Buildings

More people are turning to do-it-yourself projects to complete additions and renovations to their homes because of rising labor and material costs. If you are a homeowner, a building significantly increases the value of your property. This web site will enable you to find the perfect horse barn, pole building, workshop, cottage, cabin, room addition, screened porch, studio home office, sunroom/three seasons room and garage apartment.

• Construct Your Own Building

• Plan Your Building Project

• Local Building Requirements

• Deed Restrictions for Your Building Project

• Climatic Factors for Your Building Location

• Building Functions

• Your Building Budget

• Material Source

• Building Placement

• Building Site Plan

• Search for Building Plans

Construct Your Own Building

Planning, supplying the labor and buying materials yourself can significantly cut construction costs allowing you to have the building you might not otherwise be able to afford. Framing it out is not difficult. Standardized materials and construction techniques make it relatively easy.

Plan Your Building Project Once you begin construction, it is both costly and time-consuming to correct errors in placement, construction, or selection of materials. After you decide to purchase plans from this web site, you must carefully plan all elements of your project. Determine what work you can handle alone and also where expert help might be needed to do the job right. You can also learn many construction basics by studying existing buildings.

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Here is a checklist of design information which you must gather before you begin construction:

• Local Building Requirements- Visit your local building department and determine how local building codes and zoning ordinances will influence your project. Certain municipalities restrict the height, placement, and square footage. Be prepared to apply for a building permit once you have purchased your plan.

• Deed Restrictions for Your Building Project - Are there conditions in your property deed that will restrict the type and location? Are you planning to place your structure over property controlled by an easement for right-of-way or utility access

• Climatic Factors for Your Building Location - Evaluate the microclimate of your intended location. Microclimate includes the shading effects of shrubs and trees, the angle of the sun in relation to nearby landscaping during different seasons, soil drainage conditions, and prevailing wind and temperature conditions.

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• Building Functions - What do you want your building to do? Do you want to supply electrical power? What type of storage or shelving units would you like?

• Your Building Budget - You must determine an estimated dollar amount you plan to spend. Do you plan to do the construction yourself or will you subcontract with a professional to construct it after you have purchased materials. Perhaps you want a contractor to complete your project in its entirety. It is helpful if you can set upper and lower spending limits so that you can consider options for materials. If you decide to finance your project, don't forget to include interest cost in total cost amount.

• Material Source - A helpful lumber dealer or home center is an invaluable resource for the successful completion of your project. Consult with your dealer about whether they stock all the materials you require, and what items need to be special ordered and their lead times. See if your dealer delivers materials directly to your site.

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• Building Placement - Before you place your building on your property, study traffic patterns on your property and how often you will use it on a daily basis. Create a site plan of your property and draw arrows to illustrate the basic movements to and from your home. Be aware of problem areas that relate to placement. Will you need to make a driveway or path to the structure? Be certain that you have adequate space to construct the driveway or path.

•  Building Site Plan - When creating a site plan, remember that it is essential to locate exterior doors and windows on your plan. Try to include all exterior structures and landscaping in your plan. While a scale drawing is not essential, you can create a site plan to scale with a ruler and pencil. Grid paper with ¼" grids is perfect for drawing your preliminary site plan on a ¼"=1'-0" scale.

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