Blueprints for Building a Shed
There are literally thousands of shed blueprints available, some free, others costing a few dollars. How do you know which are good quality plans that are worth using? Should you even bother using plans at all?
My suggestion is that unless you are a very experienced woodworker that you use plans when building a shed. Sheds may appear to be simple structures but in reality they are complex structures, requiring precise measurements, cuts and construction. A small slip can prove disastrous with, for example, roofs being uneven and leaking and doors not fitting.
The first thing to keep in mind is that there are no perfect or best blueprints for building a shed, you have to see what you want and need and then find the plans that best fit your requirements.
When considering a shed think about:
* What are you going to use your shed for? Will you be just storing yard equipment or will you be using your shed as an office or workshop?
* What location do you have in mind for your shed?
* What size shed are you thinking about?
* Do you have any items that require special consideration, for example a large door?
* What is the weather like where you live? This will affect your choice of foundation and structural materials.
* Do you have a preference for building material? Wood, metal and plastic are all options.
* Will you need running water and electricity?
As soon as you have figured out what you require you can start looking for plans. Let me begin by saying up front that there are many types of blueprints for sheds. Some of the blueprints are step-by-step, however, many are not. They require you to be able to read the diagrams, make the cuts of wood and build accordingly, that is, there is the assumption that you have some wood working skills. Be certain that the plans you select meet your level of experience.
There are also no best or faultless plans, you often have to make adjustments. Having said this though, a good set of shed building plans are indispensable, unless you are an expert woodworker and designer. If you are a beginner you need to make sure that the blueprints you select are all inclusive. They need to include:
* Detailed diagrams, drawings and even photographs of each section of the shed
* A complete list of materials needed along with the tools required to complete the project
* Step by step instructions
* A cut list, which tells you the precise sizes and cuts for each piece of wood. A cut list is invaluable as it allows you to prepare everything in advance, knowing you have everything you need, letting you get the most out of the lumber you buy.
After you have bought a set of blueprints take time to read through and understand all the instructions before you begin buying materials. You want your shed to look professional and add value to your property, so if needed do ask a professional for advice, and your friends to assist you build.
My suggestion is that unless you are a very experienced woodworker that you use plans when building a shed. Sheds may appear to be simple structures but in reality they are complex structures, requiring precise measurements, cuts and construction. A small slip can prove disastrous with, for example, roofs being uneven and leaking and doors not fitting.
The first thing to keep in mind is that there are no perfect or best blueprints for building a shed, you have to see what you want and need and then find the plans that best fit your requirements.
When considering a shed think about:
* What are you going to use your shed for? Will you be just storing yard equipment or will you be using your shed as an office or workshop?
* What location do you have in mind for your shed?
* What size shed are you thinking about?
* Do you have any items that require special consideration, for example a large door?
* What is the weather like where you live? This will affect your choice of foundation and structural materials.
* Do you have a preference for building material? Wood, metal and plastic are all options.
* Will you need running water and electricity?
As soon as you have figured out what you require you can start looking for plans. Let me begin by saying up front that there are many types of blueprints for sheds. Some of the blueprints are step-by-step, however, many are not. They require you to be able to read the diagrams, make the cuts of wood and build accordingly, that is, there is the assumption that you have some wood working skills. Be certain that the plans you select meet your level of experience.
There are also no best or faultless plans, you often have to make adjustments. Having said this though, a good set of shed building plans are indispensable, unless you are an expert woodworker and designer. If you are a beginner you need to make sure that the blueprints you select are all inclusive. They need to include:
* Detailed diagrams, drawings and even photographs of each section of the shed
* A complete list of materials needed along with the tools required to complete the project
* Step by step instructions
* A cut list, which tells you the precise sizes and cuts for each piece of wood. A cut list is invaluable as it allows you to prepare everything in advance, knowing you have everything you need, letting you get the most out of the lumber you buy.
After you have bought a set of blueprints take time to read through and understand all the instructions before you begin buying materials. You want your shed to look professional and add value to your property, so if needed do ask a professional for advice, and your friends to assist you build.