BUILDING SHEDS - A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER:
“When you plan, you cross half the way already” it is said. Planning is important when it comes to building sheds. Though sheds are available in different sizes and styles, a shed plan is indispensable for building the type of shed you had in your mind. So it is wise to invest time in chalking out a proper shed plan before getting started.
Plenty of shed plans are available both online and offline. However before choosing one, it is necessary to consider a few essential things.
Purpose
Sheds are constructed for many reasons. The purpose may vary from storage, creative pursuits and garden-storage to an extended office. But building a shed should certainly have a definite purpose. Think. A shed occupies your space, impacts your residence’s landscape and also pronounces your artistic sensibility and space management ability. In a way it expresses you. So, have a clear-cut purpose in your mind. The purpose should be the prime factor in deciding the other things like size, location and material.
Shed Size
Guided by your purpose, decide on the size of your shed. If you are planning to use it as a storehouse, then make a list of the things you are planning to store under its roof. Decide on how large you want it and accordingly plan the number of shelves, cupboards and windows. Time and again, you have to be guided by your purpose. If you plan a typical storehouse, then limit your artistic leanings and think of how you can make maximum utilization of space. On the other hand, if you are harping on building a hybrid of a storage shed and a creative shed, then size it accordingly.
Location
Location is another important factor when it comes to shed construction. Sometimes an odd location may generate an unhealthy appearance to both your shed and your house. So choose your location with care. Certain sheds such as tool sheds or corner sheds are built mainly for storage and are meant to be hidden in a corner or tucked in some thicket of the garden. It would be a terrible sight if such sheds were built in a place that is visible to everyone. Similarly sheds that are aesthetically appealing and built with taste ought to be located in such places where they add to the richness, tone and design of the main house. Often, size and locale are interdependent. Sometimes you may have to alter the size of your shed depending upon the location.
Material
All said and done, all planning melts down to brick and mortar. A shed actually takes shape only when you decide on the material with which you are going to build it. Purpose, location, size and design - everything comes into play here. Choose something that is easily affordable. If vinyl suits your pocket, well and good, go for it! On the other hand if you want to create a woody clove for yourself, use preservatives so that the wood does not rot after sometime. If metal is what your mettle likes, take precautions to avoid rusting. The material you choose will also have an impact on the design. Hence go for a sturdy material that can uphold both your shed and your shed dreams strongly.
Shed Design
Next comes the design. Plan a design that is in tune with your purpose and surroundings. Even if your shed is meant to house the clutter in your garden, design it in such a way that it adds charm to your landscape. Creative Sheds should be designed in such a way that they spur creativity offering personal space. So it is better to have large windows to let sunlight in. On the other hand, storage sheds that are meant mainly for storage should have less windows and doors to enable more cupboards and shelves.
Shed Plans
Once you have put in black and white the above details, the next step is to hunt for a shed plan. A number of shed plans are available both online and offline. Visit your nearest builder or go online to find your dream shed plan. Available in a wide range of sizes and styles, shed plans come both as do-it-yourself kits and professional builder layouts. Many online shed plans are cost effective and reliable. With sketches and graphic layouts they offer a clear view of how the shed will look like after construction. But before you buy an online plan, try to get a brief overview of shed construction through free shed plans available. Only then you will be able to get a grip of the features described there.
Building the Shed
If you plan to venture into building the shed on your own, take these necessary steps.
1. Educate yourself on the nuances of building
2. Do a crash course if possible (later you can brag about your professional building skills)
3. Buy all the necessary tools. Don’t try to manage with the available tools.
4. Have a detailed plan. Follow the plan to the utmost detail.
5. If you are unable to cut the lumber/metal into appropriate sizes, seek a professional’s help
6. See to that your shed is sturdy with a firm anchor and a secure roof
7. Take measures to prevent rotting or rusting.
Building a shed can be taken up as a leisure-time activity. Be not in a hurry to wind up. Moreover working with sharp-edged tools and sheets can be harmful. So take your own time.
Do not allow children near the work area unless you are sure that your shed is complete, safe and steady.
If you are hiring a builder to work on it, do the following first:
Ask for a detailed layout with measurements.
Ask for a quote. Check if the rates are competitive. The Internet can help a lot in this.
Ask for proofs of the builder’s expertise. Photos of work done earlier. Visit some of his sheds if possible.
Ask for the number of days he requires to complete the work
Check the final output to see if it follows the shed plan
Legal Matters
Some States may require you to get a prior legal approval for a structure that occupies more than 100 square meters space. Check that out before getting started with the construction work.