When building a shed in your backyard, one of the first things you need to do is figure out whether you want a metal shed or not. For a more traditional look, you might opt for a wooden shed. But a metal shed might be better if you want something more rugged and durable.
You can build a shed and use it for a variety of purposes. Some make a shed to store your lawn mower and gardening tools. Others need extra space for the kids to play in. Some plan on creating a home office or workshop. Whatever the case, there are a few must-dos before building a metal shed.
Check if Building a Shed Won’t Be an Issue
First, check if you are even allowed to build a shed in your backyard. Know that even if the property you will be erecting the shed is yours, you have to check with your local city ordinances first. In some instances, building a shed might require getting a permit first.
If your shed requires a permit, you must get this before starting the construction. The same goes for if you need to get a building permit. Without the proper permits, authorities may fine you or force you to tear down your shed.
Don’t forget to check with your homeowner’s association. Some associations have rules and regulations regarding the size, type, and color of sheds you can build.
Determine the Size and Features of the Shed
Before you even build the shed, make sure you already know what you plan on doing with it. This will help you determine the type of shed you’re making. Once you know what kind of shed you’re aiming to build, you can start planning the size.
The usual size of a metal shed is 10×12 feet. But if you require more space, you can go up to 12×16 feet or even larger. Remember that the bigger the shed, the more expensive it will be to build.
Keep in mind that you must leave enough space around the shed for you to be able to move around it. This is especially important if you use power tools or work on cars inside the shed.
As for the features, think about what kind of doors and windows you need. If you’re planning on using the shed as a workshop, you might want to consider making a sliding door. This will give you more space to move around inside the shed.
You should also think about ventilation. Suppose you’re planning on using power tools inside the shed. In that case, ensure you have enough ventilation to avoid breathing in harmful fumes.
Choose the Right Location
Next, choose the right location for your shed. You don’t want the shed to be in the way or obstruct anything. It also needs to be in a place that’s easy for you to access.
You also need to make sure the ground is level. If the ground isn’t level, you’ll have a harder time building the shed. You might even have to level the ground first before starting the shed.
It would be best to build the shed close to your house. This way, it will be easy for you to bring things in and out of the shed.
Choose a Reliable Supplier
Since you’re building a shed, you will need different materials depending on your project and the design of the shed. Since you’ll be building a metal shed, you’ll naturally look for a reliable metal supplier where you can source your materials.
If you plan to hire contractors for your project, they might already have a go-to supplier. But if you’re doing the project independently, you must find a metal supplier you can trust.
One way to know if a metal vendor is reputable is by checking their licenses, accreditation, and reviews. You can also ask for recommendations from people you know who have experience building metal sheds.
Get in touch with the supplier and ask about the different types of metal they have. They should also be able to give you a quotation for the materials you need. It would be better if they offer delivery services so you won’t have to worry about transporting the metal yourself. Don’t forget to check their return policy.
Hiring Contractors
Even if you plan on a DIY metal shed project, there will be tasks that require the expertise of some professionals. This can include tasks like putting up the frame, pouring the concrete foundation, or installing the roof, electricity, and plumbing.
Hiring general contractors can be expensive. If you don’t have enough budget, you can find individual specialists for each task that you need to finish. For example, if you need someone to install the roof, you can hire a roofing contractor. They usually have their own team of workers that they bring with them to the job site.
When you’re hiring contractors, make sure that you get everything in writing. This includes the quotation, the timeline, and the scope of work. This will protect you from any misunderstandings or issues that might come up during the project.
Building a new metal shed can be a fun and rewarding experience by taking your time to research and prepare ahead of time. While this list only tackles the basics, following these tips will help you get started on the right foot and avoid unnecessary stress along the way.
