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United States24701 Posts
I need a lot more storage space and one solution I've considered is building a shed in the backyard. If much of the gear in the house could be moved into the shed, then that would obviously free up space in the house. If adding a shed, I have a choice between purchasing a pre-made one that just needs to be shipped and assembled. However, I've been seriously considering building one from the raw materials (lumbar).
I have never undertaken a project anywhere near as significant at this, and so I have to admit I know almost nothing. Fortunately, I have access to a fair bit of tools and I can speak with my dad to help with purchasing/etc as he's fairly experienced in home repair. I can't really tell you why I feel like doing this, but I have an urge to build the shed from scratch and now I'm on summer break which is possibly my only chance to ever do this.
Let me give a brief summary of what I've done so far. I began by researching local laws to the best of my ability; it seems like you don't need a permit or permission to make a shed of less than or equal to 100 square feet. Furthermore, any shed I made would most likely not be anchored directly into the ground. In fact, we have one metal shed on the side of the house already that has never been reported (came with the house).
I began researching building sheds online and found some free resources as well as many sites that offer plans for a fee. Eventually I bit the bullet and went to the library (I had to get a library card after 8 years without one lol). I took out two books which go through most of the details on building a shed as well as provide plans for some common shed designs. I'm slowly becoming more knowledgeable on this topic.
What I need help with is practical analysis of the job I want to do. Hopefully, some people here have experience building structures such as sheds and can shed some light on this issue. How big can/should the shed be? What is the precise relationship between size of shed and ease of construction? What tools are must-have for a job like this? What requirements are there for a space where I choose to place the shed? What shed design would be easy and smart to use? How much stuff requires a second person, or can it all be done individually? What else do I need to consider?
I'm not doing anything immediately and I'm not sold on the idea, but I'm very interesting and am brainstorming. Although the idea of designing it myself is very appealing (I've always had an urge to do something like this) I think it is way out of my league. Here's a picture to give you a rough idea of what I'm considering making:
Please feel free to ask any questions that could help you to give me some perspective on this undertaking. I'll consider anything you may suggest.
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Better off just buying a pre-made one and assembling it yourself. Purchasing all those materials is too much work for me IMO. I saw a 10'x8' shed from Home Depot for about $1300 (S&H added), steel frames with resin walls/doors. Lower maintenance and well better than wood, it does seem mighty expensive but just my imput. 
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Since that shed you posted a picture of is pretty gosu, I'm guessing that you're serious about doing this. But before you really invest the time and money into such a project, you should be sure it's something you really need. I helped my dad build a shed in our back yard a while ago (not nearly as big or nice as the one in your picture), and he NEVER uses it. It's just sitting in the backyard, empty. It would just be a shame to spend all the time on something like that and not use it. What kinds of things will you store in there? For how long? Might it be cheaper to just rent some space at a storage facility nearby? Just some things to think about, and good luck with the project if you decide to do it.
I haven't really browsed these sites at all, but it's just something I found on Google, maybe it will help:
http://shedking.net/
http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Shed
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/how_to/4270714.html
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United States24701 Posts
On June 30 2009 13:51 Radical wrote:
Since that shed you posted a picture of is pretty gosu, I'm guessing that you're serious about doing this. But before you really invest the time and money into such a project, you should be sure it's something you really need. I helped my dad build a shed in our back yard a while ago (not nearly as big or nice as the one in your picture), and he NEVER uses it. It's just sitting in the backyard, empty. It would just be a shame to spend all the time on something like that and not use it. What kinds of things will you store in there? For how long? Might it be cheaper to just rent some space at a storage facility nearby? Just some things to think about, and good luck with the project if you decide to do it.
The idea here is it not only is useful, but also is a good experience. Every once in a while, in life, you have to take and idea you have and just go with it while you have the chance. On the other hand, some of the biggest mistakes ever have been made under these pretenses.
Anyway, for example, my house has a fair bit of camping equipment (tents, tarps, etc) that could be moved from the basement to the shed. I need somewhere to keep four wheels for my car (although I could get away with putting them elsewhere if I need the shed for other stuff). I am pretty sure I have no shortage of stuff I'd like to stuff somewhere. Renting some space wouldn't make sense as a long-term solution even though it's pretty cheap to throw something away for a couple of months.
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Well that makes sense for those kinds of items. One thing that occurred to me is, I'm the kind of person who really likes to keep things stored away. Even if I never use them, I like to keep them, like old clothes, etc. So is there some stuff that you could throw away to make room for stuff you really need to keep? I'm not trying to discourage you, because I do agree with what you said about it being a good experience, but I'm just speaking from my own point of view. For me, I think if I built one shed for myself, I'd fill it really fast, and then I'd feel like I needed another, and another. (The shed I built for my Dad is at his house, I don't live with my Dad, otherwise I guarantee it'd be filled with a bunch of shit that I never use). Unfortunately I don't have anything else to contribute other than the links I included above.
Edit: I should add that the only reason why I seem to be urging you to be cautious about doing this is that in the past, I've been the kind of person who would say "A shed? Yes, that's what I've been needing!" And then rush to build one without really thinking about it.
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United States24701 Posts
On June 30 2009 13:57 Radical wrote:
Well that makes sense for those kinds of items. One thing that occurred to me is, I'm the kind of person who really likes to keep things stored away. Even if I never use them, I like to keep them, like old clothes, etc. So is there some stuff that you could throw away to make room for stuff you really need to keep? I'm not trying to discourage you, because I do agree with what you said about it being a good experience, but I'm just speaking from my own point of view. For me, I think if I built one shed for myself, I'd fill it really fast, and then I'd feel like I needed another, and another. (The shed I built for my Dad is at his house, I don't live with my Dad, otherwise I guarantee it'd be filled with a bunch of shit that I never use). Unfortunately I don't have anything else to contribute other than the links I included above.
This project would be in addition to reorganizing everything in the house and throwing out anything I can get away with throwing out. I feel confident that even if I am pretty brutal about throwing stuff out and put a fair bit of effort into organizing the house I will still need more room. Consider this in conjunction with other peoples' inability to contribute positive XD
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Sounds like you just need to have a garage sale.
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Haha Micro so for not contributing to your thread at all. But I must say you certainty have some of the best and more entertaining blogs on this site. GL.
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I remember when I built a shed with my dad in our backyard years ago it was right before our cal-m counter-strike finals match and I missed the deadline to be in the line-up by minutes and our 6th had to play. Subsequently we lost in triple overtime due to the fact that our 6th player planted the bomb under the train in the outside bomb site as opposed as to near CT spawn which allowed a ninja defuse and we lost the match.
/rage
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United States24701 Posts
Figures that gamers wouldn't be able to build things XD
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On June 30 2009 13:54 micronesia wrote:Show nested quote +On June 30 2009 13:51 Radical wrote:
Since that shed you posted a picture of is pretty gosu, I'm guessing that you're serious about doing this. But before you really invest the time and money into such a project, you should be sure it's something you really need. I helped my dad build a shed in our back yard a while ago (not nearly as big or nice as the one in your picture), and he NEVER uses it. It's just sitting in the backyard, empty. It would just be a shame to spend all the time on something like that and not use it. What kinds of things will you store in there? For how long? Might it be cheaper to just rent some space at a storage facility nearby? Just some things to think about, and good luck with the project if you decide to do it. The idea here is it not only is useful, but also is a good experience. Every once in a while, in life, you have to take and idea you have and just go with it while you have the chance. On the other hand, some of the biggest mistakes ever have been made under these pretenses.
Ain't that the fuckin truth!
I'd go check down at City Hall with the engineer or code enforcement dept. Municipalities love to come knocking for stupid shit like this when they need extra cash and will cite you with a bunch of dumb shit. Better safe than sorry kind of thing, and make sure you document everything (names, date, etc; you get the drift) if they say you don't need a permit.
You might not need something for the actual construction, but maybe for how close it is to the edge of your property, easement, buffer zones and all that crap. Go for a preliminary one, and then go once you have definite, final plans.
good luck
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United States24701 Posts
On July 01 2009 00:18 Hawk wrote:Show nested quote +On June 30 2009 13:54 micronesia wrote:On June 30 2009 13:51 Radical wrote:
Since that shed you posted a picture of is pretty gosu, I'm guessing that you're serious about doing this. But before you really invest the time and money into such a project, you should be sure it's something you really need. I helped my dad build a shed in our back yard a while ago (not nearly as big or nice as the one in your picture), and he NEVER uses it. It's just sitting in the backyard, empty. It would just be a shame to spend all the time on something like that and not use it. What kinds of things will you store in there? For how long? Might it be cheaper to just rent some space at a storage facility nearby? Just some things to think about, and good luck with the project if you decide to do it. The idea here is it not only is useful, but also is a good experience. Every once in a while, in life, you have to take and idea you have and just go with it while you have the chance. On the other hand, some of the biggest mistakes ever have been made under these pretenses. Ain't that the fuckin truth! I'd go check down at City Hall with the engineer or code enforcement dept. Municipalities love to come knocking for stupid shit like this when they need extra cash and will cite you with a bunch of dumb shit. Better safe than sorry kind of thing, and make sure you document everything (names, date, etc; you get the drift) if they say you don't need a permit. You might not need something for the actual construction, but maybe for how close it is to the edge of your property, easement, buffer zones and all that crap. Go for a preliminary one, and then go once you have definite, final plans. good luck
I just called my town and they said any shed under 100 sqr feet would need to be a minimum of 3 feet from the property line which is no problem. They had no other issues with it.
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On July 01 2009 00:29 micronesia wrote:Show nested quote +On July 01 2009 00:18 Hawk wrote:On June 30 2009 13:54 micronesia wrote:On June 30 2009 13:51 Radical wrote:
Since that shed you posted a picture of is pretty gosu, I'm guessing that you're serious about doing this. But before you really invest the time and money into such a project, you should be sure it's something you really need. I helped my dad build a shed in our back yard a while ago (not nearly as big or nice as the one in your picture), and he NEVER uses it. It's just sitting in the backyard, empty. It would just be a shame to spend all the time on something like that and not use it. What kinds of things will you store in there? For how long? Might it be cheaper to just rent some space at a storage facility nearby? Just some things to think about, and good luck with the project if you decide to do it. The idea here is it not only is useful, but also is a good experience. Every once in a while, in life, you have to take and idea you have and just go with it while you have the chance. On the other hand, some of the biggest mistakes ever have been made under these pretenses. Ain't that the fuckin truth! I'd go check down at City Hall with the engineer or code enforcement dept. Municipalities love to come knocking for stupid shit like this when they need extra cash and will cite you with a bunch of dumb shit. Better safe than sorry kind of thing, and make sure you document everything (names, date, etc; you get the drift) if they say you don't need a permit. You might not need something for the actual construction, but maybe for how close it is to the edge of your property, easement, buffer zones and all that crap. Go for a preliminary one, and then go once you have definite, final plans. good luck I just called my town and they said any shed under 100 sqr feet would need to be a minimum of 3 feet from the property line which is no problem. They had no other issues with it.
Cool. I'd still get a name and stuff just to have it on record
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my brother started with a shed and now has a 1200 square foot timber frame loft built entirely with his own hands (i.e. no electricity).
now he begins working on a 2300 sq foot plan (this time with tools), be careful. working with your own hands gets addictive
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United States24701 Posts
On July 01 2009 01:36 ispepi wrote:
my brother started with a shed and now has a 1200 square foot timber frame loft built entirely with his own hands (i.e. no electricity).
now he begins working on a 2300 sq foot plan (this time with tools), be careful. working with your own hands gets addictive
Haha sick. That sounds so appealing but unrealistic for me where I live.
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I know that this was already discussed in the irc extensively, but I think that this is what you want:
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EPT![[image loading]](http://www.shedguy.ws/e107_plugins/autogallery/Gallery/BASIC_ECONOMY_SHED.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m7/NottinghamLace/fuckyeahshed.jpg)
