Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Garden Building Project

Planning a garden building project?

You are not alone. In fact, about 35% of households are involved in gardening and home improvement spending has reached an all-time high. These days, more and more homeowners want a functional space outside their property.

Here’s the problem:

Most of these people don’t know where to start or what to do. They overspend, experience long delays, or even abandon the project halfway through. Why? They never created a realistic plan to begin with.

Luckily, if you follow this guide, it won’t happen to you.

Here’s what you will learn:

Understand your garden building needs
Set a realistic budget
Choose the perfect location
Consider Permits and regulations
Professionals vs DIY decision

1. Understand your garden building needs

First of all, what do you need?

Garden buildings and sheds come in all shapes and sizes. Some homeowners want a simple storage shed to keep all their garden tools and equipment. While others want a home office, workshop, or even a quiet retreat space.

The building you end up with will mostly depend on how you plan to use the space. Will you store equipment or materials? Is it a workspace? A combination? Quality suppliers such as 1st Choice Leisure Buildingshave options from simple storage sheds to fully insulated garden rooms.

The point is matching the building to your actual needs and not what looks great in the brochure.

Ask yourself questions like:

What will you store or do in this space?
How much square footage do you actually need?
Do you need electricity or plumbing?
Will it be used year-round or seasonally?

Answering these questions honestly will make the whole process a lot easier down the road.

2. Set a realistic budget

Alright, time to talk money.

Building garden structures can cost anywhere from a few hundred bucks to tens of thousands. And here’s the truth, according to 42% of DIYers, the most common reason to attempt home improvement projects is the financial aspect.

They just want to save money by doing it themselves.

But going DIY is not always the cheaper option.

When setting your budget, take the following costs into consideration:

The building itself (materials or prefab structure)
Foundation or base preparation
Delivery and installation fees
Permits and inspections
Electrical/plumbing work if needed

Pro tip: Add 15-20% on top of your estimated budget for unexpected costs. You can’t plan for everything. Every building project has surprises.

Most homeowners can expect to spend somewhere around $2,000 for a basic shed to $15,000+ for a fully equipped garden room. Your costs vary on size, materials, and customization.

3. Choose the perfect location

Location, location, location.

Yes, this is just as important as the actual building. The spot you pick for your garden building impacts everything from drainage to how much you’ll actually end up using the space. And once it’s there, good luck moving it.

Begin by surveying your yard for the best spot. You want level ground or at least places that won’t require massive excavation work. Sunlight exposure is important to consider as well. Too much direct sun can make a garden office unbearably hot in summer.

Factor in the following:

Distance from your house
Drainage patterns when it rains
Underground utilities (you’ll need to call before you dig!)
Local setback requirements from property lines
Access for delivery trucks during installation

You should also consider the view. Will you like looking at this building from the house? What about from inside? Believe it or not these details matter more than you think.

4. Consider Permits and regulations

We know. Nobody likes red tape…

But skirting the permit process can cost you a fortune later on. Fines, forced removal, or problems when you try to sell your home. Most areas require permits for buildings over a certain size. Anything above 100-120 square feet is usually game. But it varies wildly by location.

Here’s what you should check:

Local building codes and zoning laws
HOA restrictions (if you have one)
Setback requirements from property lines
Height restrictions for outbuildings
Foundation requirements

Call your local building department early in the planning process. They will tell you exactly what’s required. The permit process usually takes 2-8 weeks depending on where you are. Plan for it.

Foundation Prep Is Everything

Did you know that the biggest mistake people make?

Skipping foundation work.

A garden building is only as good as what’s underneath it. A bad foundation will cause doors not to close, windows that stick, and moisture problems rot your investment.

You’ve got a few foundation options:

Concrete slab– Most permanent and stable. Best for larger buildings or year-round use.
Gravel base– A good middle ground for most sheds. Provides drainage and stability without the cost of concrete.
Concrete blocks– Budget-friendly for smaller structures. Make sure they are level and properly supported.
Skids – Wooden runners that allow you to move the building later. Only works for small, lightweight sheds.

The foundation prep is usually the part that takes the longest. Plan for at least a full weekend even for the simplest of projects.

5. Professionals vs DIY decision

The big question…

Should you hire professionals or DIY your garden building?

The answer comes down to your skills, time, and budget. Local building codes in most areas allow homeowners to build their own structures. But you’re responsible if something goes wrong.

Go DIY if:

You have basic carpentry skills
The building is relatively simple
You have help available
You want to save on labor costs

Hire professionals if:

Electrical or plumbing work is required
The structure is complex or large
You lack the experience or tools
You want warranty protection

A lot of homeowners play it in the middle. They buy a prefab kit from a quality supplier and then hire contractors to do specific tasks like electrical work or foundation prep.

Timing is key

Timing is way more important than most people think.

The ideal time for most garden building projects is spring and fall. The weather is nice, contractors aren’t booked up, and you can actually enjoy using the space once it’s done.

Avoid these timing pitfalls:

Starting in late fall (you’ll be finishing in winter)
Beginning in peak contractor season (higher prices, longer waits)
Rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline

Most garden building projects take 2-4 weeks from start to finish once materials arrive. Add another 2-8 weeks for planning, permits, and delivery.

If you want to be using your new space by summer then you should be starting the planning in late winter or early spring.

The Final Touches

The building is up. Now what?

The finishing touches can make all the difference. They turn a functional shed into an actual space you’ll want to spend time in. Makes the whole project worth it.

Consider things like:

Interior shelving and organization systems
Lighting (natural and artificial)
Ventilation for temperature control
Insulation if it’s year-round use
Paint or stain to match your home

These extras may feel like frills. But they’re what separates a cramped storage box from an actual garden building that adds value to your property.

Final thoughts

Planning a garden building project shouldn’t be overwhelming. In fact, with a little forethought, a realistic budget, and some attention to detail, you can create an outdoor space that will serve you for decades.

Begin by defining your needs. Set a realistic budget with some wiggle room. Choose your location carefully. Get the necessary permits. Invest in a solid foundation. And then decide on DIY or hiring professionals based on your situation.

The key is taking things one step at a time. Rushing leads to mistakes. Planning leads to success.