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5 things to consider before building a outdoor shed

If you are finding it hard to work in your house with the kids hollering or are simply running out of storage, then this might be the perfect time to build yourself a garden shed. While a daunting task, even for an experienced craftsman, these tips should help you get started and help you avoid problems later.

1. Selecting the right site in your garden.

Make sure that the area you plan to build your shed in is level. It should also be dry as wet areas will cause the wood to start to rot and damage the building. Furthermore, you should not build at the bottom of a slope where water collects and try to put it in a more high lying area on your property.

2. Make sure your plans and site are up to code.

Most local governments require that the right permits are secured to build an external structure. This will mean that you will have to have a building inspector come around and inspect and approve your site and plans. They can be a valuable resource and advise you on saving time and money when building your shed.

3. Make sure the foundation is secure and the floor is rot proof.

Favor solid blocks of concrete over hollow core blocks to make sure that the foundation does not start to crack after a few years of use. Sheds larger than 200 square feet will require foundations that go down to the frost line. For smaller sheds you can also use skids which are pressure treated wood timbers. Make sure the floor is rot proof by using pressure treated wood and plywood and use rust resistant screws to fasten the wood.

4. Make sure the doors are suitably large.

Plan ahead for what you aim to keep in the shed. If you are using it to store your lawnmower or other equipment, make sure the doors are large enough to accommodate them. It is always better to make the doors larger than needed to make sure that you have never have problems bringing things in or out, especially if you plan to use your shed as a workshop.

5. Install proper ventilation.

Leave open space around the shed, even underneath, so moisture does not accumulate and rot the wood. Use windows to let light in and also air in and out.

With these tips you should be able to plan for your shed and build a useful one.