How to Plan for a 20x40 Steel Shed

A shed, especially a large shed, will require a great deal of planning prior to construction.

Building a large shed, such as one that's 20 by 40 feet, will require a large degree of planning, researching and detail management to minimize problems and delays. Local government websites, as well as local builders and contractors, will be the best resources to research all the factors that go into planning for the shed's addition to your home. Working with a builder knowledgeable about the area and local laws and restrictions would be ideal as well.

Things You'll Need

• Stakes
• String
• Contractor
• Computer

Instructions

1. Mark the area you would like to place the shed with stakes at the intended four corners of the building, allowing for an extra foot on each side of the buildings footprint in case you need to incorporate a foundation such as a stone pad.

2. Determine if the area is level by tying a string from the highest stake to the lowest and then hanging another line over it that is level. You may need to replace the stakes and re-test if the intended area is drastically uneven to the point where it would be too expensive for a contractor or landscaper to level the area out.

3. Clear a path, several feet wider than the largest point of width of the shed for a truck to deliver the shed to your site. If there are ample trees and unmovable objects that would obstruct delivery, you may want to reconsider the placement or consider having the shed built on site. This option would be more costly, but it may be worth it to you to create the shed of your dreams.

4. Deliver the blueprints, building plans and plot plans provided to you by your contractor to your local town's building, zoning and health departments for review. These plans will need to be approved by your local government before you can begin building. The sheer size of the 20- by 40-foot shed could meet with red tape, due to restrictions some towns impose on building projects.

5. Select the features of your shed, such as siding type and color, door type, number and size of windows, and decorative features such as cupolas.

References

• The Barn Yard Store: Site Prep
• The Barn Yard Store: Great Country Garages Permits
• The Barn Yard Store: GCG Budget Placement Size