Building a shed for workshop, storage, and even as a relaxation haven is rewarding.
There's nothing like the satisfaction of building something with your own two hands.
By definition, sheds are not complex structures.
However, it is important to keep some key details in mind because if you design shed dimensions haphazardly you run the risk of creating headaches for yourself or worse derailing the project all together.
Follow these simple steps and you are on your way to designing the shed you want and need.
1.
Planning phase: Make a list of everything you are going to use your shed for, and the qualities that you want for your shed.
Do you want it to be purely functional and/or aesthetically pleasing? Most people want a mixture of both.
Your design will be influenced by what your shed is used for and where it's located on your property.
Expert Tip:How to know your shed dimensions.
A great way to discover your shed dimensions it to go outside to where you want to put your shed and stake out the basic footprint of the proposed shed foundation with stakes and twine.
This will give you a pretty accurate idea of the width and length of your shed.
Adjust the numbers to suit your requirements.
2.
Do your research: Don't wing it.
Most people who want to design and build a shed want to get out there with a hammer and start working.
Take a few hours to review various shed plan designs.
You can find these online, many for free.
Look for design details that are included in the plans.
For example, how is the roofing structure drawn and measured to what are the details for the foundation.
A good shed plan will also include a materials list, keep that in mind as you are reviewing the plans.
It doesn't matter whether the plan fits what you are going to design, spend the time reading construction magazines and websites so that you will have an idea on how best to approach and design shed specifics.
3.
Draw your plan: A sketch is not enough.
Draw your plan as if you were showing someone who knew nothing about building a shed exactly what was needed for each step of the way.
Include dimensions for everything! This might seem like a lot of extra work at first, but failure to include enough details is one of the most common mistakes made when drawing up plans.
Going overboard on dimension details makes the actual building of your shed easier because it takes the guesswork out of each phase of construction.
4.
Create a Materials List: Once you have drawn up your plan as outlined above you will have a very good idea of the materials you will need to complete the project.
Make a list of everything you need to complete the shed.
Include, the lumber, foundation prep materials and footings, nails any additional tools you may need.
Expert Tip: Save time and have an organized job site by making a separate materials list for each part of your shed.
For example: Foundation supplies, Floor material, Wall materials (including windows and doors), Roofing materials.
Keep the materials in separate piles.
This makes the building process much easier and more organized.
No more searching for a floor joist under a pile of lumber- each phase of the project has its own materials pile.
Following this four-step plan can help you design shed details accurately and make your shed building project a success.
There's nothing like the satisfaction of building something with your own two hands.
By definition, sheds are not complex structures.
However, it is important to keep some key details in mind because if you design shed dimensions haphazardly you run the risk of creating headaches for yourself or worse derailing the project all together.
Follow these simple steps and you are on your way to designing the shed you want and need.
1.
Planning phase: Make a list of everything you are going to use your shed for, and the qualities that you want for your shed.
Do you want it to be purely functional and/or aesthetically pleasing? Most people want a mixture of both.
Your design will be influenced by what your shed is used for and where it's located on your property.
Expert Tip:How to know your shed dimensions.
A great way to discover your shed dimensions it to go outside to where you want to put your shed and stake out the basic footprint of the proposed shed foundation with stakes and twine.
This will give you a pretty accurate idea of the width and length of your shed.
Adjust the numbers to suit your requirements.
2.
Do your research: Don't wing it.
Most people who want to design and build a shed want to get out there with a hammer and start working.
Take a few hours to review various shed plan designs.
You can find these online, many for free.
Look for design details that are included in the plans.
For example, how is the roofing structure drawn and measured to what are the details for the foundation.
A good shed plan will also include a materials list, keep that in mind as you are reviewing the plans.
It doesn't matter whether the plan fits what you are going to design, spend the time reading construction magazines and websites so that you will have an idea on how best to approach and design shed specifics.
3.
Draw your plan: A sketch is not enough.
Draw your plan as if you were showing someone who knew nothing about building a shed exactly what was needed for each step of the way.
Include dimensions for everything! This might seem like a lot of extra work at first, but failure to include enough details is one of the most common mistakes made when drawing up plans.
Going overboard on dimension details makes the actual building of your shed easier because it takes the guesswork out of each phase of construction.
4.
Create a Materials List: Once you have drawn up your plan as outlined above you will have a very good idea of the materials you will need to complete the project.
Make a list of everything you need to complete the shed.
Include, the lumber, foundation prep materials and footings, nails any additional tools you may need.
Expert Tip: Save time and have an organized job site by making a separate materials list for each part of your shed.
For example: Foundation supplies, Floor material, Wall materials (including windows and doors), Roofing materials.
Keep the materials in separate piles.
This makes the building process much easier and more organized.
No more searching for a floor joist under a pile of lumber- each phase of the project has its own materials pile.
Following this four-step plan can help you design shed details accurately and make your shed building project a success.