The Garage Plan Shop Blog

At 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

Tags: backyard shed, building a shed, lawn and garden shed, shed plan, Shed plans, storage shed plans

Are 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.

Tags: backyard shed, lawn and garden shed, shed plan, Shed plans, storage shed plans