Sketch Up Shed Plans (8x8) - Download Link - Looking for constructive criticism too :)

Hi All,

I am planning on getting a shed, either buying one or building one. I have designed a shed using SketchUp and am looking for feedback on the design. Things that I have done wrong, things that could be improved, things that are just right (maybe )!

I'm not a carpenter so I've cobbled everything together the best I can from what I know thus far and am keen to hear feedback from others who know better. My plan is that I'd like to be able to build the sides all seperately and bolt them together so that come the future if I move house I can unbolt the sides and take the lot with me.

I've designed the whole lot based around the standard sizes of timber you get from DIY stores
(47x47x2400 - for the most part). and 2400x1200 sheeting for the flooring and roof. All the studwork I planned to glue and screw.

Anyhow, rather than keep the sketchup plan all to myself I though I'd share it so perhaps anybody can take it, and improve upon it themselves.

I've not spent any time costing this up yet, but I'm not looking to save money if I go the DIY route, I just want something solid and to last!

Shed SketchUp File: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/104976432/Shed.skp








Cheers

ok general comments
you need to keep the total height to 2.5m from the natural ground level not the base to avoid the need for planning permission within 1m off the boundary

you need to work out the most economic size for using boards if your floor plan uses 2 full boards your roof will need to be in 6 -9 bits as it will be approximately 9ft x 11ft
if you plan the roof from 3 sheets then work back from there and possibly get a 7x8ft size

also remember sheet material is imperial as in 4x8ft [1220x2440mm] and timber is shorter and metric as in 1200[3/4" short] or 2400mm [1 1/2" short]

Right, gotcha with the 2.5m height. The akward thing is I have no idea what our natural ground level is because our garden slopes, is lower than the neighbours garden already and the previous occupants seemed to have piled a lot of soil up that end of the garden ) (I've excavated the soil to what I perceive as the natural height and filled some raised beds) - I'll definitely heed your advice however and ensure the height from the 'present ground level' does not exceed 2.5m

I had noticed the sheet sizes were different but hadn't realised that was why - I'll bear that in mind for the actual build.

Been considering the idea of having windows in the right side of the roof (skylights) instead of on the walls so I still get natural daylight and with the added benefit of more wall space to hang things on - I plan to put a lengthwise 'workbench' in for general tinkering (followed by filling it up with junk...)

its from the highest natural point it covers so if its 5" higher at one corner that is the datum point
roof window on a shallow slope = leaks
my shed
http://s21.photobucket.com/user/bigall2005/media/e1e47346.pbw.html?sort=3&o=15

I had considered leaks from a roof window, leaks would definitely be worse than less wall space and natural light.
I was hoping that perhaps if the supports for the window protruded from the roof of the shed I could put flashing around that and then the window frame would sit on top of that.

However yes, it'd be a lot of over engineering to get that right wouldn't it - Perhaps I'll just decrease my window sizes on the walls so they let in enough natural light but don't limit what I can put on the walls.

I like how your whole shed front opens up - I'm not going to attempt tat mind you

roof lights waste space as you cant place anything under them
a glass door can be worth 2 large windows without wasting any space

you need to define the main use off the shed
if its 90% storage then few windows
if you plan to occupy or work in there a lot then lots off windows with at least 2 that will open
face the windows towards the sun as it travels during the day
in my shed the sun rises at the window with the trolley beside it and sets at the corner to the right off the double doors so i get the sun all day

This is not my garden - the photo is from their website:



http://lillevilla.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?Prodid=7