Any good handyman or gardener worth their salt will be able to tell you that a garden shed is one of the most useful things in the world. Not only can garden sheds be used for loads of different purposes, but they also look great too.
If you’ve got a garden shed of your own, you probably know how useful they are. But just in case, here are 10 great uses for garden sheds – some of which you may not have thought of!
1. Storage
This is pretty self explanatory. Garden sheds are great to keep things in, from lawn furniture to power tools or even camping equipment. Good garden sheds are set on a foundation and sealed properly, so your stuff will remain dry and safe.
2. Overwintering Plants
Those of you with green thumbs will know just how important it is to make sure your plants stay protected, all year round. Garden sheds are perfect places to overwinter your more delicate plants, and can be fitted with heat and light should you so require.
3. Pet Paradise
If you’ve got an unruly, yet beloved, family pet, why not convert your garden shed into somewhere for them to play and sleep? Many people choose to have their pets sleep outside, especially if they’re over-boisterous or over-large!
4. Children’s Playhouse
A garden shed can be easily converted into a playhouse for little people, simply by de-cluttering and giving it a lick of paint. Make your kids’ playhouse fun, bright and safe to play in, and they’ll be sure to enjoy it all year round.
5. Workspace/Study
No matter what kind of work you do, if you work from home you may find yourself wishing for a bit more peace and quiet, or even a bit of extra room. A garden shed can be turned into a convenient workspace simply by fitting it with a desk, chair, and a few home comforts. Or, if you’re a bit more hands-on, a work bench and tool rack.
6. Man Cave
Who doesn’t love the idea of their very own man cave? Man caves aren’t just for men, they’re fun for the whole family. Fit your out with comfy seating, a TV, games consoles, and a hifi.
7. A Bar
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a bartender, why not convert your garden shed into a makeshift bar? A garden bar is perfect for warm summer nights, and you can entertain friends and family in the evening by showing off your mixing skills.
8. A Sauna/Steam Room
A garden shed can be easily converted into a sauna or steam room, simply by sealing all cracks and gaps, treating the inner and outer walls, and installing the necessary equipment and ventilation. Don’t forget to complete your sauna by fixing it up with comfortable benches and towel racks, for the ultimate at-home luxury experience.
9. A Home Gym
Gym memberships can be pretty extortionate, so if you’ve got a garden shed going spare and a little extra cash to invest in equipment, you could be on your way to having your very own home gym. The great thing about a home gym is that, once you’ve made the initial investment, you won’t have to pay out any more money. And best of all, a home gym requires little to no effort to attend!
10. A Couple’s Retreat
If you’re in need of a romantic getaway for two, a garden shed could be the answer. It may not sound romantic right now, but with a little hard work you could transform your garden shed from a rundown shack into a love shack! All it takes is some mood lighting, a comfy place to relax and maybe a TV and DVD player for watching soppy movies together. Don’t forget the wine!
Welcome to DIY Doctor's blog
DIY Doctor is a free Home Improvement web site that offers advice on all aspects of self-build, home improvement and DIY processes. Our ever growing range of video tutorials combines our industry knowledge with the sort of information that you need, to learn how to carry out all sorts of Home Improvement tasks.
The DIY Doctor video channel on YouTube hit 1 Million views last week and so we are going to feature our top ten most popular videos over the next month. Vote for your favourite on our Facebook page, and don’t forget to ‘like’ us while you are there.
We do have a fun Easter Bunny video, that went viral, which you can find on our YouTube channel if you want a bit of a smile, but other than that, this is the most popular video we have on the Channel.
How to Hang a Door
Mike (who is our video star) is busy filming the next batch – so if there is anything you really want to see, do let us know. In the mean time take a look at the DIY Doctor YouTube channel to check out what we already have for you there.
There are usually two things that spring to mind when we think about making environmentally friendly home improvements: reducing emissions and saving money. The two do of course go hand in hand; if you spend less on energy, then you emit less CO2.
Whatever your priorities, we can all agree that cutting energy use is a good thing. The problem is that green improvements aren’t always cheap to begin with, which puts many people off, even if there is the promise of future savings. Fortunately however, there are two answers to the problem. Firstly, there are in fact many things that you can do yourself without spending a lot of money, and secondly, you can potentially earn money from having an environmentally friendly home.
Go Green on a Budget
Let’s start with the things that you can do cheaply at home.
Waste water is a considerable problem that we face in this country, simply because we’re so used to having an unlimited supply. It can be difficult to consciously use less water, but there are ways in which you can ensure that you always do. Generally, this will involve changing the plumbing of taps and toilets in the home. While this might sound like a big job, there are actually many inexpensive kits available that can be fitted with minimal hassle. They work to passively reduce the volume of water used when a tap is on or when a toilet is flushed. You will need some basic plumbing knowledge, but the majority of kits do not require extensive configuration of pipes.
Insulation is something that a lot of people are aware of. If you can keep heat in, then you’ll need to use the central heating system far less often, which means you’ll be saving money and cutting down on emissions. The downside is that cavity wall insulation and full loft insulation isn’t always cheap, or even something that you can do easily yourself. You can however ensure that your water tanks and pipes are properly insulated, which is a job you can do without specialist knowledge. For the tanks in your loft or airing cupboard, you can buy jackets in a variety of sizes that are easily attached. Pipes require a little more work, as you need to wind mineral wool mat around them, but this is still inexpensive and simple. Ensuring your water system is well insulated will mean that it retains warmth for longer, and won’t need heating as often.
Getting a Return on Your Investment
If you’re looking for something that will not only save you money, but will in fact earn money, then the primary option is to go with solar panels. Large systems on your roof are unlikely to be something that you can fit yourself, but even with the cost of installation, solar paneling is a worthwhile investment. This is because you can of course sell the power you make back to the National Grid when you’re not using it. Solar PV systems are of course costly initially, but it’s generally estimated that they will pay for themselves after between 10 and 15 years. Beyond that is all profit. You can go to www.ecolutionrenewables.com to learn more.
To conclude, it can be hard to justify a large outlay on economical home improvements, because savings can take a long time to accrue. With the promise of future profits however, things can become more attractive. Alternatively, there are methods of cutting emissions with very little outlay at all, and they can be undertaken with basic DIY knowledge.
Thank you to all of you who have used our YouTube Channel for your DIY fixes and Home improvement jobs.
We have loads of How To and instructional videos, as well as tutorials on such things as How to avoid cowboy builders, and a range of product reviews to help you get the best tool for the jobs you are planning.
As Mike is fond of saying “There is a tool for every job”.
As a celebration of his video style we have put together a quick Mash-Up of some of his best bits see below:
We have got lots of other helpful videos to help you with property maintenance, building task and buying the right tools. Visit the DIY Doctors YouTube channel.
Shutters are a lovely way to dress your window, but contrary to popular belief, they are relatively easy to fit. So whether you fancy a dark wood European style or a white Caribbean look, then don’t hesitate to get started. Most shutters come with a frame and the shutters themselves, so you are able to choose where they are positioned.
Measuring
First you should divide your window into thirds vertically and measure along each of those points. Record whichever measurement is the smallest. Do the same horizontally, remembering to record the smallest measurement. This is to make sure that the frame fits within the window. Any gaps can be filled in with decorator’s caulk. Use these measurements to order your shutters.
If you wish to have a divider rail or a split in your shutters, then make sure that you measure to the right location.
If your shutters are to be placed externally rather than in the interior, then the measurement procedure is the same, but should be between the window surrounds.
Fitting
If you have opted to save money and do the fitting yourself, then when you receive your shutters, you should make sure that everything that should be included in the package is. Usually included are the pieces of frame, the shutters and the appropriate hardware. You should also read the instructions fully before you start.
The Frame
If the frame is not already constructed, then you should lay out the frame as how it should look when assembled. They may be labelled, but you should be able to figure out which piece goes where if you compare it to the window. If you’ve opted for a cafe style frame, it is common to have three pieces in the frame instead of four.
Fit the frame temporarily and mark where you are to drill holes. If you have measured it well, then the frame should hold. If the holes in the frame are big enough, you’ll be able to drill with the frame still in place and secure the frame as you go. Making sure that the frame is square and level with a spirit level or plumb bob at every step will prevent problems later on too.
The Shutters
The hinges can be the hardest part of fitting shutters and ideally would require another person. Some shutter panels and frames will have the appropriate part of the hinge already attached and all you have to do is to drop the hinge pin in and secure the hinge. Others you may have to line them up and attach them yourselves. It may be a long process of small adjustments before you get it exactly right, however, when your shutter panels hang right it will all be worth it.
Finishing Touches
Decorators’ caulk is not only good for filling in any gaps that there might be between the wall and the frame, but also covers up screw holes and screw heads.
If you’ve realised that fitting a shutter may not be that difficult after all, then check out Niche Blinds who offer a wide range of blinds, awnings and curtains as well as shutters.