For the novice or beginning builder it is very important that you have everything in place before you start any project.
Of course the best way to do this is to have an action plan.
So you have decided, you want to build a shed using a set of plans.
Then first we need to put your action plan into place by starting a list of questions you will need answered before you even begin construction.
1.
What do you really need the shed for? What's actually going to be stored in it or used for? To start with you may be thinking its going to be used to store just the garden equipment.
Think hard about this.
Is it going to end up being a family shed? In other words, are the kids going to want to store their sports equipment in there? Or is the wife going to find a new place for the Christmas decorations, in your shed? So make a hard and fast rule of what the shed will be used for.
2.
What size do you want it to be or it needs to be? Now you know exactly what it is going to be used for, this should give you the size that you are going to want.
Don't forget to plan for the future.
If its restricted to garden outdoor items, you will most likely be adding to your collection over the next few years, so you don't want to have to build a shed all over again.
3.
Where are you going to put it? You need to determine where the best place for it is going to be.
It has to be some place accessible, without walking through your flowerbeds.
Is it going to be tucked away or in plain site? Somewhere that it doesn't interfere with your landscaping and that is not going to have a lot of water drainage around it.
Again think of the future, you don't want to have to move it.
The more level it is the better as well.
Now is the area you have allotted for it and the size of the shed you want compatible? If not then there has to be a compromise, either in the space or the size.
4.
Does it need to be insulated, waterproofed, or open? If you are in a four season climate then you need to decide what seasons you need the shed to be able to withstand the most.
5.
Do you require a building permit? Know what your local by-laws are for building a shed.
It wouldn't be nice to get your project finished,and then have city officials come along and tell you to take it down.
Normally you won't need a building permit if you stay within a specific size, or build it a certain way, but if you have determined to go larger or go outside the parameters than what's allowed, you will have to submit building plans for approval.
6.
What is your budget for this project? Everything you have decided up to now is dependent on your budget.
Its kind of difficult to set a budget when you haven't determined the cost of materials yet.
Remember your budget is going to help you when it comes time to get your building shed plans and materials.
7.
Where should you get your plans for building a shed? Now that your action plan is together you should have the answers to your main questions.
The purpose, the size, the budget, and now to answer the final question, what shed plans are you going to use and what materials will you need? For this you will need to check out what resources are available to you.
Places to start are your local home hardware and building center, home planners, and of course the internet.
Of course the best way to do this is to have an action plan.
So you have decided, you want to build a shed using a set of plans.
Then first we need to put your action plan into place by starting a list of questions you will need answered before you even begin construction.
1.
What do you really need the shed for? What's actually going to be stored in it or used for? To start with you may be thinking its going to be used to store just the garden equipment.
Think hard about this.
Is it going to end up being a family shed? In other words, are the kids going to want to store their sports equipment in there? Or is the wife going to find a new place for the Christmas decorations, in your shed? So make a hard and fast rule of what the shed will be used for.
2.
What size do you want it to be or it needs to be? Now you know exactly what it is going to be used for, this should give you the size that you are going to want.
Don't forget to plan for the future.
If its restricted to garden outdoor items, you will most likely be adding to your collection over the next few years, so you don't want to have to build a shed all over again.
3.
Where are you going to put it? You need to determine where the best place for it is going to be.
It has to be some place accessible, without walking through your flowerbeds.
Is it going to be tucked away or in plain site? Somewhere that it doesn't interfere with your landscaping and that is not going to have a lot of water drainage around it.
Again think of the future, you don't want to have to move it.
The more level it is the better as well.
Now is the area you have allotted for it and the size of the shed you want compatible? If not then there has to be a compromise, either in the space or the size.
4.
Does it need to be insulated, waterproofed, or open? If you are in a four season climate then you need to decide what seasons you need the shed to be able to withstand the most.
5.
Do you require a building permit? Know what your local by-laws are for building a shed.
It wouldn't be nice to get your project finished,and then have city officials come along and tell you to take it down.
Normally you won't need a building permit if you stay within a specific size, or build it a certain way, but if you have determined to go larger or go outside the parameters than what's allowed, you will have to submit building plans for approval.
6.
What is your budget for this project? Everything you have decided up to now is dependent on your budget.
Its kind of difficult to set a budget when you haven't determined the cost of materials yet.
Remember your budget is going to help you when it comes time to get your building shed plans and materials.
7.
Where should you get your plans for building a shed? Now that your action plan is together you should have the answers to your main questions.
The purpose, the size, the budget, and now to answer the final question, what shed plans are you going to use and what materials will you need? For this you will need to check out what resources are available to you.
Places to start are your local home hardware and building center, home planners, and of course the internet.
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