Garden Shed or Outdoor Play House

Getting plans for building an outdoor storage shed is only part of the job when preparing to build. You will also need to make some choices on the type of shed that you need, where it will be located, and whether or not you need help building it.

Depending on the use of your shed, you may want something that can hold tools, a workbench, and electrical outlets for your equipment. Or, you may want a shed that you can use as an outdoor play house for the kids. The shed styles that will accommodate these two uses are very different. Deciding on the uses for your shed will help in making the best decision on the style of shed that you ultimately build.

If you find out your shed will need to be more than 200 square feet, contact your local government office. In some areas a person needs a building permit for any structure that is 200 square feet in size. This may not seem very important when you are thinking about building the shed, but the resale value of your home can be significantly impacted if you have structures on your property that were not built using a required permit.

Before looking at different locations for your shed, call the utility company. You are going to want to build your shed in a part of your yard that does not have any cables, lines, or pipes under it. By having those areas marked prior to deciding on your location, you will not be creating any future difficulties.

When you know which areas in your yard are clear for the size of the shed, you will want to find the highest point in the yard to build the shed. By staying away from low spots in your yard, you will not have to worry about water run-off getting in your shed during heavy storms or floods.

Deciding on the flooring for your shed will also be an important consideration. The flooring of sheds is normally made from a concrete slab or by using skids. Skids are 4"x4"x8' lumber that is placed on solid concrete blocks. When using skids it is important that the blocks are level and the lumber is also level and evenly spaced across the floor of your shed.

If you live in a wet climate or an area where there is run-off and are going to use skids, you will want to take an extra safety step. Putting 2-4" of gravel in the area where you are putting your blocks and skids will keep the water from causing damage to your shed. Using pressure treated wood will also help with keeping insects and water damage from occurring.

When you order your plans, make sure that they use low maintenance materials in the building. You will save a lot of time and effort if you don't have to worry about maintaining the shed on a regular basis. Instead of cedar for example, use PVC timber which will not have to be painted each year.