Do you want to avoid your closet being occupied by items that you only need during the specific seasons? Or maybe it is just annoying to find any item in your kitchen pantry since there are a lot of items, tools, different types of pans, cutleries, or dining sets that you seldom use. Fear not. The steel shed is for your rescue.
Pre-built steel sheds are designed to be lightweight and easy to install, and with proper insulation, they can be moisture, pest, and fire resistant. They are durable and will last longer than wooden or resin sheds. Here, we have compiled a complete guide for you on how to install your steel shed and all its procedures. So, let’s start.
What Are Pre-Built Sheds?
These are primarily pre-built at the factory. They are directly delivered and installed at the location. They are pre-designed by the metal builders, and you may often find them on sale during holidays or on their website. They come in various colors, sizes, and styles.
They are long-lasting, durable, and require low upkeep, just like any other metal structure.
Site Plans for Steel Sheds: The Prep Work
You don’t necessarily need a site plan by any law, but having one will make the whole process seamless and hassle-free. That being said, let’s begin…
1. Site Survey
You can calculate your lot’s total size to determine which size would fit the best. Consider the total amount of space needed. With this information, you can decide which location on your property will be best for installing the backyard storage building.
2. Cleaning
After deciding which location best fits the bill, you can start clearing out any debris, such as plantation, rocks, or boulders. You may have to contact your local authority to remove any large trees.
3. Layout
You can draw your metal building on graph paper. You can assume every square to be 2 sq. ft. space. If your shed is large, you can assume every square on your graph to be 10 or 100 sq. ft., whichever is easy for you. You can also design interior cutouts to know if the items you want to store will fit the structure.
4. Size
Most common sizes are 10 x 12, 10 x 16, 8 x12, 12 x 20, or 12 x 24. Despite that, you can get custom dimensions from metal builders.
5. Spacing
You can look into guidelines given by local zoning laws to know how much minimum space should be between your main home and shed and your fence and the shed.
6. Base
Before calling the construction team, you must prepare the foundation for the building if it is required and not provided by the dealer. You can pour concrete on the perimeter to insert rebar or anchors connecting pre-built sheds to the ground. Concrete bases are the most robust base you can get.
You will need to communicate with local building codes to submit a blueprint for the permit process. Whether or not you need site plans for steel sheds will largely depend on the installation location. But we recommend getting one as it makes the future work easy.
Do I Need a Permit for A Steel Shed?
It depends on the location. In general, a shed smaller than 200 sq. ft. or a shed that does not have human occupants or business use does not require a permit. However, these rules may vary with location. So, it would be best practice to check and be assured of securing a permit to avoid any consequences.
Upon filing for the permit, you may be asked to make changes to your initial plan. It is easier to make changes on paper, but it will become a painstaking challenge in the aftermath.
How To Apply for Permit?
You can visit your city website if you live in a city or metropolis area. For county or rural areas, you can see the local authority office in person to learn more about the permit process and if you need to apply. Their staff will help you file for the permit process.
You can carry information such as your details, building details (existing and the one that needs to be installed), and permit fee.
How Much Time Will It Take for Permit to Get Approved?
It usually takes anywhere between 10 days to 2 weeks for pre-built sheds as they are simple structures. If your design does not comply with the local guidelines, you may be asked to make some changes.
What if You Don’t Get the Permit?
It is best to apply for a permit before beginning any construction project. You will be informed promptly if any changes are needed to the design. Failure to do so can lead to a fine or the local authority remove the entire structure from your property. So, get the permit approved before installation. It’s not that hard.
How Much Does Permit Cost for Pre-Built Sheds?
Now, exact prices will vary, but we will still give you an estimate. You can expect a fee of $50 to $250 for the shed and an extra $50 to $600 for an additional deck if you want to install it. For electricity, you will need around $40 to $500, but if you’re going to use pre-built sheds as storage units, we suggest you install a battery-operated LED light rather than HAVC to save bucks.
Should I Get Metal Building Certification?
The first thing that you need to know is that it would be required by your local zoning law to get metal building certification for areas with high-speed wind, snow load, or extreme weather-prone regions. Now, if you don’t live in such an area, it boils down to the purpose of your shed. A certified steel shed is recommended as they are sturdy, durable, and built to last.
A certified building will give you peace of mind. It will ensure all your belongings are safe.
Versatility Of Backyard Storage Building
It may cross your mind if you can make your steel shed a multi-functional shed to get maximum use out of it. Let’s see what else you can do with your backyard storage building other than storing items. Some common uses include:
- Art studio
- Man cave
- Pool House
- Home office
- Agricultural use
- Pet House
- Chicken coop
- Firewood storage, etc.
In Winding Up
We can say pre-built sheds are unique and easy to install. You just need to follow some protocols, and your storage place is ready for use. You can even custom-design it and choose a color that matches your main house. In that way, the whole structure will appear coherent, as if they were built together. We hope this blog was helpful to you.