subject: Three Important Steps To Consider When Planning A Shed [print this page] Building an outdoor shed is a fairly straightforward construction project well within the scope of most DIY enthusiasts, but before you begin it is a good idea to design plans for building a shed.
Planning Permission
Before even beginning your shed construction, or obtaining plans for building a shed, you first need to consult with your local planning authority to find out what the regulations are regarding erecting a storage shed. Planning regulations differ from one area to the next. However, most local authorities allow the construction of outdoor sheds, providing the construction falls within a certain square footage. If the planned shed exceeds the permitted size, you may have to obtain a permit, or may be required to submit plans for approval before building can commence. Remember that if your planned outdoor shed contravenes local regulations and you fail to obtain planning permission, you may be forced to take the shed down. Tip: Even if you are not required to submit formal plans to your zoning authority, it is still a good idea to sketch out plans for the shed as this will not only give you a clear idea of where you are headed with the project, but will also enable you to calculate the cost of materials needed.
Function
Before deciding on plans for building a shed, you first need to determine what your outdoor shed is going to be used for. Is it going to be a storage shed, a garden shed, or a combination of both? Or you may want to use it for a kids' play area or dollhouse. If it's for storage, make sure the floor size meets your storage requirements. If you're going to use it as a garden shed to store tools and larger items such as a drive-on mower, make sure that the door will be wide enough to accommodate the mower. Also consider the windows needed. A simple storage or garden shed will need very little lighting, and therefore fewer windows, whereas if the shed is being used for a children's play area, or a hobby room, it will need better lighting, which means more or bigger windows.
Style
When designing your plans for building a shed, function probably outweighs style, as the whole purpose of building an outdoor shed is its functionality. However, some DIY enthusiasts may be eager to imitate the design of their existing house in some way, or to build a shed with an ornate or "cute" design, in the case of it being used as a kids' dollhouse. In most cases, however, a plain and functional design would be best, as it would be quicker, cheaper and easier to build.
