The annual revenue for self-storage units in the U.S is $39.5 billion. A shed is an ideal self-storage unit. It prevents clutter, creates space for yard equipment, and adds to your home’s curb appeal. 

The shed’s construction process is quite easy and straightforward, and you can readily build it on your own without outsourcing labor. 

Read our guide to know the most important tips for building a shed. Hopefully, these tips will help you create a long-lasting storage space.

1. Seek Permission From Your Local Council 

Each state has its own rules regarding the building of storage sheds. Some states require homeowners to get a permit for the construction, while others impose technical regulations for the same. 

The permit can help you know your requirements, the right materials to use, and possibly, the maximum shed size which you should put up. You might not need the permit for the small sheds, but it would be safe to notify the authorities first. 

2. Choose an Ideal Location

Create a free space in your compound where you would like to build the DIY shed. The best place should not be too far from your main house for easier access. 

Also, the place should not be prone to water erosion, and should not have any ground defects which might affect the construction.

Remove the obstacles, blocks, and any other debris within the construction ground. If the surface is uneven, level it up using the right tools. 

3. Lay a Strong Foundation

A storage shed is a valuable investment, and the foundation should, therefore, be solid and durable. Many homeowners in the United States use durable wood for the foundation. However, you can choose brick, clay, or even concrete.

If you choose wood, keep the place as dry as possible because water can damage the wooden foundation. And if you choose concrete, use the best quality cinderblocks to strengthen the foundation.

A strong foundation will strengthen the entire building and increase its value.

4. Encourage Air Circulation

Your storage unit should have a great circulation of air. Sufficient air ensures that the things you store there do not become stale, or do not get the effects of excessive moisture during winter. 

Too much moisture results in mildew and can damage your farm tools or the things you keep there. You can encourage the free flow of air by leaving three to four feet of space between the sheds. You can also consider the large windows and doors which allow the free flow of air.

5. Choose the Right Siding Materials

The shed siding determines the exterior appearance of your storage unit. If you choose great materials, your shed will have a great aesthetic look and add to your compound’s curb look. Conversely, the wrong choice of materials will make the entire unit look messy.

There are many shed siding materials for building a storage shed. You can choose metal siding, wooden siding, cement siding, vinyl shed siding, etc.

Each material has its pros and cons, which you must know before choosing them. Understand the various options, and choose the best one for your DIY storage shed.

6. Fix the Walls on the Ground

Fix your metal walls on the ground before you raise them on the building. For instance, if you will be using metal, it would be easier and affordable to connect all the metal pieces on the ground before you raise them.

After that, you may ask your friend to help you lift the siding to the walls. This trick will save the time of going back and forth the shed to construct. 

However, you should take the right measurements, so avoid making a costly mistake.

7. Choose a Long-Lasting Roof

Just like sidings, there are many roof options for DIY storage sheds. These materials range from metal to grass to concrete, tiles, and so on. 

If you want a durable structure, metal roofing would be the best. You might find it a bit costly, but the long-lasting benefits are worth the investment.

Find out the best metal manufacturers within your state to get the best metal quality. A high-quality roof will provide a long service of more than thirty years.

8. Use Straight Frame Studs

Ideally, the studs you use for the shed construction should be all straight. However, wood and other materials come with warps and twists.

Sort out those studs and choose the perfectly straight ones for the frames. You may also use the smoothest and straightest studs in the corners of your shed. Apply the others on the roof’s sides since they won’t interfere with the door or window frames.

9. Chose a Great Paint

Painting is a conventional method of maintaining the appeal of a building. Great paint can also prevent the exposure of the walls to the adverse weather conditions.

You may choose to paint your shed or leave it, although your storage unit would look better. The right paint for your shed should be neutral. Avoid the bright or flowery colors as they may make your shed look too busy. 

Just ensure that the paint matches the other external aspects of your home. Work with a great painter for incredible painting and finishing results.

10. Consider Property Inspection

The last tip is to inspect the shed. The inspection should be done by any qualified home inspector to ensure that the construction meets the safety standards.

A great inspector will confirm that the storage shed will not collapse in the future and that it does not pose risks to you and your family. 

The inspector might also provide helpful tips on what you can change to make a better shed next time.

Understand the Maintenance Requirements for Building a Shed

Every shed has its maintenance requirements. The maintenance depends on the type of siding materials you use, the roofing, the location, and the things you store in your DIY sheds. But generally, you should keep the storage dry, repaint the sheds, and inspect for critters regularly. 

Familiarize yourself with the maintenance requirements for building a shed so that you can choose the right materials and prepare well.

Home improvement is vital to every homeowner. Besides the storage shed, you should ensure the interior parts of your home are in excellent condition. Our blog helps homeowners to make the right purchases and decisions regarding their interior designs and home improvement. 

Please read our past blogs to learn more.