I Built my Mom a Shed

For $3950USD I built my mom this she shed in about 21 working days by myself with a little help from her. I have only amateur carpentry experience and learned mostly from YouTube.

This build followed the Icreatables.com "Modern Shed" plans with some modifications. The front wall is taller than the design, and the clear polycarbonate roof was added. We had very little waste from this build because of the 8x16' size. Only end pieces, and smallish scraps were left.

The concrete pier foundation was included in the plans, but I sistered two 2x6x16s instead of using LVL beams, LVLs were not readily available. I dug the holes 16" down and added 4" of gravel. 8 Piers with a 12" diameter took 24 bags of concrete - no footer. You can do it without a mixer in one hard day. Piers were 24" and 12" above ground. This provided some nice storage for extra wood, bricks, and things that don't need to be indoors.

All building products were purchased from Home Depot. The bulk delivery arrived in less than 24 hours from being placed and all items that I had to return were accepted without conflict. If you copy this build avoid Palruf PVC clear roof panels and purchase Suntuf polycarbonate instead. It is the same manufacturer, but Palruf is not meant for enclosed applications. That said, the Suntuf Ploycarbonate was not an easy installation either, and I have some leaks - maybe 3% of the holes. Plan on sealing the predrilled holes with approved silicone and washer-screws before the final tightening. We love the clear roof - it won't be a creepy dark shed.

Also thanks to Shannon + Crew at Houseimprovements.com. He was my guru of choice throughout the build. Thanks Shannon!

Thanks for watching!

Update 9/12/2019 - One year later we have had no leaks since I sealed the drill holes in the Suntuf roof with an approved silicone sealant. Mom loves the clear roof, and she loves the shed. I also feel it could take a hit from a falling tree branch no problem. Whenever I dented the stuff it popped right back into place. The property flooded twice since we built it and water clearly made it half way up the piers. That is why we raised the foundation, that worked. So far no critters live underneath it. The doors are sagging a little and need a diagonal cross brace - no big deal.


Answers to FAQs:
Exterior sheathing was LP Smartside.

Paint brand was Behr Premuim Plus Exterior matte finish. Asphalt Grey N520-6, and Rio Rust S190-6 on the trim. Purchased at Home Depot.