Plan the installation of a storage shed

Selecting a site

• Property lines: Review a current survey. It should list all boundaries, structures, fence lines, encroachments, and easements. Walk your property and compare what you see with what's listed on the survey. You don't want to make the mistake of building a shed that straddles a property line, sits within a drainage or utility easement, or violates local property setback requirements.

• Obstacles: Will trees, hedges, wires, a septic bed, rocks, water, or other obstacles interfere with construction, clearance, or access? Consider how the landscape and surrounding foliage may change throughout the year and over time.

• Utilities: Call local authorities to identify utility lines near your building site.

• Grade and soil: Ideally, you want a level site with good drainage and firm soil. Building your shed on a grade or at the bottom of a hill can lead to moisture problems, including mould and mildew on items stored inside. If your site slopes steeply (more than 12" from one side to the other), or drainage is an issue, you'll need an appropriate foundation.

• Aesthetics: How would the shed look from a neighbour's vantage point? If you belong to a neighbourhood homeowners association, are their rules governing the placement, dimensions, or aesthetics of a shed?

• Other considerations: Proximity to water, electricity, or propane; natural light; ventilation; the ability to deliver construction materials to the site; and space for a ramp if you're planning to store a lawn mower or other rolling equipment.

Building Permits

• Do I need a permit? Only your local building office can say for sure. Each municipality has its own codes and zoning ordinances, so check before you make decisions on the size, location, and style of your shed.
• How do I apply for a permit? Expect to submit a building plan that includes dimension and elevation drawings as well as the location of your building site on your property.

Shed Sizes

• I need storage: Stake out an area and gather up all the items you might keep in your shed. Think about how each item should be stored: on the floor, shelves, wall hooks, hung from rafters, etc. Will everything fit? Will you?
• I need a place to work: If your shed will be a workspace—a potting shed, workshop, studio, pool shed, etc.—you'll need room for storage and for you to move around or work. Be prepared for compromises: for example, windows, skylights, or roof ventilation may add comfort but take away space for storage.

• On-grade foundation: An on-grade foundation sits on top of the ground. It can be as simple and economical as a frame of pressure-treated timbers or concrete pavers and works well on level, sturdy soil.
• Permanent foundation: This is a series of concrete piers that extend below the frost line topped by a frame of pressure-treated timbers. This type of foundation may be more work to build, but it's permanent and ideal for parts of Canada where frost heave is an issue.

• Material list
• Materials cut list
• Dimensions and elevation drawing
• Step-by-step instructions
• Detail drawings
• Mechanical drawing