The Five Basics Of Building A Storage Shed
Storage sheds are an excellent way to add significant storage or work space to a
household without altering the layout of the home or performing an expensive interior remodel. Many homeowners think they do not need a storage shed because they have a garage to keep all of their extras. But it is a common eventuality that garages get so full of boxes, old toys, tools, ladders and overstocked shelves that there is no more room to park the car. Storage sheds can be used to neatly organize and protect all of the objects that usually clutter up a garage, allowing the garage to be used as the car park for which it was originally designed.
This homeowner's guide outlines the five basics of building a storage shed. While not an exhaustive DIY guide, it will equip you with the basic information necessary to make an educated decision about the size, type, purpose and price of your storage shed.
1. Zoning laws and building codes
Don't build or buy anything for your shed until you check with your local government about any rules and restrictions concerning outdoor structures. You will most likely learn that the shed must be a particular distance from your property lines. Additionally, there may be rules governing the building and siding materials you are permitted to use. Some subdivisions have regulations that prohibit outdoor structures. Frequently, the most convenient spot for a shed is an area you are not allowed to build on. You may have to obtain a permit or a zoning variance before you can begin building the shed. Be sure to visit your local zoning office with a detailed plan of what you intend to build. Estimate the placement and proportions of your shed as best you can.
2. Size
It is easy to estimate the size of your shed, though it takes a little work. Clear a spot in your driveway or yard to use as a sample footprint for your storage shed. Then arrange the larger items you plan to store, making sure to leave ample elbow room for easily moving things in and out of the shed. It is frustrating to go through the trouble of building a shed only to find that is too cramped to get around in. Your sample footprint should include possessions like camping equipment, bicycles, the lawn mower, wheelbarrow, and anything else that you figure will be stored on the floor of the shed. Once filled, measure the dimensions of the sample footprint. This will give you an accurate estimate of the length and width of your storage shed. Also bear in mind how wide your door will be. The door to the shed must be at least wide enough to accommodate the largest item in your sample footprint.
3. Purpose
Like the old adage says, form follows function. The dimensions and interior layout of your shed depend on what it will be used for. If you plan to store potentially dangerous chemicals like painting supplies or fertilizer, make sure to include high shelves in your design, to keep those chemicals away from children and pets. If the shed will be the new home for a lot of tools, a peg board wall may be an ideal feature to keep the tools organized and easily accessible.
4. Materials
Natural wood is the most popular building material for outdoor sheds. But not all woods can withstand the moisture and insects that are attracted to small outdoor structures. Woods with natural resins, like cedar, are more rot and weather resistant. A wise choice is ACQ treated lumber. ACQ stands for Alkaline Copper Quaternary treated lumber. This treatment makes wood highly rot resistant and wood-eating insects simply avoid ACQ treated lumber. But wood is not the only solution. Many manufacturers now make very sturdy and serviceable heavy duty plastic sheds that are easy to assemble and do not require any carpentry work.
5. Price
Of course the price of a shed depends on size, purpose, materials, and any applicable permit fees. In the end, a shed can cost anywhere from 400 dollars to 4000 dollars. As you progress through the previous 4 steps in the planning phase, the approximate cost of your new storage shed will become more clear.
With a little extra effort, a storage shed can even be a workshop or hobby headquarters. Converting a garage into a storage area workshop is at best a short term improvised solution. Storage sheds are superior to garages for creating a dedicated equipment shelter or hobby workspace. If you are finding that your axillary household needs have outgrown the extra space in your home, the time is ripe for a storage shed.
by: Matt Millsap
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