I turn to you all for advice. I consider myself an advanced beginner – though maybe, maybe, I’m moving to intermediate..
Anyway, I’m planning on building a wood shed. Because of the nature of the land (not much – house on a hill) the best place to put it is next to the house – to the right of the path one takes to and from. This will be very convenient in the winter when I need wood – I’m hoping that it will be attractive as well. The house is cedar-sided. I’ve talked to lots of people about this – including an architect – who said – “put it right up on the house – use sheet metal to protect the house from insects.”
I’m very nervous about this for two reasons… 1) can I really put the shed against the house? Insects? Water? 2) The shed will change the look of the house. My sweetheart wants me to build the shed as an independent unit so that if I decide I don’t like it I haven’t changed the house in any way that is irrevocable. Of course – who’s going to take down a shed once it is built? I can build it so that when I have the money (building it with wood from an old shed that I took down) I can side it with cedar to go with the rest of the house.
Thoughts? Advice?
Thanks
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Can you post a pic? If you can, I'll post a pic of my neighbor who did just what you are describing. He didn't follow ALL my advice, but it turned out nicely anyway.
Forrest
Here - I just walked over there. His is under the roof, but not attached to the (cypress) house, and he plans to move it later when he enlarges their bedroom. The rake triangle are open for ventilation - no rain in so far; screens to come if it blows in.
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Forrest
Edited 9/1/2008 12:51 pm ET by McDesign
Interesting pics... here's mine. i took four so that you could see better the constraints. The shed is to go on the large wall to the left of the path. Up to the window - though I was thinking of leaving four inches on each side to have a bit of a set back. The roof would slant like the other roof that protects my oil tank from the elements and the entrance would be from the side - though it could be loaded from the front before the snows fall - as long as I keep it open. Thoughts? It's be 8' wide by 5' deep by 87" at the building to 58" at the front - this to get the same pitch as the other roofs. Thanks
Edited 9/1/2008 1:57 pm ET by riaamp
The rest of them..I figured out the problem..
I would not make the shed as 'part of the house.' That's just another way of saying 'addition,' and can become quite involved.
I would, instead, make a free-standing shed that was set next to the house, with a couple inches of space between them.
Almost ideal for this purpose is a frame set on pier blocks. The pier blocks will both keep it away from the house, and hold it above the earth - good for air circulation, and easier on the back. Using Simpson RTC-24 connectors and 2x4's, you can have an extraordinarily sturdy frame in no time at all. Likewise, Northern sells similar brackets, that also allow for an easier roof assembly.
I don't know how it's done in VT, but here in CA, termite companies have a code word for people who store wood next to their house. Their code word is "CUSTOMER"!! - lol
Build your woodshed as a freestanding structure with a few inches between it and the house. You'll be glad someday.
Be careful... if you get a large supply of wood sitting even a few inches from the house, and then you don't get through it all during the winter, and then you pile more wood in front of it next fall... something terrible could be happening behind there (wood wasps, rot, terrorists, etc.) and it is out of sight, out of mind.
Maybe I'm paranoid or a pessimist, but I would keep the wood further from the house. Maybe your architect could suggest a place on your lot where a small building would look good.