Building a Garden ShedTips for Helping You Build Your Own Garden Shed

Planning to build a garden shed yourself may seem a bit challenging if you have little building experience, but with adequate research and planning you should handle every task with confidence. One of the first major decisions will be whether to purchase a set of plans to build the shed from scratch or to purchase a shed kit with plans, all materials and instructions included. Each method has its merits. These five tips may help you decide which method to choose.

1. If you choose a shed kit, most or all of the materials are included so there is little choice over the kinds of materials to use. To build from scratch you can choose from a wide variety of different kinds lumber, sheeting, roofing and fasteners that meet your requirements. However, if you have limited building experence, the kit method with all the instructions and materials included could be the easiest plan to build.

2. Building a shed from scratch using your own plans or plans you purchased can make it easier to make changes. If cost is a problem, you could design it so that windows, vinyl siding or electrical wiring from the house can be added later.

3. The cost of building the shed from scratch could be somewhat lower because you have more control over the kinds of material you purchase. Sometimes good quality materials can be purchased at sale or surplus prices. In fact, you could also consider buying good used materials if they are available in your area.

4. Garden sheds built from kits are often displayed outside at building supply stores. Some of these sheds have been outside for several years in adverse weather conditions.. Examine these sheds to see how they stood up to heavy rainfall, snow or hot sun. Sometimes the particle type sheeting on the roof is too thin and sags between rafters over time. With your own plans, waterproof plywood and a size thicker would be a better choice.

5. The foundation and floor of the shed is usually not included in the shed kit and therefore, you will need to choose the kind of foundation that is best suited for its location. In wet areas or where high winds are a problem you may want to consider a concrete or a cement block foundation, but in a drier level area treated lumber on a gravel base may be quite satisfactory.

To help you make an informed decision, these five tips along with plenty of research should help you choose between building the garden shed from scratch or from a shed kit. Remember, the time spend looking at different sheds and gathering all the plans and ideas necessary to make wise choices can give you the confidence to build a structure you will be proud off.

Every bloke has one, but what about the women?

Building a garden shed does not have to be for the tools, the kitchen sink or the boy’s toys it could be slanted towards an extra room for art, crafts, dressmaking studio. The first choice before drawing up building plans is to decide the purpose of the building and who will be using it the most. There are many great plans for building different styles of shed but the basics remain the same.

• The site being of main importance as the shed /studio will be there for a long time. The fact that the property will be sold a number of times also means that the building needs to be attractive, functional, and handy to the home on the section.

• Accessibility should also be considered as there may be a need to unload items from a vehicle or trailer if it is being used for storage.

• Surroundings such as location of utilities and the likelihood of existing services at risk of being damaged from building excavations, site preparation.

• Siting for the sun of huge importance, the main part orientated to the sunny side because the sun has a feel good factor, makes the shed/studio warmer and more pleasant to work in. Obviously, this depends where in the world you are building.

• Materials that you plan on using and where you will get them. eBay, your local hardware shop, the neighbor, demolition yard, or manufacturer.

• The council permits that may be required, they will be different depending on the council involved.

• The cost, always allow more than you budget, even the very best laid plans can go astray, Murphy’s law has a lot to answer for sometimes!

• One of the most important suggestions is talk to your neighbor and tell them your plans. The shed may spoil their view, cut down on the amount of sun their garden receives in the course of the day. They may also have some good ideas that may be of help in your building project. Who knows, they may even help building your shed.

• Measure your planned site. Will it fit? Distance from your home, access, services.

• Who is going to have the use of your shed or studio, and what inside finishing it may need. The lady of the house may want to decorate appropriately, if it’s going to be for her. A blokes shed will need a beer fridge and very little else!