How to make the most of your shed

‘Every man should have a shed' is the common refrain. But increasingly sheds are not just a male preserve; a place where old transistor radios find their second wind, where secret recipes to feed giant vegetables are concocted and where trains, albeit in miniature, always run on time. No, today's shed, be it a hand-built labour of love or B&Q's best, is less somewhere to be than somewhere to ‘do'.

As kitchen tables are filled with homework and spare rooms have become studies, the shed remains a place for a project. But first, you need to build it...

What is your shed for?
Be clear on your reasons for making the space. Is it for work or pleasure; noisy or quiet activity? Who will use it and will this change over time? Whether you need a larder or a library, studio or potting shed, office or workshop, these decisions will affect location, size, number of rooms, facilities, storage and furnishings. If it's for domestic use but you still require outside storage, consider a lean-to for firewood and garden tools. Even if you don't need electricity, water and insulation now, ‘future proofing' your shed will give you more options for uses later.

Do I need permission?
Maybe. You will need planning permission if you live in a listed building, a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or National Park. If it is for an office, particularly if you intend to employ other people, you may have to get permission.

Generally any new outbuildings have to be single storey with no verandas, balconies or raised platforms. There is a maximum height of 2.5 metres within two metres of a boundary. And you can't build it closer to a highway or footpath than your house. To be sure of the rules visit the government website www.planningportal.gov.uk.

Where to put it?
Do you need natural light? Or would shade be better? Think about the aspect of your shed and the view from the windows. Map out the size on the ground with bamboo canes or wooden stakes to ensure your garden won't be dwarfed by the new building and that the shed itself is big enough for your needs.

Also consider the neighbours - a ‘right to light' isn't automatic, but involving neighbours in your plans if your shed will be near their boundary is a good idea.

Sourcing a shed
Small, single-room, larch lap sheds are available from any local hardware or DIY store. For a directory of suppliers, visit www.shedworking.co.uk. Most self-build kits are straightforward for the average DIY buff but if you don't want to get your hands dirty, many will deliver and install as part of the service (some insist upon it to be covered by their guarantee).

Power, heat and water
Any building used for human occupation such as an office (but not a greenhouse, shed or unheated workshop) might need to meet building regulations to bring it up to the correct standards of insulation, double glazing, fireproofing and so on. If your workshop will have power tools or machinery on the go, noise could be an issue; siting it down a slope, screening with dense foliage or installing a water feature can all help reduce noise pollution.