by Robert Matthews

Created on: March 22, 2010   Last Updated: March 24, 2010

Do you need to build a potting shed to stash your backyard tools, potting soil, flower pots and such? You undoubtedly will not want to forget that new lawn mower out in the damp. Building a shed isn't hard when you have a plan of action, but first you should answer these critical questions.

1. What sort of shed plans will you require?

If you are building a shed basically for storage it may not have to have to have windows for light or air flow. If you're going to be working in your shed, you will need room for tools and pots and bags of soil plus space to operate. Some shelves would be handy and also a potting bench. You'll require light to see by and fresh air so plan to put in windows and/or a skylight.

2. How large will you be building a shed?

You will find a number of concerns to look at. Once again, will you be doing work inside your garden shed or just storing stuff? Who else will likely be using your shed? Will it definitely be you alone or do you need garden shed plans that will accommodate Christmas decorations and your child's wagon. Likewise, do not get shed plans that won't fit within the yard which brings us to number 3.

3. Exactly where will you be building a shed?

You will discover three things to consider here. One is size, which we've discussed already. One more is style. A garden shed could be a basically utilitarian structure tucked away in back of some bushes or it can be an attractive visual asset, a backyard attraction. Lastly, think of convenience. You do not want the door to open onto your favorite herb bed or just where that small bush is likely to grow into a large bush.

4. Do your new garage plans need to include insulation and security?

A garden shed that contains no more than a few bags of manure, some flower pots along with a shovel likely doesn't require much of a lock. If you have an expensive riding mower and patented tulip bulbs, you'll want to protect them. Where you live and how you use your garden shed will dictate whether it should be insulated. Also, take into account roofing material. Those in frigid climates will want a roof that sheds snow and cedar shakes are most definitely not for locations vulnerable to wild fires.

5. Will you need to have a building permit?

This varies considerably from town to town and it is a excellent idea to be aware of the rules where you live. Some municipalities demand a cement slab foundation depending on the size of your shed blueprints. Whatever the requirements are, you will not want to build a shed only to have a jealous neighbor or home owners association protest to code enforcement.

6. Have you established a budget for your new garden shed?

It's a very important factor. You'll be able to locate shed plans ranging from outhouse to palace in materials and style. Establishing a spending budget will likely be a major guide when picking garden shed plans and will help determine size, design and amenities. Fortunately you will find shed building blueprints which will accommodate pretty much any budget.

7. Where's the very best place to get garden shed plans?

When you have a handle on the initial six questions, you are ready to take the first step, getting shed plans. If you've got some drafting background you possibly can draw a shed blueprint by yourself. Some hardware stores will draw free garden shed blueprints for you if you bring them a rough design with the expectation that you'll purchase your materials from them. One can find some superb shed blueprints offered over the web.

You have an idea where to build your shed and how large you want it.  What you need now are plans.  

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