A lovely French chalet or a traditional building with gables may not be the first places you think of for housing dirty shovels, motorbikes and oversized boxes, but these are some of the styles available in carports and storage sheds. From no-frills boxes to more home-compatible designs, these buildings run the gamut in appearances.


Plan first
Whether simple or elaborate, and made of wood or steel, these structures’ purpose has remained the same throughout the years—to provide homeowners with extra space outside the home, typically for storing and protecting everything from mowers, rakes and potting soil to cars and trucks.
But before you set your heart on a particular look or size, storage building companies say to research your decision thoroughly.

“There are several different things homeowners need to look into,” says Chris Campbell, an owner of Your Backyard Plus in Marietta. “If you have a homeowner’s association, you need to check with them for their requirements. Also, permits are required for most outdoor accessory structures. That could include the storage buildings.”

The county will tell homeowners about size requirements and building permits needed, according to Bill Haggerty, authorized representative with Quality Buildings Unlimited in Marietta. The county can also tell you how many feet apart the structure needs to be placed in relation to various property boundaries.

You also need to keep the building installer’s job in mind when selecting the site, according to Campbell. Ideally, a perimeter of at least two feet should exist around the structure, free and clear of obstructions such as trees.

Remember, the requirements for a storage structure in Fulton County may not be the same for someone living in Cobb or DeKalb Counties. “All areas have different codes,” says Brian Hudson with Superior Portable Buildings. Bottom line: “It’s the homeowners’ responsibility to call and check.”

What you will pay
Cost, of course, is also a factor. A small storage building, such as one that is 8-by-8 feet, can run about $1,200, according to Hudson. A 24-by-44-foot wood structure can go as high as $20,000. “These structures are about the size of a garage outside of the house,” Hudson says.

There are various expenses besides the actual cost of the structures, such as building permits, which can be about $35 and up, according to Campbell.

Using the space
Once the background work is done, think about how you really plan to use the new structure. Campbell suggests asking yourself several questions, such as: What do you truly want to be in the new space? Are you looking at it as a potting shed or for yard tools? Are you going to use it to store furniture? “People use these structures for different reasons,” she says. “That’s going to be based on the space you want to devote to it in your yard.”

Some people’s space needs for the buildings go beyond basic storage. Haggerty knows of customers who bought larger buildings (which were not sold as homes), got permits for putting in electricity, and turned the structures into everything from getaway cottages to home offices.

One customer had a garage door put on his building, and had a carport off to the side as well. “You’d be surprised how much stuff people have to store,” Haggerty says.

Store in style
Style choices may be affected by your homeowners’ association rules, but if you’re able to choose whatever you like, you’ll have a wide variety of options in both style and size.

Companies like Deluxe Garage Builders specialize in creating buildings that look as if they’ve been there since the home was built.

“People tend to gravitate toward the style of their house; however, if they see an advantage of a barn style with a loft overhead, they might go with the barn, even if it doesn’t match the home,” Haggerty says.

He recommends hiring a professional for installing amenities such as electricity, rather than a novice attempting it. “In most cases, you’re working with a wood building, and you don’t want it burning down,” he says.

Storage building companies say 10-by-12 feet and 12-by-16 feet tend to be the most popular sellers.

Foundation and function
Most structures are built on site and do not require a permanent foundation unless the homeowner wants a concrete slab. “Generally they don’t, because of the added expense,” Campbell says. Instead, most structures are built on a base of cement blocks or brick. If you don’t like the look of the blocks under and around your storage building, you can hide them. “One possible disguise is to put lattice around the unit,” Campbell says.

Before you build, it’s a good idea to visit several showrooms to see a variety of structures up close. Then, at home in your garage or yard, tape off a 10-by-12-foot area to get an idea of the amount of space the structure will use. “Maneuver some of your things into the space and see if there is room for your bike or your rototiller,” Campbell says. If you can fit your things within the area, and you’ve found the right spot in your yard, it’s time to pick your favorite style and get started.