It’s been said that “failure to plan is planning to fail.” Nothing could be truer when setting out to build a backyard shed, yet planning is the last thing we typically want to take time to do. Most of us just want to grab a set of plans (or make one up in our heads), and get on with it! That could be a huge mistake. Following are a few tips to get you started in the right direction:

Determine your budget

One of the most important questions is “What’s my budget?” It will be the final arbiter of things like shed size and types and quality of materials. So establish it up front. You’ll be ready to snap up bargains when you see them, from garage sales, demolition projects, or even from your local Home and Garden store.

Determine how your shed will be used

It’s pretty important that you have everything well laid out before you start building a backyard shed. You need a plan of action. But first things first. Why not take a few minutes to figure out how your shed will really be used? You may think that it’s just for storing your tools, but what are your significant others’ expectations? Is he/she going to want to store stuff you haven’t thought about, such as seasonal equipment? Think sports equipment, bicycles, and things like BBQ grills. Thinking about all the possible uses in advance could save you having to build a second shed later. So are you building a Storage Shed, a Tool Shed, a Garden Shed or a Multi-Purpose Shed?

Where will you locate your shed?

Consider in advance whether the site you’ve chosen will handle the size and the use intended for your shed. Having to move it later could be a real pain. Make sure you plan for easy access without damaging your landscaping. Also think about how it needs to look when finished. You might wish to hide it away (less finish work), or build it to be beautiful and an enhancement to your landscaping.

What are the best building materials?

What materials should you use to build a shed? Your climate will dictate this to some degree. If you want your shed to last, then you would be wise to consider wood products that best suit your local weather conditions. The same applies to your shed base and shed roof. Do a little research here and it will pay off for many years to come. A favorite exterior material is cedar. It is great for moist climates because it resists rot and is naturally insect repellent. Redwood and other weather and insect resistant species work just as well. Consult your local home and garden store to find out what is recommend where you live.

Will a building permit be required?

One of the important questions to ask is “Do I require a building permit?” You’d better know this in advance actually, because you’ll need to take your local codes into account before you start planning, and certainly before you start building. Ignoring this advise could prove fatal to your project, even to the point of having to tear it down! Normally you won’t be required to obtain a permit unless your garden shed exceeds the size allowed by code, or you plan to install power or water. If you do, you’ll likely need to submit building plans for approval. So check this out early on!

Find a great set of plans

Now you know what questions to ask. Write them down along with your answers, and you’re ready to start your search for the perfect set of plans. So where do you start looking?

Some possibilities are your local library, your lawn and garden store, or on the Internet. Plans are readily available for any shed or woodworking project you can imagine. For sure, you’ll find yours among them. You’ll also find lots of tips for saving money, like using second-hand materials. Just be sure that the plans you choose also include step-by-step building instructions, material lists and plenty of illustrations. This could well make the difference in how your project turns out, or if it ever gets completed!

Source by Arne James