shed building list

Alright, so you're thinking about building a shed. Awesome! It's a great way to get some extra storage space, a workshop, or even a tiny office. But you're on a tight budget? Don't worry, I've got you covered!

Let's dive into building an 8x12 shed on the cheap. We'll cover everything from planning and materials to construction and finishing touches.

1. Planning is Key (And Totally Free!)

First things first, planning is your best friend. A little planning goes a long way in keeping costs down. Here's how to get started:

Decide on a Location: Where will your shed live? Make sure it's on level ground, away from any trees or power lines. Consider drainage, too. You don't want a soggy shed!
Draw it Out: Grab a piece of paper and sketch out your shed's dimensions. This will help you figure out the materials you'll need and how to best utilize the space.
Think about the Details: What features do you want? Do you need windows? A door? Electricity? The more you plan upfront, the less likely you'll encounter surprises later.

2. Building Materials: The Foundation of your Shed

Let's talk materials. This is where you can really save money. Here's my top tip:

Shop Around: Get quotes from different lumberyards and home improvement stores. You might be surprised at the price differences. Check for sales or clearance items, too!
Consider Reclaimed Materials: If you're a bit crafty, look for reclaimed lumber or other materials. You can often find deals on Craigslist or at salvage yards.

The Foundation:

The foundation is the base of your shed. Here are a few options:

Concrete Slab: The most durable option, but also the most expensive.
Concrete Blocks: More affordable than a slab, but requires some additional work.
Pressure-Treated Skids: A budget-friendly option, but may require leveling.
Poured Concrete Footings: A good balance of affordability and durability.

The Walls:

Lumber: Use standard framing lumber like 2x4s or 2x6s. You can often find these on sale at lumberyards or home improvement stores.
Sheathing: Plywood is a common choice for sheathing. There are different grades, so pick one that fits your budget.
Siding: Choose siding that's affordable and easy to install. Vinyl siding, metal siding, or even wood siding are all options.

The Roof:

Roof Trusses: Pre-built trusses are a convenient and cost-effective option. They're pre-engineered, which means you'll have fewer headaches!
Roofing: Asphalt shingles are a good choice for a shed roof. They're affordable and easy to install. Metal roofing is a durable option, but can be more expensive.

3. Building Your 8x12 Shed: Let's Get to Work

Now that you've got your materials, it's time to get to work! Building a shed is a project that most DIYers can tackle. Here's a basic construction plan:

Step 1: Laying the Foundation:

Level the Ground: Use a level to make sure your foundation is level.
Prepare Your Base: Depending on the type of foundation you chose, you'll need to pour concrete, set concrete blocks, or lay down pressure-treated skids.

Step 2: Erecting the Walls:

Build the Wall Frames: Cut your lumber to size and assemble your wall frames. Use nails or screws to join them together.
Attach Sheathing: Secure the sheathing to the wall frames.
Raise the Walls: Carefully lift the walls into place and secure them to the foundation.

Step 3: Building the Roof:

Install the Roof Trusses: Place the trusses on the wall tops and secure them in place.
Sheathe the Roof: Add plywood or OSB sheathing over the trusses.

Step 4: Installing the Doors and Windows:

Cut Out Openings: Measure carefully and cut out the openings for your doors and windows.
Install Doors and Windows: Attach your doors and windows using appropriate framing and hardware.

Step 5: Finishing Touches:

Add Siding: Install your chosen siding material.
Apply Roofing: Shingle or metal roof your shed.
Add Trim: Add trim around the doors and windows to give the shed a finished look.
Paint or Stain: Give your shed a fresh coat of paint or stain.

4. Tips for Staying on Budget

Look for Discounts: Watch for sales on materials, especially lumber and plywood.
Do as Much Work Yourself: Building the shed yourself will save you a ton of money on labor costs.
Get Creative with Leftovers: Use scrap lumber for shelving, trim, or other small projects.
Consider a Shed Kit: A pre-engineered shed kit can save you time and money, especially if you're a beginner.

5. Additional Considerations

Building Codes: Make sure your shed complies with local building codes.
Permits: In some areas, you might need a permit to build a shed.
Insurance: Check with your insurance company to see if your shed will be covered.

6. Enjoy Your New Shed!

Building a shed is a rewarding project. It's a chance to be creative, learn some new skills, and create a valuable space. Plus, it's a great way to save money. Congratulations! You've got a new place to store your tools, garden supplies, or whatever else you need to keep organized.

Remember, building a shed on a tight budget is all about planning, resourcefulness, and a little elbow grease. With some creativity and effort, you can build a great shed without breaking the bank!