Kits for Wooden Storage Buildings

Kit Contents

• All kits have the parts you need to build a shed per the enclosed blueprints. The kits have the framing lumber, the paneling, the flooring and the roofing bundled as a package. Architects pre-plan the layout and the lumberyard cuts most of the parts to fit. However, all the parts may not be cut. You have to do the final trimming of some parts, such as the roof edges.

Required Tools

• Before you can build a kit, ensure all the tools are in hand. Some common carpenter's tools include circular saws, levels, framing squares and hammers. Another useful tool is a shovel, since you will have to level the dirt for the supporting block piers. Wear the proper safety equipment, such as ear plugs and safety glasses. A helper is also a great asset to have on hand.

Required Skills

• Having the proper tools is not enough. You need to know how to use carpenter's tools, such as a level and a framing square, and how to install roofing. Furthermore, you have to lay foundation blocks or pour a slab, so masonry skills come into play. If you do not have the required skills consider contracting the work out to a professional builder.

Legal Aspects

• Before you order a kit consider the legal aspects of erecting a storage building. Your township or city may require a building permit. For example, the city of Joliet, Illinois, requires a permit before beginning any construction. You have to submit a set of blueprints to the building inspector for review. After the shed is built, the inspector usually looks over the outbuilding to ensure solid construction. Some municipalities impose stiff fines for building without a permit, so talk to the local building department first.