Build a super storage shed
Here's how to achieve the attractive look and perfect function you want for outbuildings on your country property.
A shed should be a thing of beauty to behold, says David Stiles, author of Sheds: The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Backyard Builders. "People often make the mistake of thinking of it as just a stupid storage building that no one will see. But if you live someplace where the leaves fall off the trees, everyone will see it."
If you share similar sentiments about how outbuildings should look on your property, then you are a candidate for one of the multitude of custom-style storage options available for stashing those garden tools or storing that compact tractor.
And for those of you who consider living the country life synonymous with doing it yourself, any of these three options will deliver polished results:
beauty, as well as a thing of function, says
David Stiles. Attractive windows and doors
add to a shed's appeal.
ordering a custom-style kit to assemble on your own,
buying a plan and building a shed from scratch, or
doing a totally custom design to really put your personal stamp on the finished product.
toolshed was designed and built by David
Stiles.
Ask basic questions
Before you start ordering wood, it's a good idea to consider some basic questions.
house or be a different design.
How big does it need to be? A good way to gauge this is to assemble all the things you're planning to put in the building and consider what items mandate floor space and what things can be stored on shelves or hung on walls. Then add a few additional square feet. "Size is a key factor," says Stiles. "People almost always say, We wish we'd built it bigger,' when the project is done."
What will it be used for? Take into account functionality. Will it be used exclusively for storage or does the plan include doing double duty as a potting shed or workbench? If multifunctions are likely, it's a good idea to include a partition in your plan to separate activities.
How much will the shed cost? The cost of a building will vary based on size and materials, but a midrange ballpark is $15 to $20 a square foot. (Construction costs have risen dramatically in the past two years.) Materials for an outbuilding equal one third to one half of the total cost. The rest is labor. Therefore, you could save as much as half doing most of the work yourself.
Don't forget to factor into your budget any new tools you might have to purchase to get the job done. And while you're at it, consider where you will store things like that new table saw when the project is completed. That's why adding a few extra square feet is a good idea.
Do you need a building permit? Usually a permit is not required for buildings under 100 square feet, but it's best to check with your local building department.
Know when to do it yourself
There is great personal satisfaction in building something yourself, and it is much cheaper than hiring it done. However, it requires moderate carpentry skills. Beginners might want to hire a contractor to help with more difficult tasks like setting the foundation and framing.
If you want a custom shed without the physical labor and don't mind the increased cost, there are any number of companies (see box at right) that will build sheds to your specifications and install them. The advantage with custom sheds is you get the exact look and size you want and a really nice looking end product.
Whether you opt for a shed to match the architecture of the house or something totally different in design, you will need to make decisions about materials and certain key features. Wood is the logical material for sheds, with decay-resistant varieties like redwood, cedar, and cypress topping the list. Double-wide doors are the logical choice for country outbuildings because they make it easier to move equipment in and out.
Finally, regardless of size and shape, all storage structures are improved with the addition of windows and skylights. "Having light when you walk into a shed makes all the difference, and you can make a skylight for about $20," says Stiles, who includes directions for such add-ons in his book. "You can also buy premade windows, but if you have a table saw, you can make one for way less money."
Finding plans
While you can certainly hire a local architect or builder to design your outbuilding, there are myriad resources for purchasing plans.
David Stiles' book, Sheds: The Do-It-Yourself Guide for Backyard Builders, can be found in book stores or ordered directly from his Web site at www.stilesdesigns.com. The book includes excellent illustrations and floor plans for smaller shed projects.
How To Build Small Barns and Outbuildings by Monte Burch provides complete plans and illustrations for equipment or machine sheds, all-purpose barns, and garden sheds. Look for it in bookstores.
The number of companies on the Internet that offer plans for sale (they can be modified to your specifications) are too numerous to list, but here are some good ones.
A Better Plan
Here you'll reach The Country Building Directory and illustrations galore of a wide array of good-looking storage plan possibilities that start at $26 for complete plan sets.
Better Barns
Plans of colonial-style barns in varying shapes and sizes start at $30. There's also a resource for accessories like pot hangers.
Just Sheds Inc.
Click on Designer Shed Plans to view large, nicely detailed custom-style structures. Plans start at about $20.
Summerwood
There are no plans here but lots of ideas for preassembled kits in a variety of styles. Follow the on-screen directions for modifying any design to your specifications.
