Shed Plans

 

I often talk to investors. I have found that often those interested in real estate or rental property investing, are also interested in owning storage units.

As a business, storage units have great cash flow and usually pay for themselves in as little as seven years. The question is why do they do so well?

We love stuff. We are a consumer society, we buy thing and keep them, some of us never let go. Many people have so much stuff, they end up storing it, sometimes for many years.

This can cost hundreds of dollars every month depending on where you live and the amount of space you need. I must admit I am guilty too, but I don’t spend a dime. There is a better way.

In order to save your money build a storage shed of your own. With a simple enough structure you may even be able to complete the project in a weekend.

If you currently have a storage unit building a storage shed should pay for itself in a year or less.

Build your own Storage Shed

Building your own storage shed has many advantages. My favorite reason is that you get to make all the choices, how big it is, how it looks, where it goes, and how well you build it. You almost never get exactly what you want if you buy a pre-fab storage shed.

For your project to go smoothly the first step you should take is planning. Get a good set of storage shed plans to work from. Be sure your plans include a materials list. This will make your materials purchasing a much easier process. No need to stand and scratch your head when you already know what you need.

With your materials list in hand go to several suppliers, not just the big box stores. Independent suppliers will often match a box stores price, deliver for free, and even answer building questions. Build a relationship with your sales rep and you will be shocked at what a great resource they will become.  

Pick your location

Thing your needs through before you place your storage shed. When storing frequently used house hold items you will want them close at hand. Outdoor items such as a mower or yard tools can be kept farther from the house. Planning on storing mechanics tools? You’ll want your shed accessible from the driveway.

 Exterior design

When designing the exterior of your storage shed there are several things to keep in mind. Most people just get a pre built shed and plop it down somewhere in their backyard. You can make your storage shed look quite nice if you give it a little thought. This can really help it fit in with your property.

Try mimicking the design of your house. Pick a façade that complements or matches the main house. A few windows will make the storage shed look more like a small house than a utilitarian building.  

Conclusion

With a good set of storage shed plans to follow and some up front planning the actual process of building your storage shed should go smoothly. You will be able to build a shed that is in many ways is superior to a pre constructed building.

If you have little or no construction experience I recommend getting a “how to” guide that will walk you through the construction phase step by step.

Choosing a set of plans can be a lot of fun and is a good first step. Modify your plans if you need to and build a shed that exactly fits your needs.