Seven Essential Guidelines for DIY Shed Building Success
Building your own shed is a fun and rewarding experience.
To ensure that the process goes smoothly follow these seven simple guidelines for DIY shed building success.
1.
Decide if you are going to draw your own shed plans or purchase shed plans.
There are advantages to both options.
Drawing your own plans gives you the flexibility to create exactly what you want.
While purchasing or using a free shed plan takes the guesswork out of design and build.
Most quality shed plans will also come with a materials list- an invaluable part of any plan whether you draw it yourself or purchase one.
2.
Know your skill level.
If you are pretty handy with a hammer, but new to larger projects a detailed shed plan drawing will help you navigate the DIY shed building process successfully.
It is your roadmap, and a good plan can save you hours of frustration and labor.
However if you have a fair amount of carpentry experience and/or a skilled friend that is willing to help, drawing your own shed plan is a valid option.
Be sure to make your plan very detailed.
A sketch isn't enough! Check out plans online or at a bookstore to see what items they include and make sure to have them on your own plan.
The purpose of the plan is to make the building process accurate, logical and easy.
A good rule of thumb is to create a plan as if a novice builder was going to use it- that way you won't miss any details.
3.
Know your time.
Get very realistic about how much time you want to devote to building a shed.
Most DIY builders are working on the weekends, which means between 12-16 hours a week to devote to your shed if you work both days.
The complexity of your shed design will determine how long it takes to build your shed.
Know how much time you want to spend and have a good idea of your shed design as well.
4.
Know your codes: Make a quick call to your local municipal office to find out about building codes.
Most sheds under 200 sq.
ft do not require a building permit but it is always best to ask.
The last thing you want is to have a building inspector tell you to tear down your shed.
Check with your local utility companies for any buried power or gas lines.
Safety first is always the best policy.
5.
Know your style: As a DIY shed builder it is important to know what style shed you want to build.
A trip to the local bookstore's construction section will give you a wealth of ideas as will searching for shed designs on the internet.
Narrow your focus by the size of the shed, its function, appearance, and your building ability.
6.
Know your lighting and water needs: If you are planning to have electricity in your shed or water, consider using a licensed electrician or plumber.
7.
Know your budget: Have a very clear idea of how much money you want to spend on your shed.
Like any building project, the budget for building your shed can get out of control.
Be sure to itemize your spending from your materials list before you build and add an extra 10-15% to any budget you create to allow for changes or mistakes.
8.
One to grow on: Have fun! Building a shed is rewarding and enjoyable.
Remember, good planning and a methodical approach are the fastest way to a beautiful shed.
Follow these guidelines and you will be on your way to creating the shed you want and need.
To ensure that the process goes smoothly follow these seven simple guidelines for DIY shed building success.
1.
Decide if you are going to draw your own shed plans or purchase shed plans.
There are advantages to both options.
Drawing your own plans gives you the flexibility to create exactly what you want.
While purchasing or using a free shed plan takes the guesswork out of design and build.
Most quality shed plans will also come with a materials list- an invaluable part of any plan whether you draw it yourself or purchase one.
2.
Know your skill level.
If you are pretty handy with a hammer, but new to larger projects a detailed shed plan drawing will help you navigate the DIY shed building process successfully.
It is your roadmap, and a good plan can save you hours of frustration and labor.
However if you have a fair amount of carpentry experience and/or a skilled friend that is willing to help, drawing your own shed plan is a valid option.
Be sure to make your plan very detailed.
A sketch isn't enough! Check out plans online or at a bookstore to see what items they include and make sure to have them on your own plan.
The purpose of the plan is to make the building process accurate, logical and easy.
A good rule of thumb is to create a plan as if a novice builder was going to use it- that way you won't miss any details.
3.
Know your time.
Get very realistic about how much time you want to devote to building a shed.
Most DIY builders are working on the weekends, which means between 12-16 hours a week to devote to your shed if you work both days.
The complexity of your shed design will determine how long it takes to build your shed.
Know how much time you want to spend and have a good idea of your shed design as well.
4.
Know your codes: Make a quick call to your local municipal office to find out about building codes.
Most sheds under 200 sq.
ft do not require a building permit but it is always best to ask.
The last thing you want is to have a building inspector tell you to tear down your shed.
Check with your local utility companies for any buried power or gas lines.
Safety first is always the best policy.
5.
Know your style: As a DIY shed builder it is important to know what style shed you want to build.
A trip to the local bookstore's construction section will give you a wealth of ideas as will searching for shed designs on the internet.
Narrow your focus by the size of the shed, its function, appearance, and your building ability.
6.
Know your lighting and water needs: If you are planning to have electricity in your shed or water, consider using a licensed electrician or plumber.
7.
Know your budget: Have a very clear idea of how much money you want to spend on your shed.
Like any building project, the budget for building your shed can get out of control.
Be sure to itemize your spending from your materials list before you build and add an extra 10-15% to any budget you create to allow for changes or mistakes.
8.
One to grow on: Have fun! Building a shed is rewarding and enjoyable.
Remember, good planning and a methodical approach are the fastest way to a beautiful shed.
Follow these guidelines and you will be on your way to creating the shed you want and need.