There exist six common mistakes that folks make when building a backyard shed for their garden equipment, or any other needs they may have. Let's take a look at these mistakes and determine how to avoid them.
Mistake #1 - Not obtaining a permit to build per local building code requirement. Not allowed to build because zoning requirements are not adhered to. It is a bad assumption that a backyard shed does not require a building permit and there is no community deed restrictions related to sheds.
Before you make this big mistake check with community homeowners association for restrictions and by all means talk to your local building office for permit requirements.
Mistake #2 - Selecting the wrong shed building contractor or selecting the wrong set of shed plans. Questions that should be asked include what do you plan to use the shed for and how big does the shed need to be for the expected use? Most contractors recommend going with a little bigger size than what you were originally planning for. You will always be satisfied with a shed that is bigger but most folks are usually very unhappy with a size that is too small. So spend enough time to determine what you plan to use the shed for and what size will meet your needs.
Mistake #3 - This is big one. Not checking out the property easements and not having local utility companies identify underground power lines, telephone lines, cable lines, and water lines which can lead to many problems. I encountered such an experience when a neighbor had a contractor build them fence around their property. The contractor not knowing actually cut the underground telephone line for the neighborhood leaving us without telephone service for a full day. As a do-it-yourself shed builder make sure to have all underground utility lines identified. It is your responsibility to contact the utility companies.
You do not want to build the shed on the easement or your neighbor's property because they can make you remove the shed and relocate it. Relocating a shed with a concrete foundation is not easy. So like underground utilities make sure to find out where the easements are.
Mistake #4 - Purchasing not enough material or the wrong materials is a common problem that do-it-yourselfers fall into when building a shed. Before you go to your local supply store you want to know exactly how much material you will need. You budget will be effected by either buying too much material or not buying enough. To overcome this pitfall you need to carefully plan for the shed by making exact measurements and discussing your plans with an associate at your local supply store.
Mistake #5 - Building the shed on an area that retains water. Wet grounds and standing waters will seep into the shed foundation causing the wood to rot. You want to build you foundation on an area of 4 to 6 inches of gravel with a slight slope to allow waters to run off instead of settling under the foundation of the shed.
Finally, Mistake #6 - Most people do not prepare the area for the shed. They do not clean the area up by removing plants and their big roots which could affect the foundation. For a shed to last you need to prepare the area where the shed will be located.
Larry R is a writer on the subject of the garden sheds and process steps for building sheds.
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