If you are planning to build a shed on your own then you will need a high quality set of shed plans. The Internet provides us with so much information but choosing which information is good and which is not can be just as hard as building your shed. The fact is that most wood-be craftsmen that attempt to build their own shed will not succeed. They will have to hire a professional or just give up altogether. The simple cause of this excessively high number of unsuccessful attempts is obvious. So many people like to get straight to the building without an appropriate amount of planning.
The main element for successfully completing your back yard project is preparing yourself with a set of shed plans that will assist you theough the project step by step and help you to stay clear of the common problems that a lot of novice craftsman encounter theoughout the process. I have put together a checklist that I use whenever I am shopping around for shed plans for one of my upcoming projects.
1. List of Materials
You must have a list of building materials before you begin your project and they should be included in your plans. Having a list of materials before you begin your project will make the difference between a smooth and easy build or frustrating nightmare. Calculating raw materials can be a tricky business and unless you are thoroughly familiar with this aspect of construction than you must be certain that it is done for you and included in your plans.
2. Pictures, Diagrams and Illustrations
Text instructions are much easier to follow when you have an image to compare them to. Personally I find it easier to use a visual reference to guide me than to have to attempt to translate the text instructions into what I think it is supposed to look like. Visual aids are required unless you already have experience building and know what the outcome is going to look like and can identify common mistakes.
3. List of Required Tools
When selecting shed plans ensure that they have a complete list of the tools that will be required to complete the project. It is vitally important that you make sure that you can own or can access the right tools before you start your project.. Nobody likes it when they have to stop in the middle of a project to runoff and buy a $500.00 special tools that they will only use once and then store forever in their new shed.
4. Help Desk
Friendly and helpful customer service should be made available to you to assist with any inquiries that you may have. Few things are as frustrating as when you have a simple question and you cannot get help.
5. Money back refund
All shed plans should have a no questions asked refund guarantee. I you purchase plans that are not good quality or not what the designer promised you should not be stuck with them. requesting a refund should not be a hassle.
As an experienced builder I wouldn't even consider starting a project without speaking to a designer. The cost of an engineer may be prohibitive for most people however there are several very affordable alternative sources for shed plans available online.