Plans for Building a Storage Shed in Your Backyard
Posted on : 05-12-2009 | By : Don Danielson | In : Hobbies
Getting plans for building a storage shed is only part of the job when preparing to build. You will also need to make some choices on the type of shed that you need, where it will be located, and whether or not you need help building it.
Depending on the use of your shed, you may want something that can hold tools, a workbench, and electrical outlets for your equipment. Or, you may want a shed that will hold garden tools and equipment and kids bikes. The shed styles that will accommodate these two uses are very different. Deciding on the uses for your shed will help in making the best decision on the style of shed that you ultimately build.
If you find out your shed will need to be more than 200 square feet, contact your local government office. In some areas a person needs a building permit for any structure that is 200 square feet in size. This may not seem very important when you are thinking about building the shed, but the resale value of your home can be significantly impacted if you have structures on your property that were not built using a required permit.
An important step before choosing where to put your shed is to call the utility and cable companies. Having lines, cables, and pipe locations identified before you start your shed will save time. You do not want to build your shed over any objects that may have to be dug up at a later day. Even “light” sheds are difficult to move so taking this precaution will be very cost effective and will ultimately save time.
Building your shed on the highest point in your yard will keep the floor of the shed from becoming wet and damaged in the winter months. The shed will be in the elements and suffer a certain amount of exposure, but you want to keep it as safe as possible to keep it in good condition for several years.
The flooring of your shed will be important when you build. Sheds use either skids, which are 4″x4″x8′ lumber placed on solid concrete blocks, or a concrete slab. If you are going to use skids for your flooring be sure that the wood is pressure treated and that the skids are spaced evenly apart. You will also want to be sure that the concrete blocks and the skids are level.
If you live in a wet climate or an area where there is run-off and are going to use skids, you will want to take an extra safety step. Putting 2-4″ of gravel in the area where you are putting your blocks and skids will keep the water from causing damage to your shed. Using pressure treated wood will also help with keeping insects and water damage from occurring.
When you order your plans for building a storage shed, be sure that they allow the use of low maintenance materials. Using PVC timber instead of cedar trim will eliminate the need to repaint the trim on a regular basis. You will also find that using low maintenance materials will keep your shed looking good for a longer period of time.
Discover how to build an incredible outdoor structure with these easy to followplans for building a storage shed complete with step by step instructions and woodworking tips from a master of woodworking and design. Uncover the secrets of shed construction by visiting Shed Building Plans today.
