Have you ever looked at your backyard and just thought… Meh? Just meh? It’s not bad, but it’s certainly not great, and looking at it doesn’t make you particularly happy. In fact, it doesn’t make you particularly… Anything.
The fact is, most people’s backyards could do so much more. There could be a cozy little workshop there, a storage that’s actually organized and functional, or even a little guesthouse for when your friends come to visit. An outbuilding might just be what you need to transform/upgrade your backyard and turn it into a place you’ll love.
But don’t grab that hammer just yet! There’s a lot to think about. Where will you put the outbuilding? What’s it going to look like? Do you need to get a permit or maybe even a few of them? Are there some rules you need to follow? If even one of these is incorrect, the result will be a migraine rather than an enhancement to your backyard.
Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
Planning and Designing
This can be an exciting project, but you can’t rush into it without a plan. Here’s what to pay attention to before you actually start the building process.
1. Think About the Purpose
What do you want your outbuilding to be? When you know the purpose, it’s easier to do everything else, like deciding on the size and features you’ll need in the interior. For example, a storage shed will need shelving and hooks, but for a workspace, you’ll need good lighting and plenty of outlets.
2. Choose the Correct Location
Where the structure is going to be is just as important as what it’s going to be. If it’s storage, you can put it closer to the house. If it’s a workshop, you might want to place it a bit further away because of the noise. If it’s going to need electricity and water, place it near existing utility lines; it will save you a lot of money.
Of course, you can’t forget how it looks. The outbuilding should complement your house, not stick out like a sore thumb.
3. Legal and Zoning Requirements
Unless you want to get fined (or, in extreme cases, be forced to tear down a brand-new structure), check the rules and regulations for the area you live in before you start. A lot of regions have specific rules for outhouses, like how big they can be and how far they have to be from property lines. If the land isn’t big enough, you might not even be allowed to build one in the first place.
For accurate permit and rule information, contact the local government or homeowners’ association.
4. Budget
Although it’s easy to overspend, you’ll likely need to adhere to a budget. First, figure out what the materials, labor, and permits are going to cost. If you’re going to hire a professional, account for their fees, but if you’re thinking something along the lines of, “Where do I find pole barn construction near me?” just consult Google or alternatives such as the Yellow Pages or Yelp to find a contractor that operates locally and check out the prices to ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck.
Steps to Construct Your Outbuilding
This is a big task, so let’s break it up into simple steps.
1. Prepare the Site
Prepare the site where the outbuilding is going to go. Clear grass, debris, and obstacles, and then check that the ground is level. The surface has to be flat to keep the building stable and doesn’t settle unevenly over time.
You’ll have to think about drainage, too. Grade the land so the water flows away, or you can add a gravel base. You can also install basic drainage.
2. Lay the Foundation
The foundation supports the entire structure, so you have to get it right.
You can go for a concrete slab if you have a completely flat surface. If you don’t, it’s better to choose a pier-and-beam foundation. If the building is smaller, a gravel pad will work great, plus it’s cheaper.
Once you’ve selected the foundation type, it requires proper installation. It needs to be level, strong enough to support the weight of the structure, and in line with local regulations.
3. Framing and Roofing
After the foundation, you need to work on the frame. Usually, people choose either wood or metal. Wood is easier to work with, but metal is more durable and resistant to rot and pests.
When the frame is up, add the roof and check that it’s installed well so you don’t get leaks.
4. Utilities and Finishing Touches
This is when you need to install electricity, plumbing, or heating. Unless you’re a professional, hire one. Don’t do this yourself. All that remains is to complete the interior. Add insulation, flooring, and then conclude with paint, shelves, storage, or whatever else you’ll need.
Conclusion
This doesn’t need to turn into a colossal and complex project you won’t have time for; rather, consider it an opportunity to be creative and execute things without haste. Some things can be done DIY-style (if you have some experience in crafts). And when it comes to electricity and plumbing, as well as other critical tasks that are too complex or dangerous to handle alone, a proper professional should (definitely) be contracted to do it for you.
Otherwise, you might be throwing both money and time in the trash, and you’ll possibly even risk safety.
So, grab the hammer and just do it!
