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How to estimate and build a shed - Planing


How to estimate and build a shed - Planing
The first thing to do before starting to build a shed is to get information to your municipality about the options you have. What are the maximum and minimum dimensions? How far from the neighbours? What is the maximum height? Is the coating needs to be the same as the house? How many time for the works?

Dimensions

When all theses questions are answered, go see the location. You must verify if there are any obstacles such as posts, tress and/or access roads. You must plant a picket at each corner of the shed and join them with a rope. Then, you will see dimensions. Is this future building going to hide views? Is it convenient to his vocation?

Screw piles foundation

For several years, those little buildings were simply on concrete blocks. With a high-quality soil, some of them have resisted to snow and water during the spring thaw. But a lot of them have distorted and lost their stability.

Since few years, screw piles that are installed and guaranteed, have solved this problem. Of course, it is more expensive, but this choice will allow you to avoid having a shed that has chance of loosing his level.  

Piles are adjustable and allow repeating the level when there is light ground movement. Because professionals install them, they are long-term guarantee. They will not damage your yard and they will guarantee a long stability. In few hours, you will have a solid foundation, according to the standards and especially without any efforts.

For a shed, you need to calculate 150$ to 250$ for each screw piles to get a perfect, flat and quality soil. So, around 6 piles for a standard shed (the Virtual Constructor is calculated the piles and the structure for you, don’t worries).

Therefore, 6 x 150$ = 900$ for a peace of mind and no efforts.

Your pickets will be used by the installer.

Beams and floor joists

Once installed, piles allow making the contour with your joists. According to automated calculations of the Virtual Constructor, they will be double or triple and will serve for your large frame. At this time, the weight of your shed is minimal and it’s the perfect moment to install the floor. Then you will be able to put the floor perfectly right with the piles and screws (ideally with a level of 4’). At the same time, you make your square line (Pythagoras). Either, the diagonals 2 sides.

Simple example for a 10x14 shed:

(10*10) + (14*14) = 296

296=17,2046 feet or 17 feet 2 inches and 7/16

To summarize:

-Your little side will be 10 feet
-Your big side will be 14 feet
-Diagonal will measure 17’ 2’’ and 7/16’’

After, you can place your joists at each 16’’ or 12’’ (see the Virtual Constructor calculations). Their locations have to be predetermine by stirrup that supports them. Therefore, it’s by measuring each distance and placing a hanger to each of these places that you simply prepare the exact location of each joist.

The construction of the walls of your shed will be done on this large floor area. Do not miss our next article on this subject as well as the laying of prefabricated roof truss.

Have fun with The Virtual Constructor and calculate the cost of your project. You can change the sizes, the slope roof, the coating, etc. Your budget and all of your materials are calculated at each click you make. Everything adjusts in real time. Once this budget is good for you, ask for a material list with quantities online.

At all time, be sure to follow the construction code in your region in order to respond to applicable standards.

 


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