Is your garage is full of tools and equipment and your yard strewn with items under tarpaulins? If so, a shed, is the solution to your problem, allowing for easily organization and management of your belongings.
You can buy shed kits or have a contractor build for you, or, you can take the plunge and build your own.
But how do I build a shed I hear you say? It's actually not that difficult.
Before starting to build take time to carefully think about what you will use your shed for.
Are you looking for basic storage or are you creating a workshop or office? What you decide will affect the shape, style and materials you use.
Once you have an idea in your mind then start to have a look at shed plans.
Don't be in a rush, take your time to find the design that best fits your needs.
In addition to the design, look at the quality and completeness of the plans.
You need to select plans that take you through the shed building process step by step.
They should include detailed diagrams and photographs of all sections of the shed, provide complete tool and materials lists and a cut list that provides all the lumber requires, its dimensions and the quantity needed.
Many plans lack some of this information.
Steer clear and find plans that are comprehensive and within your ability to complete.
You might also think about asking your friends and neighbors to help you build and can always hire a professional should you need.
Before starting any shed building project make sure to check if you need permits or planning permission.
Also check your local zoning for distance requirements from your property line and your house.
Once you have plans and permits you can start to build.
First off, measure and lay out the area for your shed using your shed plans.
Be sure you have chosen a spot that gets plenty of natural light and doesn't have any standing water.
Water and dampness are two things guaranteed to cause problems with wood rotting or bowing.
Once you are satisfied with your location, start making the foundation, either on grade or permanent, depending on your needs, using materials that will stand up to the climate where you live.
Once the foundation is complete you can start framing the shed itself.
Use your foundation to lay out and nail together sills, studs and wall sheeting, then attaching the walls to the foundation and each other one at a time.
The most difficult part of building a shed is the roof.
Some shed roofs have a ridge beam that joists are attached to, but increasingly available are prefabricated trusses in a variety of sizes.
A roof has to be very precise, so unless you are an expert I recommend you use prebuilt trusses.
Once your trusses are in place, attach plywood, roofing felt and then shingles.
Finally install and doors and windows and attach siding to make your shed weatherproof.
With the help of friends, you can build a basic shed in as little as a weekend.
If you need to install plumbing and electricity it will take longer, but the end result will be well worth all the effort you have put in.
You can buy shed kits or have a contractor build for you, or, you can take the plunge and build your own.
But how do I build a shed I hear you say? It's actually not that difficult.
Before starting to build take time to carefully think about what you will use your shed for.
Are you looking for basic storage or are you creating a workshop or office? What you decide will affect the shape, style and materials you use.
Once you have an idea in your mind then start to have a look at shed plans.
Don't be in a rush, take your time to find the design that best fits your needs.
In addition to the design, look at the quality and completeness of the plans.
You need to select plans that take you through the shed building process step by step.
They should include detailed diagrams and photographs of all sections of the shed, provide complete tool and materials lists and a cut list that provides all the lumber requires, its dimensions and the quantity needed.
Many plans lack some of this information.
Steer clear and find plans that are comprehensive and within your ability to complete.
You might also think about asking your friends and neighbors to help you build and can always hire a professional should you need.
Before starting any shed building project make sure to check if you need permits or planning permission.
Also check your local zoning for distance requirements from your property line and your house.
Once you have plans and permits you can start to build.
First off, measure and lay out the area for your shed using your shed plans.
Be sure you have chosen a spot that gets plenty of natural light and doesn't have any standing water.
Water and dampness are two things guaranteed to cause problems with wood rotting or bowing.
Once you are satisfied with your location, start making the foundation, either on grade or permanent, depending on your needs, using materials that will stand up to the climate where you live.
Once the foundation is complete you can start framing the shed itself.
Use your foundation to lay out and nail together sills, studs and wall sheeting, then attaching the walls to the foundation and each other one at a time.
The most difficult part of building a shed is the roof.
Some shed roofs have a ridge beam that joists are attached to, but increasingly available are prefabricated trusses in a variety of sizes.
A roof has to be very precise, so unless you are an expert I recommend you use prebuilt trusses.
Once your trusses are in place, attach plywood, roofing felt and then shingles.
Finally install and doors and windows and attach siding to make your shed weatherproof.
With the help of friends, you can build a basic shed in as little as a weekend.
If you need to install plumbing and electricity it will take longer, but the end result will be well worth all the effort you have put in.
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