HOW-TO... Select a Storage Building

Stuff piles up. Luggage, tools and garden equipment, and rarely used sporting goods. One day it fills a closet. Soon it overtakes your garage. If you find your living space has become an extended storage facility, it might be time to choose a backyard storage building.

Small, temporary outdoor storage buildings can be picked up at some home improvement stores and assembled either by yourself or by experienced staff at the store. Larger more permanent buildings will likely require some assistance in installing, especially one requiring a proper foundation. Before you hit the market for a new building, keep these tips in mind.

Construction

Quality material and construction is a must. The building might be more of an investment, but it will be worth it. While many companies use solid materials and workmanship, some may be out to make fast money. Their reputation means little since they don’t plan to be in business for long. Plan to purchase from a reputable vendor.

High-quality storage buildings are similar to a well-built home. The walls are sturdy; the flooring and roof trusses are solid. A well-made roof will keep out the elements. These buildings will not leak, so your possessions will be safe.

Don’t overlook the flooring. It should consist of solid joists and decking thick enough to prevent sagging. The flooring should meet or exceed your expectations. Pay more to get better flooring.

Design

Another important factor is functional design. Purchase the best-designed building that you can afford. Your unit should have plenty of room for shelving and adequate floor space. Think of everything you will need to put inside the building. People use these units for a variety of reasons. Some people need room for a tractor while others might keep small gardening equipment on the shelves. You might need more windows or electrical lighting. Maybe you need a wide door or one that opens in a particular direction. If you hang things, then look for a building with space for hooks.

Units with an attractive exterior will complement your home. You can choose from a wide array of siding, trim, and roof shingles without overshooting your budget.

While you might not think much about the appearance of the building, it is worth it when you consider that it could add to the appeal of your house and property.

The Retailer

A superior retailer will help you find a unit that offers you the best value for your money.

A company that constructs the building for you is often the best option. Misinterpreted blueprints and gouges from a screwdriver can have an impact on the overall appearance of the unit. It might even make it impossible to put together. Let a professional handle this job.

If you are on a tight budget, you might inquire about a payment plan. It will likely be cheaper than the monthly rental expense of a commercial storage facility. That’s money that stays in your pocket.

Buying a unit that features quality construction and design from a top-notch retailer makes good sense. It is a great way to gain a durable and functional storage space.

Let a professional handle this job while you admire the view from your kitchen window.

Your local farmers market provides a valuable service to your community. These markets offer fresh produce, vegetables, baked items, and other goods to a community.

Farmers markets were once only found on weekends on the outskirts of agricultural areas, usually located on well-traveled roads that attracted passersby. These days, they’re also increasingly found in urban areas and bring fresh produce to a diverse audience.

Modern farmers markets are open throughout the week and most are open weekends. This makes them the ideal places to spend a leisurely weekend afternoon, checking out the goods and enjoying anything else that may be on-site. Many local markets have seasonal greenhouses, not only filled with flowers, but also with all the mulching and landscaping supplies you need.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to buy fruits, vegetables, jams, baked goods and locally produced dairy and meat products, there’s no reason not to visit your local farmers market.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of shopping at a farmers market.

Neighbors

There are a whole host of reasons why people enjoy shopping at these markets.

First, you are supporting your neighbors and the environment. After tasting berries picked that morning by the grower himself, it is unlikely you will prefer twoweek old berries from a chain supermarket, where they likely have been treated with some kind of preservatives.

Fresh

Farmers markets will often have produce you can’t find in chain stores because some vegetables will not “ship well” or may be out of season. You will find a larger selection of peppers, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and many other vegetables and fruits. The growers may even have tasty tips for you to try at home.

Local markets also have knowledge about cooking ideas, recipes and suggestions. They understand what flavor you should expect from a vegetable or the heat level for a specific type of pepper. They can recommend which fruits are best for cooking. Some markets have signs above each product, describing the best way to cook or eat it. They might even give you a family recipe or let you sample produce you have never eaten before.

Beyond the Produce

In addition to fruits and vegetables, some markets offer honey, herbs, baked goods, hand-made pasta, farm-fresh eggs, milk, cheese, meats and canned products. Where else can you try fresh breads with locally produced goat cheese? A majority, if not all, of the canned or dry goods are homemade by the farmers market using produce they also sell.

Besides fresh foods, markets frequently have floral arrangements, gift items, books, or other art on display. Most of these items come from local or small business owners, promoting their goods within the farmers market.

Prices

Once you become a regular at your local farmers market, you will start to understand which days and times are best to shop. You might even come home with fantastic deals.

Farmers markets are often less expensive and provide superior quality than big box supermarkets. Like any business, new customers are important to your local farmers market. Repeat customers are just as important. Your local farmers market will often be responsive to questions about the availability of certain items in the future.

These markets can be an educational experience for the whole family. Your children can talk to farmers and start to understand how food is grown.

Everyone knows that nutrition is important. We should all be eating more fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, we go to a supermarket out of habit or convenience. Then we purchase the same produce each week.

Try something new. Spend some time at your local farmers market, exploring all the produce and goods available for purchase. You won’t regret it.