For
the first time builder it is
extremely important to have
everything you need before beginning your project. The best practice is
to have
an action plan. Before you decide on what shed plans you want to use
and
develop your own action plan there are a few questions you should ask
yourself.
1. What will the shed be
used for? Are you
going to be storing just the garden tools that you use during the
summer months? Or maybe you have some winter gear? Think about this and
discuss
it with other members of your family before
developing your shed plans. Will
the kids want to store their bikes or sports gear in there? Or is your
spouse
going to see it as a new place for the Holliday decorations? Knowing
what’s
going inside can change how you design the outside, so make a list of
things
the shed will be used for.
2. How big will it be?
Once you have decided on what your new shed it is going to be used for,
it will
give you the size that you are going to want. Make sure to plan for the
future.
If
you are planning to store only garden
outdoor items, consider what tools you will be adding to your
collection over
the next few years. You don’t want to have to rebuild or add
on to your shed
all over again.
3.
Do you have room for your outdoor storage shed?
When thinking about size you will need to determine where it is going
to go. It
has to be some place accessible, but not somewhere that it will
interfere with
your landscaping. Here
is where you want
to think of the future again, you don’t want to have to move
it.
Do you have the room and
place for the size
shed you want? If not, you may have to decide which is more important
to
you
size or placement and
compromise.
4.
Will it need to be insulated, waterproofed, or open?
You will have to consider the environment your shed will be in. If you
are in a
four season climate then it will have to withstand a variety of
climates. But
if you are planning to build your shed in the desert you will have to
take the
heat or sun into consideration. Decide what seasons you need the shed
to be
able to withstand the most.
5.
Do
you require a
building permit?
I sure wouldn’t like to finish my project only to find out it
needs to come
right back down. You will need to know what your local by-laws are for
building
an outdoor structure. In most cases you won’t need a building
permit, as long
as your new building is within a specific size, but if you have
determined to
go larger than what’s allowed, you will have to submit your
shed plans for
approval.
6.
Now it’s time for one of the most important questions, how
much are you
willing to spend on this project? Now that you know what you want you
will have
to factor in your budget. This can be difficult if you
haven’t determined the
cost of materials yet. A good plan is going to be important in
determining what
materials you are going to need so that you can set a reasonable budget.
7.
Where should you get your plans for building a shed?
Well now that you know the purpose, the size, and the budget,
it’s time to
design and build your new garden shed, and answer the final question.
There are
a lot of resources available to you, and we have reviewed many. You can
see our
reviews below and see what others are saying too.
Best Wishes,
-- William Brant,
Consumer Advocate
Last updated onMay 20 2012
