Outbuildings for Historic Homes

When planning an outbuilding to complement a historic home, there are several basic design principles to consider:

* Keep the outbuilding visually subordinate to the main building. This means that the outbuilding should complement the main building, but not overshadow it in size or detail.

* Make sure the size of the outbuilding will both meet your intended use and look appropriate in your yard.

* The outbuilding should mimic the overall form of the main building. This is most easily done by using a compatible roof shape, slope, and soffit overhang.

* Consider the sizes and placement of doors and windows to ensure that you have room to move equipment in and out, have adequate light and ventilation, and allow wall space for shelving or other storage. In addition, consider how the doors and windows will look on the most visible elevations of the building.

* Duplicate finishes and details from the main building such as siding type, roofing materials, soffit details and window and door type and trim. However, duplicating elaborate details and columns from the main building should generally be avoided due to the less public, more utilitarian nature of outbuildings.

* Keep colors of the main building and accessory building compatible. Paint with either the same paint scheme or a complementary palette.

* Plan the outbuilding location carefully. Make sure the building will not block desirable views (or will block undesirable ones), is not in a flood prone part of the yard, is easily accessible for the intended use, meets local zoning setbacks, and does not interfere with mature trees and landscaping.

A carefully designed and placed outbuilding can be a focal point in the yard, providing an attractive backdrop for landscaping as well as meet many uses.

An outbuilding can provide a welcome backyard retreat or much needed storage. It can be a focal point in the yard, adding charm and delight. However, to create an outbuilding that best enhances your yard and your lifestyle, there are several factors to consider. To begin, take a good look at your property, then consult the following list to plan for the perfect complement for your backyard.

Type
* Pre-built, delivered ready to use
- A variety of styles are available from stock designs to fully customized
- Generally the quickest and most economical type
- Quality and finishes vary by manufacturer
- Rarely come with historically accurate detailing
* Order a ready-to assemble kit
- Good for the do-it-yourselfer
- A range of styles are available
- Historical detailing varies
- Some out-of-state manufacturers may not meet state and local building requirements (particularly in coastal areas)
* Custom designed and built on site
- Can be customized for any use or size
- Built by owner or Contractor
* Custom Designed, factory-built, delivered ready to use
- Variety of styles and details available
- Can be made to complement historic homes

Use
* Verify that your intended use is allowed by local zoning laws
* Check to see if you have adequate room on site to meet your use; ie. room to pull a boat, lawn mower, etc. out of the shed

Size
* What size do you need to meet your needs?
- Measure equipment to be stored or furnishings to be utilized
* Is the size going to look appropriate for your site?
- The outbuilding shouldn't overwhelm the yard
* Verify that it can be delivered to the site (see Delivery Considerations below) if purchasing a pre-built model
* Consider the area available on the lot

Shape/ Form
* Do you need separate areas for different functions? ie. storage and a workshop
* Simple shapes are generally more economical and more pleasing to the eye

Height
* Will it interfere with desirable views (or be used to block undesirable views)?
* Proportion of building (width to height ratio) should be pleasing

Style
* Consider the architecture of your home when choosing finishes and details
* An outbuilding should be visually subordinate to the main building either by size or level of ornament/detailing
* The building should be an asset to the yard; it should be pleasing to look at as well as be in

Exterior finish
* Exterior siding should match or complement the main building
- Historic homes look best with natural material-sided outbuildings
* Should reflect the trim detailing of the main building, but may be a simplified version
* Color can match the main building exactly or be a complimentary palette

Access doors
* Location
* Size
* Style/ type
* Overhangs for protection from rain

Windows
* Light and ventilation requirements
* Style/ size
* Location
* Plan for shelving, furniture placement

Roof
* Should compliment roof shape and materials of main building
* Roof soffit/ rafter details can enhance the building design

Interior Finishes
* Consider built-in shelves, cabinets, hooks
* Are exposed studs acceptable or do you need finished walls?
* Sloped/ cathedral ceilings add headroom and storage options

Wiring/ Electrical
* Ceiling lights, exterior lights, and outlets can be added to any shed
* Internet and cable can be added
* Plan outlet and lighting locations for equipment and planned tasks
* On-site connections will need to be made by a licensed electrician in most areas

Location
* An attractive outbuilding should be placed so that it is a focal point in the yard
* Do you have an area of level ground to place the shed?
* Consider site drainage/ avoid low lying areas
* Alternate foundation types may be necessary for uneven grades
* Check with local Zoning regulations to determine minimum setbacks from side and rear yards as well as from existing structures
* Trees - look at the entire tree, including overhead branches to determine where the shed can be set
* Sunlight (consider both how much the building receives and what it might block)
* Integrate with landscaping

Foundations
* Pre-built storage sheds have a PT skid foundation to be laid on level ground
* Sloping grades need to be leveled prior to shed arrival, otherwise posts, piles or blocks need to be used for level support
* Some uses may require a permitted and inspected foundation - check with local building department

Delivery considerations (for pre-built sheds)
* Are there fences that will need to be removed temporarily?
* Is there access down a rear alley?
* Are there trees or landscaping that will be damaged during delivery?
* Is a crane needed to lift the shed into the site?
* Sheds constructed on site of pre-built panels may be special ordered for difficult to access yards

Approvals
* Local historic preservation board review is generally required within historic districts
* Building permits may be required - check with your local permitting office