The Garage Plan Shop Blog

Many think of an outbuilding plan as a storage shed, but they have so much more to offer! Outbuilding plans are versatile and flexible structures that can accommodate a broad range of needs. Because they are available and in a variety of sizes and styles, it is more likely there will be one to satisfy a particular need. Below is a list of some of the things outbuilding plans are used for:

·         Farm storage - Use as a shed for protecting farm equipment and machinery from the elements such as tractors, combines, wagons, and more.

·         Mechanic’s auto lift – Ideal for mechanics who need an auto lift some outbuildings offers tall ceilings that will accommodate the height of an auto lift making it easy for mechanics to work on cars indoors.

·          Home base for a small business – Small businesses such as landscaping businesses, tree trimming services and handyman businesses might find an outbuilding plan provides enough room to store supplies, tools and the company vehicle.

·         Workshop – DIYers use outbuildings as their workshops. An outbuilding provides a place store supplies and tools while providing plenty of space to work on projects without having to clean up until the project is complete.

·         Machinery storage – Businesses and individuals who own lots of machinery might find an outbuilding handy for storage making the machinery easy to access without a lot of hassle.

·         Hobby area – From woodworking and welding to restoring old cars and everything in between, some outbuildings make a great hobby area proving room to work and a place to store supplies, tools, equipment, etc.

·         General Storage – For those who own a lot of “stuff,” an outbuilding is a functional and valuable addition to any piece of property. When used for general storage outbuildings can handle anything from the family cars, a boat, ATVs and motorcycles to neatly storing patio furniture through the winter and lifejackets and fishing poles when you’re not on the lake. They offer a place to store anything that you don’t have room for in your garage, basement or attic and sometime provide a good place to keep dangerous tools and hazardous chemicals out of reach from children.

Take some time to browse our outbuilding plan collection to find one that will satisfy your needs.

Tags: Outbuilding Plans, outbuildings, Shed plans, sheds

Add functionality to your farm, ranch or other piece of rural property with this thoughtfully designed barn plan. Ideal for those who own or raise horses or have a home-based business offering equestrian activities, this barn design has more to offer than you might expect. Begin outside with the covered tractor/equipment port, just right for storing farm machinery or even a horse trailer. Inside, a wide breezeway features sliding doors at both ends of the barn and a wash area in the center for grooming horses. On the right, four horse stalls offer sliding door access to the breezeway and individual doors opening to a pen, pasture or riding area. On the opposite side of the breezeway you’ll find a work area and office providing room to handle paperwork for your business, ordering feed and other supplies or setting appointments for shows, riding lessons, etc. Don’t miss the handy tack room or the convenient full bath. The main floor delivers 757 square feet of finished/heated space and 2146 square feet of unfinished/unheated space for a total of 2903 square feet under roof including the tractor port. Exterior stairs lend access to an unfinished storage loft. Enhance your rural property with this versatile utilitarian structure. Visit our website to view this barn plan in detail.

Tags: Barn Plans, barns, horse barns, Outbuilding Plans, outbuildings

Whether you own a working farm, a sprawling ranch for raising livestock or just a small parcel of land and a couple of horses, building a barn plan or a stable is sure to enhance your property value and provide functional shelter for your livestock. There are many types of barn plans and stable designs available. They are available in a multitude of sizes and offer a variety of thoughtful features making them more efficient and functional then the barns and stables of yesteryear. Here’s a list of features that are commonly incorporated with today’s barn plans and stables:

• Individual stalls, many offering outdoor access to a pen or pasture
• Tack rooms
• Storage areas
• Sliding doors on either end of the structure
• Storage loft
• Finished loft with recreation area or living space
• Half/full bath
• Office

Barn plans and stables are ideal for those who raise/own horses, but they often work well for those who want to own a couple of cattle or few other farm animals but don’t need all the other outbuildings and accessories associated with a working farm or ranch. Browse our outbuilding collection to view our barn plans.

Tags: Barn Plans, barns, horse barns, Outbuilding Plans, outbuildings, stable plans, stables

We used to think going green was a trend, but it has become our way of life. We are expected to make green choices in everything we do from recycling our newspaper and properly disposing of hazardous chemicals to conserving energy and building with green materials. There are many things we can do around the house to live more green, and your garage or utility building are no exception. If you are planning to build a new detached garage plan, shed or outbuilding plan, there are some things you can do to green your new structure. Here are a few suggestions from The Garage Plan Shop:

·         Use metal when possible. If you have an opportunity to use metal standing seam roofing or even metal cladding you are making a green choice. Metal construction does not require the use of harmful chemicals and wood treatments used in the lumber of traditional wood construction, and it is 100% recyclable should you no longer need your garage, shed or outbuilding.

·         Install windows in your garage for natural lighting. Using natural lighting whenever possible cuts back on energy consumption. If you plan to spend a lot of time inside your garage, you can reduce energy bills by installing large windows and perhaps skylights.

·         Incorporate earth-friendly lighting. The exterior of your garage, shed or outbuilding can be lit with the use of solar lights. Use LED bulbs in interior and exterior light fixtures. Consider using motion sensor lights that turn on when you pull in your driveway or walk on the sidewalk saving energy and money. These fixtures will light the way until they no longer detect your motion and will turn off automatically. You won’t have to remember to flip the switch.

·         If your garage is near your home or attached to the home, do not store flammable chemicals inside, such as a gasoline and oil containers or paint cans. Store them away from the house is a small, locked utility shed that has good ventilation.

These simple ideas will help you build an earth-friendly garage, shed or outbuilding plan.

Tags: Building A Garage, garage, garage plans, go green, green building, Living Green, outbuilding, Outbuilding Plans, shed, utility building

When building a detached garage plan, shed, outbuilding, barn or carport, The Garage Plan Shop recommends planning ahead when it comes to electrical wiring. All of the above mentioned structures are flexible and can be used for of a variety of purposes, so the first thing you need to think about is how you will use the structure. Will you use your garage or carport just for parking cars? Will you need lighting in your garden shed? Do you plan to use power tools in your outbuilding? Knowing how you plan to use your new addition will help you plan for electricity.

Begin by hiring a licensed electrician to help you. Let this professional review your garage blueprints to get a better understanding of the completed structure. With your electrician, come up with an electrical plan to accommodate your needs. This will keep you from over-wiring your structure and spending more than you need or electrical outlets, switches and fixtures. Your pre-determined electrical plan will also ensure that you have everything you need to use your new garage, carport or outbuilding the way you wish. Furthermore, it is better and less expensive to install electrical wiring during construction than it is to go back and retrofit the building for additional electrical needs at a later date.

When it comes to using power in your barn, outbuilding, shed, garage or carport, there are six main categories to consider:

1. Lighting
2. Heating and cooling
3. Tools
4. Garage doors and garage door openers
5. Special accessories (refrigerator, TV, radio)
6. Charging station for an electric vehicle

Talk with your electrician and determine what types of outlets and fixtures you’ll need to accommodate your specific needs. Consider amps and voltage. Read packaging and labels to determine what each of the above items will require. Have the electrician install outlets, fixtures, switches, circuit breakers and the electrical panel accordingly to accommodate all of your needs.

Anticipating your electrical needs for your new utilitarian structure will ensure you new outbuilding, garage or shed plan will accommodate all of your needs while paying the best price by installing wiring during the construction phase instead of after the building is finished.

Tags: Barn Plans, electrical planning, electrical wiring, garage plans, Outbuilding Plans, Shed plans