Five years ago when I built the storage building in my backyard, I thought I had built one that we could easily grow into.  I could not have been more wrong.  Our lack of storage space is now overflowing back into our home.

Had I to do it all over again, here are a few things I would have done differently.

• I would have doubled what I thought I would need in the future
• I would have built more built-in shelves
• I would have added a loft and a lot more pegboard
• I would have built a ramp instead of stairs
• I would have added a door so there would be one on each end
• I would have added a window and electricity for at least one light
• I would have hung a series of hooks for ladders, bikes and other items that could be hung off the floor

If I had to choose one (outside of just more space) I would choose the addition of another door.  When you need that one item that your wife said she only uses once in a blue moon so you put it at the back of the shed…  Well, you know what I mean.  It takes a day to unload the shed, find the item and repack the shed.  At least it gets cleaned out. 

Sheds are sometimes known for their diminutive size. However, less floor space may be overcome by building up top. To this end, you may want to add a loft to your shed. Attached correctly to the ceiling and wall rafters, most lofts will be able to support a substantial amount of weight. They are especially handy for storing items you may not use very often, such as boxes of dishes, luggage, or Christmas decorations.

Most lofts in sheds will be built into one end of the shed and can be the same width as the building. The depth will depend on whether or not you are willing to sift through items at the edge of your loft to get to those in the areas farther back. If you’re not willing to do this, your loft can be fairly narrow. Of course, you’ll still need a ladder to access your stored items, but on the other hand, things are not readily available to small children or others you may not want using your tools.

The easiest way to add a loft is by measuring the space you would like up top and cut a piece of three quarter inch plywood and slip it on top of the rafters.  Attach the plywood with one inch wood screws along the edges and you are done!  The entire process is easy, efficient, effective and inexpensive.