17 Costly Shed-Building Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Carefully inspect the ground you are going to build the shed on. As the seasons change, the ground may freeze, then thaw and settle down. If it rains heavily, the ground may become muddy, and this may cause your foundation to sink a little.

Use concrete piers or a concrete slab foundation to ensure a strong and steady base for your shed.

Before you being any construction work, always check with your local building council. They may have regulations for building a shed that you are not aware of. You might need a permit for construction.

Untreated wooden trim or siding that is installed too close to the ground will quickly rot away. All materials that are close to the ground should be insect-resistant and water-proof.

You don’t want to accidentally damage an underground utility line as you are digging for the shed foundation. Before you start work, clearly mark all buried utilities.

Building a wooden shed can be a long process, especially if you are not an expert. Always include some extra time for unexpected delays, like bad weather or an aching back.

Don’t build a shed that will only meet your current needs. Think about your future requirements as well. Otherwise, you will run out of space inside your shed within a few months of building it. Make the shed bigger than what you think would be sufficient for your current needs.

Don’t use plain solid wood for building the exterior of your shed. Use vinyl, engineered wood, or T1-11 siding material.

If you plan on storing large and tall items, like lumber or other sheet materials, in your shed, then your ceiling should be at least 9 feet tall. You can also consider building an overhead loft for additional storage space.

Overhangs don’t just make your shed look good but also protect your siding and doors from snow and rain. Build them with quality materials, and don’t skimp on them.

Don’t forget to set up a power supply to your shed. You will appreciate the ability to be able to recharge batteries and use electrical equipment within your shed.

Wooden sheds can quickly become very hot inside. Make sure to install a ridge vent or a cupola to allow airflow through your shed.

If you are not already experienced in building doors, it’s best that you buy pre-built doors. Constructing doors can be a tricky business. Badly made doors will not stand up to the elements and will sag and warp over time.

Don’t place your shed on a slope or too close to trees. Make sure there is a free space of at least 6 inches all around the shed. There should be enough clear space in front of the door to move large items in and out without hitting anything else in the surroundings.

You will need to insulate and weather-proof your shed based on your local climate. If you live in an area with really hot summers, then the external materials used in your shed will need to have high heat-resistance. If it snows or rains heavily in your region, then water-proofing all joints becomes a critical factor.

Without lights, your shed will just be a dark cave. Windows can allow some light, but if you have stored a lot of big equipment, then there may still be many dark corners. It is best to install at least one overhead light that will illuminate the entire shed.

Based on the common pests in your neighborhood, you will have to consider some form of pest protection inside and outside your shed. Rats, groundhogs, wasps, birds, and many other bugs and rodents will try to use your shed as their home. And they will damage your precious gear stored inside.

Having the right shed building plans can save you hours of headache and a bundle of money. Choose the most accurate shed blueprints before your start construction.