Re-do of back garden patio and addition of shed - worth it?

Over the years, I have “band aided” my garden.  Flower bed in middle, with lattic panels 8ft high.  Two feet above chain link fence.  No crabby neighbors here.  Then, flower bed was removed and I had a brick patio laid but unfortunately, the “landscaper” just put sand as a base, so it has become rather uneven as a result.  I had two built in planters installed in each of the back corners of the garden, however, because there is shade most of the time there, there is not much in the way of foliage.  My idea is to scrap those and build a shed – about 98 sq. ft. with corrugated roof.  No more than 8ft high either on the tall side.  And at least use the space in that way.  Garden is around 20 x 40ft.  I just want to simplify it.  Re-lay brick, erect bamboo fencing and shed and have large pots that can be moved around.  I got an estimate from someone that was recommended on B’stoner.  It was 6,620 minus the cost of bamboo fencing.  That will be around 780 bucks from Backyard X-Scapes.  Is it worth this chunk of cash to re-do the garden, i.e. a good investment in the future?  Any alternatives to do it for a grand or two less? Thanks, K

sunbury

in Garden Design and Maintenance 12 years and 9 months ago

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sunbury | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Thanks for that link.  I actually thought that fence could be no higher than 8ft.  And also that any structure in the garden should be no more than 120 sq. ft. and no higher than 8ft.  I would love to hear from any one that actually built a shed in their backyard and use it reguarly as an outside room and storage area.

cupolacoffee | 12 years and 9 months ago

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If you go ahead with the shed, you should make yourself familiar with DOB regulations and limitations. This link is just intro: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/tool_kit_fences.pdf

sunbury | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Steve – thanks for confirming the shed is a good price.  I thought so myself after reviewing any number of websites.  Dork – you are so right about the kitchen.  It’s true about living here and having the joy of looking at and using a pretty garden.  I won’t be selling any time soon – as a matter of fact – I should make provision for a “plot” in the garden for burial purposes! I am just in complete quandry as to whether I should just look beyone the tatty fence and uneven brick.  We all know that having reserve money for the more important stuff, new boiler, unexpected leaks, facade work, is much important!

dorkofwindsor | 12 years and 9 months ago

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nothing will give you returns like a kitchen investment.     having said that you must live there, and if you have a long-term outlook its not a huge budget amount  relative to the home value, it may not be an either / or decision for you, and you have to live there and enjoy your life.  If it puts off the kitchen for another year, and means a lot to you, i’d say “why not”.  If you’re looking to sell within the next 5 years, i’d wait and do the kitchen first.

sunbury | 12 years and 9 months ago

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The shed will cost me 1,800.  I thought that it might be nice to have an “extra room” since I am planning to running electric just for one outlet – all to code of course.  I know that really nice office sheds are pricey but with treated wood, two old stained glass windows, perhaps french doors and corrugated roof, it may look nice.  Price without the shed is 5,600 including materials, fence and all.  I am just wondering is that still a good price or would I be better off saving it for countertops, top of the line appliances in the kitchen.

stevecym | 12 years and 9 months ago

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I cannot speak for the redoing garden part – but as with the shed, this is all probably a matter of preference.  Now about the shed, years ago we were on a reno when the customer’s appraiser stopped by to look the place over and commented that “a shed is nice to have but it doesn’t do much for the value.”  so when I put my shed up, I kept that in mind.  and of course, I put up a nice shed with a double joists and double treated ply floor to support our antique tractor, but in the end, if the guy buying the place doesn’t have a tractor to put on it, none of this matters.  I may even tear it down when we do leave as a favor to my neighbor who let me sit it on the lot line; I don’t think I will lose any money without it.  What I am saying is, if you do not have the need for it, let it go.   steve