Q: We are considering putting a shed in our back yard for additional storage. Are there any studies or anything else that may indicate whether the shed will raise or lower our property value?

A: None that I know of. However, homeowners are always running short on storage, and one study shows that home buyers will often decide whether to buy a home based on the amount of closet space it contains.

One thing to keep in mind before you build your shed: Make sure you pull any necessary permits for the shed before you build it. Many communities have specific rules and regulations about putting up “outbuildings” on your land, and a shed might qualify. Some of these rules might require you to place the shed a certain number of feet away from the lot line and other might concern the design or construction of the shed.