5 Shed Building Mistakes To Avoid

There are five common shed building mistakes that are easy to make, but easier to avoid if you just take the time to plan ahead.

Not Checking Building Codes

Of all the shed building mistakes, not checking building codes is the basic one. Whatever type of shed you want, whether made of wood, plastic or metal, you must check your local area building codes so that you comply with the local zoning rules. Do this before anything else.

These can affect where you locate your shed as well as the material it is made of. You may well need a permit if you intend to fit your shed with an electricity or water supply. It is essential that you contact the municipal office in your area and comply with the rules and obtain a permit if necessary.

Failing to do so could result in a fine or being told to remove a structure you have already erected. This can be both costly and very time-consuming.

Failure To Lay A Solid And Flat Foundation

The long term stability of your shed depends on it being built on a solid and level foundation. Failure to do so may result in the building not being square, parts not fitting properly, and, over the longer term, the degradation of the shed due to damp and water damage.

Check your compliance with local Building Codes based on the actual shed you intend to build, before starting work on a foundation.

Underestimating Your Space Requirements

It is easy to underestimate just how much storage capacity you might need in the future. That ride-on mower dream becomes a reality; grandkids come along and you need to store their garden toys; perhaps you need to work more inside the shed than you had planned and a workbench is needed.

Changes in circumstances happen, and if you have some surplus capacity in your shed they are more readily accommodated.

And it’s not just the total capacity of the storage area you need to consider, but where that storage space is. There’s little point in having a lot of space to store things up in the roof, such as with a barn type shed, if you need to store mainly bulky and heavy items on the floor.

Doors and windows are also factors to be considered. Will opening or sliding doors be big enough for future needs? Will windows let in enough natural light or will you need to run in a power supply at some stage? Easy interior customization may also be a factor when looking to future needs.

You should think ahead when deciding what size shed to buy or build. It’s best to anticipate future needs now so that you can grow into the space you have and to not outgrow it. Too much space now is better than not having enough later on.

Overestimating Your Shed Building Abilities

We all have different levels of ability when it comes to DIY and home maintenance. Many shed building kits available today just require an average to intermediate skill level to assemble and complete, which is usually within the competence of the average home handy-person.

However, TV shows and magazines can make it look very easy to build a shed from scratch and to create a fantastic custom interior. All of which can tempt the unwary to start a project which is beyond their capabilities.

However, it is not just the shed structure that needs to be considered when determining your ability to build a shed. A firm and level base is required. Although there are a number of different ways of achieving this even these may be outside your experience. Don’t be tempted to start something you can’t finish. It would be far better to call in a contractor to do it for you.

Not Costing Materials To Get The Best Deal

Building your own shed from plans does mean that you can get a better shed for your money. Bigger perhaps, but certainly built the way you want and in the style that pleases you. But for it to be a cost effective way forward, you do need to source the raw materials for the job in a disciplined fashion.

‘You get what you pay for’ my dad used to say. Meaning don’t just buy something because it’s cheap. It needs to properly do the job it was intended for.

You need to buy the best quality materials at the best price, and this will involve shopping around to get the best deal. Make sure that you have a comprehensive list of all materials and fixings that are needed before contacting potential suppliers. And get price quotes from at least three merchants before making a deal.

These shed building mistakes are easy to avoid with a bit of careful planning ahead.