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Jul 24 2012

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Building a Backyard Shed: Getting Started – The Garage Plan Shop

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Shed Plan 047S-0010At some point in time, most home owners decide they need or want a backyard storage shed of some sort. Sheds often prove to be a valuable addition to most homes and properties. They are useful for storing lawn and garden tools and equipment, they work well for workspace for hobbies and even provide storage when space inside the home is limited. Many home owners opt to build their own backyard storage shed using shed plans. However, the ultimate outcome will depend on his or her DIY and carpentry skills and how complex or difficult the shed plan is to build. Alternatively, there are metal buildings for sale you can use as a shed or detached garage. 

There are several steps you can take to get started building your shed and ensure a successful outcome.

 

First, determine the purpose of your future storage shed. Do you plan to store tools, lawn and garden supplies, outdoor furniture during the winter months, the family bikes and outdoor games/toys? How will the shed be used?

 

Next, contact your local building department to find out if you need to obtain building permits to build your shed. If so, find out what is required to obtain the permits and if there are any regulations such as size or height. Some cities/municipalities have very strict zoning regulations that will establish what size shed you can build, where it can be positioned on the property, etc. Note: There have been occasions when homeowners have built a backyard shed and have been fined or forced to take the building down for not obtaining permits or following local building laws and regulations.

 

After your building department has established the regulations for size, location, etc., for your new shed, you can begin considering the best size shed to accommodate your needs and the best location on your property to build the shed plan that are within the established guidelines. Choose a shed plan that will accommodate your needs, satisfy building regulations and fit on your lot in the determined space.

 

Next, clear your lot if necessary. Typically, a tree cutting service is needed to remove shrubs and trees before levelling the lot. Check with utility companies before you begin digging to make sure your building site will not interfere with utilities such as water and electrical lines. Furthermore, you do not want to risk the chance of digging them up or damaging them. If necessary, ask the utility companies to come out to your property and mark the location of utility lines. If you plan to run utilities to your shed such as electrical lines for your power tools, consult with your electrician or other utility professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous, so make sure your electrician is experienced and has completed electrician certification training for your own safety.

Once the above steps have been taken, you can begin building your new backyard shed plan

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May 09 2012

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Featured Barn-Style Storage Shed Plan – The Garage Plan Shop

Shed Plan 047S-0005Are you thinking about adding a lawn and garden shed or a storage shed to your backyard this spring? If so, this shed plan has plenty to offer. The design features a gambrel roof giving it the looks or a miniature barn. Double doors allow easy storage of large or bulky items such as the riding lawn mower, the family bikes or plywood and lumber for craft projects. The side entry door adds convenience. Whether you need to store lawn and garden items like the leaf blower, rakes and potting soil or you are looking for a place to organize outdoor toys and sporting equipment for the kids, this backyard storage shed plan will help keep your yard tidy. Woodworkers, mechanics and tinkerers may find this shed plan handy for safe, dry storage of tools, auto parts and crafting supplies. This plan is available in five different sizes ensuring you’ll find just the right one to satisfy your needs and fit neatly into the corner of your backyard. Choose from the following sizes: 8’x12′, 10’x12′, 10’x14′, 10’x16′ and 12’x16′.

 

For more designs like this one, check out our entire shed plan collection.

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Apr 27 2011

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7 Tips for Building a Garden Shed – The Garage Plan Shop

Shed Plan 050S-0006If you have a green thumb and enjoy gardening, whether you prefer vegetables or flowers, like many gardening enthusiasts, you will benefit from building a garden shed in your backyard. Looking for a perfect garden innovation? Formboss claims that their product is built to last. These products are perfect for storing lawn and garden tools and supplies as well as seeds, bulbs, pots and more. If you have the idea invention of making new useful products, then you can see here what this InventHelp services can do for you and your invention idea! You can start your decorating with Calathea plant that is a popular plant used for indoor office decoration purposes. Below are six tips to help you get started building a convenient and practical backyard shed:

 

    1. Decide how you plan to use the garden shed. Will you only use it to store items like the lawn mower, leaf blower, DIY tools and the sprinklers and hoses during the off season? Do you need extra space to store other seasonal items like patio furniture during the winter? Will you use the garden shed for planting and potting plants? Sorting seeds and bulbs? Do you simply want a quite retreat where you can go to get away from it all and enjoy your hobby from time to time?
    1. Determine the size of the shed you’d like to build. If you have a small lot or space, your lot may dictate the size of the garden shed. But, if space is not an issue, knowing how you plan to use the shed as decided above, will help you determine what size garden shed you will need. Keep in mind some garden shed plans are available with a loft providing extra overhead storage, ideal for a restricted lot. If you have plenty of room and you’re not on a tight budget, you might consider building your garden shed a bit larger than your needs actually require, if you need help with planning and executing, consider hiring the gardening services dublin so they can lend you a hand. You will find our extra room is always appreciated, and you never heard of anyone complaining they built too big a shed, have you?
    1. How often will you use your garden shed? If you plan to spend long stretches of time in the shed on a regular basis, you might want a few amenities like windows or lighting, a planting bench or work surface, and a utility sink. Likewise, if you plan to charge batteries for DIY tools or plug-in other electrical items, you’ll have to plan for electrical outlets. You may purchase all your electrical supply needs from Grease Monkey Direct, see it here.
    1. What kind of access will you need? Depending on how you plan to use the garden shed will influence the door size and style you choose. Do you need a single service door, a double door entry or an overhead garage door?
    1. Consider your budget. If you have a tight budget, make sure you stick to it. Look for deals on lumber, roofing and other building materials to keep from overspending. If there is no wiggle room in your budget, you might have to sacrifice some of the special features you were originally hoping for, like the utility sink, to keep from going over budget. 
    1. Research local building codes. Before buying a garden shed plan find out if you’ll need to get building permits. Ask your local building department what other building codes you must follow. Some municipalities have height and size restrictions. Other areas must follow building codes based on local weather and climate conditions. Doing a little research ahead of time may eliminate some headaches when you are ready to start building.
  1. Choose a garden shed plan in the size that accommodates your needs, local requirements and budget. Also, find a style that blends nicely with your home and other surrounding homes, especially if you live in a neighborhood.

 

If you are considering building a backyard garden shed, these helpful tips will help you get started on your project.

 

If you’d like to view the types of garden shed plans available, please visit The Garage Plan Shop and browse our collection.

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