DIY-Shed
Build-my-own-shed
A DIY-shed may become the most functional building
on your property. I don't know what it is about a shed but they have
this romantic quality that brings you back to a simple hands-on time
when we tended to horses, plowed our fields and stored our crops.
I don't know about you but, I've
wanted to build-my-own-shed for as long as I've owned my home in an
attempt to create more garage (wood shop) space. DIY-sheds are great
places to store all your garden tools, bikes,
kids outside play toys or whatever else you can
imagine.
Todays shed choices can be mind boggling. It's not
just a shed but a destination with it's own landscape, paving stones
and lighting. I had some decisions to make when it came time to
build-my-own shed.
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I could buy or draw some simple plans,
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have a shed delivered completely built or...
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buy a kit and assemble it myself.
For me, a DIY-shed means that it's all me... The
construction would be solid and it would last 20 years or more. What I
lacked was the time to do it all. To truly build-my-own-shed,
here's what I'd have to do...
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Create plans from a program like Google
sketch-up (it's free),
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Create a materials list from my plans,
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Pull the materials from the local home center,
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Load my truck or have it delivered,
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Start from scratch and get it built.
Since I lacked the time to go through all that, I
decided to purchase a 8' x 12' shed-kit off the Internet and build
(assemble) it myself.
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Before You Begin -
Begin your decision making process by assessing
your needs. Make a list of every possible use you may have for a
DIY-shed. Once you've narrowed your list and decided
on a function you can begin to determine it's size and design. If
you're trying to get your car back into the garage and don't have a lot
of backyard space a standard 8' x 12' should fit the bill.
You have several designs to choose from like a
simple Lean-to, Gable, Salt box, Gambrel (looks like a barn) or a Hip.
All of these structures are basically named after the type of roof they
have. Take a Hip style popular on garages... the roof comes to a point
and slopes down from the top in four directions. A Gable
structure has two halves of the roof joined together in a
classic "A" frame shape.
Sheds are so
functional they're being used not just to store your garden tools but
for potting plants, painting studios, children's playhouses and much
more...
First... Pick the right site!
Check with your local
building authority before you set your DIY-shed foundation. There may
be set backs from property lines or easements, size limitations,
permits and inspections especially if you plan to add electricity or
water.
In Virginia Beach, my shed doesn't require a
permit since it's below 100 square feet and I'm putting it on skids,
it's basically considered an accessory building. Typically foundations
that are NOT permanent such as skids or piers which can be moved, might
not require a permit.
I did, however, have set-backs I had to deal with.
I couldn't have the shed within 5 feet of one side and the back
property line. My DIY-shed couldn't be within 30 feet of the other side
and 50 feet from the front property line.
Getting
Started...
Get your tools ready! The great thing about a shed
kit is that it comes with all the parts pre-cut. You won't need your miter-saw,
circular saw or hand saws unless you plan to beaf-up the floor or walls
with some extra framing. It's suggested that you add flooring joist if
you plan to store ATV's or motorcycles. I'm adding an extra skid in the
center for strength even though I don't plan to put in anything heavy.
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