by Dakota Storage Buildings, on October 24, 2022
Storage sheds have tons of uses, from keeping your tools and gardening equipment out of the way or making sure your vehicles are safe and secure. They’re great for ensuring that essentials like firewood are kept dry and neat as well. If you’re thinking about crafting a shed, then you’ll first need to decide on a plan.
A good set of storage shed plans is an important investment if you’re looking to build a shed in your backyard. But how do you decide which plans to go with? There are tons of different types, styles, and options available, and it can be overwhelming if you’re just getting started.
Fortunately, we’re here to give you a nice overview of what an expert would look for when considering all the storage shed plans on the market.
Foundation Type
There are different kinds of foundations that a shed can be built on top of, such as concrete or gravel. The best one for your shed is most likely going to be dependent on the size that you want your shed to be. Bigger sheds will need a stronger foundation to support them. Of course, the bigger your shed is, the more expensive it is likely going to be, as well. Fortunately, if you want to stay on the small side, there are lots of ways to maximize the storage in a limited space.
Finished Look/Style
Of course, if you’re adding a structure to your property, you want it to blend in well and not be an eyesore. There are lots of variables to consider when it comes to the style and look of your shed. Think about things like the siding and roof type that you would like your shed to have. The overall architectural style and the size of it play a role in the finished product’s appearance as well. How many doors and windows should it have? What color would you like it to be? All of this is really important to consider before you pick a plan. After all, you’ll need to look at your shed whenever you step into your backyard, so you may as well make it look nice.
Cost
There are really two costs to consider here: the cost of the plans for your storage shed and its construction costs. The cost of the plan is going to be the smaller of the two, but they’re still a factor, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Plus, the plans impact the cost of construction. You should try to price out the materials that a given plan will require you to purchase in order to build a shed. You need to know at least an estimate of what the overall price of the project will be before you sign on to it.
Materials
Any expert would advise that you contemplate the materials that a plan calls for before buying it. Not only do certain materials raise the construction costs, but some will be better for certain specific types of sheds or for builds in certain climates. The materials are going to make up your shed, so they have a big impact on the ability of the final product to meet your needs. This means that if you are storing things that really need protection from the sun, then you should look hard at the roofing materials used in the plans you are considering. Likewise, if you live in a place that gets very humid or rainy, you might want to consider roofing materials like metal sheets, to keep your stored items dry.
Windows
Another important consideration is the windows that a plan accounts for, and more specifically, the amount and placement of them. For instance, if you plan to tinker or do work in your shed, you’ll probably want some windows that give good light, since it’s unusual to run electricity to a shed. However, if you’re trying to maximize the storage space, you may want to limit the amount of windows. Since the plan will indicate how many windows you will install and where to put them, your window needs are something you should think about before you choose a plan.
If you still have questions or are looking for more information before you get started, then check out our Shed Buying Workbook. This can help you sort through all of the variables and figure out which shed is just right for your specific needs. It’ll even help you take the steps after you’ve picked a plan, like getting a permit and laying a foundation.
