November
2009
Basic Ideas and Plans for Building a Storage Shed3
Selecting plans for building a storage shed can be very challenging. There are many plans available in stores, books, and on websites. Selecting the best plans for your needs will take some planning and preparation before committing. By making the proper preparations, you will also know if you need to enlist assistance for the build.
A person may want a shed that holds tools. If this is the case, they will want to build a shed that has head room and space for both tools and a workbench. In some cases these sheds also have electrical outlets installed so that equipment can be used during the winter. Perhaps the shed will be used for storing bicycles or garden equipment. These sheds must be built so that you can get to the back of the shed easily to retrieve items.
Building a shed that is 200 square feet requires a building permit in some areas. Checking with your local building department will save you time and money. By getting the proper permits, you will not have to worry that your property values will be reduced when you sell your home. In some areas people are required to tear down any structures they build without a permit. This is also expensive and time consuming.
Before looking at different locations for your shed, call the utility company. You are going to want to build your shed in a part of your yard that does not have any cables, lines, or pipes under it. By having those areas marked prior to deciding on your location, you will not be creating any future difficulties.
Locating the shed in the highest part of your yard will keep water from running into the floor of the shed. You will also want to make sure that you angle away from heavy wind and rain.
Most people use either skids or a concrete slab for their flooring. When skids are used, they are placed on solid concrete blocks. The 4″x4″x8′ lumber must be evenly spaced on the blocks. You will also want to make sure that both the skids and the blocks are level before you start your flooring.
When a shed is going to be in an area where they may be run-off, putting two to four inches of gravel down before the blocks will protect the wood from rotting. In addition, using pressure treated wood for your floor will protect it from insects and rot.
Getting plans that include the use of low maintenance materials when building a storage shed will cut down on the amount of work you need to do to maintain the shed on a yearly basis. PVC timber instead of painted cedar for trim on the shed will eliminate the need to repaint the cedar each year.
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. This excellent guide is available for a limited time by visiting Build a Shed today.