Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • April 3, 2013 Storage space is often a coveted commodity. Apartment dwellers seek more closet space, homeowners desire more acreage, and children may want more space for their toys and belongings. The purchase of a storage shed could alleviate some clutter issues and move items outdoors -- creating more space inside the home. Household garages are no longer as popular for storing vehicles. Instead, garages are used to store the extra items that do not fit inside the home. Many people even turn to self-storage units for extra space. According to the Self Storage Association, the storage industry earned roughly $20 billion in revenues across North America in 2010. It has also been the fastest-growing segment of the commercial real estate industry for the last 30 years, and is considered recession-proof. Garden storage sheds present another place where individuals can keep items out of sight, but easily accessible. As garages fill up with belongings quite quickly, many homeowners think about a shed purchase to at least keep outdoor lawn and garden essentials in their own place. Tips to consider when shopping for a storage shed The process of purchasing a shed is not as simple as finding the least or most expensive type on the market. There are other factors that come into play when selecting a shed. Appearance and design: Although the function of a shed is to store items out of sight, the shed itself will be in full view in a yard. Therefore, plenty of homeowners prefer something that has just as much aesthetic appeal as it does storage capacity. An unsightly shed can affect the overall appearance of a property, or even hurt the sale price for homeowners thinking about putting the home on the market. It’s important to select a shed that also complements the style of the home. Some people choose to have a custom-built shed that can replicate the architectural style of the house and even features the same siding and finishing materials. Size: Sheds come in a variety of sizes, from compact locker-sized sheds to large buildings that may even double as a garden room, pool room, or kids’ playhouse. Homeowners should keep in mind that the size of the shed may have to meet municipal rules for additions or structural changes to a property. A larger shed may require a permanent flooring material, such as concrete, and may be subject to permit applications and inspections, whereas a smaller shed may not have such stringent requirements. Furthermore, certain towns may restrict the size and placement of a shed if it interferes with traffic visibility or impacts a neighbor in a negative way. Siding materials: Sheds are constructed of various exterior materials. Some of the more affordable options are metal or plywood and particle board. However, these materials can be easily compromised by rain and snow. The most maintenance-free materials are vinyl or molded PVC-type plastics. However, these may look like cookie-cutter units and may not have as much visual appeal. Cedar and wood are popular siding choices, but won’t be maintenance-free. They need upkeep and tend to be more expensive, but the cost may pay for itself in durability and attractiveness. Minor enhancements: Touches like decorative architectural features, window boxes, shutters, or even simply planting shrubs and annuals around the shed can make it an integral part of the landscape. Double doors will ensure large pieces of equipment can fit inside the shed. The addition of a pressure-treated ramp at the entryway will provide easy access. Storage sheds can provide much-needed space for homeowners. Certain features and cost need to be factored into the selection process. Homeowners should shop carefully to find a shed that is the best fit.