Sheds

Due to labor and materials costs rising constantly, people are turning to do-it-yourself projects to complete additions and renovations to their homes. A shed significantly increases the value of your property and offers additional storage space. This web site enables you to find the perfect plan. If you decide to sell your home, a carefully planned and constructed shed adds to your resale value.

• Build Your Own Shed
• Plan Your Shed Project
• Local Building Requirements
• Deed Restrictions for Your Shed Project
• Climatic Factors for Your Shed Location
• Shed Functions
• Your Shed Budget
• Shed Material Source
• Shed Placement
• Shed Site Plan
• Search for Shed Plans

Build Your Own Shed

Planning, supplying the labor and buying materials yourself can significantly cut costs, allowing you the shed you could not otherwise afford. Framing it out is not difficult. Standardized materials and construction techniques make it relatively easy if you plan and work carefully.

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Here is a checklist of information to gather before you build:

• Local Building Requirements - Visit your local building department and determine how local building codes and zoning ordinances influence your project. Certain municipalities restrict the height, placement, and square footage of sheds. Be prepared to apply for a building permit once you purchase your plan.

• Deed Restrictions for Your Shed Project - Are there conditions in your property deed that restrict the type and location of your shed? Are you planning to place it over property controlled by an easement for right-of-way or utility access?

• Climatic Factors for Your Shed Location - Evaluate the microclimate of your intended location. Microclimate includes the shading effects of trees and shrubs, the angle of the sun in relation to nearby landscaping during different seasons, soil drainage conditions, and prevailing wind and temperature conditions.

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• Shed Functions - What do you want your shed to do? Will it serve as a simple storage building for gardening or lawn tools or do you plan to use it to store household items? Do you want to supply electrical power? What type of storage or shelving units would you like to install? Will it include a workshop or hobby area?

• Your Shed Budget - Determine an estimated dollar amount you plan to spend. Do you plan to construct it yourself or will you subcontract with a professional to build it after you purchase materials? Perhaps you want a contractor to complete the project. It is helpful to set upper and lower spending limits so you can consider material options. If you decide to finance your project, don't forget to include interest in the total.

• Shed Material Source - A helpful lumber dealer or home center is an invaluable resource for the successful completion of your project. Consult with your dealer to see if they stock all the materials you require, and what items need to be special ordered and lead times. Check if the dealer will deliver materials to your site.

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• Shed Placement - Before you place your shed on your property, study traffic patterns in your backyard and how often you will use it. Create a site plan of your property and draw arrows to illustrate the basic movements to and from your home. Establish priorities for storage locations and traffic.

• Shed Site Plan - When creating a site plan on your own, remember that it is essential to locate exterior doors and windows on your plan. Try to include all exterior structures and landscaping in your plan. While a scale drawing is not essential, it is not difficult to create a site plan to scale with a ruler and pencil. Grid paper with ¼" grids is perfect for drawing your preliminary site plan on a ¼"=1'-0" scale. You should sketch your site plan to make certain your proposed addition conforms to all applicable building codes before beginning construction.

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