Shed Planning
Before buying or building a shed, check your local building codes. Regulations may be in place that dictate how far from the lot line your shed must be, how tall it can be and what percentage of your land can be covered with construction.
Ask about any required permits before starting construction. Regulations vary from place to place so be sure to check well ahead of time before time and money are invested. If you are planning to build your own shed, submit your plans to the building inspector for approval and for a necessary permit.
Choosing the right location for a shed is important because it is a large, substantial addition that will stand out terribly if placed incorrectly. Find a spot in your yard that will be convenient to access. If you have a garden and will use the shed to house gardening tools, place it nearby.
Consider how easy or difficult it will be to remove bigger items from the shed. If you have a riding lawn mower, make sure it is easy to pull it in and out of the shed. Also think about whether or not you will need to access the shed during bad weather. If so, you might want to put it closer to the house.
Choose firm, dry, flat land. Soft land will be problematic in the long run. If your lawn doesn't have a spot that matches these criteria, you might have to regrade the site.
Think aesthetically as well. This will be a permanent fixture in your yard so if appearance is your top priority, place the shed in the furthest corner of the yard or any place that hinders its visibility. If you have a beautiful flower garden, you certainly don't want the shed to take away from its beauty.
-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com