What You Need to Consider in Your Shed Plans

Constructing a shed can be a do-it-yourself project that is very satisfying. But before you start cutting lumber and hammering nails there are a few basic steps that you'll need to consider. One of these is to obtain a quality set of shed plans which will be your guide during the construction phase.

Before purchasing your plans, however, you'll need to do some preliminary homework. What are you going to use the shed for - will it be a garden shed or a place to keep equipment such as lawn tractors and other appratus. If you plan to use your shed for garden activities you'll want to make sure you have plenty of windows so you can take advantage of the sunlight.

If you are going to use the shed for equipment storage you'll want to insure that it will be large enough to accommodate everything. You can arrange all your equipment as it would be stored in the shed and then measure the perimeter. This will show you how much floor space you going need. Do you plan to have a workbench in your shed? Where will it be placed and do you want electric power available?

What kind of floor will your shed have? If you're storing heavy equipment you may want a cement floor or perhaps just a dirt or gravel floor will do. For a garden shed gravel or slate are two possibilities. Sheds that contain workshops will most likely have wood floors.

Another big consideration of your shed design will be the shed roof. There are five roof configurations that are common with most sheds. They include the gable roof, the gambrel, the pent roof, the hip roof, and the saltbox. Your roof choice will be mostly a matter of personal preference, however, you should know that the hip roof is the most difficult to construct because of the many compound angles required.

Finally, you'll need to decide on a site for your shed and you may already have this picked out. The spot should be in an area where water doesn't collect and it must be the proper distance from property boundary lines and roads.

When you finally have your plans complete your next step is to take trip over to the town building inspector who will look them over to make sure they conform to the local building codes. As long as you're there you may as well get your building permit.

In addition to the shed plans you'll also need some idea of the construction method including the tools required for the job. Shed building doesn't require a lot of expensive tools. A power saw, drill, hammer, a measuring tape, and a square will cover most of it.

So now that you've done all your planning you're finally ready to begin the construction process. Depending on the size it shouldn't take you more than a day or two to complete your shed. If you have someone who's willing to give you a hand, it can go much faster.

In summary, creating your shed plans will be step one in building a attractive and functional shed which will give you a great sense of pride and satisfaction of accomplishment when it is completed.


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