Storage sheds are a great way to organize your tools and yard equipment. They can be great DIY projects, even if you have little woodworking experience. Building your own shed can save you a lot of money, but there are some things to consider before you start building.

1. First thing you need to do is to make certain that you are allowed to build a shed. You need to find out about any building permits that are required, as well as any local building codes and home owners associations requirements. Failure to find out about appearance, design and location may result in you having to tear down your storage shed and waste all your hard work.

2. There are many types and sizes of storage shed available. Decide the size, location and design of storage shed you want to build. If you have a large yard do you want it in the far corner where you have to walk a significant distance? Do you want your shed to have a permanent concrete foundation or stand on leveled ground or even on cinder blocks? Think about the style and color: do you want it to match your house? Think about how you want to store items inside it, on shelves, in cabinets? What about lighting – do you have electricity run out or will you need to place windows to let in sunlight?

3. Once you have decided on the type of storage shed you want you need to get a good set of plans that contain lists of all the materials and tools you will need to complete the job. A cut chart showing you what size to cut your wood is handy so you can cut everything to size before you start construction. A schematic diagram and step by step instructions are vital.

4. Be realistic about how long the project will take, make a plan and don’t rush. Enlist the help of family and friends to help complete your project safely.

Above we gave a few considerations to help you make decisions about building a storage shed. If you keep these things in mind you will be well on your way to building a storage shed that is safe, functional and adds value to your property.

It used to be that garden sheds were seen as simple storage buildings, located in an out of the way place in the garden. This is no longer the case; garden sheds are now seen as part of the family living space, taking the form of offices, play houses and exercise rooms, complete with light, heat and water. Using a shed design plan is a great way to add value, space and function to your house while at the same time not breaking the bank.

Should you use a design and construct a storage building yourself?
You have decided that a storage shed is just what you need to meet your families increasing need for more space. You think about purchasing a prebuilt shed or a kit from a local retailer, but is it the right option for you? Will a prebuilt shed have enough storage area and a suitable floor plan or will you be compromising? What will you do if you find that in order to get to your most used equipment you have to empty the shed to reach it?

Finding a design that meets your exact needs, or designing the blueprint yourself, will be both satisfying and in the long term will probably save you time and money. Good shed design plans are laid out in a way that means you don’t need to be an expert. In fact, some simpler designs require no woodworking knowledge at all as they provide lists of everything you will need in addition to giving step by step instructions.

How do you select a design?
Storage shed design plans range from simple storage buildings, to gazebo’s, to buildings made to look like houses, complete with siding and shingles. You may be really drawn towards an elaborate shed design, but stop and think. Do you have the budget for all the required materials? Do you have the skill to build it or the means to hire others to help? What about ongoing maintenance costs? Will your elaborate shed complement your house and any existing buildings?

Following a quality shed design plan you will have a structure that will last for years. Before committing to a design remember that it may still be around in a decade; will you still enjoy looking at it every day?

As you would with any large purchase, take time to look at several designs even if you think the first one you see is perfect. Shed design plans can be found on the internet and at DIY stores, some being free, others costing a few dollars. You want to build a shed that looks good, will be long lasting and adds to the value of your home.

Building a storage shed can save you a significant amount of money, but do you have the woodworking experience, tools and time to build one from the ground up? If you don’t but want to feel feel the accomplishment of building a shed yourself, consider buying a kit.

A common misconception about storage shed kits is that they are basic, lower quality garden sheds. This is not the case, with a wide range being available, in a variety of sizes and designs that range from simple lean to sheds, to garages and complex workshops.

Shed kits contain all the parts needed to build your shed, some even come partially built with complete panels provided. No expensive woodworking tools are required, a basic toolbox is all that is needed. Storage shed kits are not difficult to put together, with no prior woodworking experience required. Two or more people working together can assemble a basic shed kit in a weekend.

Materials used in storage shed kit construction have changed over the years. Wooden sheds remain popular, and are available in many varieties and colors, often coming with precut holes to make for even easier construction. Metal storage sheds, are easy to assemble, and are an inexpensive option. Constructed of steel or aluminum, and treated to prevent rusting they are an increasingly popular option. Plastic sheds are easy to assemble, fully waterproof and weather resistant, often coming with long term warranties.

Having decided to buy a shed kit you still need to do some research. Think about how you will use the shed and what you will be storing in it. Will you need shelves or cupboards? What about heat and light? Look for examples of storage shed kits on the internet and in magazines and try to find a completed shed that you can check out.

Also, we have wires running into the ground from the shed. How far away should I put the grounded rod? I don’t want to direct the lightning into the ground so it can go back up our wires. What’s the dissipation radius? We have fairly loose sandy soil.