(Sheds & Shed Design - TotalConstructionHelp)

Sheds and Work Shops (or Free Standing Garages):

Sheds are usually small free standing buildings placed somewhere in the yard. Sometimes, the sheds are attached to the main building.

They can be either constructed of wood or masonry (concrete block), or they can be aluminum sheds that can be purchased, and brought to your property, and installed with tie-downs.

In the State of Florida, if you intend to install a prefabricated aluminum shed be sure that it is approved and certifed by the State of Florida. Even if the shed is approved and certified by the State of Florida, it will require that a Building Permit be obtained. If you are dealing with a reputable shed manufacturer, they usually obtain the required permits. Be sure that this is included within your purchase price, as well as the installation. The sheds normally include the floor and a connection for a light (you need to verify this).

On the other hand, if you decide that you want to construct a shed of wood or masonry (concrete block) in Florida, it will require that you prepare plans to submit to a Building Department. The plans will also require that the structural portion be prepared by either an Architect or Engineer, and need to be signed and sealed.

The Design of a Work Shop Building or Free Standing Garage is basically the same as for a Free Standing Shed, only usually larger.

What is usually required on the plans: (for a Work Shop Building, Free Standing Garage or for a Free Standing Shed)

A Key Plan - A plan that shows the location on your Site indicating where the Shed will be installed, showing Setback Dimensions from all property lines.
A Floor Plan - A plan that shows the layout of the Shed, including all dimensions, doors and windows.
Elevations - All 4 side views with windows and doors, including height dimensions.
Foundation Plan - A plan that shows the size of the concrete slab with the reinforcing material and all footing that support the walls, including the size of the footing and the reinforcing material in the footing.
Sections and Details - A Section is a drawing that shows how the Shed is constructed, starting from the footing (at the ground) up to the roof showing all of the materials and components used.
Roof Framing Plan - A plan that shows how the roof framing components are located, including the overhangs and how all the members are installed. If you intend to use prefabricated trusses, then indicate this on the plans. It will, however, require that the plans that are prepared by the prefab truss manufacturer be submitted with your other plans.
Electrical Plans - You will need to indicate any electrical, such as, receptacles or lights you intend to install. Usually, you have the option of either doing the electrical work yourself, for your Shed, or hire an Electrical Contractor to do the work. If you do not intend to install any electrical components, then you can ignore this.
Plumbing Plans - You will need to indicate any plumbing, such as, sinks or hose bibbs you intend to install. Usually, you have the option of either doing the plumbing work yourself, for your Shed, or hire a Plumbing Contractor to do the work. If you do not intend to install any plumbing components, then you can ignore this.
Wind Load Analysis - In Florida, it is required that a Wind Load Analysis be prepared for the Shed. The Wind Load Analysis is prepared by either an Architect or Engineer. The Wind Load Analysis, will verify that the sizes of the members used and how they are installed will withstand the wind pressures produced by high winds, in the location where you are constructing your Shed. The wind pressures vary across the State of Florida, depending on your location. Special components, such as, clips or straps or other connectors will be identified on the plans.
Other information may be shown on the plans. You can Download a complete set of plans for a Shed from the Shed Section, on the left side of this Web page.

Please note: In most cases, it is more expensive to construct a shed of wood or masonry, than it would be to purchase a prefabricated aluminum shed.

There are times that an aluminum shed does not fit into the scheme of things, particularly, when you want a shed to match the design of your main building.

All of the recommendations and requirements for a Shed, also apply to Garages and Work Shops.

For those that want to construct a Shed, Garage or Work Shop, an example is provided here:
(to Download a Full Set of Plans, visit the Sheds Section on the Left of this Web page)

Site Plan - Floor Plan and Electrical Plan

Elevations

Wall Section and General Notes

Roof Framing - Truss Bracing - Windload Calculations - Connector List