As with everything else we do, plans for the storage building have revolved around tons of research, discussion, and drawings. We have been back and forth on size, materials, location, and just about anything else that could be an option. For the last few months, however, we had pretty much narrowed it down to what we wanted.
Our first decision was on size. We knew we needed at least an 8x12 to house all that we planned to store in it. For those who are interested, we plan to keep the lawnmower, weed eater, garden tools, bicycles, Connor’s large collection of outdoor Tonka toys, and the patio furniture cushions in the shed, as well as the flower pots and outdoor toys when not in use. After measuring and discussing, we were confident we could fit all of that in an 8x12 building without overcrowding and making it impossible to find anything. We discussed the possibility of going larger, but just like with our storage room downstairs we knew we’d fill any size shed up with extra junk if we had the room, and we don’t want lots of extra junk. So just like the storage room, we planned for what we needed along with some extra room, but didn’t go crazy with the size. :)
Second was location. We had pretty much decided to place the building next to the LP tank. Of all the spots in our massive yard, that place made the most sense. Which way it will face is still up for grabs. Aesthetically, it would look nicest if the doors opened toward the yard. But that would be facing north which we’d rather avoid. We’d like the doors to open to the east for minimal rain issues, which will probably be the way it faces.
The issue giving us the most fits has been materials to construct it out of, particularly the exterior. Jas figured up several months ago that he could build the floor and interior framing for around $250, but the roof and exterior sheathing were not figured in that price. The roof was not as big of a deal, but the sheathing options were not cheap. Our 8x12 building was going to be at least $650, and that wasn’t including the roofing materials. We really didn’t want to spend that much if we could avoid it, so for the last couple of weeks we’ve been looking at metal storage barns and sheds. We’ve looked at Lowe’s, Menard’s, Home Depot, Sears, and any other place we could think of. Nobody’s had a good deal on anything in the size that we’re looking for (and with good reviews).
That all changed yesterday (Saturday) morning, when Jas checked out Sears’ website and discovered that (this weekend only) they had a 10x12 metal storage building with a barn-style roof for $399. It even came with a free floor kit. After some discussion on floor frame options, Jas discovered that he could build the platform for the building to sit on for less than $100. So we bought it online (they had one left in stock) and picked it up yesterday afternoon. Yay!
This means that for less than $500, we will have a bigger shed than we had planned (10x12 vs 8x12) with a taller roof for more interior height. It also means that we’re getting it for $150 less than if we’d built it ourselves out of wood. More than $150, actually, because that price of $650 hadn’t included the roof. Double yay!
We checked reviews from plenty of people who’d purchased and set up this building, and almost every single one was a great review. That’s always a good sign as well. About the only real issue was from a man in the northeast who said he had snow load issues with the shed after several storms with 16+ feet of snow. That’s not a pressing issue for us here in Southeast Missouri, so we threw that one out. :) He hadn’t bothered to purchase the extra snow load support kit, though, so . . .
Plans to build this building are up in the air right now. Obviously with the atrocious winds today we’re not working on it. They’re tentatively calling for rain this weekend so I’m not sure if we’ll be able to do it then or not. I promise pictures, though, as soon as we get started. :)
