Do It Yourself: Finding the Right Storage Shed Plans
If you are like me, you have way too much stuff filling your closets. So what’s the solution?
Why, a storage shed of course! However, I can never seem to find exactly what I’m wanting
on the general market – thus my reasoning for deciding to build one myself. I was amazed
what a basic search turned up. I found what I was looking for, but there was a lot of bunk and
junk in the list. Now the next big question: How do I tell if I have found good storage shed
plans?
Storage Shed Plans
Storage shed plans are wide ranging across the web. There are plans from the simple to
the elaborate, and each different than the next. Some are free, some you have to buy, and
some storage shed plans are not worth your time at all. How to judge them? There are a few
guidelines I gleaned from my own experience.
1. Use your own common sense. Chances are, if you are taking on the kind of project that
requires storage shed plans, you have some experience with a hammer and other such toys.
(Err… tools.) Generally, if it does not sound like it will work, or even simply does not ‘feel’ right,
move on.
2. Go with what you know. It’s true, most do-it-yourself type people are the kind that enjoy a
challenge. However, there’s a difference between “challenge” and “really bad idea that will be
laughed about every Christmas.” If you are looking for storage shed plans for your first project
of this type, simple is probably better.
3. You do not always get what you pay for online. There are plenty of people out there just
waiting to take your money; be cautious before paying for any storage shed plans. That being
said, if the site and the vendor seem reputable, and you are more comfortable with a bought
and guaranteed product, go for it.
4. It’s all in the details. Whatever you decide to work from, make sure it’s clear. Ideally,
any storage shed plans should include diagrams, written instructions, and a list of needed
materials. All the dimensions should be in the same system – watch out for the walls being
measured in feet, and the roof in meters… it does not go well for the project.
5. K.I.S.S. My favorite guideline of all: Keep It Simple, Stupid. This humorous phrase says it
all. When searching for storage shed plans, remember that you are searching for something
you actually propose to build. Unless you want your backyard to look like a Rube Goldberg
knockoff, do not get any more complicated than you need.
Things To Keep In Mind For Storage Shed Plans
So, the search for storage shed plans has turned up quite a few possibilities? Needing to pare
them down? Here are some other things to keep an eye out for:
1. Laws in your area: keep in mind the zoning laws and restrictions in your area when picking
storage shed plans. Some places will not allow you to use certain materials, or go above
certain heights.
2. Clarity: this may seem an obvious one, but make sure you understand everything the
storage shed plans reference. If you do not know what it means to bevel your edges, it might
be a good idea to find plans that explain the more technical terms.
3. Needed tools and materials: a large point of the idea behind doing something yourself is
the freedom it brings. If it looks like you are going to be hindered by the lack of specialty tools
or certain materials in your area, you might as well have bought a storage shed instead of
storage shed plans for all the time and extra effort it is going to take to finish the project.
4. Overall cost: Like number three, this one refers to another point of doing something
yourself – the generally lower cost. When comparing storage shed plans, bear in mind what
it looks like each is going to take wallet-wise in order to complete. It may be worth going with
something a little bit different than what you had originally envisioned if it works out to the
budget’s benefit.
This brings up another overall point to keep in mind – do not ever be afraid to change things
up if it suits your personal project better. Remember, this is your project, and worth doing
the way you want it done. If the storage shed plans you decide on do not fit what you want
exactly, and you feel comfortable doing so, change them. I do recommend that any changes
you make are suitable to your skill level – if you are in doubt, do not mess with it. However,
there is no rule saying you cannot leave off that bit of frothy trim, or add another shelf or two.
As long as the structure is stable, and meets your needs, there should not be any reason not
to tweak any storage shed plans you are working with.
The final and most important point I can leave you with is this: whatever you do, have fun
with it. Projects like these are meant to serve a purpose, yes, but the experience is half the
reward. If you find yourself in way over your head and no longer having fun – well, check out the site below
for different storage shed plans and how to build a shed:
