Need more room in your house? You could choose to move to a bigger place, or build an extension. But both options are expensive and stressful, which probably means that you'll carry on trying to make the best use of the space you have, much as you do now. But have you ever thought of putting up a shed in the garden? For many families, this has the potential to solve the space problem with the minimum of fuss and expense, and you generally do not even need planning permission from your council.

Of course, a garden shed doesn't have to be just for garden supplies, oh no. You could use one for additional household storage, a playhouse for the kids, a workshop, or a writing / art studio. I've even heard of folks running their eBay business from a garden shed - pretty much anything you can think of, basically.

So, where to begin? If you're particularly handy you could draw up a design of your own and get everything you need for the project from your local DIY store. But for the rest of us, purchasing a flatpack kit containing everything you need is a more sensible option. These generally consist of pre-fabricated panels which you just have to fasten together, rather than having to construct everything from scratch, and also have the advantage that you can pick from a range of different options to suit your needs. Available designs range from a simple inexpensive 6x4 foot storage unit to whopping great summer-houses with prices to match.

For bigger, more expensive models it would be worth paying a little extra to get it professionally erected, but for regular sheds, a couple of able-bodied adults should be able to manage the erection in a few hours. Generally you need at least two people - one holding things in position while the other attaches them together. Before you begin the actual construction, pick out the spot where it'll be located and make sure the ground is firm, flat and level - if possible put down a layer of paving stones to provide a solid foundation. Then make sure to follow the instructions carefully or you may end up with bits left over afterwards! Wooden sheds are generally pre-treated to prevent rot, but it's always a good idea to give it an extra layer of paint or wood preserver for waterproofing once you're finished.

If you intend spending much time in your shed, particularly in the winter, it may be worth your while fitting some insulation to keep things nice and snug. And try to seal up any gaps as much as possible, obviously - particularly around the door(s) and windows.