The floor in our 30+ year old shed was falling apart. It sat atop 4×4 skids on a thin bed of pea gravel but that was about it. Many new homes (McMansions) were built in our neighborhood since the old shed was built. With each new home the amount of storm water runoff through the rear of our yard increases until eventually the old shed was inundated – especially during the spring melt off.
What to do? In March, 2021, I drew up a plan to raise the shed, install concrete piers and replace the floor. That plan was nixed by my wife and son. In April, 2021, I created a plan to prepare a site on the opposite side of the yard (higher ground) and buy a factory built shed. At the time the cost was $2.5K and 6 week lead time. The site prep plan was implemented in May, 2021, to include tree/brush removal, excavation, installation of 12 concrete piers (48″ deep) and 3 yards of limestone aggregate.
By mid-June, 2021, the site was ready and it was time to place the order for the new shed. When I called to place the order the sales representative told me that the price had increased 100% (due to lumber costs) and the lead time was 5 months. At that point I decided to DIY.
The shed you see in the photos is a variation of the 12×12 shed with garage door seen on this site. I used PowerPoint and Excel to plan every detail. The lumber costs, while still high, were mitigated somewhat by using my neighbor contractor discount at a local lumber company. The quality of the lumber was below average but hey – when life gives you lemons – you make lemonade.
Had to purchase or rent many tools and equipment which increased the cost of the project but the satisfaction of having done the job myself is priceless.
What to do? In March, 2021, I drew up a plan to raise the shed, install concrete piers and replace the floor. That plan was nixed by my wife and son. In April, 2021, I created a plan to prepare a site on the opposite side of the yard (higher ground) and buy a factory built shed. At the time the cost was $2.5K and 6 week lead time. The site prep plan was implemented in May, 2021, to include tree/brush removal, excavation, installation of 12 concrete piers (48" deep) and 3 yards of limestone aggregate.
By mid-June, 2021, the site was ready and it was time to place the order for the new shed. When I called to place the order the sales representative told me that the price had increased 100% (due to lumber costs) and the lead time was 5 months. At that point I decided to DIY.
The shed you see in the photos is a variation of the 12x12 shed with garage door seen on a different website. I used PowerPoint and Excel to plan every detail. The lumber costs, while still high, were mitigated somewhat by using my neighbor contractor discount at a local lumber company.
The quality of the lumber was below average but hey - when life gives you lemons - you make lemonade. Had to purchase or rent many tools and equipment which increased the cost of the project but the satisfaction of having done the job myself is priceless.
1 Comment
Looks great and I see you beefed up the trusses to allow for the extra span. Nice work on the framing too!