Planning your shed

Finally, the warm days are back! You have but one thought in mind; getting out your tools and building the shed that has filled your dreams all winter. But first, before making a beeline to your home improvement centre, take some time to carefully plan your project.

The shed is first very handy to put away your tools, lawnmower and bicycles, but it could also become a place to enjoy a quiet moment if it includes a greenhouse or a garden section.

Get a free plan for a shed as well as the list of required materials for this project. For viewing and printing, you will need to use Acrobat Reader software.
Plan AR-10A (pdf 1.3 M)
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Your property limits
Municipal by-laws
Use, location and size
Choosing a model
Types of foundations

Your property limits

First and foremost, carefully go over the deed for your property which details its official boundaries. If the information is not complete, hire a surveyor.

Municipal by-laws

Contact your municipality to find out the various by-laws, zoning ordinances and building codes that may apply to your project. Some municipalities have very strict regulations that may limit the overall size and the materials used in building this type of addition. A building permit is often required.

Use, location and size

The size of your shed will greatly influence your comfort level as well as storing capacity. Take the time to determine what will be stored, such as the number of bicycles, a barbecue, garden tools and outdoor furniture. If you have no garage, make plans to use the shed as a workshop. The shed's location is also an important consideration. Do you need to have access only during the summer or all year round. If you do a little gardening, a location near the garden might be more useful than near the house.

Choosing a model

The model you choose should meet your needs for security, privacy, recreation, etc. That is why the architectural plans department offers over one hundred models of outdoor projects that include plans, cost and time estimates and the list of materials that will allow you to calculate a ballpark figure for the cost of your project.

Building a shed is a challenge that requires good preparation. First, make sure to have on hand all the detailed plans that will allow you to understand every step involved in building the shed. Also, be sure to get a detailed list of the required materials. This precious document will spare you many surprises and will help in the preparation of a construction budget.

The estimate of materials required will allow you to get accurate quotes and determine the total cost of the project. If you're willing to compromise on finishing details, insulation and electricity, you can build a shed from scratch for less than $1,000. But, if you feel like it and your budget allows it, you can throw in as much quality and comfort as you like.
Model R-10A
A regular shed is the most common and easiest to construct. It is possible to set it against the house using the same siding, door and windows.
Model R-13A
A corner shed is better adapted to small plots of land and complements the landscaping. It is however more difficult to build and requires a certain expertise.
Model R-17A
A shed that includes a greenhouse or a garden section adds the perfect space for all those gardening buffs.

Types of foundations

As you get started, you will need to carefully mark the location of the shed on your lot. Then you will have to decide on the type of foundation on which you will be building the shed.

You have three options: sitting your shed on Dek Block® concrete blocks, building the shed on concrete piers buried into the ground below the frostline, or on a concrete slab. Before selecting the type of foundation you want, make sure you know what type of soil you are dealing with, whether you are ready to carry out major excavation work and estimate your budget for this project.

We recommend a concrete blocks foundation. It is not only economical but the easiest to build. Frost may cause sheds built on concrete blocks to rise slightly during winter. Do not worry. The whole building and its contents will rise and lower with the frost.

The advantages of a concrete pilars foundation are stability and solidity. Building it, however, involves more work and is more costly than using concrete blocks.

The practical attributes of a concrete floor have convinced more than one owner to choose the concrete slab option, even thought its construction is more complex and expensive. On the other hand, it has the advantage of being solid and relatively humidity free. To prevent the floor from cracking, the ground must be perfectly stable.

For more information, consult "The types of foundations for your shed" project.
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