustic design (for instance, board and batten) for a country-style house. If your house’s style is more formal, select an outdoor storage shed with formal features to match (for instance, if your house has an arched window, carry the theme over to your outbuilding).
3. Outdoor Storage Sheds as Part of the Landscape
Integrate your outbuilding into the surrounding landscape. Plants can help outdoor storage sheds blend into a landscape, rather than sticking out like sore thumbs. Open up and plant annual or perennial beds around your unit. You can also install trellises up against the walls of outdoor storage sheds and adorn the walls with vines.
On Page 2 we continue with more considerations to ponder when buying outdoor storage sheds....

4. Comparison of Siding Materials for Storage Units
Natural wood is considered by many the most attractive siding for storage units. But wood exposed over time to water usually rots. Some woods, however, contain natural resins that make them relatively rot-resistant. Cedar is such a wood and very popular as a siding choice for storage units. But even cedar siding is not maintenance-free. Coat cedar with a UV-inhibiting sealer/preservative every other year to protect it from ultraviolet solar radiation. Apply a clear stain, as well, to help preserve its natural beauty.
For maintenance-free storage units, vinyl is the preferred siding. Vinyl lacks the visual appeal of wood, but if you own a house with vinyl siding, a strong argument can be made for selecting a storage unit that is also sided with vinyl.
Due to their susceptibility to rust, steel storage units should probably be avoided. Among metal storage units, rust-free aluminum is usually the most sensible choice in siding. Metal siding is hardly the most visually appealing choice.
Particle board and plywood are composed of pieces of wood products that have been pressed and glued together. Although they are popular siding materials for storage units, they wouldn’t be my first choice for regions where it rains a lot. For if water does work its way into these products (a possibility enhanced by their composite nature), then you're lost.
5. Before Installing Storage Units: Building Codes and the Like
Become acquainted with zoning ordinances, deed restrictions and building codes. Depending on your area, you may need a building permit. Building codes et al. may determine how far storage units must set back from property lines and what materials are acceptable for siding.
6. Site Preparation for Storage Units
Before installing storage units, lay down cinder blocks, concrete piers, a concrete slab or at least crushed stone. But don't stop there. Make sure the supports underlying the floor are made of pressure-treated wood.
On Page 3 we continue with more considerations to ponder when buying storage units for the landscape....

7. Do-It-Yourself Outdoor Storage Buildings vs. Professional Installation
If you’d prefer all the work be done for you in installing outdoor storage buildings, then just select a shed from your local home improvement store and ask that it be delivered and assembled by the pros. But those who are handy may wish to save some money and order an outdoor storage building kit that comes with assembly instructions.
8. Will Your Outdoor Storage Building Be Big Enough?
Make sure the entry to the outdoor storage building is wide enough to accommodate your largest piece of equipment with room to spare. Many outdoor storage buildings that are at least 8’ x 10’ come with double doors, which usually eliminates this concern.
9. Accessories for Outdoor Storage Buildings
The small touches make such a difference! Some outdoor storage buildings come with French doors or cupolas. You yourself can add touches such as window boxes, shutters or weathervanes. Remember, you’ll have to look at this outdoor storage building every day of your life for the foreseeable future: your attention to detail could make the difference between eyesore and eye-opener. On a more practical note, purchase or build a pressure-treated ramp for easy access to your outdoor storage building.
10. When One Outdoor Storage Building Isn't Enough
If the clutter on your property says one outdoor storage building isn’t enough, but your wallet disagrees, supplement your main unit with one of the less expensive, smaller models. There are three main types of such units, all of which go by descriptive names. “Corner sheds” are made to fit precisely into a corner and run about 3’ tall by 3’ wide by 2’ deep. Meanwhile, either a “vertical shed” (5’ x 3’ x 4’) or a “horizontal shed” (3’ x 5’ x 4’) may be just the handy outdoor storage building to fill your need for additional space.
Buying an outdoor storage building with a loft greatly increasing storage capability, allowing you to store rarely used supplies overhead.
For the exterior, build your own lean-to and attach it to the outdoor storage building to form a sheltered area for firewood.
Outdoor benches are sometimes made to be dual-purpose, offering a compartment to store tools and a cozy spot for taking breathers while mowing the lawn.
Potting sheds and small greenhouses are a boon to the true landscaping enthusiast. Some outdoor storage buildings come with large skylights and virtually function as greenhouses in their own right.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Firewood Storage Shed

In winters, or during the rains, fireplaces are lit and the wood is often stacked so that there is no shortage of firewood when required. But for this storage, you need a proper built in place or an adequate arrangement for keeping the firewood away from moisture in the weather. Therefore, most houses which use these fireplaces on a regular basis have to make a firewood storage sheds, which are specifically designed to keep the wood safe.

It is very important to keep this wood dry so that it burns well, when it is added to the fire. Therefore, the principle of firewood storage here is, to let the wood dry first and then stack it up, to avoid any damage to the wood. As easy as it is to store this wood, so it is to build one of these firewood sheds, since all you need is a plan and some raw material. In the coming up paragraphs, we have some simple yet creative ideas for this outdoor wood furniture, so read on and find out.

Firewood Storage Shed Plans

Having a convenient arrangement for your firewood storage sheds always makes the job of storing wood easier for you, as the firewood needs to be kept dry and moisture free. Unless you live in a place where it snows or rains day and night, you can build a firewood storage in the outdoors, as wood can dry off easily when subjected to direct sunlight for a few hours of the day. Therefore, you can construct a firewood shed very easily with the right measurements and some interesting designs which can be accommodated conveniently. In the coming up paragraphs, we have a few tips on building one for your home, so take a look.

How to Build a Firewood Shed
There are certain factors you have to think about before starting the process of shed building of this firewood storage shed. These are, a convenient location, airflow, protection from damage and a trendy look so that it doesn't look messy. Therefore, keeping all these basic requirements in mind, you can easily build these sheds.

Ordinarily, these firewood storage sheds have a typical structure which includes a roof, wire mesh walls which can be optional, and a shelves or racks which are also optional. Here's how you can use these tips on building a storage shed, which is also used for firewood storage shed.
•Measure the wood which you have bought as firewood. However, in many countries, there is a standard size of the wood that is sold as firewood thus, you can have a standard measure for the firewood storage shed.
•After you have the measurements of the wood and the shed, make sure you find a location in a convenient area around the house. Construct it close to the door, window or next to your wood burning fireplace, for ease of transport. Remember that you have to find a place where there is enough sunshine, is clean, dry and is free from pests.
•Sketch a storage shed plan for the firewood storage shed, where all the requirements are included, and there is enough room for airflow through the crevices of the logs. You can include firewood storage racks and shelves so that wood can be pulled out easily without any hindrances.
•You can then start building, by first adding a landscape fabric to prevent the shed from unwanted weed growth or varmints. It will also keep the base of the shed dry and free from decay. Create a foot area, then four corners for support and secure them deep into the ground, and then the roof.
•With the wooden planks, cover the shed by making the roof, either with roofing shingles or metal, and oil paint it so that no moisture accumulates. You can leave the corners open or cover it with a wire mesh, so that the airflow is easy. Use nails and screws to secure this construction so that it is made strong enough to hold the firewood.
With these easy steps on making a firewood storage shed, I am sure you have found this information useful. Once your firewood shed is ready, you are free to use it as long as possible and it proves to be very convenient.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

How To Convert A Shed Into A Spare Room

Space is hard to get hold of and building additions to the home can be costly and in some places, the building codes can be burdensome. But the potential for converting the home storage shed into a spare bedroom or a granny flat can be a neat solution for that college graduate who does not want to leave home or for granny who does not want to go to a nursing home but is not able to live alone.
These rooms are added to the primary house but have their own amenities such as kitchen, living area, bathroom and a separate entrance. Although some would prefer a connecting door to the kitchen but most of the time, the entrance is separate. It can be connected to the primary house or separate like a garden suite.
Before anything else, make a budget plan and then check out the shed. Make sure that the structure of the shed is still solid and safe enough to be converted into a spare room. It should be wide enough to accommodate some furniture such as a bed, dresser, cabinets, table and chairs - or some appliances such as a television. Try to check if there are possible molds, foundation or ventilation problems and attend to them first. Disinfect and clean the areas that are affected with mildew.
Also check the local building codes or zoning regulations before starting the construction work. Then decide how the furniture will be arranged and add electrical outlets where they can be easily accessed. After the necessary authorizations are filed, install electrical wirings for lights and the outlets. Preferably the room should have a minimum of one window for ventilation purposes and allow the natural light from outside to enter.
Next, paint the walls or build in dry wall to construct a neat interior. Don't use grey tones as this will give it a shed or garage feel. Instead use bright colors to bring some life in the room. If needed, install an insulator to keep the inside temperature constant. Mount a dehumidifier to prevent the growth of mildew since these could cause deterioration of the walls in the future and would make the room smell bad. Use a water-resistant paint to avoid any deterioration in cases when water may seep in.
Subsequently, check the floors. Get rid of dirt foundations or broken wooden floors as these could present future problems. Ensure that they are free from any damages, especially those caused by water since these could weaken the foundation. Fit in tiles or hardwood according to manufacturer's instructions. If wooden floors are used, consider putting in a carpet to prevent early wear and tear of the wood. Seal all grooves in the ceiling to prevent water leaks in case of rain or snow.
If there is a need to renovate the beams or walls, pre-cast concrete walls or customized frames are available in construction stores.
Then finally, decorate it according to your taste or to the person who will be living inside it. Provide the bed, dressers, mirrors, night stands. Then place some drapes or curtains and stylish lighting. Decorate the walls with framed pictures. Anybody sleeping inside will never know that it used to be a shed and the old lawn mower used to stay there.


                                             Click On This

Wood Storage Shed

It is very easy to get or assemble a wood storage shed, as the price of gas and electricity soar, many people are starting to revert back to the simple but effective way to heat their houses. So having a place or storeroom for your fossil fuel is becoming more popular than ever, with wood being the more popular choice over coal mainly for costs purposes, but also because wood is easier to acquire.
Wood fires add a great homely smell and feel to a property, in order for the wood to burn without smoking to much, is to keep the wood as dry as possible. So a simple dry wood shed is essential and can be obtained or built quite cheaply.
They can be erected as a lean to against the side of the house or garage, or can be a stand alone structures in the garden. It should be kept in mind that you don't want the wood to be too far from the house, should bad weather comes in and the wood becomes unobtainable.
You should try not to over load the shed with too much wood as the wood underneath could remain there a long time and start to rot and may become a breeding ground for rats and other vermin which could become pests in other areas of your property.
As long as the storage facility has solid base and sturdy roof, with some shelter from the sides the wood should mainly quite dry and usable for many years.


                                              Click On This

Garage Shelving Ideas You Can Use Today

Your garage needn't be stuffed, unorganized or chaotic. Implementing a simple but effective garage shelving plan can transform your cluttered garage into a place you'd be proud of. I am sure, no matter if you have a tiny garage that you can barely fit a car in, a standard two car model, or even a huge multi-car garage that holds three or more vehicles, you will not only think of parking your car there but you will also have other ideas of what types of items you can store there. There are numerous different types of garage shelving ideas and storage solution methods that are available. Surely you can find one, or perhaps even a combination of garage organizing ideas that will be suitable for the purpose that you would like your garage to serve.
* Garage Storage Ceiling
This is one of the types of garage shelving arrangements used in many places where there is not much space even for a car. There's the advantage of taking your shelving high and wide in which case you will still have access to space on the garage floor. This garage storage shelving can allow you to hold bins where you keep such things as light bulbs, tools, seasonal clothing and shoes. The entire garage floor space can still be used by your car and other items like scooters, push mowers, bicycles and other things you may deem fit to store in your garage.
* Garage Storage Cabinet
This type of garage storage facility is considered an excellent choice by many people because the cabinet can be moved around the garage with relative ease. There may be shelves right inside such cabinets on which smaller items are kept; there may also be hooks for hanging these items. At any time you may have the cabinet moved to another location if you think you'd want another item to occupy the same position without displacing the materials and items you have kept in the cabinet. This type of storage facility will just be easily rolled to a new spot.
How to Use Garage Shelves
Whatever the type of garage shelving ideas you intend to use in your garage, it is paramount that they create enough space while ensuring that your garage is kept clean and properly organized. You can store items such as camping gear, holiday items, sports equipment and gardening supplies on them. Holiday decorations are used at specific periods of the year and you don't have to allow them take up valuable space in your house if you have proper garage storage shelves where they can be kept.
There are many benefits that can be counted and are attributable to the use of garage cabinets and storage. It is not only your garage that will experience freedom, but you are going to enjoy freedom in your garage yourself because the organizing all of the clutter will lead to an easier life for you. Everything in your house especially those vital tools have their respective places and you won't need to expend energy in fruitless missions searching for items that are not lost but only misplaced. Above all, your car for which the garage was created in the first place would have its rightful place back in your garage instead of being exposed to the elements outside in the driveway.

                                                  Click On This

Searching For Self Storage Online Saves Time

If you're reading this article then it's best to say that you are a digital native and a pioneer of the World Wide Web. Anything that you can imagine can be accessed by you from the privacy of your home. Consumers can now search for products during their time, eliminating having to call during business hours when most people are at work themselves. No matter what you are searching for you are bound to come across information giving you the knowledge on how to access this item either by purchasing it online or where to find it in local stores.
At some time or another everyone has Googled or searched for some type of item along with a description of the item such as a thermal winter jacket with weatherproofing or a particular book or recipe that you saw on television. When the search results were presented to you most likely you scanned the first view results and choose one that appeared on the first page.
Finding this information on the internet is relatively easy; you carefully choose your keywords, just like the thermal winter jacket with weatherproofing. The internet is a convenient way for you to shop and explore. Soon enough results will appear right in front of you and with over millions of pages of information waiting to be explored. With this amount of information it's hard not to be overwhelmed, which is why most people make their selection within the first page of results. Anything you are searching for can be accessed within seconds.
If you're using the internet to search for things like winter coats, books and recipes why not use the internet to search for a self storage facility. Maybe you are downsizing your home, looking to do some home renovations or you've acquired some extra possessions in the last couple of months. Chances are that you will need to find somewhere safe and reliable to hold these extra belongings. As we've stated before self storage units are the perfect solution to your storage needs, you can affordable house the items you no longer have use for until you decide to donate the items, sell them or find that you need them again. It's a cheaper solution than repurchasing items that you have disposed of after you find the space for them in your home. By exploring the World Wide Web and search engines you can find a self storage unit that suites you and your needs.
Maybe you're wondering why we're not telling you to open the phonebook, that's because according to Inside Self Storage over 75% of self storage customers, meaning you have access to the internet. So self storage companies know that a lot of their customers are coming from a search engine meaning Google, Yahoo or Bing. Websites also contain much more information than the phone book could ever give you access to. Once on a self storage facilities website you will have access to their address, phone number, fax number, hours of operation, storing unit sizes, featured amenities and rate plans. This information about their property could save you from thumbing through the phonebook calling each self storage facility asking the same mundane questions. You may even be able to request a free quote over the internet or reserve your self storage unit that very day.
There may also be a map view of the location in reference to your house, photos or online virtual tours of the self storage facility. Some websites may also provide you with information about truck rentals, packing supplies such as boxes and even packing tips. Facilities often offer web only discounts that save consumers some extra money on a rental or even a self storage unit free for a month.
Let's say you're searching for a self storage unit in Brooklyn New York, so you pull up your favorite search engine Google and type in Brooklyn Self Storage, which will pull up a handful of local searches and a map identifying their location. Further down you will see the broad based search engine results, out of those results it's best to chose one that clearly matches what you're looking for. If some of your keywords Brooklyn + Self + Storage aren't showing up then chances are you won't find what you're looking for there.
Once you've chosen a site make sure it's easy to navigate with links for customers to find contact information, information about self storage unit size and the different types of self storage units that the facility offers. Depending on what you want to store will depend on the types of self storage unit you'll be interested in renting. Remember that self storage is not just for storing furniture and household items, wine storage is very popular along with, truck, boat, RV and car storage. This type of self storage can range from garage style parking, covered parking or outdoor parking lots.
All self storage facilities offered standard security features such as an access controlled gate, good lighting, a fenced in area and on-site managers to watch for any suspicious activity. Some facilities even take extra precautions with video surveillance, alarms, and on-site security. Most of this information can be accessed on the business' website.
Self storage facilities also offer amenities to their customers to protect you and your belongings; features such as drive up facilities for easy loading and unloading, 24 hour access, and climate controlled units. If the facility does not offer drive up, some self storage units provide dollies and carts to help make the move as easy as possible for their customers.
Surfing the web in search for a self storage unit in Brooklyn, New York has advantages beyond just accessing information about the self storage facility. Some facilities allow their customers to pay their bill online or give special deals and rates to online customers. Just remember that once you've found the perfect self storage unit online nothing beats calling and speaking with the facilities' manager. Self Storage managers are always happy to answer any questions you might have. If this is your first time renting a self storage unit, ask to stop in for a quick tour of the unit before making your final decision. You want something that is convenient and safe for you and your belongings.
Selfstoragefinders.com is committed to aiding customers in finding self storage locations quickly and easily by providing storage unit locations and contact information for facilities around the country. Be sure to let the self storage, mini storage, public storage or mobile storage manager know where you found them on


                                               Click On This

How to Know Self Storage Units Are Well Maintained

People store anything from wine to documents and antique furniture in self storage units, and therefore they want to know that the property is well maintained and that no unexpected damage to the belongings will occur while in storage.
Here are a number of things that you could look at to ensure that the self storage units are in a good condition:
The buildings should generally appear to be in a good condition.
You do not only want these units to be waterproof, but also damp free. Check that you see no mould or cracks to the walls, as this could lead to water damage to your valuable possessions, should you plan to store it long term. Also check that the roof shows no signs of leaks. Properly build storage facilities will have air vents ensuring ventilation that will prevent it from being damp.
Are the self storage units clean and most importantly pest free? There is nothing as bad as returning to stored goods only to find that moths have eaten your old documents or pictures. Ask the person on duty how the company ensures a pest free environment.
Also ask what the company's fire plan is. Are the units fireproof?
Some self storage companies undergo assessments on a regular basis to ensure that everything is clean and safe. You could ask whether this is the case at the self storage company that you have chosen.
Friendly and professional service will give you a good idea of how the company is run. If employees do not care about the client, they will not care about your belongings.
Apart from maintenance, also ensure that the self storage units are conveniently located, especially if you will have to go there often. It should be relatively close to you, and you should feel safe going there.

                                            Click On This

The history of self storage

The history of self storage begins much farther back than most think. Buz Victor (who founded the Self Storage Association), while on a trip to China discovered that people had been keeping their personal belongings in clay pots for over six thousand years. These pots were deposited in underground storage areas, and were monitored to make sure nobody could access any jar but their own. Later on British dignitaries would vacation or be away for extended periods of time, they too would seek personal storage - they would often hire banking companies to keep their valuables secure, and the banks in turn would go to moving companies. These companies would secure lofts or stables, and store the valuables in crates inside, often putting watchmen nearby.
We can all learn about the do's and don'ts of storing goods and belongings by examining the history of self storage. For example, security has forever been one of the main reasons people seek personal storage, and remains one of the most (if not the most) important aspect of it today. The history of self storage shows us that originally, whoever was charged with taking care of valuables would retain responsibility in the event that they were lost or destroyed. For example, if a loft for a British aristocrat were burned down, the bank would be held responsible.
However, with the advent of self storage, the responsibility is retained by the customer (unless theft or damage is due to a flaw or neglect on the proprietor's part). Self storage owners do not have access to customer's goods (except in the event of a lien, or failure to pay rent, in which case the goods can be sold at public auction), which was unheard of in the history of self storage until now, and security therefore is usually maintained now through cameras. Further back in the history of self storage, even up until today, the main means of security was through guards or complex locks. The modern equivalent, available on upscale storage units, is the electronic thumbprint reader.
The first facility in the history of self storage (as we now know it) was in Odessa, Texas, and was called "A1 U-Store-It, U-Lock-It, U-Carry the Key." Russ Williams, who had worked in the oil industry for much of his life, enjoyed fishing in his free time and needed somewhere to keep extra equipment and boats. He realized other firms in the oil industry could use similar storage units for commercial purposes, and so bought a group of apartments and garages. They more or less sold themselves.
Possibly the most important lesson to draw from the history of self storage is an obvious one: as long as there are things, people will need somewhere to put them..

                                                       Click On this