Where Should Your Shed Go?

So you’ve made the excellent decision to get a custom shed from Kodiak Sheds—congrats, you visionary, backyard-improving legend. Whether it’s for a home office, garden retreat, workshop, or your secret escape from Zoom calls, now comes the real question:

Where the heck should you place it?

Let’s dig (figuratively… and maybe literally) into the most important things to think about before picking that final shed spot.

☀️ 1. Follow the Sun (or Hide from It Like a Vampire)

The sun doesn’t just give us golden hours and awkward tan lines—it’s also a big player in where your shed should sit.

Planning for Solar Panels?

If you’re going green (good on you!), you’ll want your roof to face south—that’s where the sun parties all day in Georgia. An unobstructed south-facing roof = max solar gain. Trees, neighboring homes, or even your two-story deck can kill your solar vibe, so take those into account.

Pro tip: Stand in your yard at different times of the day and look where the shadows fall. Your solar future depends on it.

Want More (or Less) Natural Light?

If your shed is a workspace or art studio, consider facing the windows east for gentle morning sun (hello, calm vibes) or west for golden-hour glow. If it’s a man cave / she-shed / secret nap zone, maybe avoid direct sun and face it north to keep it cool and shady.

How to figure it out? Use your phone’s compass or apps like Sun Seeker to track the sun’s path in your yard like the backyard scientist you were born to be.

🏡 2. Proximity to the House (and What Georgia Law Says)

We know you love your shed, but local zoning laws might not be quite as enthusiastic. In Georgia, here are a few basics to keep in mind (check with your county just to be sure):

Typically, you need to keep your shed at least 5–10 feet from the property line. Setback rules often require 10+ feet from your house, depending on utility access, zoning, and fire codes.You’ll also need to stay clear of septic tanks, drainage easements, or buried utilities.

Why does this matter? Build too close and you might have to move it (spoiler: that’s not fun).

🚶‍♂️ 3. Accessibility: Because You’ll Actually Use This Thing

Ask yourself:

• Will you be trudging out there in Georgia thunderstorms?

• Are you carrying tools, coffee mugs, or stacks of paperwork?

• Does it need power or internet lines?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, don’t stick it at the far end of the property unless you enjoy muddy treks and paying more for far electrical trenching (unless you want to go solar! - check out our article on that).Think about adding a stone path or walkway, or placing it close enough that it feels like part of your daily life—not a camping trip. Unless you want that - I mean, our logo is a bear so who are we to talk?

🧭 4. Slope: Your Shed Is Not a Rollercoaster

Flat land = happy shed. Sloped yard = extra costs, more prep

If your yard has a slope, don’t worry! You have options! If the slope is slight - typically under a 3 ft drop across a 12 ft span, then your Kodiak Shed builders will level the shed by flattening spots on the slope and using concrete blocks where needed. 

If the slope is more drastic, dropping more than 3 ft per 12 ft span, we can utilize a stable base of concrete piers or post & beam to get your shed level. 

If going all out is your thing - leveling the portion of slope where the shed will go and building a retaining wall is a good option (and could look pretty cool).

Pro tip: Use a basic level or laser level to see how sloped your site really is. Sometimes it looks flat… until it’s not.

🛠️ 5. Future-Proofing & Utility Access

Think long-term. You might only need a writing retreat now, but next year? You might be podcasting, running a business, or building custom kayaks. Place your shed where:

• You can easily run power and internet.

• You can add a deck, porch, or patio later.

• You won’t be blocking garden space, kids’ play areas, or future dreams of a pool.

Also consider drainage—don’t build in a low spot where rain collects unless you’re planning a koi pond (which... could be cool, actually).

Final Thoughts: Plan First, Build Once

Choosing your shed’s location is more than just plopping it down where the grass looks lonely. A little planning now means fewer headaches later—and a shed that works with your life instead of against it.

At Kodiak Sheds, we help you figure this all out during the design process—because your backyard deserves better than guesswork and a crooked foundation.

Need help scouting the perfect spot for your shed? We’re pros at this. Reach out and we’ll come out, scope your yard, and get you set up with a shed that fits your space and your style.