How Close to the Soffit to Make a Lean to Shed
15 Shed Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The Family Handyman editors have decades of experience building sheds. Here, they share their top lessons learned, so you can achieve the ultimate DIY shed.
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Buying a Kit
Why spend money on a shed building kit when you can build your own shed for the same amount of money and get exactly what you want? When you build your own shed, you can also better match it to your house.
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Neglecting to Contact the City
It's better to be safe than sorry! Remember to contact the building or city planning department to get shed regulations, and make sure you follow them. And knowing how to find your property lines is just one of many things every homeowner should know.
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Forgetting to Have Buried Utilities Marked
Prevent major problems by having buried utilities marked before digging for the foundation of your shed. Always call before you dig.
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Hauling All the Materials…
In several trips, on the roof of your car and into the backyard. Consider having materials delivered, it's so worth the small fee. But if you insist on hauling stuff yourself, we've got tips for you.
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Choosing a Foundation That Will Settle
Be mindful of the foundation that you build your shed on. Setting it on a few concrete blocks, for example, will no doubt cause problems down the road when the ground freezes, thaws and settles differently than when you first built the shed.
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Choosing a High-Maintenance Exterior
Mostly, this means don't make the mistake of using solid wood, which requires a lot more upkeep and has the potential to deteriorate much quicker than better materials available today.
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Underestimating Time
Everything takes longer than expected, and building an outdoor structure is certainly no exception. Plan for weather delays, a sore back, etc. Get plans for this metal-roof shed, one of The Family Handyman's most popular projects ever.
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Family Handyman
Installing Untreated Wood Too Close to the Ground
Untreated wood siding or trim installed too close to the ground will likely rot. If you want your shed to last longer, opt for treated, durable materials close to the ground.
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Ceiling is Too Low
Oftentimes DIYers build a shed with too low of a ceiling, which will cause problems when you want to store large items inside. If you're planning to use your shed as a woodworking shop, the ceiling should be at least 9 ft. tall for dealing with sheet goods. If you're adding an overhead door, the ceiling should be at least 16 in. above the opening.
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Skipping the Soffits and Rakes
Overhangs not only look better, they also protect the siding and doors. Build and finish them to look like the ones on your house. Get plans for this DIY shed here.
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Building Your Own Doors
Unless you really know what you're doing, you're better off buying a prehung steel door than constructing your own. Poorly constructed doors will warp and sag over time and won't stand up to the elements. Learn how to replace any exterior door here.
Originally Published: June 01, 2018
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How Close to the Soffit to Make a Lean to Shed
Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/15-shed-building-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/