subject: Understanding What To Prepare Before Building A Storage Shed [print this page] You've made a decision to make an addition to your property, and it's going to be a new shed. It is something you've decided to make yourself just because a shed seems easy and simple to build. Storage sheds serve many purposes, and are bought and installed, or built, for any number of reasons. Once you've made a decision to build one, it's essential to ask yourself if you are ready to construct a shed. Now, I will give you some of the tips to build a solid shed. There are commonly 2 steps to be taken:
1. Choose a location
You should decide where you're going to build your shed. The area for the shed needs to be level to correctly support the structure. You might also need to learn more about underground cables or pipes, or gas lines in the location you choose. This can generally be done with the help of your local utility company. Get the location ready first. Then you can go to the second step.
2. A Plan
You may need a plan for building a shed. A good plan also should have the exact measurements of the parts for your shed. When you have a plan, you need to be aware of the following:
a. Type and size: What size do you want your garden shed to be? Large, medium, or small - it's important to check if there are any local regulations regarding building something on your property. Will the shed be free standing, movable, or permanently based in it's foundation? Rectangular shaped, square, high ceiling, low built - size, type and design are needed for getting the best plan and blueprints for building a shed.
b. Materials: There are metal sheds, plastic, vinyl sided, and wooden sheds. If you want the basic wooden shed, which is the easiest to build yourself, which kind of wood are you going to use? Picking the right wood can make a big difference in the durability of your shed. Cedar and Redwood are popular choices due to their naturally occurring properties that make them resistant against some insects (termites) and, in the case of Redwood, it is splinter resistant and slow to burn. Both offer natural protection from the elements. The foundation for your shed is essential, too. You can build a wooden foundation if dampness won't be a problem, or else, it's best to go with concrete.
c. Power: How will you get a power source to your shed? You'll most likely need a permit to run electrical wiring to your shed. Consult with your local authorities or utility company for this area. It's possible you'll need an electrician to take care of this aspect of your shed.
d. Additional material and supplies: Besides the material for the shed itself, and the foundation and the roof, there are other materials you may need as part of the process of building your shed. Supplies would include what ever tools are important to do the job. You want all supplies at hand when ready to begin, to prevent frequent trips to the hardware store, or in your basement just to get a certain type of screwdriver or nail. If you're cutting the wood yourself, be sure you have a supply of blades for your power saw, and that other electrical tools are in working condition. If it gets cold in your area at times of the year, you may choose insulation materials for your shed. Paint or stain for your shed, once construction is finished, also needs to be purchased.
Constructing your own shed could be a fulfilling venture, and you want a structure that will last a lifetime. Knowing what to prepare before building a shed in advance can help you save from many common problems and pitfalls that occur to those unprepared for this task.
