Getting Started with 12x16 Shed Plans
A 12x16 shed plan is an excellent choice for homeowners who need extra storage space for lawn and garden tools or extra household items. These versatile sheds provide a good amount of space without taking up too much room on a property. Still, they are on the larger side when it comes to sheds, so there are a few things to keep in mind during construction.
Local Ordinances
A building permit is required even when one intends to construct a small building like a shed on private property. Though this may seem inconvenient, zoning ordinances exist to protect the look of a neighborhood (no one wants to see a shed built on a front yard) as well as the safety of the homeowner. As such, it is necessary to apply for a building permit to ensure shed construction gets off on the right foot and is finished up to code.
This process involves a nominal feel and puts the resource of a building inspector at your fingertips. The building inspector in any particular area can review the shed plans and the building site to ensure going ahead as planned will not violate any laws. These professionals are also great resources when it comes to recommending building materials and construction techniques.
Foundations
When setting forth guidelines for foundations, building ordinances take into account the size and height of the building planned for construction. The basic types of foundations used in shed construction are permanent or on-grade. For a larger size shed like the 12x16, a permanent foundation is most often required.
The larger size of these sheds necessitates they be built upon a foundation that extends down to the frost line. This construction method ensures the building is properly supported when the ground naturally settles and contracts and expands during seasonal cycles of freezing and thawing.
To build a permanent foundation, one must first dig down to the frost line. Depending on the climate in which one lives, the frost line will vary, and the building inspector can provide this information. Once the land is cleared to the proper depth, concrete piers, footings or slabs are poured.
Sometimes, it is feasible to dig holes down to the frost line. Posts are then sunk into the holes, and those poles are used to support the weight of the floor frame. For any trivia buffs, this foundation method is where the term "pole-barn" comes from.
Floors
After the foundation is poured and set, it is on to the floors. It is of utmost importance to use pressure-treated lumber for the floor frame and pressure-treated plywood for the floor deck. Treated lumber is more expensive than untreated products, but it will not rot.
For a floor that will be exposed to the elements time and again, protecting against rot is a primary concerns. In addition to pressure-treated lumber, choose exterior-grade plywood of at least ¾ thicknesses. Galvanized screws two-inches in length should do the trick in keeping the floor held together. That is what you need to know to get started with your 12x16 shed plans.
Local Ordinances
A building permit is required even when one intends to construct a small building like a shed on private property. Though this may seem inconvenient, zoning ordinances exist to protect the look of a neighborhood (no one wants to see a shed built on a front yard) as well as the safety of the homeowner. As such, it is necessary to apply for a building permit to ensure shed construction gets off on the right foot and is finished up to code.
This process involves a nominal feel and puts the resource of a building inspector at your fingertips. The building inspector in any particular area can review the shed plans and the building site to ensure going ahead as planned will not violate any laws. These professionals are also great resources when it comes to recommending building materials and construction techniques.
Foundations
When setting forth guidelines for foundations, building ordinances take into account the size and height of the building planned for construction. The basic types of foundations used in shed construction are permanent or on-grade. For a larger size shed like the 12x16, a permanent foundation is most often required.
The larger size of these sheds necessitates they be built upon a foundation that extends down to the frost line. This construction method ensures the building is properly supported when the ground naturally settles and contracts and expands during seasonal cycles of freezing and thawing.
To build a permanent foundation, one must first dig down to the frost line. Depending on the climate in which one lives, the frost line will vary, and the building inspector can provide this information. Once the land is cleared to the proper depth, concrete piers, footings or slabs are poured.
Sometimes, it is feasible to dig holes down to the frost line. Posts are then sunk into the holes, and those poles are used to support the weight of the floor frame. For any trivia buffs, this foundation method is where the term "pole-barn" comes from.
Floors
After the foundation is poured and set, it is on to the floors. It is of utmost importance to use pressure-treated lumber for the floor frame and pressure-treated plywood for the floor deck. Treated lumber is more expensive than untreated products, but it will not rot.
For a floor that will be exposed to the elements time and again, protecting against rot is a primary concerns. In addition to pressure-treated lumber, choose exterior-grade plywood of at least ¾ thicknesses. Galvanized screws two-inches in length should do the trick in keeping the floor held together. That is what you need to know to get started with your 12x16 shed plans.
