Ideas to Make a Shed
A garden shed can add value and function to any home. When considering a shed, you can choose to buy a pre-fabricated shed or complete the work yourself. Building your own shed allows you to completely customize its size, appearance and function. Before beginning to build the shed, consider a number of factors. Does this Spark an idea?
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Use, Size and Shape
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The first step in planning a shed is to determine its intended use. If you plan to store a lawn tractor and other yard tools in the shed, it will need to be waterproof and large enough to house these items. If the shed will serve as an outdoor workshop, it will require electricity. Once you've decided on the intended use of the shed, you can begin to plan its size and shape. Though your budget will also determine the shed's overall size, the amount of items you wish to store in it should help gauge its size, too. The type of items you plan to store in the shed will also influence whether the shed will be square or rectangular in shape.
Foundation
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The foundation of a shed can be one of several styles. Depending on the intended use of the shed, you can choose from a poured concrete foundation, a block foundation or even a gravel foundation. If you wish to store equipment in the shed and require it to be dry, a poured concrete foundation is the best option. If the intended use for the shed is to house fire wood, the cheaper option of gravel will suffice.
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Other Design Elements
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After framing, you may choose to cover the shed in aluminum or vinyl siding to match your home, or you may chose to use more rustic wooden siding or shingles. After you've selected the materials, decide on the other elements, such as doors and windows. Doors should always be sturdy and have a locking mechanism. If you're storing items of significant value in the shed, avoid using windows, as these present a security problem.
Other Considerations
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The final stage of planning the shed is to consider a number of other factors. Your shed may not require electricity, but you may still need light to see by, in which case you should consider including solar-powered LED lights to give the area a degree of lighting. If you plan to store valuables in the shed, waterproof it through the use of extended eaves and water-resistant plastic in the walls and ceiling. A shed used to house gas and oil should have air vents built into the ceiling to allow the space to be ventilated. Finally, check with your city's building department to obtain the necessary permits related to zoning.
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References
Resources
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