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How to Build a Shed in 7 Simple Steps (Yes, That’s Me – On the Roof!)

Ben Leybovich
4 min read
How to Build a Shed in 7 Simple Steps (Yes, That’s Me – On the Roof!)

I know – can you believe it?

Me neither, but while there is nothing that can be said in my defense, it did happen…

You see, Patrisha’s parents came down to Lima in time for twin’s Birthdays; they are 5 now 🙂 My dad-in-law is a life-long Home Depot man and you’d be hard-pressed to find something that he can’t do which can be done with one’s hands.  It’s really quite amazing indeed – the guy can fix anything!

Related: How to Flip Houses for Maximum Profit: Controlling Your Rehab Project

Well, every time he comes to town he looks for something to fix or build – that’s just his thing.  Nonetheless – usually I say no to his advances on the “let’s build it” front, and we go golfing instead.  But, this time for some reason I will never completely rationalize, I said – let’s build a shed.

For someone (me) who spends his days telling Brandon Turner to knock it off with all of the DIY projects and pay someone instead, building a shed was an unlikely scenario indeed; one that is never going to replay in all likelihood.  But, what’s done is done, and here is how to build a shed – enjoy 🙂

1. First we Framed the Walls.

I had a concrete pad in place, so we did not need to do that part and were able to proceed to framing right away.

We built the walls on the ground, since it’s a lot easier this way.  Once each frame was built, we nailed OSB to the frame, remembering to square the frame beforehand.  We built the first wall, and then built the second and third walls right there on top of the first one.

2. Then we Stood Them Up.

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You can’t see in the picture, but in the back we braced the walls by driving an 8-foot 2 x 4 into the ground at an angle and nailing it temporarily at the top of the wall.  Doing so really helped stabilize the structure while there were only 2 or 3 walls up.  Once we stood up 3 walls, there was space to build the last wall.

3. Then we Built the Roof Structure.

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That’s me hanging on for dear life – that was FUN (sorta)!  And do you see that circular saw sitting on top of those bundles of shingles – I used that!  No crap…take that Brandon Turner!

 4. Then we Put the OSB on the Roof.

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 This is the step that all hell broke loose on.  Why?  Look in the picture – Ben’s got a gun!  Run people!!!

In all seriousness, a framing gun shoots those nails at an incredible velocity.  Be careful when using one!

 5. Then we Put in the Door and the Window.

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The thing about windows and doors is you got to make sure that they are straight.

I guess you don’t really have to, but I would think it’s a good idea.  A lot of times, the frame is not totally straight, or is sitting on a foundation that’s a bit off-level, and unless you make appropriate adjustments you are sure to end up with a door that doesn’t close and window that doesn’t open – not good…lol

So – don’t be lazy and take the time to shim those out until perfectly level.

 6. Then we Put the Shingles Down.

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What can I say – I look like I know what I’m doing…

7. Then we Started to Hang Siding.

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The story ends here folks…

All good things come to an end, and prior to us being finished with the shed Patrisha’s parents had to fly back home.  The siding still needed finished, and the soffits needed to be hung.  The perimeter of the shed needed water-proofed, and the site needed cleaned up.

I had two choices – either to finish the job on my own or to outsource it.  Guess which option I took…?

I should have just sourced it out to begin with, but I have to admit that the experience wasn’t completely void of fun.  Perhaps in about 5 or 10 years I’ll be ready to have some more fun.  One thing is for sure – next time Brent comes to town we are golfing every day!

Note To Newbies

All kidding aside, I have several questions for you:

1. Do you know how to frame a wall?

2. Do you know how to hang a door?

3. Do you know how much it costs to purchase a square of shingles; do you know how to install them and how much time it takes a contractor?

4 Do you know how to hand vinyl siding?

5. Do you know what I mean when I say “square” of siding or shingle?

6. Do you know how to shim a window?

7. Do you know how to mud drywall?

If you don’t know the answer to these and about 150 other questions, how are you supposed to know if the work is being done right and the price you are paying is fair?

Related: How to Estimate Rehab Costs with No Construction Background

I know that I poke at Brandon every chance I get, but that’s because I respect him and his ability to tackle all of the above.  While I choose another path of sourcing all of this work out, I don’t want you to misconstrue that as lack of knowledge of how the work needs to be done and what it should cost.

Bottom line – while I very much oppose the notion of DIY approach to running your business, I encourage you to gain perspective on what it takes, and then you’ll know how to find the right people to do it!

Agreed?

Be sure to leave your comments below!

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.